Whitman – Days of Yore
The Whitman Neighborhood and the Whitman Elementary School are both named after American Missionary Marcus Whitman who led the first large party of wagon trains along the Oregon Trail. The first Marcus Whitman School was built before the turn of the century; the second was completed in 1913 and consisted of nine classrooms and an auditorium. The third school by the same name still serves the neighborhood today and was built as one of 13 schools funded by the passage of a 1978 school bond.
Whitman principal, Arthur B. Dunning, and a group of concerned parents spearheaded creation of Rochester Heights Park in the late 1960s. Together the school and the neighborhood cleared out weeds and garbage in an empty lot owned by the city. Then they graded the lot to be suitable for park activities. Community Groups, the Army Reserve Unit, and the City of Spokane helped out with the final touches on the park.
Life in Whitman Neighborhood – Today
The Whitman Neighborhood has many long-life residents who have witnessed the neighborhood change and grow through the decades. Residents stay involved by volunteering for the Neighborhood Council and by watching others’ houses when someone is traveling.
The neighborhood is established and has a variety of older Craftsman style homes. Residents enjoy gardening and taking care of their properties. Streets are lined with mature trees, adding a pleasant charm to the atmosphere of the neighborhood. Rochester Heights Park creates a destination for parents with children. A variety of people call Whitman home including families, professionals, and retirees.
Whitman – Treasures
- Whitman Elementary
- Rochester Heights Park
Whitman – Natural & Built Identity - Rochester Heights Park
- Craftsman homes
- Mature trees
- Tree-lined streets
Neighborhood Council Meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:00pm.
Attend online or in person at the Northeast Community Center (4001 N. Cook St).
For the purpose of neighborhood planning, Bemiss, Hillyard and Whitman neighborhoods of Northeast Spokane choose to meet together addressing the area’s common location, culture, history, and goals for the future.
