The Dalles in Wasco County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)

Wingate & Williams Building

By Barry Swackhamer, July 2, 2017

1. Wingate & Williams Building Marker

Inscription. Common names for this building include “The Williams 1870 Building” and “The DesRochers Building.” The two-story rectangular brick building received extensive remodeling in 1938, covering or removing the earlier building fabric. The Wingate & Williams store has been a major retail outlet in the commercial center of The Dalles for over 100 years. Founded by Edward Wingate in 1869, the store sold hardware and general merchandise, furnishing supplies for the gold rush as far as Idaho. Griffith Williams joined as a partner in about 1872. After the deaths of both partners, Anna M. Williams formed the Walther-Williams Hardware Company in 1901. The firm offered hardware, wagons and farm machinery, and later became one of the earliest automobile dealerships in Oregon. Idaho Department Stores purchased the retail business in 1956 and operated until 1972. From 1972 and 1984 the “Williams 1870 Store” served The Dalles from this location. Angle DesRochers purchased the building in 1990, relocating her Hampton Furniture business here.

Erected by City of The Dalles.

Location. 45° 36.058′ N, 121° 10.888′ W. Marker is in The Dalles, Oregon, in Wasco County. Marker is on East 2nd Street

Wingate & Williams Building and Marker image. Click for full size.

By Barry Swackhamer, July 2, 2017

2. Wingate & Williams Building and Marker

The marker is at the right end of the building beside the clock.

(U.S. 30) near Washington Street, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 302 East 2nd Street, The Dalles OR 97058, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Maier Building (a few steps from this marker); Nickelsen Bookstore (within shouting distance of this marker); French and Company Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); The Pioneer Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Decision at The Dalles (within shouting distance of this marker); Seeing Red (within shouting distance of this marker); Granada Theater (within shouting distance of this marker); Rock Fort Camp (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in The Dalles.

Categories. • Industry & Commerce •

Credits. This page was last revised on January 9, 2018. This page originally submitted on January 9, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of San Jose, California. This page has been viewed 78 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 9, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of San Jose, California.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. A close-up view of the marker. • Can you help?