Name/Title
1908.1.23 - Yakima Hotel, North Yakima, WashingtonEntry/Object ID
RE.LE.COLLBER-55Description
A letter describing arrival in North Yakima, Washington, noting favorable business prospects, a growing town, and anticipated sales opportunities during an early stage of a regional sales journey.Subject
Travel, business prospects, and personal correspondenceTranscription
Transcription
Dear Bessie:
I got here this am. at 7:30. Found the weather clear, but cool, but no snow on the ground.
I think I will be able to close a deal for an agency here, and probably make a sale of $400 to $500 worth of goods. If I do this I will feel the trip has paid well. I am feeling quite well and hope this will find you feeling better than I left you, and that both the little folks are also in good shape.
I will probably not get away from here before late tonight and maybe not till tomorrow, for Prosser. Hope I may line up some business there.
This is quite a pretty town and on this my second visit I am quite favorably impressed with it. From what I can see, it is a town of very good prospects. Has population of about 10,000 and is growing. Looks to me like prospects for an agency in our line ought to do well.
I got a good night’s rest on the sleeper last night, and hope your cold and Harmon’s kicking did not break your rest too much.
Now with my best love to you and the little ones, I am lovingly yours,
Geo. W.D.Language
EnglishEthnography
Notes
This letter offers a valuable look at early-stage western town development and traveling sales culture:
The writer evaluates towns based on:
Population size
Growth potential
Suitability for establishing an agency
His perspective reflects a commercial lens on frontier expansion:
Towns are assessed not just socially, but economically
Growth equals opportunity
Travel conditions:
Overnight rail travel (“sleeper”) was standard for long distances
Early morning arrival (7:30 a.m.) suggests tight travel schedules
Domestic life is still closely tied to correspondence:
Mentions wife’s health
References children (“little folks,” Harmon)
Casual domestic detail (“Harmon’s kicking”) adds intimacyGeneral Notes
Note Type
Historical NoteNote
🏨 Hotel – The Yakima Hotel (North Yakima, Washington)
4
Name: The Yakima Hotel
Manager: W. C. Schroeder
Location: North Yakima, Washington
Context:
At the time of this letter:
The city was still commonly referred to as North Yakima (renamed simply Yakima in 1918)
It was a rapidly developing agricultural and commercial hub in central Washington
Hotels like the Yakima Hotel served:
Railroad travelers
Agricultural and commercial agents
Businessmen establishing regional networks
🌾 North Yakima (Yakima) – Growth Context
Population around 10,000 (as noted in the letter) aligns with historical estimates
Growth driven by:
Irrigation projects
Agriculture (especially fruit production)
Rail connections
The writer’s observation that it is a town of “very good prospects” reflects:
Real economic optimism of the period
Expansion of inland western markets
🚆 Rail Travel Context
The mention of a “sleeper” indicates:
Overnight rail cars with sleeping accommodations
Common for long-distance business travel
Route likely included:
Major rail lines connecting Washington towns (Yakima → Prosser → Portland corridor)Create Date
April 1, 2026
