Our History | The Kelley Farm | Premium Wedding & Event Space

1853

The Naches Trail is built. Evidence of the trail still exists on the property today.

1853–1856

Rueben Ashford Finnell homesteaded the Kelley Farm property. He abandoned the property during the Puget Sound Indian War after natives burned down his home and barn.

1864

William Barton Kelley and his family–including his father Nathan Kelley–traveled from Illinois to claim land in the “Northern Territory”. William and Nathan Kelley both claimed land on the banks of the Finnell Creek. William had two sons: John and Michael.

1875

William Barton Kelley was elected a member of Territorial Legislature.

1880

William Barton Kelley was elected Auditor of Pierce County.

1886

The “Ice House” was built and is still in existence on the property. Today, it is known as one of the oldest buildings in Pierce County.

1907

John Ezra Kelley marries Sadie Crader (Crider). John gave Sadie the Kelley Farm house (today’s Yellow House) as a wedding gift. John and Sadie have two children: Marion and Elizabeth.

1960’s

The Kelley Farm served as a dairy.

1970’s

John Kelley died in the 1970s. He was involved in a minor car accident on Elhi Hill. He went to the hospital and was sent home with undetected internal injuries.

1976

Harry Corliss purchases 100 acres from Elizabeth Kelley.

1970’s–80’s

Harry’s son, Scott Corliss took and interest in the property, the beauty, the preservation and the history.

1985

Sadie Kelley passed away.

1988

Elizabeth Kelley (Svinth) died of an aneurism. She was survived by her son Michael and daughter Marion. The remaining Kelley Farm property was willed to Michael.

1993-1999

The Kelley Farm is occupied by the Kelley Creek Brewery.

2001

In 2001, the Corliss Family purchased remaining 60 acres of the Kelley property. Restoration of the grounds and buildings began immediately.

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