Merry Christmas from the Olympia Tumwater Foundation!
Christmas card sent by the Olympia Brewing Co. in 1952
Tumwater Park: An Early Version of Northwest Trek
The Washington Standard newspaper reported in its November 12, 1897 edition that “It’s raining pitchforks with saw logs for handles and the tines downward.” In other words, the weather was typically wet for that time of year in our part of the country. What caught my eye though in that issue of the paper was a reference to Tumwater: “Tumwater Park received an unexpected accession to its population the other day, in the shape of a baby elk, which was born in the park from a captive elk.” Keep in mind that this was around 65 years before our modern day Tumwater Falls Park was constructed on the same site in 1962 in time for the Seattle World’s Fair.
DetailsIt’s a Small World
Each month, Amber Raney at the Washington State Archives publishes an online newsletter, appropriately titled Out of the Archives. The November issue featured a great photo of a mountain lodge, and challenged viewers to identify the lodge’s location. When I saw that photo, I knew I’d seen a copy somewhere at the Schmidt House, so I went digging through our archives. What I found surprised me, and led both Amber and me to exclaim “It’s a small world!”
DetailsAfter the storm
We had a beautiful day at Tumwater Falls Park after the nasty storm this morning.
Lots of people checking out the swollen river, which peaked at three feet above flood stage around 3:00p.m.
This man seems transfixed by the immense power of the water.
Deschutes River will reach flood stage
The Deschutes River will approach moderate flood stage on Wednesday, December 9 according to NOAA projections. River crest is expected around noon at Tumwater Falls Park.
1965 Brewery Thanksgiving Message
The November 1965 It’s the Water News showcased the Virgil Monroe family and their turkey: “Any designs Virgil Monroe might have had for this gobbler on Thanksgiving seem to have been foiled by his children Clyde, Luke and Sara, who have fostered a friendship with the fair bird. But, he needn’t despair. As an expression…
DetailsGerman Heritage History Talk Draws Standing Room Only Crowd at the Schmidt House
“It’s never easy to predict the turn-out for our free monthly history talks,” says Don Trosper, Public History Manager for the “Heritage Builders” program of the Olympia Tumwater Foundation. “Today’s noon hour talk was nearly filled to capacity as we hosted noted genealogist Jewell Dunn talking about the German heritage of the Schmidt family.”
Sixty visitors filled the room to overflowing to hear not only our German roots locally, but also to receive helpful tips
DetailsMore water at the Falls!
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The Deschutes River reached flood stage early today and put on an impressive display at Tumwater Falls Park