George Frederick Frye | |
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Born | [1] Drachenburg, Germany[1] | June 15, 1833
Died | May 2, 1912[2] Seattle, Washington, U.S.[2] | (aged 78)
Burial place | Lake View Cemetery |
Occupations |
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Years active | 1853–1912 |
Organization | The Pioneers Association[4] |
Known for | One of Seattle's first developers and businessmen. Developed a number of businesses in the city and contributed to the city's layout by building the Frye Opera House, the Hotels Stevens and Barker, and the Hotel Frye. |
Political party | Republican[5] |
Spouse | Louisa C. Denny (married 1860 – 1912)[3] |
Children | 6[6] |
George Frederick Frye (June 15, 1833 – May 2, 1912) was one of Seattle's first developers and businessmen and an active City Council member. He played a significant role in Seattle's conversion from a small settlement into a modern city.
Frye developed bakery, butcher, and lumber businesses in the city. With Seattle founders Arthur A. Denny and Henry L. Yesler, he established the first sawmill and grist mill of the city.
Frye erected a number of significant Seattle buildings. His first building was the Frye Opera House, which burned down during the Great Seattle Fire in 1889. On its site, Frye erected a new five-story brick building, Hotel Stevens. At the site of the Frye family house, he erected Hotel Barker. One of Frye's most-known buildings was his last one: the eleven-story fireproof Hotel Frye.
Frye crossed the American Plains at the age of sixteen and survived the 1846–1860 cholera pandemic. He was one of the first people to volunteer to serve during the Indian war in 1855.