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Port Townsend Historical Sites

History > Historic Homes

Name: Caroline Tibbals House
Year Built: 1889
Location: 1234 Franklin Street
Area: Uptown Port Townsend

In 1856 Captain Henry L. Tibbals arrived in Puget Sound as the sailing master of the revenue cutter Jeff Davis, which was stationed in Port Townsend. By 1858 he had gone into business and had built the Pioneer Hotel. In 1871, with partner L.B. Hastings, he constructed Union Wharf. He assumed control of the Pacific Steamship Company in 1877. In 1888 he retired from active business, after making many property investments and becoming one of the heaviest tax payers in Jefferson County.

Tibbals was also active politically. In 1863 he was elected to the legislature and was elected sheriff of Jefferson County in 1864. For 15 years Tibbals served as president of the board of county commissioners. He was postmaster, a member of the city council, and a charter member of Masonic Lodge #6. He built Jefferson County's first racetrack.

The section of the original townsite on which the Caroline Tibbals house is located was first owned by Alfred A. Plummer, obtained from a donation claim granted to him by President Rutherford B. Hayes. Captain Tibbals acquired the lots from later owners Julius Blumber, William Scullin, and possibly F.W. Pettygrove.

Tibbals owned this entire block from 1861 to 1877, when he relinquished ownership to his wife Caroline for $1.00, in a divorce settlement. This house is shown on the fire map of 1880, and according to tax records, was probably constructed prior to 1877.

Caroline Tibbals died in 1908 and left the house and lot to her son Wolcott Tibbals (dividing the rest of the block among the other children.) There were three cottages built for Caroline Tibbals children. Harry and Myrtle Cotton purchased the property in 1920 from Wolcott Tibbals and it remained in the Cotton family for many years. In the 1940s the house was divided into apartments to house military personnel and their families.

In 1986 Susan and Dave Ross bought the house, already operating as a bed and breakfast inn, and have completely remodeled it. Many of the furnishings are period pieces from the Canadian provinces. Brick on the kitchen wall, taken from the original foundation, was of local manufacture. Several cat paw prints, impressed in 1877, can be seen near the back door.

Front entrance
This cold porch was added in the 1940s. The doors are contemporary, with new glass and bull's eyes. All the millwork was done locally. The glass doors that were here originally have been placed between the living room and study. The antique wicker furniture is over 100 years old. The mahogany Queen Ann table and picture are antiques purchased locally.

Front parlor
The fireplace is not original to the house. The wood mantel is from England and was bought in Canada. Bay windows were restored with thermopane glass. Light fixtures are from the old Port Townsend High School.

Downstairs bedroom
The furthest portion of this room was added in the 1940s. A recess was created when space was given to the heating ducts, which rise from the basement. A cedar closet became a bathroom. New leaded glass was added to the original doors from the porch. The stairwell leads to the family room, office, and laundry.

Kitchen
The kitchen is in its original area. An old cistern under the kitchen was filled in. A breakfast nook ]has been created from the original entrance to the kitchen. The rubber floor is from Sweden, dand is designed for areas with high traffic. The brick on the kitchen wall was part of the original foundation and was made here in Port Townsend. Note the cat-paw prints near the kitchen door. A bathroom and pantry were originally at the end of the kitchen.

Deck
The deck and entry to the kitchen are contemporary.

Stairs
The leaded glass window is from Nevada, and the old gas light fixture has been converted to electricity. The old typesetting cabinet in the stair alcove holds the stereo. The alcove was ]added in the 1940s but was probably part of the original porch entrance. The stairway window is original, and the wainscotting has been added. Part of a wall was removed to make room for the banister. All woodwork such as newel posts, cornice, and pillars, are contemporary and were made locally. The banister and turned posts are old but not original to this house.

Second floor
Views from the upstairs porch include Port Townsend Bay, Marrowstone Island, Indian Island, and Mount Ranier.

Upstairs bathroom
The window is not full sized; it was probably walled off during the 1940s. The tub fits nicely over the stairwell. The bathroom was probably originally part of a closet. The woodwork in the upstairs hall is original.

Mother-in-law apartment
There is a charming guest house over the garage.

Some data modified from the National Register Information System. Many descriptions used by permission of the Port Townsend Chamber of Commerce. All material copyrighted by PTguide.com.