Name/Title
Jacob Smith House, 2018Entry/Object ID
2018-023-0004Description
49 digital photographs of the Jacob Smith House and grounds, 4500 Intelco Loop SE, in Lacey from various vantage points. Images 1-5 and 14 are of landscaping, images 6 and 7 are from the bottom of the hill, images 8-13 are long shots of the front of the house through the landscaping, 15 is a straight on view of the front of the house, 16, 17 and 18 are looking west from various distances, images 19 and 20 are close ups of the front door, image 21 is a column detail, images 22-26 are shots of the southwest side view at different points and angles, 27 and 27 are of the outdoor "hallway" between structures, 29 is a closeup of the window, 30 shows the bench, 31 and 32 show the northwest end of the building, 33 and 34 show the tower, 35 -39 are interior shots, 40-49 show the building from the parking lot side.
Constructed prior to the Civil War in 1859, the Jacob Smith House is the oldest home in Lacey and one of the oldest residences in Thurston County. The Greek Revival-style structure, with its signature square water tower, is located in Lacey Corporate Center at 4500 Intelco Loop, SE. It is listed on the city and state registers of historic places.
The house, situated on the crest of a small hill with a commanding view of Mt. Rainier, was the centerpiece of a prosperous 440-acre spread where Jacob Smith and his wife Priscilla raised seven children, wheat, and a large number of sheep. One of their great-grandchildren became a famous crooner named Bing Crosby—their oldest daughter, Cordelia Jane Smith, married Nathaniel Crosby III of Tumwater in a wedding ceremony held at the home in 1860.
The residence remained in the Smith family until 1955, when it was sold to Robert Wohleb, son of famed architect Joseph Wohleb. For many years, the Wohlebs used the house as a country retreat. Robert’s widow, Elizabeth, continued to own the home until 1985.
Newspaper accounts from the mid-1890’s reported that the Smith residence was “noted for its hospitality and good cheer” and served as the scene of many social gatherings in the community. More than a century later, the house once again serves this function hosting weddings, reunions, meetings and retreats.Made/Created
Date made
2018 - 2018Place
City
LaceyCounty
ThurstonState/Province
WashingtonCountry
United StatesContinent
North AmericaNotes
Date: 2018/10/15Lexicon
Search Terms
Houses, Historic Sites, Jacob Smith HouseCopyright
Notes
Copyright City of Lacey. Photographs courtesy of Michael Boss.
Copyright Lacey Museum
