Welcome to Quarry House in Tenino, Washington, an emblematic relic of the town’s rich history in stone quarrying. Tenino, a small city in Thurston County, was officially incorporated in 1906, but its history stretches back to the mid-19th century when it was a hub for Native American food-source prairies. The town’s economy blossomed around the abundant sandstone quarries, which supplied the materials for various significant buildings across the Pacific Northwest, including the state capitol buildings in Olympia.
The Quarry House stands as a testament to this era of prosperity. It was constructed using the very sandstone that brought Tenino its initial fame. This stone, known for its durability and aesthetic appeal, was quarried right in Tenino and used in numerous iconic structures, making it a sought-after material. As you explore, imagine the bustling quarry operations of the past, the sound of stonecutters shaping blocks that would become part of history.
During the Great Depression, Tenino gained national attention for an innovative response to economic hardship. In 1931, the failure of the Citizens Bank of Tenino led the town to issue wooden scrip as emergency currency, an act that caught the imagination of the entire nation and was even featured in the Congressional Record. This unique form of currency became a symbol of the town’s resilience and ingenuity.
Today, the Quarry House serves not only as a historical landmark but also as a reminder of Tenino’s adaptability and enduring spirit. Its walls, steeped in stories of the past, invite you to delve into the history of a town that carved its name in stone, literally and metaphorically.
