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June 2023 by Eric Harke
Great stop for a free (donations accepted) for some some history of the area.
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April 2023 by Veronica Fan
The ready time can range because the door is always locked and no one can get in unless someone else is called in, and they have to go from the backdoor. Only the third floor is the museum part and there is always way too much writing to which you are bored and you can see grammar mistakes. The two lower floors are just the furniture with a tiny bit of information as a platform to display the art that is pushing for you to buy.
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February 2023 by jason litzenberg
Really neat place to check out, felt like I stepped back in time!
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October 2022 by Alana Curtis
In 1867 the Goodwin brothers found gold in the Ellensburg area while walking along the Native American's trails. They went back in 1873 and found $600 worth of gold. When they went for more supplies, they created a gold rush. There were Settlers and there were Gamblers.Thomas L. Gamble and Walter J. Reed, both Settlers, founded Cle Elum in 1886 after Coal was found in Roslyn. The trains needed coal, so they were coming to get it. The train was formerly going to Teanaway. Gamble found the area first, then went to the land office to make his claim and ran into Reed, who he talked into claiming another parcel next to him (60 acres). Side-note on Reed...he fought in THE Battle of Gettysburg! He traded his "Soldier's Claim" for a preemption which allowed him to buy land at the federal government's minimum price. The first train stopped in Cle Elum on October 11, 1886. They had a General Store, a bank and all sorts of other buildings set up in preparation. Reed's wife thought it would be the next Philidelphia, so they made nice wide roads when they were first planning out the layout of the town. They even named the town after the Native's name for swiftwater, Tle-el-Lum (Cle Elum). In 1902 they were Incorporated and Gamble was the first mayor.Meanwhile, Frank Carpenter was learning Accounting and working at banks and in 1906 heard that Cle Elum was looking for a Banker. He went and bought the failed bank and got it organized. In 1908 he went back to his hometown in Pennsylvania and got his childhood sweetheart, Norah Carr. He took her back to Cle Elem and they were married shortly thereafter. Two years later they had what would become their only child, a daughter, Margaret.This was the home of Frank, Norah and Margaret, built in 1914. The furnishings and even the rugs are the ones that they used! It was a mansion in their time. The third floor is the Ballroom where they held balls to raise money for the charities in their town.The volunteer that I spoke to on my visit, Sandy, said that she used to read to the elderly Margaret when she was a little girl, about 11. I believe Sandy said that she was currently in her 70's(?). She read to her on the couch that is in the living room. She said that at Christmastime, the tree was on the left side of the fireplace.It's a beautiful home. I'm in love with the town, it's history and all of the adventures that the area has to offer! I'm writing a book at this very moment of all the great things I've run across so far. It's my Bucket List for Cle Elum. If you have any ideas for me, I'd love to hear them!
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June 2021 by Gary Carbone
Very nice well furnished in early 1900'S. Looks like it's still mostly 20th century. For those that are interested in Art Work, there are many items to purchase that are provided by an art gallery.
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September 2019 by Linda Chase
The house has been decorated beautifully in period pieces. There is a lot of interesting information about the history of the area. Every month there is a new artist there showing their art work.
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August 2019 by Lyn Derrick
History and art combined in a beautiful setting.
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August 2019 by John Tourangeau
Come here to test out female carpet.
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April 2019 by Abraham Augustt
Informative
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April 2019 by Karen Baker
Fantastic, very interesting and done well for showing!
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December 2018 by Dennis Schmitt
Awesome
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July 2018 by Pam Hawk
Wonderfully maintained piece of history. So much of the original home is still in place. Free admission but ease give to help with the upkeep of such a gem.
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June 2018 by Roger Kimble
I enjoyed my visit to this museum to view an art display from 3 local artists. I appreciated that this house displayed a lot of original furnishings and decorations from the 1900s.
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March 2013 by Steve S.
A self-guided tour, off the beaten path. The first question the docent asked was "is the sign still up?" Seemingly surprised that anyone would wander in on a random Saturday, she handed me the mimeographed flyer and welcomed me to tour the house. The house is filled with art (for sale) which supports the museum. Nothing special about the house, furnishings or architecture - but if you like wandered through other people's houses, seeing how they lived - its a perfectly, modestly entertaining way to spend 20 minutes in Cle Elum.
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May 2012 by Carrie S.
Very interesting if you are interested in historical homes, or local history. I always enjoy visiting old mansions and homes like this. Well kept and put together for the public to view. There is some interesting history and I was glad we visited. Free admission, but they do suggest that you make a donation.
