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.
