Issaquah Odd Fellows Hall: 58 Front Street N. See
Map
This is the oldest remaining commercial structure in Issaquah, having been
constructed in 1888 by The Gilman Lodge # 69, of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows.
In addition to serving as lodge and community meeting hall, it has housed
many different businesses ranging from grocery to antique stores and served as
an entertainment center showing movies, hosting dances and other entertainment
forms.
From the 1998 "Issaquah Historic Property Inventory":
History
The Issaquah Odd Fellows organization was in existence before its charter was
formally drawn up. This was accomplished in 1888, and the lodge building was
constructed.
Mr. Andy Reynolds, Superintendent of Grand Ridge Coal Mine, and Mr. W.W.
Sylvester, President of the Issaquah State Bank, were members, as were most of
the businessmen in Issaquah. The Odd Fellows Hall was an important addition to
the town in the early days because it provided a central meeting place between
the North and South regions.
In the book, Past at Present, Edward Fish describes the spirit of the
community gatherings:
"The large affairs held at the
Odd Fellows Hall are recalled by many old-timers who danced all night
there..."
The first moving picture shows in Issaquah were shown at the hall. Mrs.
Arabella Francis Wilson played the piano for the silent films and her daughter
Minnie (Mrs. J.H. Schomber) sang the songs illustrated on slides during
intermission. The Moving Picture Show
contracted for the regular use of the Hall to have Saturday afternoon 5 and 10
cent matinees & double features at 8p.m. at regular price.
Around 1904, the ground floor to the Hall was rented out as a grocery store
and served that purpose with several different owners.
Recent Chronology
As of 1999 - there are still local members of the International Order of Odd
Fellows, but they no longer own or use this building. The lower story is used as
an antique store, and the upstairs serves as the surprisingly modern
headquarters of Vialight Corporation.
As of April 2000 - The Odd Fellow group in Issaquah has officially disbanded,
and the Vialight Corporation has moved on to larger quarters.
As of August 2000 - The building has sold and is now undergoing
restoration. Among other enhancements, it has received a new roof, new
backing has been installed on the false front, and the original recessed front
entry way is being recreated.
Home-made musical recreation was popular and successful in our town, judging
from the size and snappy uniforms of the Gilman Cornet Band in this 1900
photograph. The lower floor of the Odd Fellows' Hall at the rear was used for
concerts by groups such as this, and for plays and dances.
From The Past At Present In Issaquah, Washington, Edwards
R. Fish, 1967
Issaquah Historical Society Photo 91007076
Building Description
Odd Fellows Hall is a uniquely intact example of an early pioneer wood frame
commercial structure in Issaquah's original downtown. It is a 2 story
rectangular form with a medium pitched front gable roof and a western tiered
false front at the street. The front (west) and north walls are horizontal flat
plank siding. The tiered parapet is decorated with 12 scrolled brackets and a
wide cornice and frieze. The letters "I O O F" (for International
Order of Odd Fellows) with a three link chain appear in wood relief on the top
tier of the false front. The tall narrow windows have been sympathetically
replaced with 1-over-1 double hung aluminum frame windows. A marquee, not
original, is suspended over the storefront which has a pair of French doors
centered and plate glass display windows to each side.
Looking Back: The International Order of
Odd Fellows Hall
By Erica Maniez, Museum Director
Past Times, Volume 1, Issue 1
The Issaquah Odd
Fellows Hall was constructed in 1888, and still stands at 58 Front Street.
An important addition to the Town of Gilman, the Odd Fellows Hall served as
a central meeting place between the north and south regions. The Hall played
a vital role in the social life of early Issaquah inhabitants, providing a
location for plays and dances. The first moving picture shows in Issaquah
were shown at the Hall.
Beginning around
1904, the ground floor to the Hall was rented out as a grocery store and
served that purpose for several different owners. The building was nearly
destroyed by an arson attempt in 1908, and later by a severe windstorm in
the 1930’s.
Gilman Cornet Band, in front of the IOOF Building, c.
1900. IHS catalog number 91.007.076. [ From The Past At Present In Issaquah,
Washington, Edwards R. Fish, 1967 ]
The International Order of Odd Fellows
held meetings in the building into the 1960’s.
The lower story has recently
housed an antique store, while the upstairs serves as the surprisingly
modern headquarters of the Vialight Corporation.
“Looking Back” will be a regular feature of Past
Times highlighting aspects of Issaquah's history. Contributions and
suggestions are welcome! Call 425/392-3500.
Bibliographic References
Issaquah Historical Society files. King County historic survey completed by
Kay Bullis, 1977. King County Tax Assessors records.
