Central Washington

History

Fish Block

Another building erected by W.W. Fish, this structure later became known as the Bath Block. The Capital newspaper occupied the space for more than 25 years. New owners remodeled the block in the 1930s in the Art Deco style. More recently, the owners recessed the storefront to accommodate a clothing store.

Fitterer Building

The first Fitterers in Ellensburg, brothers Philip and Frank, founded Fitterer Brothers Furniture in 1896. This building, which still houses Fitterer’s Furniture, was completed for them in September of 1908. The business has remained in the same family for multiple generations.

Geddis Building

Sylvanus Ray Geddis, a wealthy rancher, constructed the original building in 1886, but it was soon lost to the great fire. Geddis quickly rebuilt it in 1889, complete with iron columns and decorative cresting along the parapet.

Geiger Woods Building

John Geiger, a tailor, and Alfred Woods, a barber, quickly constructed this building after the fire. Each occupied a suite upon completion. The building’s attractive pediment crowns an impressive cornice typical of construction in town at the time.

The Independent Order of Oddfellows Lodge was founded in Ellensburg in 1881. The Oddfellows first met in a two-story structure at the corner of Pearl and Third. In 1885, town founder John Shoudy donated space for a decent lodge.

Kittitas County Historical Museum

Since 1961 the Kittitas County Historical Museum has been dedicated to preserving the history of the Kittitas Valley.  Headed by descendants of early Kittitas County pioneers, the primary goal in the beginning was to establish a location to display a collection of historical items depicting the valley’s diverse history.

Kleinberg Building

One of the rare three story buildings in town, this building used to appear even taller, with a pediment similar to the Boss Bakery’s. Also now missing is an elaborate cornice that complemented the decorative pilasters between the windows