Puyallup: A Pioneer Paradise (WA)

by Lori Price and, Ruth Anderson

For many early Americans, native and immigrant, Puyallup was much more than simply a destination in Western Washington, but was a fulfillment of a dream, a vision of prosperity and opportunity. The lush valley region along the Puyallup River provided both beauty and bounty, sustaining countless generations and a variety of cultures, from the early American Indians to the later European explorers and settlers. Within this untamed wilderness, a group of hardy and self-reliant pioneers began the great task of carving a livelihood, and through their extraordinary efforts, created a lasting monument to their courage and determination-the city of Puyallup.

Puyallup: A Pioneer Paradise chronicles the story of the city's evolution from the indigenous tribe that once populated the valley to the post-World War II building boom that attracted thousands of new residents. Readers travel across several centuries of change as the country of the "Generous People," or Puyallup tribe, succumbed to the unyielding waves of new people, such as the colonists of the Hudson's Bay Company, the stalwart Naches Pass Immigrants, and scores of later men and women searching for the promise of land. This unique volume traces the city's varied history, including its once-prominent agricultural traditions in hops, berries, flowers, fruits, vegetables, and Christmas trees, and remembers a host of its colorful characters, citizens like Ezra Meeker and J.P. Stewart, who worked tirelessly to promote Puyallup's development and supplied much of the land and leadership necessary for its growth.

160 pages, Paperback

First published May 22, 2002

Reviews

[Howard Frisk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have lived in Puyallup for many years, and this book was very enlightening for me. It is interesting to see photographs of buildings taken 100 years ago and drive by them today. Just as interesting are buildings that have disappeared without a trace, leaving no sign of their existence.

The book was written in coordination with the Ezra Meeker Historical Society, and the authors had access to many historical photos that have probably never been published before, which should make it the most authoritative book on the history of Puyallup.