Tough Road to Cityhood Takes Center Stage at Lakewood History Museum

It might seem obvious to current residents, but some folks didn't think Lakewood was "city enough" to actually incorporate.

The effort to formally become a city took some 24 years and several attempts. But it got done in 1995.

This week there are two special events that will celebrate that process. This is an opportunity for long-time residents and new arrivals to learn about their community, so please join us.

The first event will be the Lakewood Historical Society’s program on Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 7 pm called “City of Lakewood: Look How Far We Have Come." It will be presented at St Mary’s Episcopal Church, 10630 Gravelly Lake Drive SW. Presenters will include Bill Harrison, Claudia Thomas and Andie Gernon. They will not only review the process that led to incorporation but also highlight the accomplishments and successes that the city has attained in the last 16 years. We welcome comments from the audience. It is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

The second event will come this Saturday with the opening of the new exhibit “City of Lakewood: The Long Road to Incorporation” at the museum. The ribbon cutting is at 1 p.m. and will be followed by a reception. Current and former City Council members will be present to recognize this historic accomplishment.

Regular museum hours are noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. The museum is located in the historic Lakewood Colonial Center at 6211 Mt Tacoma Dr SW, Lakewood, across from Columbia Bank.