Our Lakewood: A Sentimental History

Before Lakewood became the bustling city we know today, it was a landscape of open prairies, winding trails, sparkling lakes, and close-knit communities. Our Lakewood: A Sentimental History invites readers to step back in time and discover the people, places, and everyday moments that shaped this remarkable corner of Washington State.

Through personal recollections, historical accounts, family stories, and archival photographs, Our Lakewood brings the region's past vividly to life. From the early days of Fort Steilacoom and the development of the Lakes District to the excitement of the Roaring Twenties, the challenges of the Great Depression, and the community's experiences during World War II, this collection captures a changing landscape through the eyes of those who knew it.

Explore childhood adventures on horseback across wildflower-covered prairies, summer afternoons along Gravelly Lake, holiday celebrations, neighborhood gatherings, and the emergence of schools, businesses, and beloved local landmarks. Alongside these intimate memories are stories of early settlement, the region's Indigenous history, military development, and the transformation of rural communities into modern Lakewood.

Rich with historical details and a deep affection for place, Our Lakewood is more than a record of the past. It is a celebration of community, memory, and the connections that endure across generations.

Perfect for longtime residents, newcomers, local history enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the South Puget Sound region, this book offers a heartfelt journey into the Lakewood that once was-and the history that continues to shape the city today.

Author: Cyrus Happy,Emily Happy,Rita L. Wheeler
Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Blue Cactus Press
Published: 10/12/2026
Pages: 242
Weight: 0.97lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.66d
ISBN: 9781967633166