Pekin Cafe, on the east side of Capitol Way between State and Fourth, circa 1920. Opened in 1915 under the name Hong Yick Restaurant, the Pekin Cafe was operated by Lock Hoy, who came to the United States in 1890 at age 15. ~Esterly photograph; Susan Parish Collection.

Chinese railroad section hands at the Tenino Northern Pacific Railroad depot, early 1880s. ~Photo courtesy of Art Dwelley.

Sylvester Park. In 1901, the City of Olympia deeded the park to the state, a natural gesture since the park so well complemented the beautiful Old Capitol. Two presidents spoke to crowds in this park -- William Taft and Franklin Roosevelt. ~The Olympian archives.

Swiss Chalet, Priest Point park. ~Private postcard collection

published by Fred W. Convery; the Naismith family.

A Place of Hope opened its doors on December 5, 1987. This photo marks the dedication and blessing of Sunshine House. The ribbon-cutting ceremony incudes partners from the Altrusa Club of Olympia and St. Peter Hospital. An idea grew beyond the 35 member professional service club to become a wonderful gift. Sunshine House is a "home away from home" for families of critically ill patients and for patients receiving prolonged cancer treatments. Left to right are Marian Seeley, Nancy Piper, David L. Bjornson and Sister Barbara Schamber. ~Courtesy of Providence St. Peter Hospital, Sunshine House.

Northern Pacific Depot and Providence Academy (on left).

Our Culture; Continued

Railroads

Railroads

In the early 1870s, construction of the Northern Pacific Railroad in western Washington brought an influx of Chinese laborers to Olympia. Local residents fully expected Olympia to be the terminus on Puget Sound. When Olympia was by-passed by the Northern Pacific in favor of Tacoma, Olympia residents formed the Thurston County Railroad Construction Co. and began building their own main tracks at Tenino. Initially manned by volunteer effort, work soon slowed and a Chinese labor contractor, Jimmia, was hired by the TCRCC to complete the project. Jimmia recruited 40 laborers for the task. They graded the right of way by hand.

Completed in 1878, the little railroad is considered to have saved Olympia from economic oblivion.

Restaurants

Restaurants were one of many pioneer business opportunities for Chinese immigrants. With Olympia's waterfront mills operating three shifts a day, there was a high demand for eating and drinking places. The Chinese were the area's first market gardeners, selling fresh produce.

Refinement

In "Life At Puget Sound," author Caroline E. Leighton aptly described the city and its people when she wrote: "Olympia resembles a New England village, with flower gardens and maples shading the streets. It has an excellent class of people . . . and the evidence of taste and culture, which are continuously seen, are one of the pleasant features of this new land."

Another example of refinement was reported in the newspaper on August 3, 1892: "LAWN TEA -- Mrs. A. H. Chambers gave a leap year party last evening on the lawn surrounding her home. The grounds were lighted with Chinese lanterns and a bonfire. Music boxes concealed in flowery recesses filled the air with sweet sounds. Tea and cake were served on the lawn. The party was conducted strictly on leap year principles and the gentlemen were entirely dependent upon the will and pleasure of the ladies."

No other one person did so much to preserve the beauty of Priest Point Park as Leopold Schmidt. He loved the park and had a Swiss chalet placed on the highest point to crown the park's waterfront.

Today, we also enjoy many parks set aside for our enjoyment, plus numerous active clubs, churches and organizations. Their purpose and activities are varied enough to interest any resident. Whether people are interested in hobbies, crafts, cultural development, sports, the arts, philanthropic projects, patriotic events, or things that revolve aroundfraternal, theology or scholastic endeavors -- Olympia has something for everyone.

The city's culture has been diverse and active from the beginning, and Olympia has maintained a strong infrastructure by incorporating old with new in the development of parks, residences and business districts. The Growth Management Act and preservation efforts help to ensure that the quality of life continues.

Our culture has become a beautiful tapestry of complex concepts, handmade with the hard work of caring people who came to Olympia to make a difference and realize their dreams through their involvement and acceptance of one another.

Olympia's peaceful scenic environment continues to attract newcomers who seek a safe, tranquil place to live and raise a family.

The Olympian Copyright 2000

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