The Olympia Armory has been part of the Olympia community since 1938. As the Washington Army National Guard transition to the new Readiness Center in Tumwater, Washington the Armory is being transferred to the City of Olympia. Below you will find oral histories related to the Armory. Virtual Storytelling Project, produced in partnership with the Olympia Historical Society, the State Historic Preservation Officer and interested stakeholders.
Originally at the the Armory location was the first Washington School, which was replaced with the second Washington School in 1923. In 1938 the Armory was constructed.
The Armory served the Olmypia community in numerous ways – from car shows to sporting events, the Armoy in the memories of many.
The Washington Army National Guard responds to foreign and domestic needs. See the stories below for some stories of the Soldiers who have served at the Olympia Armory.
Governor Arthur B. Langlie, First Lady Evelyn Langlie and others in the receiving line during the Governor’s Inaugural Ball in Olympia. Governor Langlie is in the center of the January 15, 1941, photograph; he is third from the right. Mrs. Langlie, eyes toward the right of the picture, is dressed in a long white chiffon gown and elbow length gloves. She is standing next to Lt. Gov. Victor Meyers and his wife; Mrs. Meyers is wearing a hyacinth chiffon gown. Also present in the picture are believed to be Mayor and Mrs. Truman Trullinger of Olympia; they are the couple to the far right. Governor and Mrs. Langlie apparently remained in the receiving line until all 2000 guests had passed through.
