Washington Governor's Mansion facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Washington Governor's Mansion |
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Exterior of the mansion
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| Location | Olympia, Washington, US |
| Built | 1908–1909 |
| Architect | Everett Phipps Babcock and Ambrose J. Russell |
| Architectural style(s) | Georgian Revival |
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The Washington Governor's Mansion is the official home for the governor of Washington. It is built in the Georgian style. You can find it on the grounds of the State Capitol campus in Olympia. The mansion sits on Capitol Point, offering amazing views of mountains, Capitol Lake, and the city.
Contents
A Look Back: The Mansion's Story
The mansion was designed in 1908 by architects Russell and Babcock from Tacoma. It cost $35,000 to build and has 19 rooms. Many important people, including Governor Albert E. Mead, attended the special ceremony when the first stone was laid.
However, Governor Mead never lived in the house. He lost the election in 1908. Samuel G. Cosgrove won, but he became very ill and only served as governor for one day. He passed away soon after. So, Lieutenant Governor Marion E. Hay became governor. He and his family were the first to live in the mansion. Since then, every governor and their family has lived there.
Early Days and Challenges
Marion Hay's wife, Elizabeth Hay, bought $15,000 worth of furniture for the mansion. Many of these original pieces are still there today. These include a large mahogany buffet, a dining table, and 18 chairs. A tall grandfather clock on the staircase landing is also an original piece.
In 1915, Governor Ernest Lister and his family moved out. They said it was too expensive to keep the house warm in winter. Over time, Electricity replaced gas lighting in the building. In the 1950s, the mansion was updated to help keep warm. But problems like roof leaks, noisy radiators, and sagging floors continued.
Saving the Mansion
In 1958, some lawmakers thought about tearing down the mansion. They wanted to build a new office building on the valuable land. In 1963, three more lawmakers suggested the same idea.
But in 1965, Governor Daniel J. Evans and his family moved in. At that time, building a new mansion would cost about two million dollars. Governor Evans's wife, Nancy, strongly believed in saving and fixing up the old mansion. In 1972, she started a group called the Foundation for the Preservation of the Governor's Mansion. This group was later renamed the Governor's Mansion Foundation in 1988.
In 1973, the state government gave $600,000 to remodel and renovate the mansion. Nancy Evans wanted to create a committee to help get donations of furniture, paintings, and art for the mansion's public rooms. This would help keep the design and style consistent. The Foundation's first meeting was held in May 1972. They decided to use a plan from Jean Jongeward, an interior designer. She suggested using furniture from the period between 1780 and 1830.
Modern Challenges
In 1997, Governor Gary Locke and his family had a problem with bats living in the mansion. After a bat flew into his bedroom, the family had to get vaccinated as a safety measure. As the bat problem got worse, the Lockes and their cats moved to a private home. Groundkeepers then worked to solve the bat issue.
Four years later, in 2001, the mansion was damaged by the Nisqually earthquake.
In 2021, during an event at the U.S. Capitol, a group of people broke through the mansion's security gates. They gathered on the lawn and tried to enter the building. The Washington State Patrol quickly removed them. Governor Jay Inslee was moved to a safe room inside the mansion during this time.
Inside the Mansion: Art and Design
The Governor's Mansion is filled with beautiful art and furnishings. Many pieces have historical importance.
The Great Hall
- Two large tables, called Empire pier tables, are on either side of the entrance. They were made around 1810.
- Eight chairs with gold silk fabric and special "claw feet" are also in the Great Hall.
- A beautiful server made of mahogany and maple wood, from around 1800, is another highlight.
The Drawing Room
- You'll find four pieces by a famous furniture maker named Duncan Phyfe here. These include two small tables, a sofa, and a piano.
- Above the piano is a "Constitution mirror" from around 1800. It has an American eagle on top.
- A fancy sewing stand from around 1810, with detailed carvings, is also in this room.
- There's also a black lacquer sofa and an English chair from around 1795.
The Library
- Next to the Drawing Room is the Library. It has a round rosewood table and a sofa from the English Regency period. These were given in memory of Governor Samuel Cosgrove.
- The Library also holds many books by Washington authors and books about the state.
The State Dining Room
- The walls have special painted panels that show scenes from early state history. These are similar to murals in the White House.
- The 18 dining room chairs have unique needlepoint covers. Volunteers from across the state made these covers in 1975.
- The mansion has 48 place settings of bone china with gold borders and the state seal. These were bought through a gift from the women of Grays Harbor County.
- There are also 48 settings of silverware in a "Hammered" pattern.
- Another 85 place settings of "Tuxedo" china, also with the state seal, were purchased. Boeing helped fund 85 settings of silverware to go with them.
The USS Olympia Silver Service
- A special 27-piece sterling silver service is displayed in the State Dining Room and Ballroom. This silver and gold came from mines in Washington.
- The set has a border of oak leaves and acorns. It also features medallions representing the Navy and the seal of Washington.
- A solid silver statue of Victory can be placed on the punch bowl cover or as a separate decoration.
- This silver service was originally given by Washington State and Olympia city in 1899. It was for the Navy cruiser USS Olympia (C-6). This ship was famous for its victory in the Battle of Manila Bay.
- When the USS Olympia was no longer used, the silver service returned to Olympia. The city then gave it to the state for use in the Governor's Mansion.
Images for kids
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Governor Daniel J. Evans with his children in a residential room of the mansion during Christmas 1969
