McCleary-Robinson House

Location: 101 Sherman St. NW
Local register

McCleary-Robinson House 1939, Thurston County Assessor, Southwest Regional Archives

McCleary-Robinson House today (2013), photograph by Deb Ross

This large home, overlooking the mouth of the Deschutes Estuary and the bridges to downtown Olympia, was built in 1916 by Charles McCleary, son of lumber magnate Henry McCleary (see McCleary Mansion). It was later occupied for many years by Supreme Court Justice John S. Robinson. Having fallen into disrepair for several years, it has recently been restored to highlight its original Craftsman style features. The home is on the local register.

Olympia Heritage inventory

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 PayPal from the homepage by clicking on The Society & Museum tab and then…
December 1, 2022
Water, Woods, & Prairies, Perfect for Holiday Gift Giving
Looking for the perfect gift for family, friends, or…yourself? The popular history book Thurston County: Water, Woods & Prairies will delight anyone on your shopping list. Reprinted earlier this year with a new introduction, dedication, and updated text, a limited number of copies are still available to purchase by mail order from the Olympia Historical…
November 3, 2022

Columbia Hotel – 11/27/22
The Columbia Hotel was built in the mid 1800s by early Olympia settler John Clark, at what is now 114 Columbia St. NW. At the time, it was on waterfront and popular with politicians, lobbyists, and travelers. The hotel was acquired by George Carlton and renamed the Carlton Hotel; later rebuilt and enlarged. The hotel…
November 27, 2022
Motorcycle Officer Koepke – 11/20/22
Fred Koepke was appointed Olympia’s motorcycle police officer in 1912. He was chosen in part for his familiarity with motorcycles and their repair. He’s pictured here in front of the Masonic Hall on Main Street (Capitol Way). His motorcycle was a Yale 7 HP (horsepower). Image selected and captioned by Deborah Ross on behalf of…
November 20, 2022
Olympia Motorcycle Club – 11/13/22
The Olympia Motorcycle Club was formed in the early twentieth century as motorcycling took off as a popular activity for men and women alike. The group hosted races, outings, and social occasions such as dances. In this photograph, women are seated sidesaddle at the rear of the cycle while the cycles’ male drivers stand beside…
November 13, 2022