According to the book, “Manito Park: A Reflection of Spokane’s Past”:
In 1880 Spokane’s population only numbered about 350 people,
but within 10 years it reached over 22,000.
Spokane was becoming a booming city, and transportation – limited to
horses – would undergo a major change.
As can be expected, Francis Cook, founder of Manito Park once again
emerged as a leader as Spokane evolved toward the motorized public
transportation. His next enterprise was
to have a major impact on the development of the South Hill and Manito Park.
In 1887 Cook’s farm on the South Hill underwent a drastic
transition, greatly influencing the development of the Manito Park area. In July of 1887, a lawyer by the name of T.J.
Dooley arrived from Minnesota, where he had been engaged in real estate
development. Shortly after his arrival,
he became excited about the potential of the town, especially of Cook’s
property and its proximity to the town.
Two of the biggest attractions to the plateau were its lofty location
with an expensive view and, being outside the city limits, city taxes would not
apply.
Dooley acted quickly and on the 19th of November
1887, he and Cook formed a land development partnership. Under the terms of this agreement, Dooley
agreed to procure a franchise and funding for construction of a motorized residential streetcar line from the main section of town to Cook’s property,
which Cook would build and operate.
Dooley would also play Cook’s land into a subdivision of residential
lots, creating the Montrose Park Addition.
It was to include streets, alleys, boulevards (namely Grand and Manito)
and parks. In exchange for Dooley’s
efforts, Cook agreed to give him sole
control over the sale of these lots, with Dooley receiving up to 20% for each
lot sold. The contract was extended for
a period of three years.
Learn more about this blossoming
new partnership in the next segment!
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