Let’s return to the Getchell House that was pointed out during our turn-of-the-century walking tour of Second Street last month. It’s on the north side at
Avenue C — 1122 Second Street.
This handsome structure is the last one standing of a time when this street was a residential neighborhood with several family homes, large and larger.
The April 2, 1887, issue of The Eye reported:
“One day this week we were shown the plans of what, when completed will be one of the finest residences in Snohomish — the property of Joe Getchell. The main part will be 24 x 30 feet, two stories high, with a one story addition, 14 x 16. J. S. White, the architect, will commence work upon the building within a few weeks. It will occupy that sightly location on Mr. Getchell’s lots at the corner of C and Second streets.”
Joseph Getchell left his home in Maine as a young man, travelled through the Isthmus of Panama, up to San Francisco, then on to Snohomish, arriving in 1864. Evidently, he did well enough in the logging business to buy several lots around the intersection of Avenue C and Second Street soon after that location was named (and sold) by E. C. Ferguson in his 1871 plat of Snohomish City.
Then: Getchell House, circa 1900
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Published in the Snohomish County Tribune, August 15, 2012.





