East Benton County Historical Society

May 1999 Home Tour

205 Keewaydin Drive

East Benton County Historical Society Museum (1982) City of Kennewick, owner East Benton County Historical Society, operator

This year, the East Benton County Museum celebrates its 17th year of existence, having opened its doors for the first time in Keewaydin Park in the fall of 1982. Its origins date back to the 1930s, when a number of “old-timers” met and formed the Benton County Historical and Pioneer Association. This group collected objects and artifacts, but had no building, and during the War years did not achieve great organization.

Come 1958, the group reorganized and began to make plans, including creating displays for the Benton-Franklin County Fair. In 1977, the organization changed its name to the East Benton County Historical Society , its present name. A spur to the building of the beautiful museum was the gift of the beautiful petrified wood flooring in 1979 from D. L McKeown of Maxey’s Trailer Court. The floor had been created by Gordon Maxey and now became the Society’s—if it had but a museum to house it. A building committee was formed, led by Gene Spaulding Sr. and George Jones with assistance from John Neuman, Lawrence Scott, and Glenn C. Lee. Local architect Lawrence Frymier designed the structure, but died before it was opened Bernie Chapman of Kennewick was the contractor. The museum has won renown throughout the state for its excellence in design.

Visit the museum and enjoy the various rooms that depict life in the early days of Kennewick and Benton County. Enjoy the decorated parlor, bedroom, and kitchen, or the schoolroom, dentist’s office, or courtroom. View the wonderful photographs of Kennewick of yesteryear or of the pioneers who came and built this fine area. Exhibits change throughout the year, so don’t just stop in once. Shop at the museum gift shop for that special book or gift for that special person (including for you!) Talk about the past with the friendly museum staff and volunteers.