Community Corner
Cedar River, bridge in old Maple Valley
When Coal Was King can be found in the VOICE of the Valley each week. Courtesy of Bill Kombol of Palmer Coking Coal.
This view of the Cedar River, when approaching the bridge in old Maple Valley, should be familiar for those traveling north on the Maple Valley Highway, heading towards Renton. Though the view has changed since this July 7, 1932 photo, the essential topography is the same. The old railroad trestle barely seen in the far lower right is gone and State Route 169 has been widened, but other elements remain intact. The Cedar Grange No. 534, built in 1911 is still the first building left of the bridge abutment on the north side of the river. The Maple Valley Market and Shell gas station have replaced the older stores, which previously dominated the commercial area known as Maple Valley. Ironically, this initial commercial center located next to the Cedar River at the junction of two railroads was not embodied into the City of Maple Valley during the 1997 incorporation. The new city was dominated by the areas between Wilderness Village, and Four Corners while this historic commercial district languishes in rural King County. This photo #474.4.50 was taken by Bridge Inspector Thomas Blum and comes courtesy of the King County Department of Transportation archives. Maple Valley Days is celebrated this weekend with a Saturday parade and activities at Lake Wilderness Park. For a number of years, starting in 1958 the Cedar River Boat Race was the featured event, but the parade and festival in the park are now the primary entertainment. For more information visit: www.maplevalleydays.com/