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Northern Pacific Engine #84 at Issaquah Depot, 1901-1933
The following detailed chronology of the pictured locomotive was submitted by
member Rick Mendenhall.
"Built by Rome locomotive works in 1889 for the Montana Union Railway
as #158. Montana Union Railway taken over by the N.P. Ry. in 1897. In 1898 the
M.U. Ry.'s #158 became N.P. Ry. #132, then was transferred to the Seattle International
Ry as their #10 in 1899 and was transferred back to the N.P. in 1901 and
became No. #84. The N.P. Ry #84 was a F-3 class type 2-8-0 that was scrapped at
the N.P. Ry. South Tacoma Shops in September 1933."
Issaquah Historical Society Photo 91.7.85
This photo of the depot was taken from the back of a caboose, in the
early 1950's
Issaquah Historical Society Photo, photo by Harriet Fish
Issaquah's last stationmaster Don Currie poses as if holding up a
message for a passing train to take. The photo was taken by historian
Harriet Fish sometime after the station's 1958 closing. For most of the
twentieth century, trains had no radios for communications and would receive
instructions by snagging a hoop when passing a station. Messages could be
relayed from station to station by telegraph and telephone. Vintage
telegraph and telephone equipment is on display in the Issaquah depot.
Issaquah Historical Society Photo
Before Restoration: Northern Pacific closed the Issaquah station agency
in 1958 and the Depot was used as a warehouse for some time afterwards. It
eventually fell into disrepair. The City of Issaquah purchased the Depot in
1984. 
Issaquah Press Photo
From the Issaquah Press, April 16, 1986: "Greg Spranger saws
apart old flooring in the railroad depot in order to put in new floor joists.
The joists were specially milled to fit the needs of the Issaquah Historical
Society in the renovation of the depot for the town's future museum. Work
parties on the depot are held every Saturday. Come and bring your tools."
Issaquah Historical Society Photo
After Restoration: Restoration of the Depot was undertaken by
the Issaquah Historical Society, and was completed in 1993. In 1990 the Depot
was placed in the National Register of Historic Places.
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