I stumbled across a legal case in Washington State history that deserves to be revisited. The following news nugget was found at random in the Morning Olympian for May 5, 1916:

  DEFAMER OF GEORGE WASHINGTON GUILTY

 JURY RETURNS WITH VERDICT AFTER 90 MINUTES

 “TACOMA, May 4.–Paul R. Haffer was found guilty of libel and defamation of character when he said that George Washington drank more liquor than was good for him and used occasional profanity. A jury in the superior court so decided last night after deliberating an hour and 30 minutes.”

“Col. A.E. Joab brought the charge against Haffer after the latter had written a letter to a newspaper on Washington’s birthday, setting forth the alleged delinquencies of the father of his country. In his own defense, Haffer said that he had read much of Washington’s life, and wrote the charges because he was opposed to hero worship, and he thought the people were making too much of Washington’s memory. He is a socialist and employed as a car repairer. The maximum penalty for the offense is a year in jail and $1,000 fine. An appeal will be taken.”

“Col. Joab thanked each juror as they filed from the box for being ‘a real American.’”

OK, probably not a good idea to be an iconoclast in a state named after George at a time when America was nervous about socialists and the possibility of entering the Great War, which was already underway in Europe. Also, Prohibition was  the law of the land in Washington State by 1916, and comments about drunkenness were not taken lightly. But the Haffer case was not one of the most shining moments in the legal history of The Evergreen State.

Haffer was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan ca. 1895. His family moved to the Tacoma area when he was about 9. He was apparently a strong socialist throughout his entire life.

The exact content of his letter to the editor of the Tacoma Tribune for the issue in question remains murky. It was published on Feb. 18, 1916, but that issue is mysteriously missing from our microfilm reel for that time slot, even though every issue around that date is intact. If anyone out there has the full contents of Mr. Haffer’s letter, I’d appreciate seeing it.

However, other newspapers quoted parts of it. The Tacoma Times: Haffer said Washington was a “slaveholder, a profane and blasphemous man and an inveterate drinker.” The first accusation was certainly true, but the next three are very open to debate and definition.

Haffer’s reply to the press was that he wrote the letter “to check the unthinking idolatry of heroes held up by demigods before the public.”

The day following publication of his letter to the editor, he was charged with criminal libel by Col. Albert E. Joab (1857-1930), a self-appointed guardian of “patriotic values” and considered as something of a “picturesque” character by the local press. It is interesting Col. Joab went after the writer rather than the newspaper that published the piece.

The Tacoma Tribune had no comment on the case, but the rival Tacoma Times exalted in it. They quoted Col. Joab as calling Haffer a “Damnable blackguard, infamous anarchist, Red socialist!” Also these choice quotes: “I’ve been raised all my life to respect men such as Washington and I don’t propose to stand for a red anarchist to desecrate his memory. Thank God I’ve got some red blood in my system to stick up for Washington, if nobody else will. I don’t know who the man is who wrote the article, but he undoubtedly is a socialist. You can tell a rabbit by his track. He is a —- blackguard. Let this man prove in open court what he says of Washington, if he can. I can produce articles by Thomas Jefferson, whom we all learned to love through Woodrow Wilson, Ben Franklin, Alexander Hamilton and others, showing Washington was an upright man, noted for his sobriety. Why, he was even a communicant of the Episcopal church and a Master Mason. Look in any standard dictionary and you will see Washington’s picture in his Masonic apron.”

Haffer was convicted in Pierce County Superior Court and the decision was upheld, incredibly, after an appeal to the Washington State Supreme Court. Haffer was fined and sentenced to several months imprisonment, but after a month of serving his time he was pardoned by Gov. Lister.

But Haffer and the legal system still had another issue to sort out. Like many other socialists, Paul was opposed to the U.S. entry into the Great War in 1917, and according to Albert F. Gunns in Civil Liberties in Crisis : the Pacific Northwest 1917-1940 Haffer was forced into the Army after serving 10 months in jail for refusing to register for the draft. He served his time in uniform at Camp Lewis and was honorably discharged in 1919 having never been overseas.

In spite of all the contemporary publicity over his radical views, Haffer might be better remembered today as the one-time husband of the innovative and acclaimed photographer Virna Haffer (1899-1974). Paul and Virna had a son, Jean Paul, in 1924 before they divorced a few years later.

In the 1930s and 1940s Haffer remarried, started a second family, had another son and obtained work as a shipfitter. He ran for State Representative in 1934 as a member of the Socialist Party and placed 6 out of 6 in the primary with 0.99% of the vote. None of the slings and arrows hurled at him in earlier years had distracted him from his original vision.

When Haffer died on June 15, 1949 at age 54, his obituary mentioned he “gained brief notoriety when he was convicted in a Tacoma court of libeling George Washington on charges brought by the late Col. Albert Joab.”

Topics include:

1) LAST CHANCE TO FILL THE BASKET FOR WTBBL

2) DIGITAL LITERACY HELP FROM WSL

3) OCLC ILL MIGRATION UPDATE

4) GRANTS FOR STEM EARLY LEARNING

5) SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMMING COMPETITION

6) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK

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1) LAST CHANCE TO FILL THE BASKET FOR WTBBL

The You Pick for Charity Game, a free online fundraiser sponsored by the Inland Northwest Community Foundation (INWCF), will end next Friday, May 31. Take a few moments to support the great work of the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library (WTBBL) by picking a few virtual apples. To play, go to www.inwcf.org/give/you-pick-for-charity-game. Then simply move all the apples on the tree into WTBBL’s basket. At the end of May, the charity with the most apples wins.

Factoid: Did you know that WTBBL has gone digital? In addition to providing materials in traditional formats, such as Braille and large print, WTBBL’s services also include:

• Digital Talking Book Machines – available in standard and advanced models, both approximately 6 by 9 by 2 inches and featuring headphone jacks and USB ports;
• Audio books (talking books) – available in a new digital cartridge format specially designed to be played on the new Digital Talking Book Machines;
• Web streaming – broadcasting the Evergreen Radio Reading Service (ERRS) 24/7;
• InfoEyes, an online virtual reference and information service provided by professional librarians to those with visual or other print limitations;
• Monthly online newsletter, Reading Matters, available in pdf, mp3, Word, and Web-Braille. Find out more about Reading Matters by visiting www.wtbbl.org/newsletter.aspx.

All of these services are free to those who are eligible for services from WTBBL. Additional information about WTBBL may be found at www.wtbbl.org.

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2) DIGITAL LITERACY HELP FROM WSL

Do your library patrons need assistance with using computers or exploring the Web? Could your library staff use a few more tools to help them? The Washington State Library is pleased to announce the unveiling of a new resource, “Digital Literacy in Washington State.” This portal, designed for library staff as well as members of the public, combines digital literacy tools developed in Washington State as well as national project information about the Digital Literacy Initiative. It features a number of resources, including:

• Tutorials on using computers and computer programs;
• Help for job seekers applying for employment online;
• Online security and safety information;
• Tech tips and terminology;
• Accessibility resources for the online environment;
• Training for library staff.

Explore this great new tool by going to sos.wa.gov/q/DLWa.

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3) OCLC ILL MIGRATION UPDATE

OCLC has recently added more functionality to the new WorldShare InterLibrary Loan service. With these additions, WorldShare Interlibrary Loan contains nearly all features available in the WorldCat Resource Sharing service, plus some features only available in the new service. Details are available here: sos.wa.gov/q/ILL-Update.

As a reminder, OCLC is phasing out its current WorldCat Resource Sharing (WCRS) service, replacing it with the WorldShare InterLibrary Loan service. Both systems will run in parallel through the end of the year, but access to WCRS will end in December, 2013, at which time, all libraries need to have migrated to the new service.

For more information, including links for ongoing staff training, visit the Wayfinder news page at sos.wa.gov/q/WayfinderNews or visit the OCLC WorldShare ILL site at sos.wa.gov/q/WorldShareILL.

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4) GRANTS FOR STEM EARLY LEARNING

The Foundation for Early Learning is launching an innovative new program, the Discoveries from the Field Fund, to support community-driven themes that increase a local understanding of early learning. In the first year of this program the Foundation plans to pilot projects that focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Over the next 3 ½ years, the Foundation will be awarding $325,000 to one full STEM cohort of five grantees to test its model to generate innovative projects, identify measureable impacts, and promote scalable outcomes.

The Foundation seeks grantees that want to transform the lives of young children and families, whether through establishing a positive STEM idea for parents to pass on to their children or reimagining how practical day-to-day STEM ideas can advance children’s foundational math understanding in practical ways. To find out more about this grant opportunity, visit www.earlylearning.org/grantmaking. Letters of Inquiry are due by Thursday, June 13, 2013; final applications will be due on Wednesday, July 31, 2013.

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5) SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMMING COMPETITION

The web is an open-ended laboratory for connected learning and creating. It has made possible anywhere-anytime learning for all generations, especially youth, in ways previously unimaginable. It promotes interest-driven learning with, and from, peers. These dramatic developments in connected learning provide opportunities to highlight the ability of those engaged in digital citizenship to:

• Use the web and its resources well and safely;
• Interact collaboratively with peers and across generations in productive ways;
• Put web resources and networks to good civic purpose;
• Advocate for effective and equitable web solutions to social problems;
• Develop web-based skills for productive purposes.

Offering awards up to $10,000, the Digital Media & Learning Competition, administered by HASTAC (Humanities, Arts, Sciences, and Technology Advanced Collaboratory) and supported by the MacArthur Foundation, and in collaboration with the Born This Way Foundation and Mozilla, is calling for proposals that offer youth a chance to “Project: Connect” this summer. Libraries, museums, and other non-profit institutions that provide hands-on learning opportunities for youth are encouraged to submit proposals for summer events and programming that will excite and support learning, youth development, and civic engagement. For additional information, go to sos.wa.gov/q/DMLC. Online applications are due by 5:00 p.m. PDT, Monday, June 10, 2013.

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6) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK

Tuesday, May 28:

• OneClickdigital – Downloadable Audiobooks (Recorded Books); 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. PDT: sos.wa.gov/q/1Click28May;
• Simplified Data Mining for Direct Mail (Nonprofit Webinars); 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. PDT: sos.wa.gov/q/mining;
• Technology Training at the Library – Improving Technology Training (Texas State Library); 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. PDT;

Wednesday, May 29:

• Tech Talk with Michael Sauers: Free Technology for Teachers (NCompass Live); 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. PDT: sos.wa.gov/q/NLC29May;
• Tips for the Positive Deviant (Training Magazine Network); 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. PDT: sos.wa.gov/q/TMN29May;
• What to Expect During an Audit (Nonprofit Webinars); 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. PDT: www.sos.wa.gov/q/audit;
• Campaigns: Leveraging Major, Planned and Student Giving (Nonprofit Webinars); 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. PDT;
• ProQuest Learning Literature (ProQuest); 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. PDT: sos.wa.gov/q/PQ689;

Thursday, May 30:

• Trust at Work: Four Keys to Building Better Work Relationships (The Ken Blanchard Companies); 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. PDT: www.sos.wa.gov/q/trust;
• Modern Web Applications Utilizing HTML5 APIs (O’Reilly Community); 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. PDT: oreillynet.com/pub/e/2624;

Friday, May 31:

• WCAG – Do screen reader users take full advantage? (Accessible Technology Coalition); 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PDT: sos.wa.gov/q/WCAG.

For more information and to register (for those not linked above), visit the WSL Training Calendar at www.sos.wa.gov/quicklinks/training.

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The Washington State Library has gone social! Friend/follow us at:

• Facebook: on.fb.me/FBWSL;
• Twitter: bit.ly/TwitWSL.

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An archive of WSL Updates is available at http://list.statelib.wa.gov/read/?forum=wslupdates.

Danielle Miller, Manager, Washington Talking Book & Braille Library

Danielle Miller is the Manager of the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library (WTBBL) located in Seattle, WA. She joined the Washington State Library a division of the Office of the Secretary of State in 2008 and became the first manager of WTBBL as a direct service of the Washington State Library.

WTBBL staff have deep feelings toward Danielle, and among them shipping page Marah says, “Danielle is great with the amount of recognition and support she gives us…a reminder that our daily routines are appreciated and needed.” Readers Advisor Shannon says, “she brings energy and vitality into the office every time she walks through the door. “ Librarian Eura says, “Empowering is something that Danielle takes to her heart whether working with our patrons or staff at WTBBL. Danielle’s direction and leadership allow WTBBL staff to thrive, find innovative solutions to problems and, even during trying budget times, remain a warm workplace family.” Librarian Mandy says “She is the force behind our outreach into the community and the pole that supports our ongoing efforts to share our service and mission throughout Washington State. “ And shipping page Bonnie says “Thank you for encouraging us at work, cheering us on, making us feel special.”

In a recent WTBBL newsletter profile, Danielle described herself this way: “I became a librarian because I couldn’t decide on anything else. I love languages, science, medicine, botany, zoology, medieval French history, math, photography and drawing, teaching…you get the picture. I also love helping people to help themselves.

One day I discovered that as a librarian, you have the opportunity to help others and there are endless chances to learn a bit about thousands of things you never thought you would know about. For example, once at the public library, I had a gentleman ask me how he could ‘become the master of static.’ That was a new one for me and one of the many examples of why this profession never gets old.

I can safely say that my work at WTBBL is the best job I’ve ever had and I’m constantly aware of how lucky I am to work with all of you good people.”

“”Danielle has created a strong bond with our partners and constituents,” Rand Simmons State Librarian noted. “She has an amazing ability to get people to work together.”

“With Danielle Miller’s appointment as Director of WTBBL in 2008 a breath of fresh air and a new sense of energy and a positive spirit came in to WTBBL” said Sue Ammeter, Chair of the WTBBL Patron Advisory Council.  “This was evidenced by the fact that WTBBL received the 2009 Network Library of the Year Award from the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.  Danielle believes that WTBBL patrons should have the same right of equal access as all other library users,”  Sue added. “We are indeed fortunate to have such an innovative and progressive person as our Director.”    

Thank you, Danielle, for your zeal and drive in moving forward service to all people of Washington.

Time-traveling back to 1995….

My introduction to the virtual classroom was almost 2 decades ago! One of my undergraduate professors decided that he would have us meet virtually for a class session. In 1995, internet was still a novelty. I had my email through school and felt like one of the elite. I recently stumbled upon an email about that first virtual classroom experience, software has changed, but the premise is the same.

From the 1995 email:

“You will be ‘in’ a virtual ‘classroom’ on the ‘Penn’ campus. See who else shows up, identify yourself, and talk to each other. There’s help on line, but the key thing you need to know is that if you type “ at the left margin, whatever you type until you hit will be attributed to you as spoken ‘discourse’ everybody else can hear…(Some strange things may happen to you, but what the heck?) List-lurkers welcome to come along and meet the rest, and I will try to be there myself, but there are time zones and a schedule where I’m lecturing that evening to cope with.”

I attended this session and was frustrated that my slow typing meant that I was always at least a step behind everyone else in the conversation. Then, we discovered what Professor O’Donnell was trying to teach us. Thirty minutes into the session, “O’Donnell” revealed that he was a Teacher Assistant pretending to be Professor O’Donnell. Lesson learned; we never really know who we are talking with online.

Now, I get the opportunity to teach librarians how to use virtual classrooms for meetings and trainings. In March, I went to Valdez, Alaska to teach a conference session on this topic. I must admit that playing the game “Get Out of Valdez” gave me brand-new appreciation for the Pacific Northwest and reinforced my thoughts that the Alaskan librarians are made of awesome. I was welcomed warmly to our northern most state and had the opportunity to meet many Alaskan librarians, from those working in remote villages with a population of 40 to a former Washington librarian who now manages the Anchorage library. Despite concerns that days of snow may prevent us from departing Valdez, we all made it safely out.

The session focused on how to create interactive, fun webinars and I gave the participants several templates that they can re-purpose for their own use. Attendees later told me that I helped them see the simple things that could be done to enhance the webinar experience.

Through my various communities of practice including; I have been able to practice and fine-tune my webinar skills over the years. In the beginning when the Washington training group decided to experiment with web meetings, I was resistant. I knew I would miss seeing my colleagues face to face and the social interaction of those meetings often lead to great new ideas and projects. However, I soon became a convert. Now, while I love seeing my colleagues in person at trainings and conferences, I appreciate the times that we meet virtually.

Plus, there are so many more opportunities for collaboration now that I live much of my life in the “virtual world” of librarianship. I can meet regularly with my fellow Continuing Education state-wide coordinators from around the states and keep up with my local colleagues between our quarterly in-person meetings. I was able to partner with my colleague, Shirley Biladeau, from the Idaho Commission for Libraries to offer a series of eReader webinars for library staff. We are currently partnering on teaching Turning the Page 2.0 in the fall. Without the help of our virtual spaces including the virtual classroom, my job would be a lot harder.

Now, 18 years after my first attempt at navigating the virtual classroom, I am passionate at sharing my knowledge and skills with others. Also, I generally “know” who is in my classroom because we now have VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) that allows me to hear the voices of my peers. And if someone isn’t on a microphone and communicating over chat, I trust they are who they claim to be.

Jennifer Fenton is the Continuing Education/Training Coordinator at the Washington State Library and can often be found glued to a computer screen with a headset facilitating, attending or monitoring various online trainings and meetings.

Image courtesy North Pend Oreille Heritage collection

Washington State Library News
LibraryScienceList.com has rated the Washington State Library as one of the most social media-friendly state libraries in the U.S. The website ranks Washington No. 9 out of 46 state libraries that make use of social media. (Bonney Lake/Sumner Courier-Herald, 5.12.13) http://www.blscourierherald.com/news/207134481.html

Library News
So you want to go online but don’t have an Internet connection or maybe even a computer. What to do? If you can get to one of the area libraries, you can get online for free, with a broadband connection. All four libraries in Pend Oreille County – in Ione, Metaline Falls, Cusick and Newport – offer free Internet for their patrons, as well as technical help if you need it. (Photos) (Newport Miner, 4.3.13)

Throughout the Kitsap Regional Library system we are blessed with community branch libraries that offer specialized collections. Little Boston has a special Native American collection; Poulsbo a Scandinavian; and Sylvan Way offers a genealogical center with its own specialized reference works.(Photos) (The Kitsap Sun [Bremerton], 4.7.13) http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2013/apr/06/local-libraries-offer-chance-to-discover-and/#axzz2TZg3zicI

For the past 90 years, the Camas Public Library has been a community destination. The library first opened in the back of Thayer’s drugstore in April 1923. The 90th birthday celebration also coincides with National Library Week. There are a number of events planned to celebrate both occasions. (Photo) (Camas-Washougal Post-Record, 4.9.13) http://www.camaspostrecord.com/news/2013/apr/09/camas-living-room-turns-90/

Michelle Obama says the nation’s libraries and museums are creating better, more informed citizens and doing it with fewer resources. The first lady commented Wednesday at the White House as she helped award public service medals to 10 institutions, one of which is the Pierce County Library System. (Photo) (Seattle Post-Intelligencer Online, 5.8.13) http://www.seattlepi.com/default/article/First-lady-honors-outstanding-libraries-museums-4499478.php

Police arrested Justin J. Stokes on investigation of felony malicious mischief after the 38-year-old man reportedly urinated on books at the Walla Walla Public Library. The charge was upgraded to a class C felony after library staff reported 130 books valued at more than $3,000 were damaged. (Union-Bulletin Online [Walla Walla], 5.13.13) http://union-bulletin.com/news/2013/may/13/man-arrested-for-urinating-on-ww-public-library/

Elections
The Sno-Isle Libraries Board of Trustees voted March 25 to place two Camano Island Library measures on the August 6 ballot for consideration by Camano Island voters and asked library staff to move forward with planning for a permanent Camano Library. (Stanwood/Camano News, 4.9.13) http://www.scnews.com/news/2013-04-09/Editorial/Permanent_library_on_Camano_Island_to_appear_on_Au.html

Buildings
The library is going platinum. Not because it has the hottest new song on the charts. It’s because this year marks its 20-year anniversary in the building Orcas Island’s avid readers call home. The problem is that it’s a home with too many bodies and not enough seats. (The Island Sounder [Eastsound], 4.3.13) http://www.islandssounder.com/news/200964481.html

The North Olympic Library System’s (NOLS) board of trustees approved a partnership with SHKS Architects of Seattle to see what the community needs are for the Sequim branch. Paula Barnes, NOLS executive director, said there’s been a common feeling in Sequim for as long as she’s lived here that the library is too small. (Photo) (The Sequim Gazette, 4.3.13) http://www.sequimgazette.com/news/article.exm/2013-04-04_library_puts_out_feelers

The Bellingham Library’s board of trustees will again try to replace the 62-year-old downtown building as part of a new five-year plan, Library Director Pam Kiesner said Monday, April 8. “Central Library replacement is high on this community’s radar,” Kiesner told a City Council committee. (Bellingham Herald, 4.9.13) http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2013/04/09/2957236/bellingham-library-board-resurrects.html

Letters & Editorials
Ferndale citizens are thoughtful and conservative when it comes to pocketbook issues. They recognize a great stewardship opportunity when they see it. Passage of Proposition 1 gives the city a new library and frees up the Pioneer Pavilion for countless other uses. Let’s finish this project by voting “yes.” (Bellingham Herald, 4.3.13) http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2013/04/03/2947090/ferndale-bond-keeps-matching-grants.html

Did you know that after 100 years of library service in the community, Chewelah is in danger of losing library system services? This need not be if the citizens of Chewelah vote YES to annex into the Stevens County Rural Library District. (The Independent [Chewelah], 4.4.13)

Now that we are able to retain our “icon” library where it is, we want to make the best of it for everyone in our community. Let’s trust that King County people really do want to do what is best for our beloved city. (Renton Reporter, 4.5.13) http://www.rentonreporter.com/opinion/letters/201678791.html?mobile=true

I have been reading KCLS’ latest plans for our library for a month or so now, and I am appalled. Appalled and disgusted that after our hard work and victory last year, we are still threatened with the prospect of getting a shrunken library. (Renton Reporter, 4.5.13) http://www.rentonreporter.com/opinion/letters/201682171.html?mobile=true

As the election for the Ferndale Library bond nears, consider this: Instead of taxing and increasing fees, why not just ask? If everyone checking out an item or using the computer would donate just $1, this library would be paid off in two years. No bond for 14-20 years, no interests, and no added taxes to make up the shortfall. (Ferndale Record, 4.10.13)

People
A library manager in Arizona will be the new leader of the Spokane Public Library. The library’s Board of Trustees voted 5-0 on Tuesday to offer Andrew Chanse the director position. He is the innovations and strategies administrator of the Maricopa County Library District in Arizona. Chanse, 36, accepted the job. (Spokesman Review [Spokane], 4.3.13) http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2013/apr/03/arizona-administrator-to-lead-spokane-public/

[This summary of library news was created by Bobbie DeMiero and Leanna Hammond of the Washington State Library Division of the Office of the Secretary of State. It represents a selection of newspaper clippings about Washington libraries from all Washington newspapers received in the packets on the dates shown. For more information about any of these stories, contact Martha Shinners at 360.570.5567 or martha.shinners@sos.wa.gov]

From the desk of Steve Willis, Central Library Services Program Manager of the Washington State Library:

Three mysteries emerge from an episode back when Spokane was known as Spokane Falls, one of them concerns a ghost, another is geographic, and the last is bibliographic. No, I’m not talking about a spirit scouring the online catalog– that is called BOOlean searching (heh-heh, get it?). This series of questions emerge from the following article in the Spokane Falls Review, March 21, 1885:

SPOOKS

Spokane Falls Enjoys the Luxury of a Haunted House.

“Among the other many attractions in and about Spokane Falls, there has recently been added that of a haunted house, wherein the cheerful disembodied spirit holds high carnival, and the spectral inhabitants of the silent and bewitching midnight meet together to join in ghostly orgies, talk politics and frighten the timid denizens of this mundane sphere out of their seven senses. Belated pedestrians, with a tendency to scare easily, shun the side of street upon which is located the trysting place of the jovial spooks, while the more courageous have marched up to the premises, but, if not really frightened, have had no hesitancy in moving off at a speed above that of ordinary promenading when having their ears saluted with uncanny sounds.”

“The building that has been taken without the formality of lease, by these airy nocturnal roysters, is the old Phoenix beer hall that was the scene of a sad chapter in the city’s history; that of the unprovoked murder of a young man last summer, and which has been unoccupied for several months. We have heard vague rumors of the presence of a ghost, but have, so far, been unable to see anyone who will admit of having seen anything of a supernatural agency. Although the belief is so strong that the unexplainable exists that it is not every one you meet who will volunteer to take his blankets and camp in the room overnight.”

“It is said that on a certain occasion, recently, a man passing had his attention attracted by a strange noise that seemed to proceed from the room, and, going carefully up the alley, he peered into a window. He didn’t remain rooted to the spot. His legs refused to allow his body to remain in the neighborhood and he don’t remember just how he soon did get to bed, but it was only a small fraction of time after taking one gaze, when he had his head buried under the blankets.”

“He touches the subject tenderly and has kept much more rational hours ever since. What he saw could not have grown out of the character of the fluid he had been drinking, as he had religiously stuck to water that evening. To a limited few, he claims that when he reached the window he saw the shadowy outlines of a man that shone out with a phosphorous light. The shadowy tenant was walking with his back to the window and was giving vent to a noise sounding as though he was in a good deal of pain or was growling over the chilliness of the night. When the apparition turned about and headed for the window, one glance was sufficient for the individual. Considering that the specter would consider it an indelicate intrusion, the witness adjourned without apology. He calculates that, with ordinary luck, he will be able to outlive the sensation he experienced in fifty or one hundred years.”

“Making all due allowance for a vivid imagination and a bristly fright, there is still left a margin for the belief that the visitor from the other world is not a party that the average man would choose for a boon companion.”

“Since then, and perhaps before (although we have no data for going behind the returns) attention has been attracted to the spot by divers unpleasant sounds, as if a whole colony of the defunct were occasionally congregated for a jubilee. No thorough investigation has, so far, been made, as the initiated have perhaps felt a slight delicacy in forcing their presence in company where they were not invited. We suppose that in time, when the thing becomes shorn of the glamour of freshness, some one will want to deprive the public of the benefit of such an important tributary to the popularity of the Falls, and try to clear up the mystery.”

“We cannot say when the boss spook holds his receptions, but if any one is curious he can hang around o’ nights and find out for himself. We are not paid for keeping a reporter on the spot.”

Mystery # 1: What the heck is it? In all my perusing through territorial newspapers, this is the most detailed and open account I have found describing public “ghostly” happenings.

Mystery # 2: The exact location of the Phoenix Beer Hall, which was designated as the HQ for these ghosts, is not easy to find. Apparently closed by 1885, it doesn’t show up on directories or Sanborn maps of the era. I’d be curious to know if that location has experienced other “supernatural” events in the 20th-21st centuries. But where was/is it?

Mystery # 3: In an attempt to find an account of the “sad chapter in the city’s history,” it was discovered the incident was the September 27, 1884 shooting of a quiet carpenter named Henry R. Roblin by John “Jack” Connerry, “a notorious rustler.” Apparently Roblin accidentally bumped into Connerry on a Saturday near midnight at the Phoenix Beer Hall, and that alone sparked the shooting. Connerry was captured the next morning but was moved from Spokane Falls city jail to Cheney as he was in very real danger of being lynched by an angry mob. It seems Connerry escaped jail in Cheney a short time later.

But here’s the mystery. In an effort to find a local article about this shooting, every single newspaper run we have in the Spokane area is missing the issue that would have covered this news. It’s like we have a nice complete set– except for this one period. Every one of them! What’s the deal here? I had to go to newspapers in California and Montana to get the details. Was the episode so shameful no one wanted to preserve the newspapers, or instead did they keep it as a souvenir? In any case, it is quite odd.

The Spokane Falls Review is one the historical newspapers digitized by the Washington State Library. The above article, and many other lively stories about Spokane can be viewed online on the WSL website.

Topics include:

1) SHARE YOUR EXPERTISE AT THE 2013 WALE CONFERENCE

2) WTBBL NEEDS YOU TO FILL THE BASKET!

3) OUTREACH GRANTS FOR DISASTER HEALTH INFORMATION

4) HELP CELEBRATE TWO GREAT BIRTHDAYS

5) SURVEY FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE INSTITUTIONS

6) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK

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1) SHARE YOUR EXPERTISE AT THE 2013 WALE CONFERENCE

WALE (Washington Library Employees), an interest group of the Washington Library Association, is seeking presenters for its 2013 annual conference, “Reflections 22,” October 28 – 30, 2013, at Campbell’s Resort in Lake Chelan, Washington. Please consider sharing your experiences that have enabled you to better yourself, your job, and those you serve. Potential topics include anything that you have developed, borrowed, or improved upon – a new tool for the trade, a new skill set, a new way of looking at things. Also – think outside the library. Presenters from outside of libraries are welcome to submit proposals.

It’s never been easier to submit a proposal! Just follow one of the following links:

• To submit a half-day or full-day Pre-Conference Session proposal for October 28, go to tinyurl.com/WALE-PreConference;
• To submit a 75-minute Regular Session proposal, go to tinyurl.com/WALE-Session.

Deadline for proposals: Tuesday, June 4, 2013. Questions? Contact Kolleen Schlenker at kschlenker@mcl-lib.org or Geri Ventura at gventura@highline.edu.

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2) WTBBL NEEDS YOU TO FILL THE BASKET!

Want to help a good cause? Take part in the You Pick for Charity Game, a free online fundraiser this month sponsored by the Inland Northwest Community Foundation (INWCF), and you can support the great work of the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library (WTBBL). It’s quick and easy! Go to www.inwcf.org/give/you-pick-for-charity-game. Then simply move all the apples on the tree into WTBBL’s basket. At the end of May, the charity with the most apples wins.

Factoid: Did you know that institutions such as hospitals, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers, which regularly serve clients meeting WTBBL’s eligibility requirements, can apply for free library service from WTBBL? Did I say “free?” All equipment and services, including the mailing of materials, are free to eligible users. The Federal Government’s Library of Congress supplies materials and equipment. Basic operating costs are provided by the state of Washington.

To find out more about WTBBL, visit www.wtbbl.org.

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3) OUTREACH GRANTS FOR DISASTER HEALTH INFORMATION

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) is now accepting proposals to fund projects that would improve access to disaster medicine and public health information for health care professionals, first responders, and others that play a role in health-related disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Project partners should include at least one library and at least one non-library organization, such as a health department, emergency management department, or volunteer organization, with disaster-related responsibilities. Awards range from $15,000 to $30,000 for a one-year project. Proposals are due by 11:00 a.m. PDT, Thursday, June 20, 2013. For additional information, go to sos.wa.gov/q/NLMDisaster2013.

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4) HELP CELEBRATE TWO GREAT BIRTHDAYS

Next Saturday, May 25^th, marks the birthday of two great voices in the world of Washington poetry – Raymond Carver and Theodore Roethke. Under the sponsorship of Tess Gallagher, Peninsula College, and Washington’s Poet Laureate, Kathleen Flenniken, poetry lovers across the state are invited to design and hold readings celebrating the work of these two outstanding poets. Events may be held any time during the months of May and June, 2013, anywhere in Washington. To find out more about this celebration, visit www.sos.wa.gov/quicklinks/CarverRoethke. If you need assistance or would like to share information about your reading, contact Alice Derry at AliceDerry@wavecable.com.

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5) SURVEY FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE INSTITUTIONS

The Preservation and Reformatting Section (PARS) of the Association of Library Collections and Technical Services (ALCTS), a division of ALA, is asking cultural heritage institutions engaged in preservation activities to take “A Survey of Preservation Activities in Cultural Heritage Institutions.” The goal of this pilot study is to document the state of preservation activities in the digital era through quantitative data that facilitates information sharing and the ability to track changes in the preservation and conservation fields over time. To participate, go to www.surveymonkey.com/s/preservation-survey. The survey will be open through Tuesday, June 25, 2013.

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6) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK

Monday, May 20:

• Advanced Searching: Beyond the Single Search Box (ProQuest); 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. PDT: sos.wa.gov/q/PQ679;
• Common Core Resources and ProQuest (ProQuest); 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. PDT: sos.wa.gov/q/PQ688;
• Going Digital (LYRASIS); 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. PDT;

Tuesday, May 21:

• SIRS Discoverer (ProQuest); 7:00 – 8:00 a.m. PDT: sos.wa.gov/q/PQ681;
• eLibrary for Schools (ProQuest); 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. PDT: sos.wa.gov/q/PQ682;
• Zero to app in two weeks (O’Reilly Community); 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. PDT;
• CultureGrams Kids, States, and Provinces Editions (ProQuest); 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. PDT: sos.wa.gov/q/PQ684;
• A Balanced Look at the Pros and Cons of Virtual Instructor-Led Training (Training Magazine Network); 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. PDT: sos.wa.gov/q/TMN21May;
• Service Excellence in Your Library (WSL); NCRL Distribution Center, Wenatchee, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. PDT;
• Virtual Town Hall on Teens and Libraries: The Future of Libraries and Teen Services (YALSA); 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PDT: www.sos.wa.gov/quicklinks/YAForum;
• ProQuest Administrator Module (ProQuest); 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PDT: sos.wa.gov/q/PQ680;
• Handling Challenging Situations: What Do I Do Now? Part II of II (Infopeople); 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. PDT;
• Part 6 On Common Core – Serving the CCSS and Youth (School Library Journal); 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. PDT;
• Fundraising With Social Media (Nonprofit Webinars); 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. PDT: sos.wa.gov/q/SocMedFunding;
• Technology Training at the Library – Technology Training Best Practices (Texas State Library); 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. PDT;

Wednesday, May 22:

• Library Planning: A Customized Program for Success (NCompass Live); 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. PDT: sos.wa.gov/q/LibPlanning;
• Achieving Intelligent Leadership: How to Unlock Your Full Potential (AMA); 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. PDT: sos.wa.gov/q/Leadership;
• Customizing iPad Content for Students with Special Needs (Accessible Technology Coalition); 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. PDT: sos.wa.gov/q/iPadSpecial;
• Broadband Adoption Toolkit (WebJunction); 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. PDT;
• Conversations Across the Invisible Yellow Line – Board and Staff Roles (Nonprofit Webinars); 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. PDT;
• Three Aspects of Performance Improvement (Training Magazine Network); 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. PDT: sos.wa.gov/q/TMN22May;
• AbleNet presents iPad for AAC [augmentative and alternative communication] in the Community (Accessible Technology Coalition); 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. PDT: sos.wa.gov/q/iPadACC;
• Bozarthzone! Where’s the Power? What’s your Point? (InSync Training); 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PDT;
• Ready to Research! Navigating K-3 Curriculum Objectives (School Library Journal); 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PDT;
• Can Your Board Tell Your Story? (Nonprofit Webinars); 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. PDT;
• CultureGrams for Elementary Schools (ProQuest); 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. PDT: sos.wa.gov/q/PQ686;
• History Study Center (ProQuest); 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. PDT: sos.wa.gov/q/PQ687;

Thursday, May 23:

• Core Vocabulary Across Everyday Settings (Accessible Technology Coalition); 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. PDT: sos.wa.gov/q/Vocabulary;
• Service Excellence in Your Library (WSL); Northwest Indian College, Log Building, Bellingham, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. PDT;
• 7 Creative Ways to Combine Training & Coaching Into Powerful Performance (Training Magazine Network); 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. PDT: sos.wa.gov/q/TMN23May;
• Accessibility with WordPress (Accessible Technology Coalition); 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PDT: sos.wa.gov/q/AccessWP;
• Veterans and Public Libraries: What Every Librarian Should Know (Infopeople); 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. PDT: sos.wa.gov/q/Veterans;

Friday, May 24:

• Tech Tools With Tine: 1 Hour of Music Fun (Texas State Library); 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. PDT;
• Who Killed My Battery: Analyzing Mobile Browser Energy Consumption (O’Reilly Community); 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. PDT: oreillynet.com/pub/e/2592;
• FridayLive! Putting EAT (Experience, Apply, Teach) to the Test (TLT Group); 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PDT: sos.wa.gov/q/EAT.

For more information and to register (for those not linked above), visit the WSL Training Calendar at www.sos.wa.gov/quicklinks/training.

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The Washington State Library has gone social! Friend/follow us at:

• Facebook: on.fb.me/FBWSL;
• Twitter: bit.ly/TwitWSL.

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An archive of WSL Updates is available at http://list.statelib.wa.gov/read/?forum=wslupdates.

Image courtesy North Pend Oreille Heritage collection

Washington State Library News
For people nostalgic for newspapers of bygone eras, a number of Washington newspapers past have been digitized by the National Digital Newspaper Program and can be searched and viewed on the Library of Congress’ Chronicling America website [http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/]. The Washington State Library is helping the project by digitizing another 100,000 pages for the last phase of the project. (Tri-City Herald [Kennewick], 4.1.13) http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2013/03/31/2336650/old-newspapers-including-tri-cities.html

Library News
The Tonasket Library Board held their annual volunteer appreciation luncheon in March. The invitations go to those volunteers who help with the twice yearly book sales put on by the Tonasket Library Board. Proceeds from the winter book sale funded the purchase of a new copier that is used by both staff and library patrons. (Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune [Oroville], 3.28.13)

Tacoma City Council and the Tacoma Library Board met on April 30th at City Hall to discuss the strategic plan for the Tacoma Public Library. Immediately following the joint study session, City of Tacoma staff provided an update on the close of the 2011/2012 biennium budget. (Tacoma Daily Index, 4.29.13)

Tuition at community colleges might be rising faster than a tide in full flood, but students at Washington State’s 34 public institutions have saved more than $5 million in textbook expenses since the Open Course Library launched in the fall of 2011. (The Olympian [Olympia], 5.7.13) http://www.theolympian.com/2013/05/07/2535412/praise-for-library-project.html

First Lady Michelle Obama will join Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Director Susan Hildreth in a White House ceremony in the East Room to present the 2013 National Medal for Museum and Library Service to Pierce County Library System on Wednesday. (University Place Patch Online, 5.8.13) http://universityplace.patch.com/articles/pierce-county-library-system-to-receive-national-medal-for-museum-and-library-service-today

Elections
For Chewelah city residents to continue to use any library in the Stevens County, voters must approve the proposal for the Chewelah Public Library annexation that will be on the April 23 special election ballot. Only city residents will vote on this issue. (The Independent [Chewelah], 3.28.13)

Wednesday was the last big deadline for non-budgetary bills in the Legislature, and some proposals by Clark County’s legislators fared better than others. A proposal to keep Vancouver’s Library Square project on track is considered “necessary to implement the budget” and therefore is exempt from the deadline. (The Columbian [Vancouver], 4.22.13) http://blogs.columbian.com/political-beat/2013/04/17/local-lawmakers-bills-survive-last-major-cutoff-before-sessions-end/

The City Council has placed a measure on the August 6 primary ballot asking voters to authorize the purchase of up to $3 million in general obligation bonds for the Port Townsend Library expansion. It voters approve it; the measure would authorize the city to issue bonds for the renovation and expansion of the Carnegie Library portion of the library. (Peninsula Daily News [Port Angeles], 5.9.13) http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20130509/NEWS/305099986/port-townsend-library-bond-on-august-ballot

Buildings
In an intense meeting, King County Library System staff and consultants Tuesday night presented the Renton community with two options for the interior space planning of a new downtown library. A majority of those attending did not participate in KCLS’ small-group discussions, instead demanding the design team address the huge crowd’s concerns as a whole. (Photos) (Renton Reporter, 3.29.13) http://www.rentonreporter.com/news/200289621.html?mobile=true

Letters & Editorials
In honor of the Library’s 100th anniversary, Puyallup Mayor Rick Hansen has challenged each of us to read 100 books this year and to join Puyallup Public Library’s 100 Book Club. I’d like to challenge you to include local history, and I have a few suggestions … (The Herald [Puyallup], 3.27.13) http://www.thenewstribune.com/2013/03/27/2531606/history-suggestions-for-mayor.html

The probability of passing a Port Townsend library expansion bond has been explored twice by library administration. Two conclusions arising from these surveys are the weak support for a library expansion bond during the current economic recession and the need to involve the community in the planning process. Why has the library administration ignored the advice of its own surveys? (The Leader [Port Townsend], 3.27.13)

It probably should come as no surprise that an open house presented by the King County Library System was filled with rancor, frustration and shouting. And, some pretty important information. (Renton Reporter, 3.29.13) http://www.rentonreporter.com/opinion/200629511.html

I read Tracey Compton’s March 21 article about library design … The article states “Now KCLS officials are urging caution when talking about the design elements of the downtown library because they say it’s too early in the process.” It is nonsense to urge such caution. In fact, it’s misleading. Right now is the time to be very concerned about KCLS’s intention. (Renton Reporter, 3.29.13) http://www.rentonreporter.com/opinion/letters/199952411.html

The City of Ferndale has a bond election for the new Ferndale library coming up on April 23. Your “yes” vote will put us at fundraising goal, retain the $250,000 Norcliffe Grant (which expires in August), and meet the $2 million matching grants to the fullest extent. Support the library that supports Ferndale. Join with me in voting “yes” in April! (Bellingham Herald, 4.2.13) http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2013/04/01/2942056/asks-voters-to-support-ferndale.html

Our hats are off to the city of Vancouver and its residents for the beautiful new library building in downtown. We were enticed to head over the Interstate 5 bridge and experience it when we sat in on the #nextchapter [http://hashnextchapter.com] series of workshops from Dene Grigar and the Fort Vancouver Regional Library that ran for the past couple of months. (The Columbian [Vancouver], 4.24.13) http://www.columbian.com/news/2013/apr/24/letter-vancouver-library-top-notch/

People
The Spokane Public Library will get a new leadership just as its funding stabilizes after years of uncertainty. Pat Partovi, who has led the library since 2003, will retire May 10. The process to pick Partovi’s successor is well under way. (Photo) (Spokesman Review [Spokane], 3.22.13) http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2013/mar/22/library-getting-new-chief/

It’s those adults in their 20s and 30s, the no-longer-teenager but not-yet parents crowd, libraries are struggling to reach, said Audrey Barbakoff, the adult services librarian at Bainbridge Library, a part of Kitsap Regional Library. This month, Library Journal named Barbakoff one of its 50 Movers & Shakers for 2013, a list recognizing innovators in the library industry. (Photos) (The Kitsap Sun [Bremerton], 4.1.13) http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2013/mar/31/bainbridge-librarian-earns-national-attention-to/#axzz2SoZJWOBI

Programs & Displays
Pierce county residents will have an opportunity to participate in the Pierce County READS program by reading “The Paris Wife,” written by internationally known author Paula McLain. The book chronicles Ernest Hemingway’s life through the eyes of his first wife, Hadley Richardson. The Pierce County READS program begins now and runs through May 17th. (The Herald [Puyallup], 3.27.13) http://www.thenewstribune.com/2013/03/27/2531608/library-system-announces-new-reads.html

[This summary of library news was created by Leanna Hammond of the Washington State Library Division of the Office of the Secretary of State. It represents a selection of newspaper clippings about Washington libraries from all Washington newspapers received in the packets on the dates shown. For more information about any of these stories, contact Martha Shinners at 360.570.5567 or martha.shinners@sos.wa.gov]

Library staff have questions too. Lots of them. Like: How can I best implement eReader training at my library? What are the current trends in library programming? How can I improve our website? What training materials already exist to help me train my new staff? How can I best help my community with digital literacy skills? I want to brush up on my communication skills, but how can I from a remote area with few training opportunities. How can I learn about project management with my busy schedule?

Most importantly, library staff want to know how to keep their skills current to best serve their evolving communities.

The Washington State Library sponsors online learning for library staff across all 71,000+ square miles of the state through a statewide membership to WebJunction, an online learning community designed specifically for library staff. Washington is one of 18 states partnering with WebJunction to offer sponsored access to online courses and webinars for library staff. While WebJunction has a national presence, it is also a local organization based in Seattle, Washington, since 2003. Washington library staff benefit from WebJunction’s connections to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the parent company to WebJunction, OCLC.

If you’ve used WebJunction in years past, look again. The newly redesigned WebJunction website is easier to navigate and offers more resources.

Library staff across Washington are getting value out of the WSL partnership with WebJunction:

• 700 courses were taken in 2012
• 527 registered users attended 24 different live webinars in 2012
• Library staff from 30 different libraries registered for courses in 2012
• 561 Washington library staff are currently registered as WebJunction Washington members.
• With current membership, courses cost WSL about $22 each. That price gets lower the more members join and take courses. The current contract pays for over 3,600 library staff to join WebJunction.
• WebJunction content is available 24/7 to library staff wherever they have an internet connection, making it a great resource for rural library staff, who may not be able to attend offsite trainings as easily, or any staff who need to be as efficient as possible with their time.
• New content is constantly being added to WebJunction. Upcoming webinars can be found on www.webjunction.org, or look on the Washington Partner page to see these and links to WSL’s First Tuesday webinars. Can’t make the date? Past webinars are accessible as archives, as well. New courses will soon be available in video format when WebJunction adds Lynda.com trainings to their course catalog, increasing the software, business and creative offerings sponsored by WSL. Note: access to Lynda.com trainings will be limited, so registered staff should look for the invitation via email soon.
• Washington library staff can create a free account on the WebJunction site. Sponsored access will be approved by WSL and WebJunction within 48 hours.

Some WebJunction users are really taking advantage of the resources. One power-user, Keyla Gonzalez, a Circulation Clerk 2 from Bellingham Public Library, took 25 courses in 2012. She has built an impressive list of skills using WebJunction: “I have learned cultural communication styles, how to reach out to our non-English speaking patrons and how to better equip myself to be more helpful when answering patron’s requests.” What does Keyla appreciation about the WSL sponsored access to WebJunction? “I love that I can use my own time and finish my course load at my own pace. If there’s a course that is strenuous I know I can go back and re-do it however many times I want. Mostly I love that it is accessible at any time and it is free!”
Another important role in online learning is the WebJunction champion—that person who encourages staff to take courses and attend webinars. Some champions are peers, others are trainers, administrators, managers or supervisors. All of them know access to online learning is only part of the solution to help staff keep their skills sharp. The other part is creating a culture that prioritizes learning and gives staff the time, space and resources to participate in online training opportunities.

One such champion is Patricia Chupa, Circulation Supervisor at the Shelton Timberland Library. Pat, as her staff know her, has built just such a culture in her department. She incorporates online learning into the goals her staff make during annual performance evaluations and goes on to make a contract with her staff: if they “partner with one another to get the materials handling work done in a timely fashion,” then they are guaranteed “protected time to do their courses” and staff help cover for each other by negotiating the best time for trainings. Has the effort paid off? Pat is proud to report “the professional approach to their customer service has improved across the team, and that has readily been demonstrated in the level of satisfaction we see and hear from our patrons.”

The WebJunction Washington partner resources are managed by the Washington State Library, with input from a state-wide WebJunction Washington Advisory Team made up of members from public, academic, and special libraries across the state. It’s the sponsored learners, though, that make WebJunction resources come alive as library staff interact with library patrons with skills learned through this state-sponsored resource.

When the Washington Irrigation Company attempted to perform a little social engineering in the community of Zillah in an effort to close the saloon, the cause of alcohol found an unlikely champion. The story is told in the Feb. 20, 1903 issue of the Yakima Republic:

IS A DEFENDER OF BOOZE

 A Zillah Minister Who Stands Up For Good Whisky, But Not For Bad

“A minister at Zillah last Sunday night created something of a sensation in his pulpit, according to a resident of that little town who was here this week, when he declared that he occasionally took a drink himself, and that inasmuch as men would get whisky anyway if they wanted it, there wasn’t much harm in giving them facilities for getting good whisky.”

“The Washington Irrigation company has offered to set apart $1400 worth of its justly celebrated Sunnyside land for the endowment of a library at Zillah if the people of that place will cut out the saloon which has been in operation there and which has been a bone of contention among the inhabitants each year.”

“Commenting upon this proposition, the minister referred to is said to have taken a stand in favor of the saloon as against the library; and to have asserted that if he wanted to he took a drink of whisky, and preferred good whisky.”

“This unexpected deliverance by a minister of the gospel has furnished a valuable topic of conversation at Zillah this week.”

“The Zillah man who mentioned the matter to the Republic stated that it is as yet undetermined whether the people down there will favor licensing the saloon for another year. Recently the proprietor, Correll, hurt himself quite severely, and his bad luck has created some sympathy for him.”

The Washington Irrigation Company’s place in the history of the area can be found in The Victory of National Irrigation in the Yakima Valley, 1902-1906.

It appears Zillah did not get a library until Prohibition took effect. Meanwhile, in recent history another church in the town has made the news. In order to  publicize the name, the Church of God – Zillah constructed a wire sculpture of the famous Japanese movie monster outside the building.