Olympia Historical Society & Bigelow House Museum

Looking Back’s theme for 2024 is Many Streams, celebrating our rich and diverse history. Gallewski Kaufman was a German Jewish immigrant, arriving in Olympia in the mid-1880s. He and his brother-in-law Ferdinand Toklas established the Toklas and Kaufman mercantile store, now the Mottman Building at Fourth Avenue and Capitol Way. Photograph selected and captioned by Deborah Ross on behalf of the Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum, https://olympiahistory.org/many-streams-a-resource-guide/. 1891 Olympia Tribune Souvenir Edition, Washington State Library

WE'RE HIRING!
Yes! The Olympia Historical Society & Bigelow House Museum (OHS & BHM) seeks to hire a part-time staff person to coordinate and manage implementation of the society’s expanded tour, education, and outreach activities being funded by the City’s Inspire Olympia grant program. The focus of this one-year part-time position is to manage and coordinate essential aspects of the BHM’s tour operation plus implementation of OHS & BHM’s goals for expanded education and outreach efforts in local history into 2025.

Job Description and Qualifications: If you are interested in applying, please review our Job Announcement, Job Description and Job Qualifications packet of information by going to our website at: www.olympiahistory.org and and view the We're Hiring! announcement. You can also email us at [email protected] to request the infomration packet or ask questions.

The deadline for submitting an application is Monday July 15, 2024.

The OHS & BHM gratefully acknowledges the Olympia Cultural Access Program (Inspire Olympia) and taxpayers to the City of Olympia for making this employment opportunity possible.

Looking Back fondly remembers Pat Holm, who passed away this month. The Null Set coffee house opened in West Olympia in August 1964, owned by Pat and Pete Holm and Connie and Bob Gillis. Pat is shown serving Connie and Bob, in this photograph from 1964. In addition to serving coffee and pastries, the coffee house featured folk music, served up with a dash of liberal-leaning politics. Photograph selected and captioned by Deborah Ross on behalf of the Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum, olympiahistory.org.

"Everythings comin' up roses"...and so much more!

Yes, come visit the Bigelow House Museum in summer. Come for the tours, come for the history, come for the decor, and come for the lore!

Also come to enjoy the beautiful grounds and gardens...all thanks to the hard work of Ron and his corps of dedicated volunteer garden enthusiasts. After viewing the yard, stop by adjacent Bigelow Springs City Park and take-in the sweeping view. A perfect picnic spot.

Also remember to play our new Scavenger Hunt at the Bigelow House 24/7. Just download the QR code from our website here: https://olympiahistory.org/join-the-fun-for-the-bigelow-house-museum-scavenger-hunt/ or go to Olympiahistory.org.

A reminder that museum tours are scheduled for the first and second Sundays of each month at 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00.

On Thursday, June 6, members of the OHS & BHM's Education Committee joined with students in the River Ridge High School Native Studies Program, taught by Alison McCartan. McCartan was the recipient of the 2024 Roger Easton History Grant. Derived from teacher and historian Roger Easton's estate, the grant funds enabled the Native Studies class to visit the Rose Island Farm in Parkland. At Rose Island, the students learned how indigenous cultures grew, harvested, and processed plants and game to meet their needs. In the classroom, committee members mingled with the students as they made the pesto to share with us and the graduating seniors in the Native Studies program, many of whom represent Tribes from the Northwest and beyond. Along with the delicious pesto and herbal tea, Education Committee members were rewarded with the knowledge that the Roger Easton grant funds were used as Roger would have wished.

Looking Back’s theme for 2024 is Many Streams, celebrating our rich and diverse history. Sam Fun Locke, dubbed the Mayor of Chinatown, arrived in Olympia in the late 1800s from Toisan, China. In 1902 he traveled back to China and returned with his wife Lay Shee. They had nine children. The family is pictured here in this photo from about 1930. Image selected and captioned by Deborah Ross on behalf of the Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum, https://olympiahistory.org/many-streams-a-resource-guide/. Courtesy Locke family

Looking Back’s theme for 2024 is Many Streams, celebrating our rich and diverse history. George Bush, who was of mixed race, was one of the first American emigrant settlers to Washington Territory, along with his wife Isabella James Bush. They and their sons settled what would become known as Bush Prairie in 1845. Image selected and captioned by Deborah Ross on behalf of the Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum, https://olympiahistory.org/many-streams-a-resource-guide/.. : Sketch of George Bush as he may have looked, by Sam Patrick, Courtesy Henderson House Museum

Looking Back’s theme for 2024 is Many Streams, celebrating our rich and diverse history. Jocelyn Dohm, at left, founded the Sherwood Press, specializing in high-end small-scale printed materials using traditional techniques. She and her life-long partner Marjorie Sayre were active in the political and arts communities. Jocelyn is pictured here with American Association of University Women member Dorothy Vitous, as she creates stationery for the organization. Photograph selected and captioned by Deborah Ross on behalf of the Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum, https://olympiahistory.org/many-streams-a-resource-guide/. Daily Olympian photo, October 1964, State Capital Museum collection, Washington State Historical Society

Looking Back’s theme for 2024 is Many Streams, celebrating our rich and diverse history. Three Bettman brothers, Louis, Moses, and Sig, were members of the first Jewish family to settle in Olympia in 1853. They operated a store at the foot of Main Street (Capitol Way). Pictured here is Louis’s son William Bettman, who took over the business. Photograph selected and captioned by Deborah Ross on behalf of the Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum, https://olympiahistory.org/many-streams-a-resource-guide/. unknown photographer, about 1891, 1891 Olympia Tribune Souvenir Edition, Washington State Library

YOUTH HERITAGE PROJECT APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MAY 31
The student application deadline is fast approaching for the 2024 Youth Heritage Project (YHP). YHP is the WA Trust for Historic Preservation (WYHP) annual summer program that immerses high school-age students in real-life preservation case studies! Apply by May 31 to be in the mix to join this free summer program exploring some of our state's most beautiful historic places.

This year's YHP takes place July 16-19 at Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve, located near Coupeville on Whidbey Island. Students will explore topics related to maritime heritage and the impact of climate change on the preservation of historic and cultural resources, while visiting historic sites throughout Ebey's Landing and engaging in hands-on activities.

Learn More & Apply
Questions? Email the WTHP at [email protected] or call us at 206-624-9449.

Looking Back’s theme for 2024 is Many Streams, celebrating our rich and diverse history. Pictured here is Quiemuth, an older half-brother to Leschi, the famed Nisqually leader. Image selected and captioned by Deborah Ross on behalf of the Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum, https://olympiahistory.org/many-streams-a-resource-guide/. Pen and ink portrait, undated, creator unknown, courtesy Washington State Historical Society

Looking Back’s theme for 2024 is Many Streams, celebrating our rich and diverse history. Pictured here is Nettie Chiang, Chinese-born wife of restaurateur James Toone, in a colorized studio photograph by Ida Smith. Photograph selected and captioned by Deborah Ross on behalf of the Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum, https://olympiahistory.org/many-streams-a-resource-guide/. Ida Smith photograph, around 1900

Looking Back’s theme for 2024 is Many Streams, celebrating our rich and diverse history. Pictured here is James Mars, African American proprietor of the Our House restaurant on Fourth Avenue, described as “a place where one can feel at home and enjoy home cooking.” Photograph selected and captioned by Deborah Ross on behalf of the Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum, https://olympiahistory.org/many-streams-a-resource-guide/. unknown photographer, about 1891, 1891 Olympia Tribune Souvenir Edition, Washington State Library

BREAKING NEWS: ESCAPED ZEBRA SPOTTED AT BIGELOW HOUSE MUSEUM!
Probably checking out the museum's new Scavernger Hunt adventure. Zebras and all others need to click on this QR code to start your hunt.

Looking for an adventure? Check-out the Bigelow House Museum's new Scavernger Hunt!

Simply the attached QR code to download the clue sheet (link to item) to redeem for a special prize on the first and second Sundays of the month from 1 to 4 pm during open tour hours or enjoy the hunt anytime!

Looking Back’s theme for 2024 is Many Streams, celebrating our rich and diverse history. Jish Jish, also known by early Territorial settlers as Old Betsey, was likely a member of the Nisqually Tribe. She had seasonal homes at the current location of the Capitol Campus and at the Nisqually Reservation. She had a very long life and was well known in the community. Photograph selected and captioned by Deborah Ross on behalf of the Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum, https://olympiahistory.org/many-streams-a-resource-guide/

unknown photographer, late 1800s, courtesy State Capital Museum collection, Washington State Historical Society

Dr. Loraine McConaghy gave a fascinating presentation at the Olympia Center to a engaged audience based on her book "Free Boy." Her book and presentation is focused on the fascinating story of enslaved 13 year old Charlie Mitchell who was smuggled from Olympia to freedom in Victoria, BC in 1860 by members of the Puget Sound Underground Railroad. Following Dr. McConaghy's presentation, the audience was treated to a panel discussion (pictured here) comprised of Olympia Mayor Pro Tem Yen Huynh, Dr. Thelma Jackson, and moderated by author Merritt Long and joined by Dr. McConaghy. The panel discussion along with questions from the audience focused on how Charlie Mitchell's experience resonates with today's headlines. The book "Free Boy" is available at libraries, and sold at Browser's Bookstore in downtown Olympia. The Olympia Historical Society & Bigelow House Museum expresses our thanks to co-host Arts & Heritage Alliance (AHA) and City of Olympia.

The Looking Back theme for 2024 is Many Streams, celebrating our rich and diverse history. John Grace was a cherished member of Olympia’s music-loving community. Blind from early childhood, Grace operated a piano tuning service for over five decades. He is shown here in this Daily Olympian article from 1964, early in his career. Photograph selected and captioned by Deborah Ross on behalf of the Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum, https://olympiahistory.org/many-streams-a-resource-guide/

Our theme for 2024 is Many Voices, celebrating our rich and diverse history. Harriet Speckart, shown here in a photograph taken when she was a child, was a niece of Olympia Brewing Company founder Leopold Schmidt. In 1905 she met Doctor Marie Equi, beginning a long relationship, including a jointly adopted daughter. Harriet’s mother and uncle then unsuccessfully attempted to deny Harriet access to a large inheritance, based on what they characterized as an “unnatural” relationship. Photograph selected and captioned by Deborah Ross on behalf of the Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum, https://olympiahistory.org/many-voices-a-resource-guide/. Harriet Speckart as a child, Unknown photographer, around 1900, Courtesy Oregon Historical Society

Many thanks to Thurston Talk and writer Rebecca Sanchez for her recent article on Relocating and Preserving the Egbert Ingham House. This is a great recap of the successful effort to rescue and preserve this historically and architecturally significant Colonial Revival style home in the late 1970s. The article appropriately acknowledges those persons who recognized the importance of preserving and moving the house out of harm's way. OHS & BHM is proud that David Goularte (who contributed several of the photos to the article and who has beautifully preserved the home) is an OHS & BHM board member. David has also been a leader in restoring and preserving the Bigelow House and other Olympia buildings. Thank you so much David for your historic preservation work.
This article is also interesting in recounting several other residences that were saved and moved to still grace our cityscape and provide comfortable and charming homes. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the two "Press houses" (aka the Ayers Duplex and Carlyon house) that were demolished last year to make way for the Newhouse Senate Office Building now under construction on the Capitol Campus. To read the Thurston Talk article, go to this link:

Relocating and Preserving the Historical Olympia Egbert Ingham Home - ThurstonTalk One sunny July day in 1979, the Egbert Ingham house in Olympia ventured to its new location on a path that was both seemingly perilous and yet a grand ushering forth.

Plan Now to Attend "Free Boy" about Charlie Mitchell's "Flight to Freedom" on 4/20/24
Olympia Arts + Heritage Alliance (AHA) in partnership with the Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum and City of Olympia are sponsoring a presentation and discussion about the compelling story of Charles Mitchell. A 13-year-old boy, Mitchell escaped enslavement in Olympia in 1860 by traveling by steamer from Olympia to Victoria, B. C. via the Puget Sound Underground Railroad.

The program is Saturday April 20, 2024 at the Olympia Center 222 N. Columbia in Olympia at 1:00 pm and is open to the public.

Dr. Lorraine McConaghy, one of the authors of the book Free Boy which presented the biographies of Charles Mitchell and the man who enslaved him, James Tilton will offer an illustrated program followed by a moderated community discussion.

For more information email [email protected]

Thank you to Mark Vessey who had his letter to the editor published in the March 31 Olympian, appreciating our weekly Looking Back feature!

Looking Back’s theme for 2024 is Many Streams, celebrating our rich and diverse history. Trena Selvidge Belsito Worthington was the daughter of an Olympia-based lumberman and a store owner. She was a noted attorney in Olympia. She designed and built five distinguished homes in Olympia, based on a design from the magazine Architectural Digest. Trena is pictured here, at left, with Governor Albert and First Lady Ethel Rosellini. Photograph selected and captioned by Deborah Ross on behalf of the Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum, https://olympiahistory.org/many-streams-a-resource-guide/.

Looking Back’s theme for 2024 is Many Streams, celebrating our rich and diverse history. Oysters have been a staple of Pacific Northwest diets for thousands of years. While oysters were originally harvested by Native Americans, by the 1930s Japanese immigrants were the primary source of harvesting labor in Thurston County. Pictured here are harvesters doing the back-breaking work of loading oysters into a scow. Photograph selected and captioned by Deborah Ross on behalf of the Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum, https://olympiahistory.org/many-streams-a-resource-guide/

The City of Olympia is advertising for an Associate Planner position who will also be responsible to staff the Olympia Heritage Commission and other preservation duties. This is a very important position that brings a needed historic preservation voice to Olympia city government. If interested in knowing more and applying, or if you know someone who might be interested, click on this link: https://olympiawa.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/City-Hall/Planner--Associate_JR490. The deadline for applying is 5:00 pm Monday, March 25th.

Planner| Associate Under general supervision, responsible for coordinating, preparing, and/or administering regional or local plans, land use regulations, design standards, information systems, or planning programs. Series Concept: 1. Associate Planner is the fully skilled working level of the Planner series which con...

The Looking Back theme for 2024 is Many Streams, celebrating our rich and diverse history. Shown here is the Pekin Cafe, located on Capitol Way between 4th and State. The Pekin offered both Chinese and “American dishes.” It was one of several Chinese-owned restaurants in late 19th and early 20th century Olympia. It was owned by Lock Hoy, who later ran the Shanghai Café. Photograph selected and captioned by Deborah Ross on behalf of the Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum, https://olympiahistory.org/many-streams-a-resource-guide/.

Olympia and Squaxin Island Tribe get heritage award for collaborations, including Squaxin Park renaming - The JOLT News Organization, A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization The Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum presented the City of Olympia and Squaxin Island Tribe with the 2024 Gerry L. Alexander Outstanding Achievement in Heritage Award during the …

Our theme for 2024 is Many Streams, celebrating our rich and diverse history. Pictured here is Olympia Fire Co. No 2. The young man third from the right is Jesse Mars, son of James and Mary Jane Mars. Jesse was the first Black member of the fire company. Sadly, he died soon after this photograph was taken, of pneumonia. Photograph selected and captioned by Deborah Ross on behalf of the Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum, https://olympiahistory.org/many-streams-a-resource-guide/.

Looking Back’s theme for 2024 is Many Streams, celebrating our rich and diverse history. “Kanaka Jack” and his wife Katie lived on Johnson’s Point, where they maintained a woodyard and water tank for visiting steamships. Kanaka Jack was a native of Hawaii. Before Washington became a U.S. Territory, he had worked for the Hudson’s Bay Company in what is now DuPont. The couple’s birth names are unknown. Photograph selected and captioned by Deborah Ross on behalf of the Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum, https://olympiahistory.org/many-voices-a-resource-guide/.

I need help identifying location and use of these tanks. Photo taken probably in mid 1980s, Port of Olympia. Thanks!