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Dr. Frank James Bickford moved to Centralia, Washington, from Minnesota in 1910 with his wife, Harriet, and their son, Donald. The family lived in Centralia at various locations prior to the building of the residence at 901 South Pearl Street in 1915. Neither the builder or architect of the house is known. While there are no known pictures of the Pearl Street house dating from this time, evidence of remodeling to the interior and exterior is apparent.
Dr. Bickford played a role in the local historical event known as the Centralia Massacre that took place on November 11, 1919 (the first anniversary of Armistice Day). His name is cited in numerous historical records and books about the event as both giving testimony and eye witness accounts of his involvement in the event. The photograph below is thought to include Dr. Bickford at the funeral of one of the men who lost their lives at the Massacre.
Dr. Bickford and his wife resided at the Pearl Street residence for the rest of their days. Dr. Bickford's death made front page news. Donald, their only child, moved to Seattle after graduating from Centralia High School, where he studied and became an architect. Donald remained in the Seattle area until his mother's death in the 1940s. He then relocated to Hawaii where he resided until his death in 1986. Donald never married. He donated pieces of his Asian art collection to the University of Hawaii.
The Dr. Frank Bickford house is not currently part of the annual historical homes tour in Centralia. Considering the importance and significance Dr. Bickford had in the history of the community, the house would no doubt be included if brought to the attention of the organizers of the annual tour. The house may even qualify to be listed on national and local registries of historic places.
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