In 1909, the Enumclaw Commercial Club published a pamphlet to entice potential residents and inform them of the wonderful community it was becoming. The pamphlet included may pictures of buildings, homes and farms that the very young Enumclaw was proud to share with the world.
Among these first buildings were the local Catholic and Lutheran churches. Both of these buildings still stand today, at least in part, remaining a vital community resource. The architecture is noticeably similar if not exactly the same in the photos from 1909 and 2011.
The pamphlet tells of varied industry including farming, mining, logging and town commerce. There are several photos of homes owned by prominent families, proving that prosperity was here for the taking. Even 102 years ago, the view of the great Mt. Rainier was a bragging point for the community.
Interestingly, very similar selling points are used today by the City of Enumclaw and the Chamber of Commerce. But rather than pamphlets, the pictures of prosperity and promises of opportunity are presented online in a website format. It just goes to show that although it may seem like cities grow and change very rapidly, the intangible feel and benefits of a place remains much the same over time.
If you are interested in reading this piece of history, it can be found in the Northwest section of the , republished as a book called The Only Enumclaw is in the State of Washington. I certainly recommend it for all of the local history buffs. If you happen to live in a home that was built prior to its original publication, chances are your home is featured!
