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by Fred J. Baxter a. I. a. Emeritus (Author)
Explore the historic homes of Longview's Old West Side, a testament to early 20th-century American architecture.
This book celebrates the historic homes of the residential neighborhood in Longview, Washington, known as "The Old West Side," named for its location west of the city's Civic Center. Longview was one of the first planned cities in the United States, envisioned by its founder, Robert A. Long, to support the largest sawmill in the world at the time, built on the Columbia River in 1922 by his Long-Bell Lumber Company. Renowned urban planners and landscape architects transformed a floodplain at the confluence of the Cowlitz and Columbia Rivers into a "model city" with tree-lined boulevards and landscaped parks within a few years.
Nestled between R.A. Long Park, the Civic Center, and beautiful Lake Sacajawea Park. This residential district was designed as the premier area for industrial executives and their families, showcasing vintage homes that represent a diverse array of popular American architectural styles from the first half of the 20th century. Over 50 years, the neighborhood's development reflects the cultural evolution of that era. Today, a century after the city's founding, many of these homes remain well-preserved, offering a glimpse into the past and a celebration of Longview's architectural heritage. This book invites readers to appreciate the beauty and significance of these historic residences, enriching their understanding of Longview's unique history and community.
All proceeds from the sale of this book will benefit the Longview Library Foundation in commemoration of the library's 100th year.
