government » louis h. houck
Louis H. Houck

One of the well-known merchants of the late 1800's who did much to further the advancement of Cheney and neighboring communities was Louis H. Houck, son of John and Mary Houck of Tiffin, Ohio.  Born there August 19, 1861 he grew up in Ohio receiving his education in parochial schools.  At 15 years of age he obtained employment in a dry goods store where he gained experience which was valuable in his future.

When 21 years old Louis moved to Oregon, entered the mercantile business in Portland, then Benton, for a period of six years.  While residing in Oregon he married Ida May O'Brien on July 12, 1885.  Two years later their first child, son John William, was born.  Three other infants were born in following years, including Mary who arrived after the move to Cheney.  Of five children, only John and Mary lived to maturity.

The family moved to Spokane in 1887 and Louis started work in the F.H. Mason dry goods store.  He later became manager of the L. Budde mercantile establishments in Palouse City and Cheney.  This led to a move to Cheney in 1893 where they made their permanent home.  In 1898 Louis Houck purchased the Budde store here and became the sole owner.

Through good management and a talent for public relations, the Houck Store prospered and being an astute business man, Louis sought other opportunities farther afield.  Traveling the surrounding countryside he saw the possibilities of a thriving community near the railroad station of Calvert adjacent to Amber Lake.  He is credited with founding the town and post office of Amber in the immediate vicinity.  The little town was about 12 miles southwest of Cheney.  When he first saw the location in March, 1911, there was only a water tower and section house, both the property of the railroad.  A warehouse owned by F.M. Morteice of Cheney occupied the site.  By September of that same year Amber boasted a restaurant, a store, Alva Briner's blacksmith shop, a butcher shop, hotel, post office building and Louis Houck's feed and sale stable.  A schoolhouse was under construction, one house completed and occupied and another being built.  Amber Lake had promise of becoming a recreational spot and Louis Houck, never one to overlook any chance to improve a situation, encouraged his father-in-law, William S. O'Brien, to enter into making boats in anticipation of the coming resort.

Not only was Louis involved with his business interests, but took time to actively assist in the affairs of city government in his home town of Cheney.  He served on the city council three terms and was elected Mayor repeatedly from 1901 through 1907.

Progress was taking many forms everywhere and Cheney was no exception.  Telephones were coming into their own here as well as in other communities.  This modern method of communication required poles on which to string the wire and the City felt some regulations were necessary controlling where they could be placed.  It was decided by the Mayor and council, property owners submit application to set poles so some control over the situation could be maintained.

Mayor Houck was advised the city water main on the campus was only 6" under the Normal School heating plant.  In the event of a broken main great damage could be done to the plant besides being nearly impossible to get at the broken pipe.  The City administration worked out a plan to re-route the water main.  Instructions were issued the water Sup't to order enough 8" pipe to carry the water line around the Normal School grounds, thus by-passing the heating plant.

Other water problems arose; the City was growing so rapidly the system at that time couldn't keep up with the demand.  A special meeting was called by the Mayor for January 24, 1907.  A committee composed of councilman Hubbard and Water Sup't Lind joined a committee of leading citizens to consider ways of securing additional water.  The final decision was made to dig another well connected to the existing ones so as to give better storage capacity.  Water Sup't Lind was instructed to proceed as rapidly as possible with the project.  Men could be hired for $2.00 a day for the work.

Washington Water Power Co. had recently completed an electric train line from Spokane to Cheney using Second St. to approach the depot on Second and College.  (Although the tracks are long gone the brick building still remains and is now on the historic register.)  In early 1908 Mayor Houck and council notified W.W.P. to clean up Second Street and return said street to the good condition for public use as it had been before construction of the electric line.

A firm believer in progress, Mayor Houck bought one of the first automobiles in Cheney, a heavy Chalmers, but wouldn't drive it himself.  Son John, much to his delight, became the family chauffer.  The Houcks generously provided transportation for friends and neighbors, especially the younger set.

Louis Houck felt great personal responsibility toward his family, business and service to his community.  He also enjoyed to the fullest the festive occasions held in town, particularly May Day celebrations, when town folk and people from miles around gathered to mingle, visit and witness the Maypole dance, crowning of the May Queen and the parade.  Picnics, games and dancing rounded out the day.  The Houcks always invited friends from the country to a large picnic held on their lawn.

The energetic life of this pioneer came to an end December 31, 1916.  His outstanding contributions to the entire Cheney area lived on, recorded in the history of Cheney.

Contributed by Ellen Proctor, 1988.