by Lee Marriott
Moclips has long been known for its quiet, unspoiled rugged landscape.
Historically, people have flocked here to enjoy the unique nature of
this beach. Nearly one hundred years ago, a man named Dr. Edward Lycan
found this place and dreamed of a bustling city by the sea. He did his
part, and contributed a grand hotel. It was a two story, 150 room beach-side
resort. It burned down just months after it was completed in 1905; but,
Dr. Lycan would not be deterred. His next vision was even grander than
the first.
Built
in the same location on the beach; but, at three stories high, and
a block long,
it loomed from the dunes like no other structure. This Moclips
Beach Hotel was completed in 1907; and advertised as having 270 “outside” rooms,
with 2000 ft. of 10 ft. covered verandah, and a perfect view of
the Pacific Ocean, reported to be just 12 feet from the hotel grounds.
This close proximity to the ocean, however, would prove its undoing.
Back
then Moclips was publicized as a healthy get away from the toil and
trouble of city
life. It was a health resort. The moist salt air and bathing in
the surf was touted as very medicinal. A promotional pamphlet of
the time
purports Moclips’ climate to be “simply perfect”. Dr.
Lycan believed that Moclips was the Mecca for health and pleasure of
the Northwest. He had approximately four years to enjoy his life’s
fulfillment. By 1911 Moclips’ perfect climate changed; and,
a series of fatal storms hit the beach, eventually washing much
of the
town away. His hotel stood in pieces, his dreams in shambles. Soon
after, Dr. Lycan moved to Tenino, Washington where he died in December
1912. By the end of 1913, there was no more left of the Moclips
Beach Hotel.
Today, there is very
little remaining to signify that a man and his grand dream of a Moclips
by the sea, was ever here. Except, in old pictures and newspaper stories.
And, now there is a park. At the center, it features a beautiful bronze
historical marker, with a picture and story of the second Moclips Beach
Hotel.
It’s a small,
but grand monument to a man and his vision. In addition to other family
members, the park has been a desire of Eleanor ,Enid and Elaine and
their brother Edward (now deceased). or a few years now. They are the
Grandchildren of Dr. Lycan. When permission from Grays Harbor County
to use the property came through, plans moved forward for the park
with Eleanor and Enid’s son’s, Patrick Ward and Chris
Davenport, contributing the landscaping design. Local help came
in the from Reggie
Riekkola of Riekkola Construction, and also from Crow Williamson
who donated the driftwood. The family not only did the work to
transform
the land into a lovely little park, they also financed the entire
project. It is a testament to their Grandfather, and his spirit
lives on in
the family.
If you would like
to visit Lycan park, it is located in Moclips at the intersection of
Pacific Ave. and 4th street - right near the beach (just 12 feet from
the high tide). There will be a dedication ceremony for Dr. Lycan by
his family at noon on Saturday January 18, at the Park. Several local
county and state government officials have been invited to attend.
The dedication has been scheduled in conjunction with the grand opening
of the new Moclips Museum of the North Beach, also in Moclips, which
will be at 1:00 the same day. More information on both these events
will be published as the day draws nearer.
Story and photo(s) provided by Moclips by the Sea Historical Society
and Museum.
