Music Studio

Location: 1513 Columbia St SW
Local register; South Capitol National Historic Neighborhood

Music Studio, 1939, Thurston County Assessor, Southwest Regional Archives

Music Studio today (2013), photo by Marisa Merkel

An early and excellent example of the Craftsman style bungalow typical of the South Capitol neighborhood, the Music Studio was built around 1914. It received its name from the Torlakson family that operated a music studio at this address for a number of years in the 1930s. The open timber framework over the door is particularly characteristic of this style. The home has been nicely restored, is on the local register and located in the South Capitol National Historic Neighborhood.

Olympia Heritage inventory

South Capitol Neighborhood National Historic District

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