Buildings & Sites
Ginkgo Tree
August 1999 photos by David Bangs
Ginkgo Tree: 90 Front St South, See
Map
This rare Ginkgo tree was planted by Dr. W.E. Gibson (a physician) at the
start of the twentieth century. Dr. Gibson became Issaquah's mayor in 1900 and
served several additional terms as mayor and in the state legislature over the
next 25 years. His family home was located on this site until it was torn down
in 1970. Fortunately, through the efforts of Issaquah High School Students, a
petition was drawn up and the tree was saved.
Ginkgo trees belong to one of the oldest tree species on earth (Ginkgo
biloba), dating back 150 million years. They were once native to Washington but
later became extinct in North America. Specimens cultivated in Chinese
ornamental gardens were later reintroduced around the world.
This photograph shows the home of Dr. W.E. Gibson at Front Street South and
southeast corner of Andrews Street. The picture was taken before the popular
Gingko tree was planted on the site. The Ginkgo tree has since become a city
treasure at its visible location at the Downtown Issaquah Plaza. Issaquah
Historical Society Photo
Ginkgo trees (Ginkgo Biloba) are one of the oldest tree species on earth,
dating back 150 million years. They were once native to Washington, and until
the late 1700s were thought to be extinct. Specimens found in China have since
been introduced around the world.
In August 1999, a concrete table was placed under the tree along with a
plaque explaining its history, courtesy of Main Street Issaquah, The City of
Issaquah, the Gibson Family, Swanson Arch. Grp, Balma & Holmberg and Morris
Piha Mgt. Grp.
Based on our records, the historical society believes that several facts
listed on this plaque are incorrect. Most notably, Gibson was not the
first mayor of Issaquah - although he did become mayor briefly to fill an
unexpired term in 1900 - less than one year after the name of the town had been
changed to "Issaquah" and went on to serve additional terms as mayor
in later years. See - Mayors of Gilman and Issaquah,
Washington
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