Picture the oldest house in Kent Washington. That’s the Neely-Soames Historic Homestead. It stands proudly near the Green River Trail. This isn’t just a house. It’s a living testament to Kent’s past.
The Neely family arrived in 1854. They claimed 320 acres of land. They initially lived in a riverside cabin. This cabin housed a general store and Kent’s first post office. David A Neely served as the first postmaster. His fifth child David F Neely built the much larger home we see today in 1885.
The original home was modest. It was a two-story rectangular building. It featured a wooden veranda. Additions in 1900 and 1954 expanded it to approximately 2000 square feet. David F Neely’s daughter Ruby Neely Soames inherited the home. She donated it to the City of Kent in 1986. The city carefully renovated it. They preserved as much of the original architecture as possible.
The Neely-Soames Historic Homestead is more than just a preserved building. It’s a community hub. It serves as a meeting place. It also serves as exhibit space and a trailhead. Parking is available for the Green River Trail. The heritage gardens are a special highlight. Garden clubs and Boy Scout troops help maintain the property. They grow plants from the 1800s. The produce is donated to food banks.
A fascinating detail is Ruby Neely Soames’s bed. Hand-carved by her father it’s on display. It’s a poignant reminder of the family’s history. The Homestead was listed on the State Register of Historic Homes in 1977. Extensive renovations occurred in 1999 and 2000. The Washington State Historical Society King County and the city of Kent supported these renovations. Eagle Scout projects added an informational kiosk a grape arbor benches a picket fence a trellis for hops picnic tables and historic photographs.
The Neely-Soames Historic Homestead isn’t just a museum. It’s a living piece of history. It’s a place where you can connect with the past. You can appreciate the enduring spirit of the Neely and Soames families. Their legacy lives on in this remarkable building. It continues to thrive as a community asset. A place where history blossoms.