Ponders Named After Lakewood Businessman, Community Leader

Lakewood’s business district along Pacific Highway, known as Ponders, has a long and colorful history.

The strip stretches from Gravelly Lake Drive to Bridgeport Way. It was once named Rhododendron Lane in 1958 by a local directory.

It earned the name Ponders by Amos F. Ponder, a local businessman who invested in two gas and service stations. One was located in Ponders and the other in Tacoma.

He was born in Joplin, Mo. in 1875. He came to the Lakes District, as Lakewood was known then, in 1901. About 10 years later, He married his wife, Belle Ponder, who came from Battle Creek, Mich., to live in Tacoma.

He was an active member of the Masonic’s Clover Lodge, the Presbyterian Church and the Tacoma Elks. Belle was a member of the Eastern Star Masonic Order. Historical accounts show they spent a considerable amount of time volunteering and holding community meetings at their Lakeview house.

Their service to the community, however, came to an abrupt end. Amos Ponder was killed after being struck by a car on Jan. 3, 1945 while walking along South G Street in Tacoma to catch a bus. He died at the age of 70.

The successful businessman and community leader—who built his fortunate from the rise of automobiles— was ironically killed by one. The tragic accident made front-page news in newspapers around the state.

A pyramid-shaped monument in Lakewood represents land they donated. It marked the Military Road network between Fort Steilacoom and Walla Walla during the early days of settlement.

Locals began calling the area Ponders Corner. Generations passed and the name and stuck.

More recently, the city of Lakewood completed a $6 million infrastructure project that included curbs, gutters, sidewalks, bicycle lanes, planter strips, street lighting and storm drainage, according to the city's Web site.

Shady massage parlors and strip clubs gave Ponders within the last decade a negative image. However, much of the crime and questionable businesses have been eradicated by the Lakewood Police Department.

According to the city, improvements to Pacific Highway were necessary for continuing the sharp turnaround for what had been a seedy part of Lakewood's history.