The Tukwila Historical Society has recently accepted a donation from the Ray family descendants into its collection, a reclaimed 1906 photo of the Duwamish home of pioneers, Thomas K and Lucretia Julian Ray.
The original farmhouse was built by T.K. in 1882. It was a busy home with the birth of their children and many parties being hosted by the family. Lucretia’s father, Jacob Julian, was a member of the Washington Territorial Legislature who made a key speech at the opening of first legislative session in 1908 for the newly formed Washington state.
One of the Ray family’s neighbors was early pioneer settler, Henry Van Asselt. Further research on the family found that they also became in-laws when the oldest daughter of Henry and Catherine (Maple) Van Asselt, Adrienne, married the brother of Lucretia, William Julian. They had one daughter but sadly the couple and their young daughter all died within a few years.
The farmhouse was demolished in 2015 as part of Tukwila’s habitat restoration project and new city park. There were some items salvaged from the home by the Tukwila Historical Society which includes the main newel post, stair balusters and some of the architectural features including one of the original interior doors. These items as well as the donated photo of the Ray farmhouse are currently on display at the Tukwila Heritage and Cultural Center. The Ray Family photo donation is identified as “1906 Ray family garden farmstead in Duwamish Washington”; (l to r) Cecil, Viola, Lucretia, and Eugene Ray.
The society wishes to share our local history with the community by collecting, preserving and displaying materials associated with our past. The Tukwila Heritage and Cultural Center is located at 14475 59th Ave S, Tukwila, Washington. Please contact the society if you have a piece of Tukwila’s history that you would like to share or donate.
