Throughout 2023 the Sunday Olympian’s Looking Back theme was origins of area place names. Woodruff Park is named for Samuel Woodruff. Woodruff was an early real estate developer. He platted much of West Olympia. He set aside land for the park that bears his name. He was also a talented amateur actor and musician and is pictured here in an elaborate theatrical costume.
Photograph around 1880, Courtesy State Capital Museum collection, Washington State Historical Society, catalog C1943.158.10
Text © Deborah Ross and The Olympian 2023