History of the Charles Pink House

The Charles Pink House is a unique asset for the library. Constructed in 1868 in the Late Greek Revival style of architecture, it is one of the last remaining houses of its kind in the state. Built by Horace Tucker, who is known for building many of the oldest houses in Port Townsend, the house was purchased by Charles Pink in 1874. The house remained in the Pink family for the next 92 years. In the late 1880s the Pink family expanded the house, rebuilding the porch and adding Victorian bays. Near the turn of 20th century the house was once again renovated, with the original pillars and front doors replaced by substitutes in the style of the Arts and Crafts movement that was popular at the time. These changes made the Pink House a unique building architecturally in Port Townsend. Because it was difficult to peg down as an example of a specific style, the house sat neglected for most of the latter half of the 20th century. 

The City of Port Townsend purchased the Pink House in 1981 for the purpose of serving as an expansion to the adjacent Carnegie Library. Because of difficult economic times, the City lacked the funds to rebuild the dilapidated structure. In exchange for a complete restoration of the building, the City gave a long term lease on the building to Little and Little Construction. After a massive renovation, the building was leased out until 2003 when the lease expired, the City regained control of the building. It then served as the administration house for the local fire department. The library took over the house in 2007 and uses it to supplement the Carnegie Library. First floor program and meeting spaces and second floor offices give the library needed flexibility in offering services to the public. 

In 2012 the Pink House underwent another renovation, this time focused on making the first floor interior spaces better suited for public programming and meetings. The project included interior wall removal and structure repairs, fireplace removal and chimney repairs, bathroom and kitchen renovations, new carpet, paint, flexible furniture and technology systems for presentations. 2018/19 saw the restoration of the of the rock retaining wall fronting Lawrence and Harrison Streets. Much care was taken with this project by reusing the historic rocks from the original wall that fallen over the years. 

The Pink House is listed as a secondary building in the Port Townsend National Historic district. A secondary ranking indicates a building with moderate historical or architectural qualities which have maintained good integrity. The Pink House has been a constant reminder to everyone who travels Lawrence Street of the origins of Port Townsend. 

Currently the exterior of the Pink House is in dire need of repairs. The siding, soffits, roof, porches and trim all have reached their limits and are fading quickly in our damp climate. The library hopes to secure funding through grants, donations and City support to continue the legacy of the Pink House for future generations.