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Maple Valley Fun Facts

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Managing Real Estate Broker with NextHome Experience 17050
Olson Mansion Maple Valley Wa

How the School District Got it's Name:

In 1926 at the 3 story brick School (now serves as Tahoma Middle School), the Students took the first two letters of the surrounding communities of Taylor Creek, Hobart, and Maple Valley

 

Who's Got Mail?

The first post "office" was opened on May 22, 1882 in Arthur, which was about 1.5 miles North of where Maple Valley is today. Charles Russell was the postmaster. His "office" was in his home.   

 

Seattle's Vacation Playground

Lake Wilderness, which had been one of the largest lumber Mills in King County became a resort community in the 1920's. Tom and Kane Gaffney began developing the resort in 1925 complete with a roller rink, ballroom and restaurant. The hot spot continued to grow, adding a bowling alley, rental cabins and a 9 hole golf course. This was one of the most popular destinations in King County, operating independently until 1964 when the it was purchased by the County and turned into a park.

 

Early Businesses:

"Old Town" Maple Valley, which still exists today, looked very different in the early 1900's. There was a train stop at Maxwell Road, across from the RE/MAX and Shell Station and "rumor has it" there was a certain type of hotel establishment....(ok, it was a Brothel) open for business.

There was also a General Store at the end of 216th, by the river, two saloons and a barber shop.

 

The Olson Mansion:

Now known as "The Links at Taylor Creek", most of Maple Valley still refers to this beautiful home and property as "The Olson Mansion". The property was purchased in 1898 by Olof and Mathilda Olson. Olof was a contractor with the railroads. He specialized in tunnel construction. The famous "barrel vault" barn which was built in 1909 still stands today and has been converted for use as reception facilities.

The Maple Valley Historical Society has posted some fun photos if you're interested in viewing them.

 If anyone has other fun facts to add, I'd love hearing them!

 

Colleen "Fish" Fischesser

www.ColleenFish.com   www.MapleValleyRealEstate.com

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Thanks for reading!

 

 

 


 

 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Colleen Fischesser REMAX

 Serving the beautiful Pacific Northwest Since 1990!

 

Colleen M. Fischesser, Managing Broker

RE/MAX Advantage, L.C.

Serving Seattle and the Chelan Valley

206-491-3819  (Cell/Text Seattle)

509-699-1611 (Cell/Text Chelan)

 

 www.ColleenFish.com

www.ChelanPropertyShop.com

www.NWPropertyShop.com 

 ___________________________________________________________________________________________

This is a personal blog based on my opinion and experience in the real estate industry. All content is provided for informational purposes and should not be construed as legal, financial or tax advice. Laws, industry practice standards and procedures vary by state. Readers are advised to contact appropriate third parties for professional advice when needed. Any questions please let me know!

 

Comments (1)

Anonymous
Ken

Hiya Colleen!

Was just writing to let you know a little something more of Olof Olson, He did work for the railroads but he also made the start of his millions in the cattle dairy buisness, Then  to the railroads and after or real close to 1919  his brother  Gunner T. Olson of Happy Valley had convinced Olof to go into the Lumber buisness here in Happy Valley which they started Olson Brothers Logging that ran between 1920 to 1930, He built a house in Happy Valley that is basically a "Mini Mansion" of the  Olson Mansion in Maple Valley, It boasts ALOT of the same woodwork and floors right down to the ceramic light fixtures and hardware! I know this because Im living in his house, hence all the reseach lol, I have found where both him and his brothers family are buried but Mathilda isnt there,,, Any idea's where Olof's wife Mathilda is laid to rest?
Thank You

Kenn

 

May 04, 2009 11:02 AM
#2