Kent, Washington's first city hall was built at the corner of Second Street South and Gowe Street West sometime around 1890. In 1906, the city added a bell tower next to the building. Kent's fire department was on the first floor and the city council chamber and clerk's office were on the second floor. In 1921, the old wooden building was replaced by a larger brick structure at the same location. This photographic postcard, probably made in 1908, shows the Kent City Hall and its bell tower. It is possible that the fire department used the lower part of the tall tower for drying fire hoses.

Original title: City hall, Second Street South and Gowe Street West, Kent, Wash. Written on verso: Message: Sept. 2nd 1908. From Wm. H. Little. Original photographic print (postcard): Oakes Photo Co., ca. 1908. Copied in 1998 by the Museum of History and Industry.

• Subjects (LCTGM): City & town halls