The first Redmond School was built in 1875, an indication that Redmond, along with Kirkland, is the Eastside's oldest community. This photo of the student body and faculty posing in front of the log-cabin school is believed to have been taken about 1887. The school was abandoned that year and classes were moved to a church.

One of the first cars in Redmond was owned by a Dr. Kieffer, left, seen here giving Dr. George A. Davis a ride in his new contraption in front of the Redmond Hotel in 1907. The hotel -- built in 1899 by Justice William White and his young bride, Emma McRedmond -- is now the landmark Justice White House.

In 1890, it was not unusual to see animal skins, including a bear pelt, hanging at the Redmond Meat Market. The market was across Leary Way from the bustling Northern Pacific Railroad depot and the proprietor was a man named W. Rose. In those days, the term "business is good" had no ominous implications. Now, however, Redmond is the fastest growing city on the Eastside, and its residents are seeking to keep a balance between growth and rural, small-town amenities.

The Redmond State Bank, at the corner of Leary Way and Cleveland Street, opened in 1911. Brad Best Realty now occupies the building. The bank started with about $10,000 in deposits and grew into First National Bank of Redmond, which had $13 million in deposits when it was acquired by Seattle Trust & Savings in 1976.