Carpenter House
The Carpenter House was built in 1914 by Banker and Cle Elum Mayor Frank Carpenter. He used a Sears design and locally milled lumber to build this landmark home, which was unique to the Cle Elum area both for its size and beautiful architecture. The Carpenter Family was very prominent in the Upper County for several decades. In 1989, their only living descendant, Susie, donated the home and all of its original furnishings to the Historical Society for the express purpose of creating a museum. Since that time, the Northern Kittitas County Historical Society has kept it open for the public to see how this prominent family lived during the early days in Cle Elum. On display are the Carpenter’s original furnishings, carpets, books, etc. The Museum also serves as an art gallery for the local High Country Artists, who provide docent and caretaking services for the Museum. The Museum is visited by over 1,000 people annually and hosts monthly artists meetings and workshops available to the public, writer’s group meetings, and the annual community Pioneer Days Queens Tea. It is open Friday through Sunday, noon to 4:00.