Lacey History Month – Richard’s Roundhouse

Opened in 1974, one of the most unique buildings in Lacey went up  in Market Square – – Richard’s Roundhouse.   Built of bricks and in the round, the building echoed the roundhouses used by trains.   Included in the building was the dining car from President Harry Truman’s 1948 Whistlestop tour around the country – which resulted in his upset presidential election.  In its early years it was the “in” place for party goers.  Financial setbacks led to the eventual closing.   Several different owners tried to make a go of the nightclub – – including Vi Childs, Jim Manning and Johnny Lewis.  In 1992, new owner Bob Blume had the building torn down and replaced with a modular bank building – which still sits in the Fred Meyer complex.    Part of the dinning car currently rests  in Oakville.