By the early 1900s, the area where you stand was the bustling hub of the young but booming town of Eatonville. Businesses served many purposes to support the ever-changing demands of their customers and provided access to essentials only available in the more developed cities of Tacoma and Seattle. 

Directly across the street from this location, in what is now a parking lot, stood Van Eaton’s Mercantile.  Built in 1894, the building included a store below, and a hall upstairs where meetings, church services, dances and other gatherings were held.  It was in this hall, in 1909, that the town council voted to incorporate the town. 

Nels C. Christensen, a local business owner, assumed operation of the general store, renamed the Red and White. In 1936, Christensen made a property trade with the Cushman family and moved across the street to this location, expanding his growing business as Christensen’s Department Store. Here, he and his sons managed the department store and Christensen Motors for many years.
 
This historic building has been updated and occupied by a variety of businesses over the last century. However, one thing has remained constant, community members who want to realize their dream of small business ownership have a corner on the market at this landmark location.