Hidden away in a far corner of Southwest Washington, the small resort town of Seaview, Washington became a vacation getaway for the Portland elite in the early 1900's.
The Lion's Paw was built by Henry Freeborough in 1911, as a family home. Its style is Craftsman. Common wisdom has it that the large Monkey Puzzle tree at the end of the driveway was planted by Mr. Freeborough the same year that he built the house.
Since Henry was a bulb grower for the Lilly Company in Portland, and the Monkey Puzzle Tree, a native of Chile, was introduced to this area at the 1906 Portland Expo, it would seem believable that he would plant this strange tree at his new home.
The orange Day Lillies are the only bulbs left that Henry planted. In the early 30's, the home was sold to a Dr. Strang, who used it as the first hospital on the Peninsula through the 1930's. During that time the building housed not only patients, but the Dr., his wife and two nurses. When the hospital became over-full, the Dr. and his helpers would pitch tents in the side yard. It being the depression, the hospital was paid in trade on many occasions. At one time, the Dr. was given a cow in exchange for an Appendectomy. The cow resided in the side yard and supplied milk for patients and workers, as well. There are still Peninsula residents alive who were born at this facility.
Through the years, this structure housed families, restaurants, churches, a boarding house, and, according to one report, even a brothel during WWII.
Most recently, as a Bed & Breakfast since 1988, it has housed many guests for those special and meaningful occasions in life, both celebratory and meditative. The house has a peaceful, comforting air about it.
Beginning in the summer of 2009 the Lion's Paw will be a vacation rental, where we hope our new guests will continue to build a new history for the home.
Information Wanted
This short history is based on the best information available at this time. If you have any corrections or additions or know of anyone who could give more detailed information, please contact the innkeepers.
