The Blue Lights of Lakewood: A Timeless Tradition
The tradition of blue holiday lights in Lakewood, Washington, is a cherished custom that dates back to the late 1930s, symbolizing the city’s unique community spirit and resilience.
Origins of the Blue Lights Tradition
In 1937, Norton Clapp, a prominent real estate developer, established the Lakewood Colonial Center, recognized as the first suburban shopping center west of the Mississippi River. It is believed that Clapp’s first wife, Mary Cordelia Davis, had a particular fondness for the color blue. This preference led to the Colonial Center being adorned with blue lights during the Christmas season, setting a precedent that neighboring businesses along Gravelly Lake Drive soon embraced. Throughout the late 1930s and subsequent decades, these blue bulbs became emblematic of Lakewood’s holiday spirit, attracting visitors from across the South Sound region who marveled at the city’s luminous displays.
A Period of Dormancy
As time progressed, ownership changes and evolving business landscapes led to a decline in the widespread use of blue holiday lights. By the 1970s, the once-vibrant tradition had largely faded, becoming a nostalgic memory for longtime residents.
Resurgence and New Significance
The blue lights took on profound meaning following a tragic event on November 29, 2009, when four Lakewood police officers—Sgt. Mark Renninger and Officers Tina Griswold, Greg Richards, and Ronald Owens—were fatally shot in a Parkland coffee shop. In the aftermath, blue lights illuminated the region, serving as a poignant tribute to the fallen officers. Recognizing the depth of this gesture, the Lakewood City Council officially designated blue as the city’s Christmas light color, intertwining the tradition with a renewed sense of community solidarity and remembrance.
Revitalizing the Tradition
In recent years, concerted efforts have been made to revive the blue lights tradition. The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce initiated campaigns encouraging businesses and residents to “go blue” during the holiday season, aiming to rekindle the city’s historic charm and foster community engagement. Events such as “Lakewood’s Nights of Lights” have been proposed to celebrate this unique heritage, with plans for community gatherings, caroling, and official lighting ceremonies to illuminate the city’s central business district.
Local businesses have actively participated in this revival.
Conclusion
The blue holiday lights of Lakewood stand as a testament to the city’s enduring community spirit, resilience, and commitment to honoring its traditions. From their inception in the 1930s to their poignant resurgence in the face of tragedy, these lights symbolize unity and hope, illuminating not just the streets but the hearts of those who call Lakewood home.
Sources:
- Lakewood Chamber of Commerce – Blue Lights for the Holidays
- Lakewood Chamber of Commerce – Lakewood’s Nights of Lights
- City of Lakewood – Business Showcase: Veterans Roofing
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