Iva Van Epps and Ruth Allison in late 1800s

In 2023 the Sunday Olympian’s theme for its Looking Back feature was 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. Theodore’s son, Arley, was the photographer. 

Photo by W.A. Van Epps, late 1800s, Courtesy State Capital Museum collection, Washington State Historical Society, catalog C1943.1006.24

Text © Deborah Ross and The Olympian 2026