Paving Downtown in 1908

As bicycles and automobiles grew in popularity in the late 19^th and early 20^th century, the muddy streets of Olympia presented a significant navigation challenge. In 1908, the city agreed to pave its downtown streets. The project consumed the following spring and summer. Here we see workers paving Fourth Avenue. The buildings in the background are the Mottman Building and the Chambers Block at Fourth and Capitol, still in existence. 

unknown photographer, 1909, Courtesy State Capital Museum Collection, Washington State Historical Society, catalog C1949.1242.7

Text © Deborah Ross and The Olympian 2022