Cloverland Garage

The Cloverland Garage was one of the first buildings to be constructed after Cloverland was platted in 1902, and served for most of three decades as a significant center of commercial activity for the agricultural community. A simple wood frame structure characterized by a false front, the garage is an excellent example of vernacular frame commercial structures common in rural Washington. The changing functions of the building reflect the development of Cloverland's economy. From its construction in 1902, the building served variously as general store, dance hall, telephone exchange, community center, and, for many decades, as the town garage. Throughout its evolving role, the structure remained at the center of Cloverland's commercial life.

The Cloverland Garage building represents two historical eras, both in its own community and in western rural settlements. Homesteading in this area of Asotin County began in 1877, but in 1901 the enthusiastic Jackson O'Keefe envisioned extensive orchards and gardens if irrigation succeeded. It was with this dream of a "Land of Clover" that he supervised the Asotin Land and Irrigation Company in the construction of ditches and flumes to bring water up from George Creek.

The townsite of Cloverland was platted early in 1902, and land sales started immediately. Cloverland was billed as "the best opportunity for investment in the West today," according to a newspaper advertisement of the Asotin Land and Irrigation Company in the Asotin Sentinel. Buyers came from such distances as North Dakota, Virginia, and North Carolina. The site of the Cloverland Garage was purchased by Benjamin R. Howard on June 28, 1902. By late 1902, Cloverland had 20 houses, a school, and the store/hall which was built on Benjamin Howard's lot and is today the Cloverland Garage. It was almost certain that his brother, Henry Howard, was the builder. Edward H. Dammarrell, known for his ability in finishing details, assisted with the construction. The building was called Howard's Hall when several dances were held there in January 1903.

On February 21, 1903, Howard's Hall was sold and became a general merchandise store called Florance and Company. The new owner, Edward Charles Florance from North Dakota, lived with his family in the second story apartment. On February 26, 1903, the building also became Cloverland's first post office with Benjamin R. Howard as postmaster and Jack Florance as deputy postmaster. Mail service was twice a week with Monty Howard (son of Benjamin) driving the first mail team. There is still a mail slot in the front door of this original Cloverland post office. By January of 1904, the first Cloverland telephone service was also housed in the store building. In November of 1905, Cloverland's mercantile establishment became Florance and Morrow, a partnership of James Florance and Jack T. Morrow.

William Gute purchased the store on October 1, 1910, moving down the merchandise from his mountain store. William and his family also lived in the second story living quarters. By this time, Cloverland had another store, and business was less prosperous for this original Cloverland store. The building became known as Gute's Hall, for William Gute sponsored community dances with live music and other community parties.