Stimson Green Mansion

Stimson Green Mansion on Seattle's First Hill presides as one of Seattle's most distinguished residential structures. Designed by Spokane architect Kirtland Cutter and completed in 1901, it is an example of "eclectic architecture", a trend that was popularized by the world's fairs of the late 1800's. The idea was to give you an overview of architectural history as you walked from room to room much like touring fair pavillions. In the case of Stimsom Green, the exterior is English Tudor, the front entry hall has Romanesque arches and decor, the tea room is "empire", a Napolean era throwback to Greek and Roman classicism, and the kitchen... Downton Abbey era industrial. 

The Stimson family lived in the house until 1914 when they moved to the Highlands. A Seattle business man Joshua Green and his wife, Laura purchased it in 1915 and lived there for 60 years. They both passed away in 1975.

The mansion now houses the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, a foundation committed to helping save historical landmarks. They maintain a most endangered historic properties list and serve as advocates, publicists and grantors for historic preservation projects. 

As hosts of our sketchers' group the foundation's staff were very gracious, allowing us to prowl the corridors of the entire house, find out favorite spots and sketch as we pleased. I found myself attracted to the more practical areas: the kitchen and the second floor bathroom. My companions sketched elegant staircases the Porte Cochere, a Turkish smoking room, spacious bedrooms and the stately exterior. 

I recommend visiting or better, renting it out for your next big party. You could play a part in preserving one of Seattle's most distinguished historical properties.  

Year of the Dragon

The Year of the Dragon got a jumpstart when the Lieu Quan Lion Dance Team made their entrance at the Wing Luke Museum in Seattle's International District. The museum hosted an early new year's party on the third Saturday, January 21, to coincide with their monthly free admission Saturday. Even though the holiday officially started on Monday January 23, there were "the Wing" kicked off the opening of its newest exhibit New Years All Year Long which will be on display until mid July of this year. The exhibit features cultural traditions, foods and activities from several asian cultures.   

The Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience is located just a few blocks from King Street Station in the heart of Seattle's International District. It is the only museum in the nation that hosts displays and stories of countless Asian Pacific immigrants and their countless stories that engender compassion and appreciation. 

Wing Luke was a Chinese immigrant born in 1925 who was the first Asian American to hold an elected office in the pacific Northwest. He helped pass the Open Housing ordinance in 1963 which punished racial discrimination in real estate transactions. 

The museum started out as a small folk art museum in a storefront on 8th Avenue. It grew and moved to a larger venue on 7th Avenue, growing under the direction of Ron Chew. In 2008 the museum renovated the historic East Kong Yick Building at 719 E. King St. and relocated there. The Wing hosts daily tours that allow you to explore the neighborhood, discover it's fascinating history and expand your appreciation of these diverse cultures. 

See additional sketches on my earlier sketching blog