Frank S. Matsura photo courtesy of Okanogan County Historical Society
Photo by Doug Camp
Okanogan's business district in around 1906 or 1907 included several wooden structures and (left) the Okanogan Presbyterian Church. The same area now includes the courthouse complex and (far right, foreground) the new addition to Okanogan Middle School.
Fountain
Then
Now
Frank S. Matsura photo courtesy of Okanogan County Historical Society
Chronicle photo by Dee Camp
Town fountain/watering trough sprays water. The fountain now sits at the Okanogan County Historical Society's Okanogan museum in Legion Park on Elmway. The same street, with library at left, now leads to a dead end where the Pine Street bridge once stood.
High bridge
Then
Now
Frank S. Matsura photo courtesy of Okanogan County Historical Society
Chronicle photo by Dee Camp
The Okanogan "high" steel bridge (left) is under construction in a photograph taken Nov. 21, 1909. The bridge, at the foot of Tyee Street, was used until 1920 and was tall enough to handle the smokestack and hog posts of The Okanogan, the largest steamer then serving the area. East bank supports still stick out of high water flowing down the river (right) May 22, 2007. Several years ago the city built an observation platform on the remaining west bank supports.
Historic riverfront
Then
Now
Frank S. Matsura photo courtesy of Okanogan County Historical Society
Chronicle photo by Dee Camp
Okanogan's historic riverfront shows two steamboats docked around the present-day Pine Street and Queen Street locations, and the Bureau Hotel under construction in the background. The same area now is covered with trees. The Bureau burned in 1924; for years various restaurants occupied its lot. An Oriental furniture and greenhouse sales shop recently opened on the spot.
Pine Street
Then
Now
Frank S. Matsura photo courtesy of Okanogan County Historical Society
Chronicle photo by Dee Camp
Funeral procession for Capt. Jim, described by Matsura as "an old Indian," winds its way down upper Pine Street to lower Pine Street. The schoolhouse sits atop the hill and the Presbyterian Church is at right. The schoolhouse's successor now houses county offices and the newer Presbyterian Church sits across the road. The county jail (right) shows its stripes.
Second Avenue
Then
Now
Frank S. Matsura photo courtesy of Okanogan County Historical Society
Chronicle photo by Dee Camp
A crew carries plate glass for the Bragg Store June 28, 1909. Motorized traffic now moves along Second Avenue. The 1909 Schaller Building, at far right in top photo, was torn down in August 2006 to make way for North Cascades National Bank's new Okanogan branch building.
Tyee Street
Then
Now
Frank S. Matsura photo courtesy of Okanogan County Historical Society
Chronicle photo by Dee Camp
Okanogan's auditorium (foreground) and steel bridge, probably around 1910. Tyee Street now leads to a dead end with a river observation platform on the old bridge supports and boat launch on the Okanogan River just north of Salmon Creek.
