The Meeker Mansion is located in Puyallup, WA. It was the home of Ezra Meeker, an early settler to the Northwest, who popularized the Oregon Trail and was the author of many books, including The Old Oregon Trail. Ezra was known as the "Hop king" and was a remarkable man. He crossed the Oregon Trail 3 times by covered wagon and ox team, once by train in 1912, automobile in 1915, and once by biplane in 1924. He died in 1928 just short of his 98th birthday..

The 17 room Italianate Victorian mansion was built for just he and his wife in 1887, after she was presented to Queen Victoria and apparently became smitten with the finer things in life. Ezra was quite content with his log-cabin lifestyle, but agreed that his wife could have such a house that she wanted…if she could pay for it. She did.

The home was designed by Ferrell and Darmer Architects, of Tacoma, and took 3 years to build. The Meekers lived here for 20 years, until Mrs. Meeker died in 1909. Ezra walked away from the home shortly after his wife's death. The home was subsequently used as a hospital and nursing home.

The mansion was donated to the Ezra Meeker Historical Society in 1970, which immediately began restoration, a job which is still in continuing. The home is now a museum and listed on The National Register of Historic Sites.

ART has replaced the boiler and renovating the existing cast iron radiators. We also installed new radiation in 7 rooms which were previously unheated. We rebuilt the boiler chimney and upgraded the mechanical room.

This challenging project was so full of history and lore, ART has produced a video documentary on the work, as well as the history of the home. The finished video will be available later this year.

The Ezra Meeker Historical Society would greatly appreciate donations towards the restoration, which can be sent to:

The Ezra Meeker Historical Society

312 Spring St.
Puyallup, WA. 98372
(253) 848-1770

Donations are tax-deductible. This is a worthy cause. Please help support this unique piece of NW history.

Further information on the Meeker Mansion can be found at www.meekermansion.org