The First Washington Legislature: A Pioneer's Memory

In his quiet library at his residence on Front Street a few evenings ago, Mr. Denny, the gray-haired pioneer, related to a representative many reminiscences of the first legislature of Washington, of which he was a member. In the room hung a picture of Mr. Denny’s first cabin, the first building erected in that vicinity. Just below, in striking contrast, was a picture of the recent Denny hotel, which, with the lot, is worth $1,000,000. The cabin cost $10. Both his residence and hotel are located on the original land claim on which he settled 38 years ago.

Mr. Denny recounted how that first body met at Olympia February 27, 1854, in accordance with a proclamation by the early governor, Isaac I. Stevens. Olympia then had only 200 or 300 people and was the greatest place north of Portland. The entire body, with two exceptions, was made up from the west side of the Cascade mountains. The whole east side was represented by the two aforesaid, Seth Catlin and Bradford, who lived at the Cascades, or Wishram. Nearly the entire legislature journeyed to and from Olympia in boats, and it took two good men tugging at the oars to get from Seattle.

There were twenty-seven members of this historical body, nine in the council and eighteen in the house. They came from almost every walk and calling in life, and their dress was typical of those early days. Some wore caps made of fur, while others had garments of skins betokening the period in which they lived. Albeit there was a noticeable strong individuality, they had clear-cut notions of what was needed and they acted up to their ideas, with little circumlocution. The pioneer lawmakers met in the two upper rooms of a small two-story frame building on Main Street in Olympia. It is now a tumbledown affair, occupied by the Gold Bar restaurant. The first session took up ninety days.

Among other things recommended by the governor was the planting of grass seed on Naches Pass. The message called attention to the fact that there was no feed there for the horses and cattle of travelers. In the consideration of this part of the message, Councilman Seth Catlin, who was noted for his directness and wit, said: 'I do not think the governor’s recommendation apropos. Wise as we are, we can’t make grass grow where God Almighty can’t.' The fact was the ground about the pass was absolutely barren, and Catlin’s speech shut off further consideration, amidst roars of laughter.