What is so special about Ritzville, Washington?

	An explanation is warranted, however,
the subject matter is one that would take several
James A. Michener volumes to dislcose. Therefore,
may I just pass a comb through the long braids of
the fair city and extract a few tidbits of interest for
the uninformed among us. 
	Ritzville is at the junction of Interstate
Highways 90 and 395 in eastern Washington about
60 miles southwest of Spokane.  With a population
of about 1,700, the city serves as the county seat for
Adams County and the cultural center to an area
encompassing a 35 mile radius. Over 8,000 people
presently live within this greater Ritzville area and
enjoy the rich historical, cultural, and recreational
amenities of the community. Because of Ritzville’s
agricultural base and location, it is recognized as a
strategic transportation and distribution hub for future commerce in the Inland Northwest.
	Aggressive growth projections have the City population nearing 3,000 residents in ten years.  The
East Adams Rural Hospital & Trauma Center, Ritzville Medical Clinic, Hille Dental, Kragt Chiropractic, Life
Care Center and Rose Garden Estates provide the community with substantial health care, medical and
assisted living facilities, enhancing the attractiveness of Ritzville as a desirable retirement community.
	The Greater Ritzville Area is the home of over 50 writers, painters, sculpters and artisans. The City
boasts of three museums, numerous national and state registered historic buildings and sites, art galleries,
antique and collectible establishments, a Carnegie Library, a movie theater, Wheatland Communities Fair 
& Rodeo, the nationally recognized Ritzville Blues Festival and the Ritzville Community Theatre. Among the many
recreational amenities are a bowling alley, new 3-pool swimming complex, paved hiking trails and a PGA-rated
9-hole golf course.

70 years ago

	Ritzville's population has fluctuated between 1,700 and 2,200 folks, mostly of Germanic heritage
over the past 70 years. There was no I-90 freeway bypassing the town in the days when I grew up. The highway
from Seattle to Spokane was Route 10 and it ran right through the middle of Ritzville. Within the city limits, Route 10
was labeled First Avenue (still is today).  Several restaurants, motels and a dozen gas stations lined First Avenue
(not so today).
	One block north of First were the railroad tracks, train depot and Flour Mills. One more block north was
Main Avenue, the heart of the business district. In the 1950's Main was a dreamland for every youngster. It had a
movie theater, drug store fountain, and a five & dime toy store. You could buy bicycles, sporting goods, clothes,
shoes, tools, groceries, bakery goods, candy . . . most anything you ever wanted or needed.  And at the west end
of Main was the Carnegie Library chocked full of great books. 
	Broadway Avenue was one block north of Main. The most prominent building on Broadway was the
Adams County Courthouse. The six blocks north of Broadway were residential, often referred to as “the flats” 
because it was the flattest part of town. 
	South of First, the topography of the town rose for ten blocks up College Hill. The first couple of blocks
housed several churches. The next eight blocks were primarily residential but also included the elementary
school, high school, outdoor swimming pool and the athletic field for football, baseball and track.  Then came
the golf course at the southern-most end of town. That’s the part of town where I grew up, right next to the ninth
green, one block from the swimming pool and one block from the athletic field. What a paradise!

			Miles Athey (a.k.a.  Macarthur Miles), The Ritzvillian