The Columbia Hall (left) was the first building on this site. Serving proudly as Olympia's Town Hall from 1869 to 1912, it was the grandest building in the Washington Territory and far superior to the Territorial Capitol. The ground floor rooms were occupied by the Fire Dept., City offices, and City Council Chambers. The second floor was used as a ballroom, theater, opera house, and a home for many political rallies that led up to Washington's Statehood in 1889 and the Women's Suffrage Movement. Along with mass political meetings that pushed for early civic improvements, such as a main railroad line, and brick streets, other events inc.; a large community reception, ball and statehood party in 1889; a visit from the Chicago Comedy Co. in 1890, and oratories by William Jenning Bryan. Although the significance of the name Columbia comes from the mighty river that divided the expansive Oregon and Washington Territories, the building was named for a beautiful hand-pumper fire truck from New York called the Columbia, and the Columbia Fire Engine Company that owned her. Olympia created Washington's first fire dept. and she was its pride and joy. The building burned completely in 1914.

The present, Columbia Building (right) was built in 1914 by Fred Stocking and P.M. Troy, two prominent Olympia businessmen. The building's second floor speaks in classical terms with its terra cotta white facing and decorative rosettes under the cornice. The first floor has been altered somewhat on the south facade but the original clerestory windows and their configurations are still visible on the east side of the building. A terra cotta hood covers the main entry inscribed with "Columbia Hall". The Olympia Bakery was a tenant here for many years before the historic Columbia Building became home to the famous 4th Ave Tav.

photos and text @1994 The Susan Parish Collection