Greater Kent Historical Museum

Have you seen the outdoor artwork located in front of the museum? Read on to find out why it is there. For more information on Kent's history, try the local sites listed on the History Links page.

The Tale of One House

At the turn of the century, Emil Bereiter, owner of the Covington Lumber Company, was a successful businessman. In 1907 he constructed a commercial building, the Bereiter Block, located in what is now the First Avenue historic district of Kent.

Built in 1907, the Bereiter home is an excellent example of “classic box” style architecture: A turn-of-the-century, Colonial Revival, large family home. The house displays some finely crafted details including elaborate roof brackets, projecting square corner bays, a variety of leaded glass, and a large entry portico detailed with classical columns.  The interiors have extensive amounts of wood wall paneling, wood cabinets, wood boxed beamed ceilings, intact ceramic tile in the upstairs bath, and many original plumbing and light fixtures.  It is rare to find all of these original items in excellent condition.

  The Bereiter house, with its landscaped grounds, was a showplace.  The Bereiters entertained frequently.  They used the two rooms of the house’s top story as a billiard room and a card room.  Their yard west of the house included an orchard and a gazebo.

  In 1913, Emil Bereiter died.  At the time of his death, he was the Mayor of Kent.  He left behind his wife and two young sons, Donald and Stewart.  Donald’s son, John, continued in the spirit of his grandfather and later served as Kent’s City Attorney.

Over the years, the Bereiter house had a variety of owners and tenants. One interesting story is that of the Saitos. Just prior to World War II, a Caucasian woman named Thelma Saito owned the house and lived there with her Japanese husband, E.K. Saito, who was not allowed to own the property. During the early war years, the family's wealth and obvious affluence led their neighbors to view them with suspicion. Rumors still persist that E.K. Saito was a Japanese Admiral, and that he created secret panels in the house to hide radio equipment. After forced internment, the Saitos never returned to the house and subsequent owners never discovered any secret panels. 

Jack and Barbara Keck were the final residents of the house before the City of Kent purchased it in 1996 to house a city museum. The Kecks lovingly maintained the house during their many years in residence. On June 6, 1998 the Greater Kent Historical Museum opened its doors to the public. On the same day, Stuart Nakamura dedicated an outdoor piece of artwork, located in front of the Bereiter house, entitled Another Place, Another Time. Another Place, Another Time recognizes "the rich history and culture of the Kent area Japanese-American community."

Send mail to GKHS@earthinet.com with questions or comments about this web site. This site created by Melissa Carl.
Copyright © 2000 Greater Kent Historical Museum
Last modified: February 11, 2003