In 1873 George Ryan came west from Baraboo, Wisconsin, lured by the adventure of this new land, and worked as a bookkeeper for Pope and Talbot's Sawmill art Port Gamble. He purchased 40 acres in Sumner from Main to Park Street and after marrying his childhood sweetheart Lucy Wood, farmed the 40 acres, raised fruit, vegetables, hops, owned a sawmill, was Sumner's first mayor, and built a large section of the business district.
The Ryan House was built in 1875. The parlor, dining room, and kitchen areas have been restored in period style. The 1875 rooms are the Museum area with alternating displays, and one "Old Book Room" which contains historical documents and books about Northwest history.
There are many Historic Houses preserved in all regions of Washington.
