Porak/Lee House

Location: 2508 Washington St SE
Local register, South Capitol National Historic Neighborhood

Porak/Lee House 1939, Thurston County Assessor, Washington State Archives

Porak/Lee House today (2014), Photograph courtesy of Deb Ross

Built in 1927, the Porak/Lee House is very similar to many homes built by Tumwater Lumber Mills in this South Capitol Neighborhood, although its exact model has not been located in any of TLM catalogs. It is an attractive bungalow style and is on the local register, as well as located in the South Capitol National Historic Neighborhood. Henry George Porak was an engineer for the state and the city of Olympia.

Links to more information:

Olympia heritage inventory

South Capitol National Historic District

Legislative Building repair – William Conser – 6/8/25
Looking Back’s theme for 2025 features Thurston County area photographers, artists, and their subjects. William B. Conser was a photographer for the Olympian who captured many events and people, including an historic series that documented the destruction caused by the 1949 earthquake. Shown here is the elaborate scaffolding and tramway erected to repair the lantern…
June 8, 2025
William Conser – 6/1/25
Looking Back’s theme for 2025 features Thurston County area photographers, artists, and their subjects. The 1935 Olympia High School yearbook notes that William P. Conser, pictured here, was involved with journalism as early as high school. He became a photographer for the Olympian and captured many events and people, including an historic series that documented…
June 1, 2025
State Patrol by Merle Junk – 5/25/25
Looking Back’s theme for 2025 features Thurston County area photographers, artists, and their subjects. Merle Junk, a product of the Olympia school system, turned to photography early in his life. He was prolific and well-respected. He captured images of legislators, local events, and places, often for promotional purposes. This image from 1950, possibly a promotional…
May 25, 2025