Seivers Brothers Ranchhouse and Barn

SE of Lind on Providence Rd., Lind, WA
The Seivers Brothers Ranch House and Barn are outstanding examples of rural architecture and construction. The craftsmanship displayed in these two ranch buildings is exceptional compared to most farm construction in the same period throughout the state. The careful planning, construction, and attentive maintenance which has gone into the two buildings results in two structures of distinguished appearance and good condition. Historically, the Seivers Ranch House and Barn are significant because they represent the finest examples of successful wheat farming in the Big Bend region of Washington. The Seivers Ranch was started during the earliest period of wheat farming in the Big Bend. On a larger scale, the success of wheat production in Washington became an important step in the economic growth of the state.

For nearly 96 years the Seivers Ranch has remained in continual operation within the family. The Seivers Brothers, Nicholas and Peter, arrived in the general area of the ranch site in 1882. After selecting the site they set to work planning their ranch development. By 1883 they built a cabin and broke their first ground for a wheat crop. During the first twenty years the farm was operated on lease agreement. During the latter part of the 1880's the first Seivers House was built. Two families of Seivers, through hard work and enterprise, were to carve out a successful operation. By the turn of the century the Seivers families grew, as did their capital farm stock.

By 1902 Nicholas and Peter Seivers had "proven up" their ranch stock and equipment. They contracted P. Barnum, a retired shipwright, to construct a barn worthy of their requirements. The Seivers Ranch merited enough attention in the early 1900's to appear in The Coast Magazine in 1904 and 1908. Photos depicted the plowing and harvest operations. The July, 1908, issue mentioned a gas operated electric power plan installed by the Seivers. This plant was reported to be one of the first rural systems in the Northwest.

In 1908 the ranch expansion plan continued when the Seivers and Mr. Ed Crumbley designed and started construction of the family home which stands today in essentially unaltered condition. The construction started in 1908 and was completed in 1910.

From 1910 to the present time the Seivers Ranch has been in continuous operation by the Seivers family. In 1929 the Peter Seivers family moved, leaving the operations in the care of the Nick Seivers family. The ranch operations survived the depression years of the 1930's and since the 1940's has been one of the most successful wheat ranches in the Big Bend. The operation of the farm is now carried on by the sons of Mr. & Mrs. Nick Seivers. The son's families live in mobile homes which are near the old family house. The old ranch house continues to be the home of Mr. & Mrs. Nick Seivers.
Local significance of the building:
Agriculture; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

The city of Spokane was once known as the "Lilac City" due to the abundance of lilac bushes that were planted in the city's parks and gardens. Today, the city hosts an annual Lilac Festival and parade to celebrate its floral heritage.
Adams County, located in the state of Washington, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Prior to the arrival of European settlers, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Palouse, Nez Perce, and Spokane. These tribes thrived on the fertile land and relied on agriculture, hunting, and gathering for their livelihood.

European settlers arrived in the 1800s, attracted by the fertile soil and the potential for farming. The area became a destination for homesteaders, who quickly established towns and communities. Adams County was officially established in 1883 and named after the second President of the United States, John Adams.

A significant event in the county's history was the arrival of the Northern Pacific Railway in the late 19th century. The railway brought increased connectivity and transportation opportunities, allowing for the growth of commerce and trade. This led to the development of new industries such as wheat farming and flour milling, which became major economic contributors to the county.

Over the years, Adams County has faced challenges such as droughts, economic downturns, and the Great Depression. However, the resilient community persevered, adapting to changing times and embracing new opportunities. Today, the county continues to be an important agricultural hub, with crops such as wheat, potatoes, and sugar beets being major contributors to its economy. The county also boasts stunning landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities, making it an attractive destination for nature enthusiasts and travelers.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Adams County, Washington.

  • 1879 - Adams County is organized by a legislative act on November 28th.
  • 1883 - The county seat is established in Ritzville.
  • 1889 - Adams County becomes a part of the newly admitted state of Washington.
  • 1905 - The Othello Irrigation District is formed, leading to agricultural development in the region.
  • 1945 - The Hanford Site, a nuclear production complex, is established in southwestern Adams County.
  • 1989 - The Adams County Historical Society is founded to preserve and share the history of the region.