A Record-Breaking Excursion to the Capital
A crowded steamer makes a record run from Seattle to Olympia, straining the capital's housing capacity.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
The steamer Bailey Gatzert arrived from Seattle today with nearly 300 Seattle visitors on board. The run from Seattle to Olympia was the shortest on record, actual running time being about three hours and twenty-five minutes. The Gatzert left the wharf at Seattle at 9:12 a. m., and when opposite Milton Point was forced to stop about fifteen minutes to fix the steering apparatus. The run was a very pleasant one, and all on board were delighted with the Bailey Gatzert, and the kindness of her owner, John Leary. Upon arrival here there was a lively hunt for quarters for the night. The hotels were already crowded and all the visitors had a lively time securing accommodations. Citizens of Olympia threw open their houses, and many got quarters at St. Peter's Hospital. In various ways all the visitors were provided for, though accommodations, public and private, were very severely taxed.
“Upon arrival here there was a lively hunt for quarters for the night. The hotels were already crowded.”
This scene mirrors the perpetual housing and lodging crunch in state capitals during legislative sessions. The Bailey Gatzert, a famous Puget Sound steamer, is a celebrated piece of maritime history that reminds us how crucial water transit was before modern highways.
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