City That Moved

Hello there, this is Nelson Olstead. Today I have the amazing tale of an entire city which moved to a new location. First here's Clint Gruber speaking for Pacific Power. Welcome once again to Stories of Pacific Power Land, a presentation of Pacific Power and Life, the company that has been serving the electric needs of the region's homes, farms and industries

through more than half a century of progress and growth. Now here's Pacific Power Land's favorite storyteller, Nelson Olstead. We've felt ourselves a good town here at Yakima City, and I ain't about to move, no matter where they put the railroad tracks.

There's no need to get all riled up. Those railroad people figure Yakima City needs room to spread out, while they're even talking about Yakima being the state capital someday. I don't see what all the grouse is about.

They're going to pay for the movement anyway. Well, in the year 1884, the Central Yakima Valley in Washington was in the throes of The battle lines between the northern Pacific Railway and the small group of irate citizens were clearly drawn. Yakimosity had been incorporated the year before as a community of 400 residents. Then a railroad official announced our

terminal will be located four miles north of Yakimosity. There is ample room for expansion there and we feel that everyone will benefit from the location. Well sharply divided opinions split the young community in affections. New town against Old Town. Old Town bakers said, we're prepared to offer the railroad people one million dollars worth of property if they will give up this hair-brain scheme and stay in Yakima City where

they belong. But advocates of Newtown countered, stay put if you want, I move in business and all. I say the railroad people know best. If they're willing to gamble all that money to move the whole Old Town, I'll gamble with him.