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Getting to Know the Rich History of Downtown Issaquah
By Krysten Carrera
The moment you enter Downtown Issaquah, you get a sense of something bigger than yourself. The land beneath our feet has hosted centuries of stories captured in our historic murals, thriving cultural center, and preserved buildings that continue to host local businesses like Fischer Meats – in operation for over 100 years.
Each year in May, we recognize National Historic Preservation Month. In light of this observance, Downtown Issaquah Association board member Krysten Carrera caught up with Issaquah History Museums new Executive Director Paul Winterstein to discuss Downtown Issaquah’s fascinating past and what’s next for our community’s preservation efforts. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
Krysten: Downtown Issaquah has such an amazing story. Where should we begin?
Paul: Yes, our downtown does have an amazing history. We should start with the simple fact that we have a true “downtown” that is alive and connected to its history. The Issaquah valley exudes a sense of place. You can draw a straight line from the arrival of the indigenous peoples and later the European settlers, and the farmers, miners, loggers, rail line operators, and merchants who came later, plus the hatchery, and the arts and theater and everyday citizens who arrive at today’s fun and historic downtown with stories longer than the creek and higher than the Issaquah Alps. But for me it always starts with the natural setting. Everyone who came was moved by the beauty and abundance, and dreams of a good life. Though for many it’s easy to see only the wonder and possibilities, the true arc of Issaquah’s history has many realities of a place less friendly and even hostile. Our goals at Issaquah History Museums are to discover our past and future history, preserve it for current and future generations, and ensure it’s always accessible to anyone seeking to learn from it.
Krysten: What kind of industry did we see in the 1800s and into the twentieth century?
Paul: Believe it or not, growing hops for brewing beer was the first significant industry in the Issaquah valley. But a blight ended the reign of the hops, and they were replaced by coal mining and later logging as dominant industries, both of which only became viable after rail service arrived in 1888. Vestiges of these industries can be found all around us today if you know where to look, and Issaquah History Museums is here to help.
Krysten: How can someone learn more about our history?
Paul: As the formal Issaquah historian (though certainly not the only keeper of history), the Issaquah History Museum operates two museums and a research center, plus an online catalog of roughly 40,000 historic items. And this summer, after a hiatus during the pandemic, we’ll restart some of our in-person events where people can experience history in small groups. I am most excited about restarting the ever-popular Historic Pub Crawl.
Krysten: That sounds like so much fun!
Paul: It really is! This history lesson involves small groups of couples, friends, and even families visiting downtown eateries and taverns, where in addition to learning historical facts, they sample foods and drinks from our hosts. Everyone always looks like they’re having a great time while experiencing the places where history unfolded.
Krysten: What else can we look forward to in the near future?
Paul: Right now, our Gilman Town Hall Museum is closed due to renovations. But as soon as the timing for completing that work becomes clear, we hope to announce the museum's reopening with an all-new and interesting exhibit! Until then, our Depot Museum at the historic train depot is open on weekends with an exhibit highlighting the Issaquah History Museum’s 50-year anniversary. Near the Depot is our Issaquah Valley Trolley, which hasn’t left its storage barn since the time of COVID. The trolley’s future is uncertain, but we’re taking a look at the feasibility of running it again.
Krysten: In your experience, what tends to surprise people about the history of Downtown Issaquah?
Paul: Earlier I mentioned hop growing as our first major industry. However, the story of its demise here due to a blight is not the end, but actually the beginning of a journey. To save the hops crop, a few enterprising folks transported it from our valley to eastern Washington where it thrived in sunshine and river valleys. From there, hops cultivation spread throughout the nation. In short, it’s not a stretch to say that the beer we drink today – and much of the beer industry in America – owes its start to the hops of the Issaquah valley!
Krysten: Any closing thoughts about the history of Downtown Issaquah?
Paul: Downtown Issaquah’s history continues to be made today. Perhaps it's a young musician laying down their first chords, or a theater performer in their first act, or a scientist, athlete, or entrepreneur who is breaking new ground that will leave a worthy mark on our vibrant community and throughout the world. And when these stories unfold, the Issaquah History Museum will be here to capture them for current and future generations.
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