Ritzville in Adams County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)
E.D. Gilson Building
1904
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, June 12, 2017
1. E.D. Gilson Building Marker
Edgar Dewitt (E.D.) Gilson arrived in Ritzville in 1885. He played an important role in the civic life of the newly founded community, enough to place him among the prominent names listed in Spokane and the Inland Empire . The fire department, post office and a bus company variously used the Gilson Block, which had downstairs offices and an upstairs hall. Many fraternal organizations including the Odd Fellows, Masons and Knights of Pythias have met in the upstairs hall over the years. Built in 1904 with cream colored brick and granite hauled by rail, the most distinctive feature of the faηade is the corner entry bay. The granite column that supports it was imported from Italy. The upstairs lodge room featured tin ceilings and hardwood floors as well as 20th century theatre chairs. However, the roof truss system failed and prior to repair these features were damaged.
Erected by Historic Ritzville Walking Tour. (Marker Number 19.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Communications • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. A significant historical year for this entry is 1904.
Location. 47° 7.554′ N,
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: Adams County Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); Ritzville Public Library 1907 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); N. H. Greene Building (about 400 feet away); H.E. Gritman Building (about 400 feet away); Pioneer State Bank (about 700 feet away); The Ritz Theatre (about 700 feet away).
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, June 12, 2017
2. E.D. Gilson Building
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 8 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.
