Marysville History

A piece of Marysville history is on track to be lost starting this week. Marysville Place wasn’t always a government building. It was built in the mid 1880’s by Alexander ‘Boss’ Gibson and was once a running cotton mill that now holds much history for Marysville. A two story annex attached to the back of the building once known as the dyehouse is completely closed off.A demolition crew has been planning and prepping on site for weeks already to commence taking it down starting this week, the week of December 7th.

With this building being a staple to Maryville and its history, many are sad to see it go. Just like former worker Earl Pollock, who’s disappointed that it can’t be salvaged but understands the safety concerns with the building’s deteriorating state. Earl spent time working in the building back when it was being converted to office space. As he says the building was even old back then, he helped install large tanks for heat recovery for the building. They took the excess heat from the computer rooms and used it to heat the rest of the building.

“It’s a shame they’re going to tear that old dyehouse down around there, it’s quite a historical significance, but if it’s not salvageable it’s not salvageable.”

When the building is gone, the remaining space is set to expand the community garden, which is currently behind the dyehouse, and give designated space to those who bike to work in the government building. The old townhouses made for the factory workers by Alexander ‘Boss’ Gibson are still standing, just like the mill itself. They’re now converted into apartments. Many buildings built by Alexander ‘Boss’ Gibson himself are still standing in the area. Streets are named in his recognition and statues of him stand by signs telling of his historical importance to the area.

Kelly Pollock worked in the building as well from 2002 – 2012. She has mixed feelings on the matter. She says that you could always sense the history of the building, but the state of the dyehouse was even poor when she was there. She believes the space could be used in more beneficial ways today.

“Even when I worked at Marysville place years ago, you could sense the history in the building, but that section’s been closed off since long before I was ever there. I think if they are going to tear it down, it’d be great if they used it for community space.” She said.

Though more space gained, Marysville will soon lose a little piece of history. But this area recognizes that history and how it all came to be. Memorials to ‘Boss’ Gibson still stand and buildings, streets and facilities remain named after him. Marysville was even named by Gibson, after his wife and eldest daughter. Though a little piece of history will be lost, the area stays loyal to its roots.