Preston, Josephine Corliss House

Location: 1502 Columbia St SW
South Capitol National Historic Neighborhood; Women’s History

Preston House, 1937, Thurston County Assessor, Southwest Regional Archives

Preston House today (2014), photo by Deb Ross

The Josephine Corliss Preston House was erected in 1907, a well-preserved Craftsman style house in the South Capitol Neighborhood, very close to Capitol Campus. The house is associated with Josephine Corliss Preston, the first woman elected to the statewide position of Superintendent of Schools. Preston had nationwide prominence as an advocate for remedial classes and kindergarten. The house’s proximity to Capitol Campus makes it a popular venue for lobbyists during Legislative Session.

Additional resources:

Olympia Heritage inventory

South Capitol National Historic District

Women’s History Walking Tour

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