Stevens County Historical Society Keller House Park and Museum

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Collection Highlights

SCHS MUSEUM

GRAVES MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT

Colville National Forest

Graves Mountain Lookout was constructed during the early 1930's in the Colville National Forest between Colville and Republic, Washington and was in service for almost 50 years. During the early years of its use, lightning-caused wildfires were common in Northeast Washington and forest personnel were on duty to locate and report fires. The Lookout, which had been erected as a functioning unit, was given to the Stevens County Historical Society in 1984 by the U. S. Forest Service. It is equipped with authentic furnishings and an Osborne Fire Finder. With the change to radar and modern communication this is an important educational and historical artifact.

THE KELLER HOUSE

This lovely home is furnished with original Gustav-Stickley furniture, Tiffany light fixtures, and Art Nouveau windows and wallpaper. The house, on the National Register of Historic Places, was originally built in 1910. In 1911 it was partially destroyed by fire and was repaired and furnished in the latest fashion. The house underwent minor changes until the house and grounds were placed under the care of the SCHS by the City of Colville in 1975. It is an important example of a 1911 home built by D. H. Kimple, designed by Loren L. Rand.

The museum building was designed for historical research and educational display. It contains over 5000 artifacts of historic interest, depicting the development through the years of Northeast Washington. Former Curator Grace Young arranged the museum to tell the story of the area in chronological order. The Museum expansion allowed former Curator Elva Bryan to develop a Main Street full of stores.
Displays include: geology, Native Americans (with artifacts depicting the Kettle Falls including a background painted by Mike Somerlott), fur trade, missions, agriculture, schools, mining, timber and lumbering and development of towns. Walk down Main Street and you will visit a well stocked pioneer general store, telephone switchboard, a pharmacy , a hardware store and more. World War I and II, Vietnam, Gulf War and Iraq War memorabilia, and much more are also on display; along with a small display on the 760th AC & W RON Air Force Base (Spruce Canyon Radar Site).