Olalla, Washington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Olalla, Washington
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Olalla Community Club
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 Olalla, Washington
Location in Washington (state)
Olalla, Washington
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Washington |
| County | Kitsap |
| Elevation | 331 ft (101 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific (PST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| ZIP codes |
98359
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| GNIS feature ID | 1512528 |
Olalla is a small community in Kitsap County, Washington, United States. It's not a city, but an "unincorporated community." This means it doesn't have its own local government like a city does.
Olalla is located on Colvos Passage, which is part of Puget Sound. It's just north of the Pierce County line. Long ago, Olalla was as big as Port Orchard, which is the main town in Kitsap County. Many people from Norway and other Scandinavian countries settled here because it reminded them of their homelands.
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What's in a Name?
The name Olalla comes from the Salishan and Chinook Jargon words for "berry" or "berries." You might see it spelled as olallie or ollalie in some old dictionaries.
A Look Back in Time
By the late 1800s, most of the very old, tall trees in the area had been cut down. This left open land, which was perfect for farming. People started growing strawberries and vegetables. Olalla became a busy port because of its easy access to the sea. Many businesses were built right on piers by the Olalla lagoon.
Shipping was very important back then. A system of small boats, called the "mosquito fleet," moved materials, goods, and people around Puget Sound.
The Virginia V Steamboat
One famous boat was the Virginia V. It's the last working example of a Puget Sound "mosquito fleet" steamer. It was built near Olalla. These boats were like buses and delivery trucks for the islands and ports of Washington state in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
In 1934, a big storm hit Puget Sound. The Virginia V was trying to dock at Olalla when the storm struck. Strong winds pushed the ship against the dock, causing a lot of damage to its upper parts.
After the Narrows Bridge was built, Olalla became a quiet, rural place. Today, many people live here and travel to nearby cities for work. The Olalla Bay Market & Landing is one of the oldest buildings left by the lagoon. Locals really love this historic spot.
Olalla Community Club
As you go up Olalla Valley Road from the lagoon, you'll find the Olalla Bible Church and the Olalla Community Club (OCC). The OCC building was built around 1906. In 1937, it was given to the community.
The OCC is a non-profit group that helps the community. It supports local citizens and groups. It also keeps the building in good shape for social events and community needs. The building has been updated many times over the years. In 2007, a new metal roof was put on.
Next to the OCC is the Olalla Bible Church, built around 1910. Both buildings are some of the oldest and largest historic places still in use in South Kitsap.
Fun and Culture
Olalla has always had a strong sense of community. People often come together for celebrations.
- In the 1960s, there were popular Strawberry Festivals.
- Starting in 1991, the Olalla Bluegrass Festival ran for 25 years.
- Now, it's called the Olalla Americana Festival. This allows for a wider variety of music.
Olalla is also known for a place called Wilderness Heights. This was a health retreat in the early 1900s. It was also known as "Starvation Heights." A woman named Dr. Linda Burfield Hazzard ran it. She believed that not eating could cure illnesses. Sadly, some people who stayed there passed away.
Well-Known People
Gregg Olsen, an author from Olalla, wrote a book about Starvation Heights. His book has the same name. Gregg Olsen later bought the old Al's Grocery Store, which is now a place where Kona Ice, a shaved ice company, operates.
See also
In Spanish: Olalla (Washington) para niños
