1954

1954 saw the Devonshire Subdivsion start to become a reality.  The first houses built were those on Devonshire and WIlshire.

A group of investors bought some worthless land west of town, and would turn it into the private Westlake Acres subdivision.

A horrific auto accident east of town takes the lives of Washingtonians John Norton and Eddie Marshall, as well as Eurekans Irma Sprinkle and James Sprinkle Jr.

In 1954, the Conoco Oil Company leased a property at the corner of South Market and Peoria Streets for the construction of a gas station.  Most likely the plans were to raze the house on the southwest corner of the intersection.  This never materialized and the house at 100 South Market Street, built in 1893, survives to this day.

January 12,1954 was Ricky Walker Day in Washington.



Just two years after its initial construction, St. Patrick's School adds a second story to its building.

The Professional Building was completed just west of the square.