Orting at the Foot of Mt. Rainier
When you enter Orting going south on Highway 162, Mt. Rainier looms majestically on your left. New subdivisions meet farmlands, and before you know it, you pass neighboring schools and are downtown. Don't blink; Orting's not too large. But it has the endearing "small town" ambiance that will encourage you to park the car and spend some time there.
People make the town. Margaret Groff served as Town Clerk under 14 mayors in 1931-1970. What a feat, hmm?
The City Park, right in the middle of town, is a great place to stop and stretch your legs. Bring a picnic, or have something good to eat across Van Scoyoc Avenue Southwest at the Park Bench Caffe' and Eatery. It's a cozy little place with soup, sandwiches, hamburgers and desserts. A great place to meet the locals. It's close to the post office, too. And there's a wonderful mural on a building to its right.
This small but impressive town was founded in 1889. There seems to be little here to the inexperienced eye, but different experiences await the traveler. When I am in a town, I like to first capture the essence with a photo. A look down main street gives me a lasting perspective. This photo isn't the best, but the mountain looms large at the end of town. You can barely see it at the top of the photo.
Here's a bit of history around town:
* Orting has been home to the Washington Soldier's Home and Colony since May 30, 1891 - before Orting was even incorporated. William Pencil was the first resident of the home. In 1898 men were allowed to bring their families to stay at the Home while getting treatment. Not so now.
* The Opera House arose in 1889; it seated 250 people and featured mainly vaudeville and medicine shows. When it was erected 32 windows and 23 doors adorned the first post office building built in 1908. The post office is now a newer building, but it stands in the same place.
* The town originally was full of sawmills, logging and six saloons. The Orting Brewery, no longer standing, began its business in 1894. The saloons were voted "dry" by the townspeople in 1910. So they are but a memory.
* Some old buildings still stand. This Eagles building was built in 1904; originally it was the Orting Odd Fellows' Hall. At one time, the North Star Glove company called the building home; that was in 1944-1960. It still stands regally at the end of the city park.
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