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Kittitas County Historical Museum

Name: Kittitas County Historical Museum
Address: 114 E 3rd Avenue, Ellensburg, WA, 98926, US
Telephone: +15099253778
Price range: $

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Kittitas County Historical Museum

Collecting, preserving, and sharing the history of Kittitas County, Washington (USA), since 1961.

The Kittitas County Historical Museum is a non-profit 501(c)3 museum dedicated to collecting and preserving materials which may help establish, illustrate, and educate about the history of Kittitas County. More information about the museum can be found on its website at http://www.kchm.org

05/30/2026

🎬✨ On May 30, 1941, the Pix Theatre officially opened its doors in downtown Ellensburg.

Under what newspapers described as a “galaxy of brilliant lighting effects,” crowds gathered beneath a glowing neon marquee at the corner of 3rd and Pine to experience Ellensburg’s newest movie house. With nearly 2,800 feet of neon tubing, modern sound equipment, air-conditioned ventilation, and seating for 600 people, the Pix represented a new era of entertainment for the community.

For many throughout Kittitas County, the Pix was more than just a theater—it was 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑟 theater. Generations remember Saturday matinees, cartoons before the feature, cowboy movies, second-run films, popcorn and candy counters, and evenings spent downtown beneath the glow of the marquee.

The theater itself grew out of one of downtown Ellensburg’s landmark buildings. Originally constructed in 1889 by Samuel Kreidel, the massive brick structure once towered above neighboring buildings with a distinctive onion-shaped cupola that greeted passengers arriving by train. Over time, the building housed shops, offices, the Butler Hotel, JC Penney’s, and even Kittitas County’s first self-serve Piggly Wiggly before being transformed into the sleek, “modernistic” Pix Theatre by Frederick Mercy, Sr. and the Junior Amusement Co. of Yakima.

At the time of the Pix opening, Ellensburg had four operating theaters at once. The Pix and Liberty were operated by the Junior Amusement Co., while the Audion and Mid-State belonged to Clarence E. Farrell. In 1946, Farrell acquired the Pix and Liberty as well, continuing Ellensburg’s downtown movie tradition as earlier theaters gradually disappeared from the local scene.

Though the theater later changed names and uses, the Pix remains one of the most remembered pieces of downtown Ellensburg history.

🍿 We would love to hear your memories of the Pix and downtown moviegoing in Ellensburg.

📸 Images show the building and theater through several eras, including the original Kreidel Building, the Pix Theatre years, and downtown Ellensburg during its moviegoing heyday. KCHM Collection. Newspaper advertisement from the 𝐸𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑏𝑢𝑟𝑔 𝐷𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑦 𝑅𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑑, May 29, 1941.

05/28/2026

🥤 On May 28, 1885, the Ellensburg Soda Works opened on North Anderson Street, beginning more than 80 years of soda pop production in Ellensburg and creating a business many longtime residents would later remember as Sody-Licious and the Ellensburg Coca-Cola Bottling Co.

Founded while Washington was still a territory, the company first sold soda pop in local saloons for a nickel a bottle with flavors including strawberry, cream soda, root beer, lemon, and sarsaparilla. As popularity grew, bottled soda eventually expanded into local grocery stores and even home delivery throughout the valley.

The soda was memorable enough that the Tacoma Daily Ledger reported on September 7, 1886 that “The Farmer states that Ellensburgh soda water sold in the prohibition town of North Yakima causes considerable belligerency among the partakers of the drink.” Even early on, Ellensburg soda pop seems to have had a bit of a reputation beyond the valley.

The business became closely tied to William “Sody” Freyburger, who arrived in Ellensburg by stagecoach in April 1885 and remained one of the community’s familiar early businessmen and civic figures for decades afterward. Beyond the soda business, he served in multiple roles within the volunteer fire department over the years—including chief, assistant chief, and department president—and was among those who fought the Great Fire that swept through Ellensburg on July 4, 1889. He also served as chief of police, city councilman, orchardist, property owner, and active fraternal member.

Known by nicknames including “Uncle Bill,” “Soda,” “Red Soda,” and simply “Sody,” Freyburger became so associated with the company that when Frank Schuller purchased the business in 1916, the later Sody-Licious Beverage Co. name became a lasting nod to him and the company’s local identity.

By the late 1960s, the bottling operation was sold to a Yakima-based company under owner Jerry Varnum, bringing more than 80 years of local soda production in Ellensburg to a close.

Today, bottles bearing Freyburger’s name remain favorites among collectors and local history enthusiasts alike. Early blob-top bottles—like the ones shown here—used corks and wire closures before crown caps became standard, and by 1905 the company had modernized production with a Crown Cork & Seal bottling machine.

📸 Photos include William “Sody” Freyburger (left) seated alongside Austin Mires in a photograph taken by Mary Mires circa 1900s; the Crown Cork & Seal bottling machine purchased by the Ellensburg Soda Works in 1905; and blob-top soda bottles bearing William Freyburger’s name. KCHM Collection.

05/25/2026

🧵✨ While there’s no Beading Beauties — Monthly Beadwork Circle tonight due to Memorial Day, the table won’t stay quiet for long — the Weaving Circle is just one week away!

Join us next Monday, 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟏, 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝟔–𝟖 𝐏𝐌 at the 𝐊𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐮𝐦 for an evening of weaving, handwork, creativity, and community. Hosted in partnership with the Ellensburg School District 𝐈𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐤𝐢́𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐠𝐞 & 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦, this welcoming monthly gathering is open to all experience levels and handcraft traditions. Whether you’re bringing a project to work on or simply curious to stop by, there’s always room at the table.

🧺 Bring your own supplies
☕ Refreshments provided
📍 114 E 3rd Ave, Ellensburg

🪶 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟐𝟐.

05/25/2026

🇺🇸 On this Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor those who served—and reflect on some of the individuals whose lives helped shape our communities long after their military service ended.

May 25, 1901 — 125 years ago today — marked the passing of John Alden Shoudy, Civil War veteran, pioneer merchant, community leader, and founder of Ellensburgh alongside his wife, Mary Ellen Stewart Shoudy.

Born in Illinois in 1842, Shoudy enlisted in Company K of the 75th Illinois Infantry Regiment during the Civil War, serving from September 1862 until June 1865 and eventually attaining the rank of Sergeant.

After the war, he headed west, where he met and married Mary Ellen Stewart in California in 1867 before the couple eventually relocated to Seattle and later crossed the Cascades into the Kittitas Valley in 1871.

Soon after arriving, Shoudy purchased the small “Robber’s Roost” trading post near the present site of Ellensburg. What began as a trading venture quickly became something much larger. In 1875, John and Mary Ellen officially platted the town of Ellensburgh—named in honor of Mary Ellen herself.

Over the years, Shoudy became deeply connected to the growth of both Ellensburg and Kittitas County, serving in the territorial legislature during the creation of Kittitas County in 1883, helping establish roads through the Cascades, supporting local development and utilities, and remaining active in civic and fraternal life throughout the valley.

He was also a charter member of Ellensburg Post No. 11 of the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) and later served as Grand Master of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Today, items connected to Shoudy—including his I.O.O.F. sash and a special chair that had been gifted to him, along with photos, papers, and other personal effects—remain preserved in the Museum’s collections.

When he died on May 25, 1901, newspapers noted that businesses throughout Ellensburg closed during his funeral in recognition of the impact he had on the community. He was laid to rest at the Ellensburg I.O.O.F. Cemetery—today known as Brick Road Memorial Cemetery.

As we observe Memorial Day, we remember not only military service, but also the lives built afterward—the communities shaped, the histories created, and the legacies that remain part of Kittitas County more than a century later.

📸 John Alden Shoudy during his Civil War service, circa 1865; John Alden Shoudy, circa mid-1880s; and Shoudy’s obituary as published in 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐸𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑏𝑢𝑟𝑔 𝐷𝑎𝑤𝑛, May 31, 1901.

05/25/2026

🚂 On May 25, 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt visited Kittitas County during a whistle-stop tour through Washington state, stopping first in Cle Elum before continuing east to Ellensburg.

By the time Roosevelt’s train arrived in Ellensburg around 9:00 a.m., thousands had gathered near the depot to greet him. School children, local bands, Grand Army of the Republic veterans, Spanish-American War veterans, and residents from throughout the valley packed the area around the station to hear the president speak.

A nearby speaker’s platform had been constructed for the visit, though Roosevelt also continued portions of his remarks from the rear platform of his train.

During his stop, Roosevelt spoke about education, hard work, teachers, and preparing future generations well. He praised Washington’s schools and complimented the state’s “extraordinary capacity for industrial development,” along with its lumber, commerce, coal fields, cattle, and agriculture.

“I congratulate you most upon the children,” Roosevelt told the crowd.

Newspapers reported that the president’s appearance drew one of the largest crowds Ellensburg had yet seen, with people gathering from across the valley to hear the brief but memorable address.

More than 120 years later, Roosevelt’s visit remains one of the more remarkable moments in early Kittitas County history.

📸 Photos show Theodore Roosevelt speaking in Ellensburg, crowds gathered during the visit, and Roosevelt departing following his stop in the city, May 25, 1903. KCHM Collection.

05/25/2026

✨ 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑆𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑊𝑒 𝑆ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑒 is made possible through the generosity of businesses, organizations, and community supporters who believe local history matters — and today, we’re excited to recognize 𝐀 𝐍𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐲 𝐌𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞 as a 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫 for the 2026 fundraiser.

Legacy Sponsors play a major role in helping bring this event to life and in supporting the Museum’s ongoing work to collect, preserve, and share the history, heritage, and culture of Kittitas County.

From exhibits and educational programming to collections care and community events, support like this helps ensure these stories continue to be preserved and shared for future generations.

And honestly… we appreciate the spirit behind this one just as much as the support itself. 😉

Thank you, A Nonny Moose, for helping make 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑆𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑊𝑒 𝑆ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑒 possible.

🎟 Join us on July 18, 2026:
https://kchm.org/fundraiser

05/24/2026

🔎✨ 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐲! (𝟓/𝟐𝟒)

One of the most fun ways to explore the Museum is through our scavenger hunts—because history becomes a whole lot more engaging when you slow down, look closer, and start noticing the details. 👀

With six exhibit rooms to explore, the hunts guide visitors from object to object throughout the Museum. Depending on the challenge level, you may find yourself searching for historic photographs, pioneer-era objects, Native basketry, military items, tools, signage, furniture, or unusual little details hidden quietly throughout the galleries.

And the harder the challenge level gets… the trickier those items become. 😉

We offer scavenger hunts for a range of ages and interests—from younger explorers all the way up to adults… and then there’s the infamous 𝐅𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐇 level. 😈

Best of all, the hunts regularly change as exhibits and displays change throughout the Museum, so there’s always something new to discover each time you visit. Just ask at the front desk during your visit to get started!

🔗 Learn more about our Museum scavenger hunts:
https://kchm.org/scavenger-hunts/

And if you’ve already caught the scavenger hunt bug, we also still have a few days left to complete the 𝐄𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐠 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭 through May 31 as part of National Historic Preservation Month—a special downtown hunt exploring the people, places, and stories woven into Ellensburg’s historic landscape.

🔗 Ellensburg History Quest:
https://www.ellensburgwa.gov/scavengerhunt

05/22/2026

🥃✨ 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐃𝐚𝐲!

Today seemed like the perfect excuse to tip our hat to our friends at Elk Heights Distillery—who also happen to be one of the featured stops on this summer’s 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝 & 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫. 🥃🌾

One of the things we love most about this program is how it connects Kittitas County’s whiskey history with the craft of modern distilling today.

The afternoon winds through the rugged country surrounding Whiskey Dick Mountain before heading back to the Museum for stories of bootleggers, moonshiners, Prohibition-era crackdowns, and colorful local history pulled from historic headlines and community stories. From there, the experience concludes at Elk Heights Distillery with a behind-the-scenes look at modern whiskey making itself.

It’s history, storytelling, scenery, and craftsmanship all woven together into one wildly entertaining afternoon.

🎟️ Tickets are limited
📍 21+ only
👇 Ticket link in the comments

05/20/2026

🪶✨ A quick reminder that Beading Beauties — Monthly Beadwork Circle will not meet in May. This month’s gathering falls on Memorial Day (May 25), and the Museum will be closed in observance of the holiday.

We look forward to gathering again on 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟐𝟐 for another evening of beadwork, creativity, and community. In the meantime, the Weaving Circle will meet again on 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟏.

As we pause to honor and remember those who served, we wish everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day. We look forward to seeing everyone back around the table soon.

Address

114 E 3rd Avenue
Ellensburg, WA
98926

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 4pm
Tuesday	10am - 4pm
Wednesday	10am - 4pm
Thursday	10am - 4pm
Friday	10am - 4pm
Saturday	10am - 4pm

Telephone

+15099253778

Website

http://www.kchm.org/

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