History

Built in 1893, the former community center building served the heart of the Palouse for well over a century. Once the home to one of the finest opera houses south of Spokane, it featured medicine shows, lectures, and musicals, seating over 200 people.

One of the biggest names to lecture here was prohibitionist Carrie Nation who, in 1910, prompted Palouse citizens to declare their city "dry", Victor McLaughlin, professional boxer and Oscar winning actor, staged exhibition boxing matches and gave lessons to local athletes.

Over the years, the building housed several prominent businesses including a general merchandising store, a J C Penney department store, and a pharmacy. Business owners and their families lived upstairs as did other apartment dwellers.

The building was home to the Palouse Community Center, starting in 1984, minus a short stint when the grocery store relocated there after the flood of 1996.

Mission Statement
The Palouse Community Center strives to enrich the lives of Palouse and surrounding area citizens by reinforcing a sense of community, providing an opportunity for all ages to interact, and enable people to share their perspectives, talents, and skills.

This site hosted by WIN WEB HOSTING
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