The King County Council recognized the 125th anniversary of the construction of the Neely Mansion located in the White River Valley in unincorporated King County on Wednesday. Built by pioneer and prominent landowner Aaron Neely, the two-story Victorian classic revival farmhouse has persevered through the years, overcoming a period of neglect to eventually be restored to its former glory. Now listed on both the National Register of Historic Places and the Washington State Heritage Register, the mansion stands as a symbol of Washington’s diverse culture.
“In its 125 years, the Neely Mansion has served as a reminder of the rich agricultural, pioneer and ethnic heritage of our region,” said Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, whose district contains the Neely Mansion. “From the Neely family who built the mansion, to the Hori family who added the furoba (bathhouse) and later the Acosta family who farmed the land for 46 years and built the wooden berry shed that stands today, the families who lived here are a symbol of the hard-work and dedication of the residents who have made the White River Valley home.”
“The Neely Mansion is a local treasure, and I am thankful to those community members that stepped up to restore and preserve this piece of history,” said Council Vice Chair Reagan Dunn. “May we see the Neely Mansion and remember the pioneer spirit that first called the Neely family to the White River Valley; the agricultural heritage that lives on in our region; and the richness and diversity of cultures that we enjoy here in King County.”
After a period of disrepair, the Neely Mansion Association, a nonprofit historical society, took over the property and has spent the past thirty years restoring the mansion. Today, the mansion is open to the public and can be rented out for community and private events. For more information on the Neely Mansion, please visit http://www.neelymansion.org/.
The above is a press release from King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer. The Auburn Examiner has not independently verified it’s contents.
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