Ritzville in Adams County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)
H.E. Gritman Building
1902
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, June 12, 2017
1. H.E. Gritman Building Marker
This two-story brick building was featured in The Coast Magazine , January 1908, because of its distinguishing corner turret designed in Victorian Gothic style. The rounded turret is the only one of its kind in the county and is faced in decorative sheet metal simulating quarry faced stone and brick. Brackets support the conical room, which also faced in sheet metal laid to resemble tiles. The upstairs interior features the original windows, wainscoting and other wood trim. Harry (H.E.) Gritman was very active in business and civic affairs in Ritzville. He rented some of the space in this building to various businesses including Kentucky Wine & Liquor store, a salon and a basement bowling alley in 1905. It has housed a variety of offices for dentists and lawyers. In the 1960's the downstairs was divided and the H.E. Gritman senior center was established.
Erected by Historic Ritzville Walking Tour. (Marker Number 7.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1902.
Location. 47° 7.624′ N, 118° 22.847′ W. Marker
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Washington’s Columbia Basin, in the Palouse, and in Greater Spokane. It is also in the American Mountain West and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, the Pacific Rim, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: N. H. Greene Building (a few steps from this marker); Pioneer State Bank (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Ritz Theatre (about 300 feet away); Adams County Bank (about 400 feet away); Ritzville Public Library 1907 (about 400 feet away); E.D. Gilson Building (about 400 feet away).
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, June 12, 2017
2. H.E. Gritman Building
Marker is on the wall to the right of the green garbage can
Credits. This page was last revised on June 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 17, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 17, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
