West Seattle, Washington
19 Thursday
If you’ve ever been a student or staffer at Alki Elementary – one more reminder that tomorrow (Thursday, March 28) is the big night – its centennial celebration, presented by the Alki PTA and the Southwest Seattle Historical Society. First big reminder is to be there no later than 5 pm so you can be part of the group photo outside the school’s main entrance; you’ll be able to sign up to get a copy of the photo via e-mail. And speaking of photos, bring any photos of yourself/the school from your days there; be ready to share stories if you wish (including in a video booth that will be set up!). Of course, you don’t have to have ties to Alki Elementary to attend – neighbors, community members, anyone and everyone interested is welcome too. After the 5 pm gathering for the photo, indoor activities are planned 6-8 pm. The SWSHS website has more info; if you want a reminder via Facebook, “join” the official event page here.
If you or someone you know was part of the West Seattle High School Class of 1963, this short announcement just out of the WSB inbox is for you!
Please join us at West Seattle High School, Friday evening, June 7, at 5 pm to celebrate our 50th Reunion.
Also, register in advance for a fantastic buffet dinner at the Rainier Golf and Country Club, Saturday, June 8 at 6 pm.
For registration forms, contact jelmer63@comcast.net
With the Alki Elementary School centennial celebration a little more than one week away, Southwest Seattle Historical Society executive director Clay Eals shares this reminder about something you don’t want to leave till the last minute:
Did you ever attend or teach at Alki Elementary School? Are you coming to the school’s 100th birthday on Thursday evening, March 28? Make sure to dig up photos of yourself and your school for sharing at the event!
The Alki PTA and the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, co-sponsors of the celebration, are planning a variety of activities to engage students and community members of all ages. One is a sharing area, where people can share stories from their time at Alki with others. We’ll also have a video booth so we can capture memories on video.
“This will be a fun way to tell the stories and preserve the rich history of our school,” says Amy Bannister, who chairs the event for Alki PTA.”
The event will start with a group shot outside the school at 5 pm. You can stay connected with other event updates through this Facebook event page.
(Video and photos by Nick Adams for WSB)
The Alki Tavern‘s long farewell – dating back to the January announcement of its plan to close – ended late last night, with the last “last call” after 38 years. WSB contributing photojournalist Nick Adams was there; his video includes final thoughts from proprietor Gill McLynne, and scenes from the final night and weekend. We’ll be adding one last round of photos; in the meantime, if you missed any of these galleries from the final days/nights:
*Seafair Pirates’ visit
*Last ‘Taco Thursday’
*Wednesday night memorabilia auction
ADDED 10:16 AM: The last look at last night, in photos:
After sailing their landlubbing vessel Moby Duck right behind the West Seattle High School Marching Band in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade downtown (as shown in our parade coverage), the Seafair Pirates brought it to this side of the bay for a visit to the Alki Tavern. Thanks to Don Brubeck for catching the scene as the Pirates reboarded and prepared to sail away before sunset. Tomorrow, as announced in January, is the tavern’s final day; the farewell festivities this past week have included a memorabilia auction Wednesday night (photos here) and the final Taco Thursday, motorcycle lineup and all (photos here). The site including the tavern and neighboring parcels has been sold and is expected to be redeveloped, though no formal proposal is filed with the city so far.
ADDED 9:32 PM: WSB contributing photojournalist Nick Adams was inside the tavern with the Pirates:
(added) … and outside:
(Pirates Lance English, left, and Shane Faucher)
Six more scenes of revelry – ahead:
(Photo by Don Brubeck)
One last time, motorcycles lined the street outside Alki Tavern on Thursday night. A sign set aside the parking just for them:
(Photo by Cami MacNamara)
A wider view shows how many had arrived even before sunset, for one last tribute:
(Photo by Russ Walker)
One last … taco:
(This photo and others below by Cami MacNamara)
With the tavern closing after Sunday night, it was one more tradition to say farewell to.
(Photos by Nick Adams for WSB)
Most business-fixture auctions are anti-climactic … days or weeks after the shutdown, with the business space a near-empty echo of its past. But Alki Tavern, ending its 38-year run this Sunday, decided not to do it that way. Tavern owner Gill McLynne (above) decided to auction off the memorabilia last night – in a raucous atmosphere among friends, with the tavern still open and rocking. WSB contributing photojournalist Nick Adams was there. No surprise, it drew a crowd:
Adam Price served as auctioneer:
Any winning bid was cause for celebration – here’s Marshall Thomas to celebrate:
Ahead, some of what was bid on – no, not all beer signs!
(Photos by Glenn Gauthier)
A day to remember – and for remembering – at South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor). From communications director Kevin Maloney:
71 years ago today, former President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed an executive order that will never be forgotten. In 1942, Roosevelt signed executive order 9066, which authorized evacuation and incarceration of 120,000 persons of Japanese ancestry, living on the West Coast; most of whom were U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents.
Today, SSCC hosted a series of events dedicated to that historic day that is known as Japanese-American Day of Remembrance. Above, actress Narea Kang starred in “Within the Silence.” The performance captured a first-hand account of a Seattle family affected by the order. Here’s Kang with SSCC’s May Lukens (left) and Chanda Ishisaka:
In addition to today’s events, South Seattle’s library will feature a collection of photos from the National Archives through the end of the month that captures life in the internment camps during World War II.
At the campus art gallery, you’ll find the exhibit “Meet Me at Higo”:
It includes artifacts from what Maloney explains was “a well-known dime store that served as a community meeting place for the Japanese community in the Seattle area.”
(From Southwest Seattle Historical Society collection: Alki Elementary School 5th graders line up for a group photo in May 1928)
Big birthday ahead for Alki Elementary – and all of its alums (along with the rest of the community) are invited to the party. Here’s the official announcement:
Calling everyone who has ever attended Alki Elementary School: Mark your calendars to come celebrate the school’s 100th birthday on March 28.
The Alki PTA and the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, co-sponsors of the celebration, are planning a slate of activities to engage students and community members of all ages.
Log House Museum volunteers Bonnie and Andrew were among those enjoying free chili and cornbread on the museum’s porch this afternoon, during the Neighbor Appreciation Day celebration. (They turned out to be something of a Valentine’s Day story too – their love of West Seattle brought them together online, and now they’re married – as well as expressing their community caring through volunteering!) Right before serving chili, the Museum had hosted one of its monthly volunteer briefings, and new Southwest Seattle Historical Society executive director Clay Eals reports another good turnout. He mingled with museum visitors and volunteers this afternoon:
You don’t have to wait for a special occasion to visit the museum – it’s open noon-4 pm, Thursdays through Sundays, 61st and Stevens.
Now that author/historian Clay Eals has taken over as the first-ever executive director of the Southwest Seattle Historical Society – parent organization to the Log House Museum – he has a theme: Telling stories. And that’s exactly what he and museum visitors did during Sunday afternoon’s reception celebrating the start of his new role. SWSHS and the museum, after all, are all about the stories of our area’s past, and how to be sure they’re not lost as we hurtle into the future. You can visit the museum Thursdays-Sundays, noon-4 pm, by the way (61st and Stevens, a block inland from Alki Beach).
On the brink of a new year, many are looking to the future – including those who help others explore West Seattle’s past. The Log House Museum has a volunteer-training session coming up January 5th and needs “more helpers, as many as we can get!” according to museum manager Sarah Baylinson. She says that longtime volunteer Carol Vincent will lead the training at 11 am on the 5th (next Saturday), including a “brief historical tutorial” as well as the basics of being a docent. The museum’s in Alki, at 61st and Stevens.
Tweeted early today by HistoryLink.org: A tale of what “Seattle’s First Christmas” might have been like for the Denny Party settlers, 161 years ago. One feature the story has in common with today: Pouring rain. Read it here.
Author, advocate, and historian Clay Eals will make history at the Southwest Seattle Historical Society as its first executive director. Here’s the announcement from SWSHS:
The board of the Southwest Seattle Historical Society has hired veteran heritage advocate
Clay Eals as the organization’s first executive director.
Eals is perhaps best known locally as editor of the “West Side Story” history book about the Duwamish peninsula and a leader of the successful drive to secure city landmark status for the Admiral Theater. He will begin work in the new half-time position on Jan. 1, 2013.
As part of oversight of the Southwest Seattle Historical Society’s programs and projects, including the Log House Museum, Eals will be responsible for volunteer recruitment, fundraising and outreach. The organization also plans to retain the part-time position of museum manager, which reports to the executive director.
(Entrance to the building – head of the line – and media area)
10:21 PM: We’re at the King County Administration Building downtown with hundreds of people – both engaged couples and media – looking ahead to 12:01 am, when County Executive Dow Constantine will sign the county’s first licenses for same-sex marriages. It’s a jubilant atmosphere. Whooping and hollering can be heard every few minutes from somewhere down the line. More to come.
10:35 PM: Above are Jason and Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby, West Seattleites who are #84 in line for their license, after 18 years together. Here’s a better shot of the line – and bubbles!
Overhead, there’s now a helicopter. Assuming it’s TV, but not entirely sure. Maybe Guardian One is doing something fun for once. We did see new Sheriff John Urquhart working the line as we arrived just after 10 pm. County staff here tell us as of a few minutes ago, they have 189 couples waiting in line for licenses. Good thing the county put up a canopy for the couples – it’s starting to rain lightly. We’ve ducked just under the overhang on the east edge of the media area.
10:48 PM: You might recognize Marley Blonsky and Whitney Young– also West Seattleites – they have been featured in various publications, and we published their announcement on WSB a while back. They are thrilled beyond belief and are somewhere around #20, according to WSB team members Katie and Torin, who are roving. This group, meantime, is serenading everyone:
At 11:20, those of us who are credentialed to go into the recorder’s office for the signing ceremony at 12:01 will have to go wait in line ourselves – if we go silent for any period of time, check the WSB Twitter account, here.
11:00 PM: One hour to go. People of course are here with signs, like Jeaneane Hill:
The other side of her sign says “for my gay son.” A guy named Scott is handing out buttons in celebration of his sister and her partner – he says they have been together 43 years. The buttons are rainbow colored with the Washington state logo and December 6, 2012.
Meantime, more couples have shown up – 205 now, according to county reps.
11:13 PM: County Councilmember Joe McDermott (with fiancé Michael Culpepper in the foreground at left – McDermott says they’ll marry sometime next year):
More music – a group has just shown up near the door and is singing a spiritual, a cappella. Again, if we can’t get photos on the web once it’s time to go in, check our Twitter feed.
11:43 PM: We’re in the County Recorder’s Office with a media and dignitary crowd. The first couple to get a license, Jane and Pete-e, have arrived for photo ops too:
Others who are in the first licensing group have arrived too. Wider view:
Lots of staging going on – the actual event will start at 11:59, we’re hearing it explained.
11:56 PM: The ceremony starts in one minute – leading up to 12:01 am issuances. The room hushes.
MIDNIGHT: The crowd counted down, as County Executive Constantine, with County Councilmember McDermott at his side – both West Seattleites – paused his speech. All applauded, and yelled HAPPY MARRIAGE! (Added – our clip including that, and the first few license signings:)
12:06 AM: And – the first to be licensed!
Among the couples who have followed – famed writer/editor Dan Savage and partner Terry:
12:11 AM: Wrapping up the ceremonial first round of couples, County Executive Constantine pays tribute to those who went before – to the years it took to get to this point. Applause followed, and then “Let’s go have a party!” (But first, a group photo.)
12:27 AM: Down toward the street level now. Those in line outside are cheering wildly as each licensed couple emerges. (Added video – Jane and Pete-e, greeted like rockstars as they departed, escorted by West Seattleite Anne Levinson, former judge and deputy mayor, a key organizer of the marriage-equality campaign, and of the logistics for this celebratory day:)
2:21 AM: Back at HQ, adding some more of the visuals and info (added the entire midnight-signing-ceremony clip inline). Thanks to Katie Meyer and Torin Record-Sand for assisting with on-the-scene coverage. For continuing coverage, King County’s social-media team is on the beat all night. Just tweeted a few minutes ago:
In 2 hours, we’ve processed 127 licenses and are still ahead of schedule. Estimated wait time for ticket No. 240 is 5am.
— King County, WA (@kcnews) December 6, 2012
Also tweeting: Jason and Shannon, featured earlier in our story:
Done!! License to marry my partner of 18 years acquired! #MEDayWA #marriageequality
— Shibaguyz (@Shibaguyz) December 6, 2012
Congratulations to all. We’ll be reviewing more of our photos a bit later this morning to see if there’s more to add. And again, since there’s a waiting period, the weddings don’t start till Sunday.
7:12 AM NOTE: The county is continuing to tweet updates at @kcnews. More than 300 licenses so far.
Many big events tomorrow (Saturday) – including a sneak peek inside a newly remodeled building that belongs to YOU:
(Photo courtesy Tiffani Melake/Hiawatha Community Center)
The city-landmark substation building that is part of Dakota Place Park (California/Dakota north of The Junction) is finally fixed up and now featuring classes and events as a satellite of Hiawatha Community Center. It’s also available for rentals, and on Saturday you can explore for yourself during its first public open house – 2 to 5 pm on Saturday. Read about the substation’s history here. (The park itself, minus the then-awaiting-remodeling building, was dedicated almost exactly three years ago; the substation building had been empty for almost three decades, since the last power equipment was removed.)
Just got word of this: A modern-architecture group called Docomomo WEWA has a home tour in West Seattle this Saturday:
You’ll visit three mid-century modern homes that demonstrate the creative work of one architect, Arnold Gangnes (1918 – 2003), who was known for his innovative designs for modern dwellings and later for large scale non-residential and institutional projects. Included on the tour is Gangnes’s own house built in 1948.
The event is a self-guided driving/walking tour. Two of the residences are next door to each other. The third home is reachable by car, bike or a nice long walk.
The tour hours are 11 am-2 pm, and there’s a $10/person (cash or check) fee. Check in at 5054 SW Grayson (county archive photo above; here’s a map) to get a tour booklet and map; organizers also want you to know that (a) you’ll have to take off your shoes at each home and (b) only exterior photography will be allowed.
(See a larger version here)
That May 1954 photo of Mr. B’s Double-Decker Hamburger, from the Seattle Municipal Archives, came to our attention on Friday, when the Seattle City Council Twitter account flagged it as “Photo of the Week.” It’s one of the archive photos also featured on Flickr, and its main page there includes comments from Flickr member “Severinus” with more information, including a link to an exterior view “Severinus” pinpointed Mr. B’s address as 38th and Fauntleroy – now home to the dry cleaners immediately north of Link Apartments.
From memorabilia to maps, the story of West Seattle’s relationship with the land and the 
water is told in the first phase of “Telling Our Westside Stories,” a three-year project involving the Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s Log House Museum and numerous community members. Museum manager Sarah Frederick (left) and the LHM team opened the exhibit today for the first time. It’s not just something to look at – it’s something to hear, “based on more than 40 oral-history interviews and photographs from the society’s collection.” Not just photos – the stories relate to items from our area’s past, too:
You can see, and hear – headsets are supplied at multiple listening stations – the new exhibit during museum hours, noon-4 pm Thursdays-Sundays. The museum is at 61st and Stevens, a block inland from Alki Beach. You’ll also have a chance in the coming months to see and hear an exhibit component – an interactive map with audio clips, which the museum says will travel to schools, libraries, and community centers.
(WSB photo: Artech’s Shawn Nordfors and Roger Waterhouse)
A few days after the second anniversary of the West Seattle Rotary Viewpoint Park totem-pole re-dedication, the pole got a touch-up today. Visiting West Seattle to get the job done: Roger Waterhouse and Shawn Nordfors from Artech, the Renton-based firm that restored it in 2010, months after the bizarre theft-and-recovery saga ended.
Their work today at the park (35th/Alaska) left it shining in the late-morning sun:
By now, the light preservative they applied has likely soaked all the way in; they cleaned the pole first, and did some paint touchup afterward. We stopped by just as they were wrapping up:
Roger told us the Rotary Viewpoint Park pole is in great shape – evident if you look closely at features like the “paws” toward the bottom:
An even closer look at its base is revealing because of what you don’t see – no moss, no sign that the pole has been permeated with new moisture.
Since it was in such good shape, they needed less than half the 3 1/2 hours they originally scheduled for the job, and packed up, planning to check back on it in another 2 years or so. As reported here after the pole’s brief absence in late 2009, it was carved in 1976 by Robin Young, a Native American who at the time taught woodcarving at Highline Community College, and donated to the city along with the park site by the Rotary Club of West Seattle.
The Log House Museum/Southwest Seattle Historical Society have some big plans in the works, all coming up before the end of August, and you’re invited to all three. Their Ice Cream Social (featuring Husky Deli ice cream!) is on the calendar for August 19th, 1-3 pm, in the museum courtyard. SWSHS has also partnered with the Museum of History & Industry to offer a historical “Log House to Longhouse” biking tour on August 25th from 10 am to noon. And the same weekend, on August 26th, the Log House Museum is celebrating the opening of a new exhibit titled “Telling Our Westside Stories” from 1-4 pm. You can find out more about all three events here .
(Historic photo of Camp Colman dock, courtesy YMCA)
Though it’s not in West Seattle, thousands of West Seattleites old and young know all about YMCA Camp Colman – which is celebrating its centennial this year. The Colman family, which founded the camp on Case Inlet in south Puget Sound, had major roots in Fauntleroy – which is where you can be part of a celebration coming up on July 27th. Here’s the announcement from the Y (WSB sponsor):
YMCA Camp Colman, located on the Case Inlet in lower Puget Sound, is celebrating 100 years of helping kids and teens to realize their potential and give back to their communities throughout greater Seattle and beyond.
Founded in 1912 by the Colman family (Seattle pioneers and philanthropists), Camp Colman is a year-round facility featuring more than 100 forested acres, a protected saltwater lagoon and views of the snow-capped Olympic Mountains. Camp Colman offers a wide variety of programs offering positive role models, connection to the natural world and personal challenges. Programs include youth and teen summer overnight camp, family camps, Outdoor Environmental Education programs and Women’s Wellness Weekends.
Centennial Events
The central events of Camp Colman’s Centennial Year will be celebrated by camp alumni and friends of Camp Colman this July. Key dates include:• July 27, 5:30 pm-8:30 pm: Bean Feed Dinner & Centennial Film Premiere at The Hall at Fauntleroy, 9131 California Ave. SW, Seattle
• July 28-29, 2:00 pm arrival and 5:30 pm dinner: Celebration Weekend at Camp Colman! Salmon Bake Dinner, Campfire, French Toast & Goop on Sunday Morning and other activities. Location: 20016 Bay Road, KPS, Longbranch
• For the latest news and information on the Centennial and other events, visit campcolman.orgHistory & Facility Enhancements
In 1912, the Colman family welcomed campers from the Plymouth Congregational Church to their property at Horsehead Bay. The program expanded to include children from the Fauntleroy YMCA located in West Seattle. Camp Colman moved to its current location on Whiteman’s Cove in 1965 to allow for more space to grow.Originally built to accommodate about 120 campers at a time, Camp Colman’s Anderson Lodge now serves approximately 220 campers attending per session during the summer. Expansion of Anderson Lodge and other renovations are also marking the Centennial. Enhancements include new bathrooms on the main floor, an improved kitchen, new floors, upgraded safety features, an expanded deck around the building to enjoy stunning views of the Olympics, a new staff lounge area and a history wall.
Over the past 40 years, Camp Colman has added new cabins to accommodate steady growth and, in the past three years, the new Freeman Village has added space for 48 more campers or guests. These improvements are increasing Camp Colman’s year-round appeal for programs such as Women’s Wellness Weekends, retreats and Outdoor Environmental Education.
Laurie in Admiral is still remodeling, and still turning up pages from copies of The West Seattle Press, circa 1917, the year her house was built. This time it’s from a December edition. Above, a crime; below, a crash:
And a hero:
Plus, of course, ads:
The blacksmith’s address compares to the north side of Talarico’s; the shoe-repair shop, right around Admiral Safeway; Ida the real-estate lady, the north side of the Rite-Aid lot. Thanks, Laurie! (We have a few more clippings in reserve for sometime during the holiday week ahead.)
P.S. If you missed previous stories with some of her finds – see them here and here.
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