Allen House

Location: 3217 Fairfield Rd SE
local register

Allen_1957

Allen House, 1957, Thurston County Assessor, Washington State Archives

Allen House today (2013), Photo by Deb Ross

Built around 1920, The Allen House was originally located near Union and Columbia. It was moved to make way for a state parking garage in the late 1950s. The adjacent Partlow House had been moved the previous year, and the Allen House was moved to its current location, still next door to the Partlow House. It is a fine example of Dutch Colonial style. James Allen, the original owner, was a civil engineer who came to work for the state of Washington and helped to improve the state’s road system, urged on by the automobile industry and federal funds as part of the “‘Good Roads” movement. The home is on the local register.

Olympia heritage inventory

Article on James Allen and Good Roads

Washington State Historical Society, enter the following catalog number in collection search box: 2012.123.116

Copyright © 2022 Deborah Ross

The Heart of Harriet February 12, 2023 Time: 3:00 – 4:15 pm
We fondly remember Miss Anthony’s 200th Birthday at the Bigelow House in 2020! Ever celebrating her 1871 visit to the Bigelow House and looking forward to future events to celebrate. Celebrate her 203rd Birthday early online with the Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum this Sunday, February 12, 2023 at Noon, PST! See below for more…
February 11, 2023
New exhibit “Our Town” opening at the Washington Center for Performing Arts on Monday January 23rd
Anyone with an interest in local history and the visual arts will look forward to viewing the new exhibit “Our Town” opening at the Washington Center for Performing Arts on Monday January 23rd. The exhibit has been designed and produced by the Olympia Arts & Heritage Alliance (AHA) which is also host for the opening…
January 9, 2023
It’s Time to Join or Renew Your Membership!
Yes, December marks the best time of year to join or to renew your membership with the Olympia Historical Society-Bigelow House Museum. You can mail-in your membership form and check for 2023. Or, if more convenient, you can pay on-line with your credit card or PayPal from the homepage by clicking on The Society &…
December 1, 2022

Langridge sisters – 3/19/23
Throughout 2023 we’ll be exploring the origins of area place names. Langridge Avenue and Langridge Loop, in northwest Olympia, are likely named for the Langridge family. Father George, originally from England, arrived in this area in the mid 1800s. Pictured here are his three daughters, Alice, Frances, and Kate. Photograph selected and captioned by Deborah…
March 19, 2023
Iva Van Epps and Ruth Allison – 3/12/23
Throughout 2023 we’ll be exploring the origins of area place names. Van Epps Street, in southeast Olympia, is likely named for the Van Epps family. The father, Theodore Van Epps, ran a stationery store, and later a real estate office. Pictured here is his daughter, Iva, with her good friend Ruth Allison, at Percival Creek.…
March 12, 2023
Nathaniel Crosby – 3/5/23
Throughout 2023 we’ll be exploring the origins of area place names. Crosby Boulevard in Tumwater is named for the Crosby family. The Crosbys were early American settlers, arriving in Tumwater in 1851. Pictured here, third from left, is Nathaniel Crosby III, Tumwater merchant. The Crosby House in Tumwater, now a museum, was originally built by…
March 5, 2023