The Road That Would Remake the Des Chutes Shore

The main question which is agitating Tumwater now is the construction of a new road to Olympia, along the east side of the Des Chutes channel. This is conceded to be the only practical route to bring the two places in closer contact. The old county road is in a forlorn condition, and will cost a large sum to repair it. In addition to this, the heavy grade makes it a hardship for teams. The road around by the Fair grounds is in a better condition, but is nearly as long again, while the grades are heavy, too.

The construction of the beach road would make a direct line from the main street of Tumwater to the business section of Olympia. It would facilitate traffic, increase trade, and enhance property. The idea is to build a new bridge from Reserve street, at Tumwater, striking the beach on a perfect grade and following it around Capitol point to the Northern Pacific terminal grounds. In doing this, it would open up vast tracts of property that are now almost inaccessible and would be the cause of erecting many homes along the line. The road would be about 6300 feet in length, passing through the property of A. H. Chambers, George G. Messegee, the Olympia Land Company, Judge Wingard, of Walla Walla, Miss May Sylvester, Mrs. Slater and others. Of the 6300 feet, Mr. Chambers owns one-fifth. He stated this morning that he would gladly have the road pass through his property, and would bear the expense proportionately with the other owners. “The road is bound to be built sooner or later,” he said, “and property owners will be fully compensated in the enhancement of values.”