Sycamore Square |
In Historic Fairhaven
Originally Known as the Mason Block
Allen C. Mason 1884
Courtesy of the Tacoma Museum, Tacoma, WA
In the spring of 1890, Allen C. Mason of Tacoma built The Mason Block,
now known as Sycamore Square.
This three-story brick building with a mezzanine, cost
$50,000.00 to construct. Mr. Mason advertised extensively in
eastern newspapers to attract
investors; his glowing ads brought millions of dollars to the northwest.
Mr. Mason
attended to every detail from land selection to the landscaping of the completed project.
He developed them with prudence, financial strength, sound marketing and unwavering
integrity.
He was a true visionary. Like many other buildings in the area, it was designed
as an office building with
residential on the top floor and commercial space on the ground
floor. It is now the oldest building in Fairhaven.
1890
Among the original tenants of the Mason Block were the Pacific Clothing Company whose painted signcan still be seen at the northeastern corner of the building, Higginson & Hardy Pharmacy-now known as the
Fairhaven Pharmacy-which was located on the northwestern corner, and the Great Northern Express
offices on 12th street in the southwestern corner of the building. Joseph A. Blakely, the town marshal of
Fairhaven was one of the residents of the building along with S. E. Mullin, who had a Real Estate office on the same floor.
The three rooms on the west side of the third floor were occupied by the Cascade Club.
Mark Twain and William Howard Taft weretwo of Sycamore Square’s many notable visitors.
The Cascade Club was one of the most impressive establishments of its
kind known in any city of the west.
The membership consisted of one hundred of
Fairhaven’s most prominent business leaders who entertained
many important visitors to the city. This exclusive all men’s social organization entertained distinguished
guests including Mark Twain and President William Howard Taft.
The Mason Block, 1890
1891
Fairhaven’s first public library was established in the Mason
Block and
remained there until the completion of the Carnegie Library in 1904.
1902
Wisconsin Grocery replaced the Pacific Clothing Store. A new clothing
store named
O.D. Ames was opened and carried some of the finest clothing. William
Campbell,
a professional gambler, was a resident at the time.
1911
The South Bellingham Sentinel was created. It was a local newspaper
located on the southwestern corner that continued until 1918.
1973
The Mason Block was the first building in old Fairhaven to be renovated
by Ken Imus.
The building was renamed the "Market Place".
1995
Patrick Uy now owns the Mason Block which he renamed Sycamore Square.
At the time of purchase the building was in need of major renovations.
Mr. Uy
dedicated a lot of time and energy to the project.
The restoration produced a feeling of
splendor.
Many people stop by to enjoy the ambience of this building.
The renovation,
namely in the past five years has encouraged the revival of Fairhaven’s business
district.
Sycamore Square, 1995.
