Morris House

Location: 110 26th Ave SW
South Capitol Neighborhood National Historic District

Morris House, 1936, Thurston County assessor, Southwest Regional Archives

Morris House today (2015), photo by Deb Ross

This imposing colonial revival home was owned by two unrelated families named Morris. Justice George Morris built the large home, with its impressive landscaping, 1909 to 1918, and served as Chief Justice from 1916 to 1917. Later on, Mel and Irma Morris bought the house. The Morrises owned the most important ladies’ clothing store, M.M. Morris, at the corner of Washington and Fourth, in the Martin Building. The home is in the South Capitol Neighborhood National Historic District. It is inventoried, but not on the local register.

Olympia Heritage inventory

South Capitol Neighborhood National Historic District

Olympia Historical Society & Bigelow House Museum Seeks Applicants for the Roger Easton History Grant
The Olympia Historical Society & Bigelow House Museum will award a $2000 history grant along with a $500 teacher stipend in 2024, provided by funds from long-time Thurston County Teacher Roger Easton. Eligible applicants are K-12 teachers, student teachers, administrators, or classroom professionals in accredited schools in Thurston County. The successful applicant will use grant…
September 18, 2023
Summer Event–August 26, 2023
Join OHS & BHM Board Member Paul Parker for a tour of the Bigelow Neighorhood beginning at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at the Bigelow House. The 45-minute tour involves significant walking. The Bigelow House is also hosting an Equality Day Commemoration on August 26, 2023 beginning at 11:30 am at the Bigelow…
August 24, 2023
Summer Tour Event–August 26, 2023
July 20, 2023

Michael T. Simmons – 9/24/23
Throughout 2023 we’ll be exploring the origins of area place names. Simmons Street, in Olympia, is named for the Simmons family, early settlers in Thurston County. Michael and Elizabeth Kindred Simmons arrived in Thurston County in 1845, as part of the Simmons-Bush Party. Simmons and others had interests in mills on the Deschutes River in…
September 24, 2023
Clarence Martin – 9/17/23
Throughout 2023 we’ll be exploring the origins of area place names. Martin Way was named for Washington State Governor Clarence Martin, pictured here. He served from 1933 to 1941. Governor Martin was on hand when the road was dedicated in 1937; it became an important component of the Washington State segment of the Pacific Coast…
September 17, 2023
Lydia Hawk – 9/10/23
Throughout 2023 we’ll be exploring the origins of area place names. Hawks Prairie is named for early Lacey settlers John and Sarah Hawk and their children. Lydia Hawk Elementary School in Lacey is named for John and Sarah’s daughter, pictured here. Image selected and captioned by Deborah Ross on behalf of the Olympia Historical Society…
September 10, 2023