West Seattle Herald / White Center News - Historic Preservation

Military Road’s ties to prominent Civil War figures depicted in SeaTac one-man show

ericm — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 20:28:31 +0000

Press release:

One of the most heavily used routes through Highline today is also one of the very oldest roads in Washington state, and it was built by men who achieved the pinnacle of national prominence in their day.

Now the Highline Historical Society is collaborating with three other historical societies in South King County to draw attention to the historical significance of Military Road.

On Saturday, April 27, at 2 p.m., the Historical Society is hosting a presentation of “General George Pickett, His Life & Times” at Global Connections High School cafeteria (Tyee campus), 4424 S 188th Street, SeaTac. National Park Service interpretive ranger Michael Vouri will give a lively, one-man performance of Pickett’s life.

Pickett was one of the junior officers sent out to the Pacific Northwest to help build Military Road in the 1850s. Civil War buffs may recognize him as the fellow who, ten years later, led the doomed Pickett’s Charge at the Battle of Gettysburg.

Other officers who became important figures in the Civil War were surveying and building military routes in Washington Territory at the same time as Pickett – Ulysses Grant, Philip Sheridan and George McClellan, to name a few.

And our own Military Road, which stretched from Fort Vancouver to Fort Bellingham, might never have been built had its funding not been championed by Secretary of War Jefferson Davis, who served in President Franklin Pierce’s Cabinet in the 1850s, and wanted to ensure that settlers in the Northwest were protected from “Indian troubles.”

Soldiers who surveyed the Military Road route followed ridgelines to afford the strategic advantage of good visibility. They built “cord roads” of felled timber, and camped and fished at local lakes, including Five Mile Lake in Federal Way and Angle Lake in SeaTac.

The section of Military Road from Fort Steilacoom to Seattle, including the route through Highline, was finished in 1860, the same year Lincoln was elected President. A year later, Jefferson Davis disavowed his U.S. affiliation to become president of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War.

In conjunction with the 150-year anniversary of the Civil War, the Highline Historical Society, Tukwila Historical Society, Greater Kent Historical Society and Historical Society of Federal Way are all sponsoring programs that bring these stories to light.

“General George Pickett, His Life & Times” runs an hour and a quarter in length, and is suitable for families with middle school and high school students. Admission is free for students, for Highline Historical Society members with membership ID, and for Highline School District employees with employment ID. A donation of $5 is requested of all others.

For more information about the Highline Historical Society, visit www.highlinehistory.org For more information about the Military Road/Civil War Sesquicentennial Project, visit http://sococulture.org/category/military-road-project/

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ericm

04/10/2013

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Letter: In search of stone fireplace history

ericm — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 19:46:23 +0000

I am looking for information about a stonemason who I believe crafted many stone fireplaces from the Burien, Three Tree Point, Seahurst areas all the way to Alki around 1915 and later.

The only information I have is that he was a German gentleman. If you have an older home with the original stone fireplace built in that era, I am trying to get a collection of photographs of his work.

You can contact me and/or send photos to: ttpointer@comcast.net
Thank you,

Sheri Brim
Burien

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ericm

03/21/2013

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Highline Historical Society to present quilt art exhibit

ericm — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 21:49:24 +0000

A Sense of Place: In My Garden, Under the Sea – Four Highline Quilt Artists

Press release:

The Highline Historical Society is pleased to announce that it will showcase the work of four outstanding Highline-area quilt artists for two weeks at the end of March.

“A Sense of Place: In My Garden, Under the Sea – Four Highline Quilt Artists” will feature the work of Marie O’Kelley, Carla Stehr, Sonia Grasvik and Linda Johanson.

It will be available for viewing from March 18-29 at the Burien Community Center (14700 6th Avenue SW, Burien) during that facility’s regular open hours. Admission is free.

The exhibit will be curated by Lloyd Herman, a Highline Historical Society board trustee and Director Emeritus of the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C., and by Highline Historical Society curator Nancy Salguero McKay.

The Historical Society seeks a few more volunteers to staff an exhibit information table in 4-hour shifts (3 shifts/day on Monday through Thursday, and 2 shifts on Fridays).

Tasks will include distributing materials, keeping an eye on the exhibit and answering questions. Easy but mandatory orientation will be provided. Please contact Cyndi at editor@highlinehistory.org if you’d like to help.

For more information about the Highline Historical Society, visit www.highlinehistory.org

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ericm

03/06/2013

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Intermediate genealogy series being offered

ericm — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 01:04:53 +0000

Press release:

Following up on the introductory genealogy classes it offered last year, the Highline Historical Society this spring will be offering an intermediate series of classes in genealogical research.

This three-class series will focus on census records, vital records, immigration records, and passenger lists. Instructors Winona Laird and David Liesse of the South King County Genealogical Society will present lectures on finding and researching these resources, and then will assist students who are pursuing their personal research projects.

Sessions will be held from 1-3 PM on the Saturdays of March 23, March 30, and April 13. Classes will take place in Burien.

Pre-paid registration is required. Requested donation for class is $40/person. Please mail your checks to the Highline Historical Society at PO Box 317, Seahurst, WA 98062.

Your registration in the class will be confirmed.

For more information, visit the Highline Historical Society at http://www.highlinehistory.org.

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ericm

02/27/2013

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11 Highline pioneering women spotlighted at Burien Community Center

ericm — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 00:30:09 +0000

City of Burien press release:

The Burien Community Center is pleased to present a new exhibit curated by Highline Historical Society intern Colleen Lenahan.

The exhibit “Extraordinary Women of Highline" is an exhibit that showcases the accomplishments of eleven pioneering women from the Highline area.

These women impacted their communities in profound ways, giving back in the form of civic involvement, political progress, education, and the written word.

There have been many incredible women who have contributed to developing the Highline region since pioneer days, and though we cannot celebrate them all in this exhibit, those honored here represent the broad spectrum of achievement of all female Highline leaders.

Colleen is working on her M.A. in Museology at the University of Washington.

The exhibit can be found in the lobby at the Burien Community Center, 14700 6th Ave. S.W. It will be on display until January 31, 2013. Burien Community Center hours are Monday-Thursday 8:30am-8:00pm and Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm.

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ericm

12/10/2012

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Presentation on “Hidden Treasures in Washington’s Museums” to spark community conversation on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2 p.m.

ericm — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 22:06:15 +0000

The Highline Historical Society and Humanities Washington partner to bring author/radio producer Harriet Baskas to highline for free speakers bureau event

Press release:

The Highline Historical Society and Humanities Washington invite the community to an engaging conversation with Harriet Baskas, a member of the 2012-14 Humanities Washington Speakers Bureau.

This free event takes place Sunday, November 18, 2 PM at Highline School District ERAC (administration building), 15675 Ambaum Boulevard SW, Burien.

About this program
Space restrictions allow most museums to display only about 10 percent of their holdings. However, there are also surprising political, philosophical, artistic, environmental and historic reasons why museums keep objects from view.

Journalist Harriet Baskas will present a fast-paced, photo-filled and, at times, somewhat offbeat tour of Washington history through the stories of museum artifacts that are rarely – or never – shown to the public. Examples include Bing Crosby’s toupees in Spokane, a quilt made of Ku Klux Klan robes in Yakima and Native American spirit boards in Tacoma.

We will explore how these objects came to be in the local collections and who makes decisions about what is displayed or kept from view.

About Harriet Baskaas
Harriet Baskas writes about airports, museums and a wide variety of other topics for msnbc.com, USATODAY.com, AAA Journey and other outlets. She also maintains two blogs: StuckatTheAirport.com and MuseumMysteries.com. She produced a major radio series on hidden museum artifacts that aired on National Public Radio, with Smithsonian-based historians as her advisers.

Baskas has a master’s in communication from the University of Washington and served as general manager for three community radio stations in Oregon and Washington.

Baskas is the author of a half dozen books, including Washington Curiosities, Washington Icons and Oregon Curiosities, and is finishing a book about hidden treasures in museums. Baskas lives in Seattle.

At a glance
What: Hidden Treasures in Washington’s Museums, with Harriet Baskas
When: Sunday, November 18, 2 PM
Where: Highline ERAC, 15675 Ambaum Boulevard SW, Burien
Cost: Free
On the Web: www.highlinehistory.org or www.humanities.org/calendar-events
Questions? Cyndi Upthegrove, 206-246-6354, editor@highlinehistory.org

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ericm

11/07/2012

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Grand opening for Des Moines Beach Park Auditorium set for Wed., July 11

ericm — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 21:13:03 +0000

The City of Des Moines proudly announces the Grand Opening of the Des Moines Beach Park Auditorium. The ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on July 11, 2012 at 5:00pm.
Located on the shores of Puget Sound this one of a kind facility is available to the public to rent for private events including weddings, reunions, company events and trainings. The Auditorium is 3700 square feet with a 18’ X 25’ built in stage and tiled patio. The facility can accommodate up to 500 people reception seating.
The Beach Park Event Center offers the ideal setting for any event or special occasion. This historic yet contemporary Auditorium boasts stained glass windows, cathedral ceiling and gorgeous exposed wood beams that are true Pacific Northwest style.
• Smilin’ Scandinavians to perform live
• Refreshments provided by Wesley House
• Ribbon will be cut at 6:30 p.m. by the Meyer of Des Moines
• Free event open to the public.
• Tours and additional information available at the event.

City of Des Moines Des Moines Beach Park National Historic District Rehabilitation Overview

Background
• Des Moines Beach Park is the birth place of Des Moines. Settlement of the Des Moines area began on this site in the 1800’s.

• Evidence of Native American use of this area has also been found.

• Since settlement, the site has had a very colorful history as:
o One of the early European-American settlement along the shores of Puget Sound, establishment of the sawmill industry and platting the town site of Des Moines in 1889.
o A dance hall, and a private recreational park and play space for the children of the Children’s Industrial Home created by Herman and Annie Draper ( 1917- 1931)
o The Covenant Beach Bible Camp with rustic cabins and communal buildings of the recreational park and Covenant Church camp eras dotting the landscape (1931-1986)
o And now the Des Moines Beach Park (late 1987 – present)

• In pioneer days approximately 100 Camps dotted the region. Covenant Beach Bible Camp is the most intact of the few remaining church camps located within the urbanized Puget Sound region.

• Des Moines acquired the Park in the late 1980’s with a citizen voted bond issue and matching funds from King County and Washington State.

• Since the late 1980’s the structures have been used for recreational purposes such as: Senior Center, Day Camps, Public Rentals and Community Special Events.

• The Beach Park (also known as the Covenant Beach Bible Camp Historic District) is listed on the Washington State, King County and Des Moines Historic Registers and in 2006 Governor Gregoire joined the City as it commemorated its listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

• The Covenant Beach Historic District at Des Moines Beach Park is significant because of its place in our history and as a central part of our economic development strategy.
o Historic preservation efforts are excellent investments for cities to make in their communities, often returning multiple dollars to the community for each dollar spent.
o The Historic District is adjacent to the Marina and within the downtown/Waterfront District and provides the terminus for the Des Moines Creek Trail. These combined amenities will create a synergistic effect for the revitalization of our Downtown and to create vibrancy and local living wage jobs necessary for the sustainability of South King County.

• A business and marketing plan has been developed by the City to maximize future building access and uses and to provide adequate revenues for the ongoing maintenance and operation of the Historic District.

• Seattle Southside Visitor Services (serving the South King County Cities of SeaTac, Tukwila, Kent and Des Moines) works with the City to actively market the Beach Park to the hospitality industry as a tourism destination.

• In 2005, Des Moines began working on a plan to rehabilitate the Historic District’s camp buildings beginning with the Auditorium built in 1957 by the Covenant Church camp and the Dining Hall built over Des Moines creek in 1934).

• The total cost to rehabilitate the Auditorium was $2,004,798 with $542,375 appropriated from the Washington State Department of Commerce; $50,000 appropriated from a King County Community Development Block Grant; and the remaining $1,412,423 from the City of Des Moines Capital Improvement Program.

• The projects to reopen the Auditorium were completed in phases as funds were made available beginning in 2007 and following important work along Des Moines Creek, upstream of the Park, to reduce site flooding.

o The first phase was to improve site drainage with a project to reduce hillside runoff from seeping into the building and roadway.

o The second phase was to build a concrete floodwall and buffer the building from the potential of Des Moines Creek flooding.

o The third phase was to rehabilitate the building which began in 2010. This project included bringing the building up to code with a new electrical system, gas HVAC system, fire suppression system, plumbing and restrooms, building insulation and structural improvements, new doors and windows, ADA access, stage and patio.

• There were a few project hiccups that delayed the completion and reopening of the building, however, the result of many years of work is the transformation into the beautiful resource you see here today.

• Another Beach Park rehabilitation project that is underway, again in phases, is the historic Dining Hall. This project received a $1Million grant from the Washington Heritage Capital Grant Fund. Funds have helped to lift the building above the 100 year flood plain and to construct and new foundation and decking. An additional $800,500 is needed to complete building improvements and reopen the building. The project was recently reviewed and has been recommended to receive a second heritage grant in the next biennium.

Auditorium Statistics and Amenities
Building Square footage: 6,000
Building Occupancy: 525
Building seating capacity:
Banquet style - 360
Classroom style - 400
Number of Windows: 12 triple pane colored glass
Floor: Concrete
Stage Size: 18 X 25
Coffee Bar with Sink
Indoor-Outdoor Door System: 3- 12 ft. Bi-fold Nana Doors
Building Patio Square Footage: 1200
Building Amenities: Sound System, Projector, Wi Fi, Lighting Dimmer System, 250 chairs and 25 60” Round tables and 6 6’ Rectangular Tables

Auditorium Character Defining Elements
Glue Lam Beams
V-Groove 2” x 6” ceiling decking
Purlins and ridge board measuring 6” x 12” and spaced 8” centers
Gable roof and broad eave overhangs with continuation of V-groove interior sheathing and exposed purlins
Colored fiberglass panels
Interior fiberboard wall panels
Exterior plywood sheet cladding with ¼” vertical grooves
Top-hinged, 4’ wide doors
Side wall hopper windows
Open interior volume
Stage including stairs and horizontal lapped wood cladding
Storage rooms flanking the stage
Aluminum incandescent light fixtures mounted on purlins
Speakers mounted on purlins
Curved wood casings around the doorways to the storage rooms flanking the stage
Central locations within the site

Auditorium Design and Construction
Project Partners:
City of Des Moines
Washington State Department of Commerce
King County Department of community and Human Services

Architects: BOLA Architecture + Planning
Construction Contractor: Nordic Construction, Inc.

Des Moines Creek Modifications
Engineers: TetraTech

City Engineers and Owners Representatives: Loren Reinhold, Scott Romano, Jason Sullivan, Annette Chomica and David Clark Architects,

Opening Celebration Sponsors
Des Moines Legacy Foundation- Entertainment
Wesley Homes- Refreshments
FloraLaura- Floral Arrangements
Des Moines Historic Society- Historic Displays

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ericm

07/05/2012

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'Golda Meir' visits Burien in Highline Historical Society program

ericm — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 21:20:07 +0000

PRESS RELEASE:

The Highline Historical Society, in partnership with Burien Little Theatre, presents Chautauqua actress Joan Wolfberg in "Golda Meir: From Pogrom to Prime Minister" on January 22, 2 PM, at the Burien Little Theatre, 425 S.W. 144th St.

As a child, Golda Meir, knowing the fear of pogroms in Russia, dreamed of a homeland for her people in Palestine. Her dream became a reality in 1921.

Golda's continued commitment to her land and to her people was the paragon of human dedication. Her complete involvement, tempered with love, fired by fierce devotion, and a wonderful sense of humor, caused the world to know that she was a true mover of mountains.

Joan Wolfberg, as Golda, takes the audience from the pogroms of Russia, to Milwaukee, to Denver, to Palestine...and finally to "life in state of our own"...Israel...as Prime Minister.

At the end of this program, Wolfberg will stays n character and answer questions posed to her about Golda, and her life.

Admission to this program is $5, or free with Highline Heritage Museum membership card. The Burien Little Theatre at the Burien Community center Annex is located at the corner of 4th Ave. SW and SW 146th St.in Burien.

For more information visit http://www.highlinehistory.org

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ericm

01/05/2012

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Historical society panel to recall Highline sports

ericm — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 20:30:22 +0000

Nostalgic about the “good old days” of school and youth sports in the Highline area?

Then the Highline Historical Society has a free program for you on Sunday, Nov. 20 at SeaTac City Hall, 4800 S. 188th St.

From 2-4 p.m., a special panel will reminisce about Highline sports.

Panelists include retired Tyee baseball coach Walt Edmiston, former Tyee girls swimming coach Kaija Lietuvietis, church-league basketball writer Phyllis Mitchell and Highline Little League coach Gordon Shaw.
Former Highline School District Superintendent Kent Matheson will moderate.

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ericm

11/16/2011

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http://www.westseattleherald.com/sites/robinsonpapers.com/files/images/wwwhighlinetimescom/2011/11/highline1932basketball.jpg

Primary Image, Cropped:

http://www.westseattleherald.com/sites/robinsonpapers.com/files/imagecache/thumb/images/wwwhighlinetimescom/2011/11/highline1932basketball-1.jpg

1932 Highline High School basketball champions, courtesy Highline Historical Society