Rebecca G. Howard facts for kids

Rebecca Groundage Howard (born 1829, died July 1881) was an important and successful Black businesswoman. She lived in the early days of the Pacific Northwest, helping to build the community. Rebecca was known for her hard work and smart business decisions. She became very wealthy and helped make Olympia, Washington, a better place.

Rebecca Howard's Early Life

Rebecca Groundage Howard was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1829. Some records suggest she was a former slave, which means she had to overcome many challenges. In 1843, Rebecca married Alexander Howard, a cooper (someone who makes barrels), in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Alexander was 11 years older than her.

Moving to the Pacific Northwest

In 1859, Rebecca and Alexander Howard moved to Olympia. At that time, Olympia was part of the Washington Territory. Soon after arriving, Alexander advertised that a restaurant had been fixed up and was open for meals and lodging.

Starting the Pacific Restaurant

By 1860, the Howards took over a place called the Pacific House and renamed it the Pacific Restaurant. Rebecca quickly became the main person running the business. Her name was often linked to its success.

The Pacific Restaurant became very popular with both travelers and politicians from the territory. Rebecca was known as an excellent cook. She made delicious meals at any time of the day or night. Travelers, who were often hungry after long journeys, loved her food.

Growing the Business

Rebecca Howard was a natural entrepreneur (a person who starts and runs businesses). In 1862, she changed the name of her business to the "Pacific Hotel and Restaurant." This showed that travelers could also stay overnight.

As her business grew, Rebecca realized she could charge a bit more. In May 1863, she changed her policy to "Meals after Eight o'clock extra." This meant if you wanted food late at night, it would cost more. She also started advertising in bigger newspapers, like the Seattle Gazette, in 1864.

Rebecca's Strong Personality

When she first started, people called Rebecca Howard "Aunt Becky." She was known for being good-humored and witty. Local children knew she was kind, but she didn't let anyone talk back to her. She also made sure her customers behaved well.

There's a famous story about two politicians who started fighting in her hotel. Rebecca stepped in and, showing her strength, lifted one of the men off the ground until he calmed down! As she became wealthier, Rebecca insisted that people call her "Mrs. Howard." Even the Governor, William Pickering, once called her "Aunty." Rebecca looked at him sternly and told him she was not related to his family!

After seven years of running the Pacific Hotel and Restaurant, Mrs. Howard had become very rich. She decided to retire and built a house north of town. Her husband became a farmer. Even in retirement, Mrs. Howard continued to grow her wealth. In 1870, she was one of the few people in Washington Territory with over $50,000 in property. Most taxpayers were white men, making her success even more remarkable.

In 1870, Mrs. Howard returned to business. She opened a boarding house and then reopened the Pacific Hotel and Restaurant. In 1880, she even hosted President Rutherford B. Hayes and his wife, Lucy, at her hotel!

Helping the Community

Rebecca Howard was very generous. She supported the orphaned daughter of her former master from back east. She also gave money to various organizations and projects in Olympia.

Church and Community Acceptance

Mrs. Howard joined St. John's Episcopal Church. This shows how open the community and church were at that time. Mrs. Howard was a loyal member and gave a lot of support to St. John's.

There's a story about her at church:

• Bishop Benjamin Morris visited with his wife and two sisters-in-law.
• They sat in the pew that Mrs. Howard always used.
• A few minutes later, Mrs. Howard came in, dressed in her best clothes.
• She found her pew taken and sat a few rows away.
• She then stared at the visitors until they felt embarrassed and moved to another pew.
• Mrs. Howard then proudly walked to her usual seat.

The fact that Mrs. Howard went to church and was accepted there was very important. It showed that this Black businesswoman was a respected part of the community. She was even presented for baptism by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Prosch. Charles Prosch was a well-known newspaper publisher, and their support showed her high standing in the community.

Supporting the Railroad

Rebecca Howard was also generous to the town of Olympia. As a smart businesswoman, she knew how important a railroad would be for the town's growth. In 1871, when Olympia was trying to become the end point for the Northern Pacific Railway, she joined other property owners in supporting the effort. She donated 80 acres of land for the railroad site. The local railroad committee used her donation as an example for other property owners to follow.

Rebecca Howard's Family

In June 1862, Mrs. Howard and her husband agreed to care for Isaac I. Stevens Glasgow. He was a child of Native American and American heritage who was reportedly not treated well by his father. The Howards officially adopted him in 1877, and he took the name Frank A. Howard. Frank Howard grew up to be an important citizen in Olympia. He inherited his adopted parents' properties and invested in land and development, just like them.

Rebecca Howard passed away in Olympia in July 1881 from a stroke. Her husband, Alexander, died later in 1890. At the time of their deaths, they owned property worth over $100,000. In 2011, the Olympia Heritage Commission and the Olympia Downtown Association honored Rebecca Howard by having a large mural painted. This mural celebrates her contributions to the early growth of Olympia.]]