Adams in Seattle in King County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)
Olsen Furniture
Ballard Avenue Landmark District
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 29, 2021
1. Olsen Furniture Marker
Tacoma residents James and Welthia Kelsey built this one-story building in 1903 as an investment. They entered into an agreement with Eugene Felt, the owner of the Felt Block next door, to create an internal opening between their two buildings which accommodated additional retail space. A shadow of the original archway is still visible on an interior wall. The ground level exterior initially opened to the street providing open air service for Bruce Armstrong's Dry Goods Store. During the 1930s it was home to the Pioneer Clothing Store. Olsen Furniture took up residence here in the early 1940s.
This historic marker was funded by a generous donation from
The Olsen Family and a grant from the City of Seattle
Erected by Ballard Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Washington, Ballard Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1903.
Location. 47° 40.065′ N, 122° 23.076′ W. Marker is in Seattle, Washington, in King County. It is in Adams. Marker is at the intersection of Ballard Avenue Northwest and 22nd Avenue
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ballard Avenue Historic District / Ballard City Hall Bell (within shouting distance of this marker); The Ballard Avenue Landmark District Historic Marker Project (within shouting distance of this marker); Mural at Bergen Place (within shouting distance of this marker); Eagle Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Fremont Saloon (within shouting distance of this marker); Enquist Block (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); G.B. Sanborn Building (about 400 feet away); Fisher Building (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Seattle.
Also see . . .
1. Summary for 5354 Ballard Ave. Details about the building and its past by the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods. (Submitted on September 10, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
2. 'Olsens' to quit after 73 years. By Rebekah Schilperoort in WestsideSeattle, posted February 13, 2007. (Submitted on September 10, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 29, 2021
2. Olsen Furniture Marker
via NPS, unknown
3. Ballard Avenue Historic District
National Register of Historic Places: Digital Archive on NPGallery
Click for more information.
Click for more information.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 10, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 145 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 10, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 3. submitted on November 9, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.
