The Pacific Northwest Coast has often been called “The Graveyard of the Pacific.” In January 1906 the area claimed the passenger steamer Valencia. This wreck has been called the most tragic maritime disaster in the region’s history. An Olympia street – Valencia Avenue – named to memorialize the ship has since been renamed.
One outstanding area of business activity has been the Wildwood Shopping Center, now known simply as the Wildwood Building, located at the southern edge of Olympia on Capitol Boulevard. Built at the end of the Great Depression, the Wildwood Building marked the explosive growth of the city to the south as suburbia expanded.
At Easter 1972 crowds at the Jacaranda could enjoy a brunch buffet of smoked pork chops and applesauce, fresh homemade pastry, fresh fruit, salads, puddings and juice all for $2.50 ($1.75 for children). Workers decorated the buffet table with holiday-themed ice sculptures, including a giant bunny rabbit. Those who opted for dinner could choose from roast meats and seafood.
At 3:35 p.m. on Saturday, September 8, 1928 janitor William Todd spotted dense smoke billowing from the base of the tower and eaves of the roof of the Old State Capitol in Olympia. He immediately turned in an alarm to the fire department. It was not a moment too soon. Within minutes the entire roof was on fire and the building’s landmark tower was a pillar of flame.