Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – "Tales Of Pacific Powerland (392) City That Moved"

Episode Details:

• Title: City That Moved
• Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Release Date: May 25, 2025

Introduction

In the captivating episode titled "City That Moved," Nelson Olmsted takes listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio to recount the extraordinary story of Yakima City’s relocation in the late 19th century. Through vivid storytelling, Olmsted navigates the complexities of community division, economic pressures, and the sheer determination that led an entire town to physically move its existence.

Setting the Stage: Yakima City in 1884

The story unfolds in 1884 in the Central Yakima Valley, Washington, where Yakima City, a modest community of 400 residents, faces a pivotal crossroads. The announcement by a Northern Pacific Railway official that the railroad terminal would be situated four miles north of Yakima City ignites a fierce debate among the townspeople.

“We built ourselves a good town here at Yakima City, and I ain't about to move no matter where they put the railroad tracks. Now, now, there's no need to get all riled up...”
— Nelson Olmsted [00:40]

The Great Divide: New Town vs. Old Town

The community rapidly bifurcates into two factions:

• Old Town Backers: Determined to keep Yakima City in its original location, offering the railroad $1 million worth of property to abandon the relocation.

  “We're prepared to offer the railroad people $1 million worth of property if they will give up this hare brained scheme and stay in Yakima City where they belong.”
  — Nelson Olmsted [00:40]

• New Town Advocates: Embracing progress, they argue that relocating will spur economic growth and future prosperity.

  “If they're willing to gamble all that money to move the whole town, I'll gamble with them.”
  — Nelson Olmsted [00:40]

Despite the impassioned pleas from the Old Town supporters, the momentum favors the New Town proponents, leading to the gradual acceptance that moving forward is inevitable.

The Move: Logistics and Community Effort

By the end of 1884, construction crews commence laying tracks bypassing Old Town, solidifying the path to the new terminal in North Yakima, later named Newtown. The relocation process is a monumental task, involving:

• Over 60 buildings transported, including homes, stables, saloons, retail stores, a bank, and a church.
• Iconic structures like the Guyland House and the Great Square Hotel undergo the extraordinary journey on rollers, often hoisted by mule or horse teams.

“The J.C. Farrell home left Old Town at two in the afternoon and was deposited on its new site at five.”
— Nelson Olmsted [00:40]

Notably, the Great Square Hotel took a full month to complete its journey, during which proprietor David Guyland maintained normal operations, serving meals and welcoming guests as if the relocation was merely a temporary inconvenience.

Establishing North Yakima: A New Beginning

Within a year, North Yakima blossoms from a sagebrush wasteland into a thriving community of 1,200 residents. The successful establishment of the railroad terminal ensures regular train schedules, vital for the town's economic vitality.

“Within a year, the sagebrush wasteland had become a thriving community of 1200 persons.”
— Nelson Olmsted [00:40]

Aftermath and Legacy

The move's success is cemented in 1918 when the new town is officially named Yakima, while the original settlement is designated Union Gap. Reflecting on the relocation, an old-timer remarks:

“After the big move in '85, seems like the whole valley just kept on growing and growing. Why, Union Gap's got a population five times what it was then. And it's just like living in the same town. After all.”
— Nelson Olmsted [04:00]

This sentiment underscores the long-term prosperity and growth spurred by the move, highlighting how a bold decision can transform a community’s destiny.

Conclusion

"City That Moved" meticulously chronicles a remarkable chapter in Yakima’s history, illustrating the interplay between tradition and progress. Through Nelson Olmsted's engaging narrative, listeners gain insight into the challenges and triumphs of relocating an entire city—a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its people.

Notable Quotes:

• Nelson Olmsted [00:40]: “We built ourselves a good town here at Yakima City, and I ain't about to move no matter where they put the railroad tracks. Now, now, there's no need to get all riled up...”
• Nelson Olmsted [00:40]: “If they're willing to gamble all that money to move the whole town, I'll gamble with them.”
• Nelson Olmsted [00:40]: “The J.C. Farrell home left Old Town at two in the afternoon and was deposited on its new site at five.”
• Nelson Olmsted [00:40]: “Within a year, the sagebrush wasteland had become a thriving community of 1200 persons.”
• Nelson Olmsted [04:00]: “After the big move in '85, seems like the whole valley just kept on growing and growing. Why, Union Gap's got a population five times what it was then. And it's just like living in the same town. After all.”

This episode serves as a fascinating exploration of a unique historical event, bringing to life the spirit of community and innovation that defined the era. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply curious about the past, "City That Moved" offers a compelling narrative that resonates with the timeless themes of change and resilience.