Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Chimney |
Other Name |
Conservatory Chimney |
Collection |
Metro Parks Tacoma - Permanent Collection |
Date |
1908 |
Description |
The original concrete chimney from the W.W. Seymour Conservatory's early coal-burning heating system still stands in Wright Park today. The building's heating was renovated several times over the years, but the chimney remains from the original boiler system. The artificially warm environment allowed for the cultivation of a wide variety of exotic plants and tropical species. Built in 1908 as the Wright Park Conservatory and later renamed to honor donor William Wolcott Seymour (1861-1929), this structure is one of only three public Victorian-style conservatories on the West Coast. Early Wright Park visitors would stop at the Conservatory to marvel at orchids, bird of paradise plants, crown of thorns and citrus trees. These tropical plants gave many Tacoma residents their first chance to learn about the decidedly un-Northwest species. Today, visitors experience the Conservatory's permanent collection of ferns, palms, figs, bromeliads, orchids and many other rare, unusual and endangered plants as well as changing floral exhibits. The Conservatory is listed on the City of Tacoma, Washington State, and National Historic Registers. Seymour, who provided the funds for the Conservatory, was at various points in his life an investment banker, mayor of Tacoma, and head of the Metropolitan Park Board. He donated $10,000 to Tacoma for city beautification, resulting in the graceful Conservatory we see today. |
Location |
Wright Park |
Object Number |
WP - 002 |
Web link |
Metro Parks Tacoma, Wright Park |