Gov. Clarence Martin, 1933-1941 (Photo courtesy of Washington State Library)

If you’re doing research on Washington’s past governors, look no further than the Washington State Library.

You will find all you’ll ever need to know about the governors of our beautiful state in the collection titled Washington State Research.

A few of the more interesting pieces while searching through the collection are found in the executive orders section. There, you can take an in-depth look at executive orders issued by every governor since 1918.

Sifting through these orders you’ll find that some have been amended, some superseded, rescinded or terminated, while others are still active orders.

Governors from the earlier days, such as Ernest Lister (1913-1919), Louis F. Hart (1919-1925) and Arthur B. Langlie (1941-1957), issued very few executive orders. The ones they did dealt with office hours, salaries and printing requisitions.

After 1965, governors had more substantial issues to order that still impact our way of life in Washington today. For instance:

-On Dec. 8, 1975, Gov. Dan Evans reconstituted the Washington State Women’s Council:

“It is time for the Women’s Council to change directions. While there may still be need for change, state law is in basic conformance with the concept of equality. It must move into the area of education to ensure that all citizens are aware of their rights and responsibilities under the law.”

-On April 30, 1980, Gov. Dixy Lee Ray ordered a response to the Mount St. Helens Disaster just a few weeks before the destructive May 18 eruption:

 “In the opinion of scientific experts the Mt. St. Helens volcanic activity has increased the potential for avalanches, mudflows, and floods that would cause injury and destruction to life, health, and property. Allowing the public to enter specific hazardous areas surrounding Mt. St. Helens would unnecessarily imperil lives and property.”

-In 1996, Gov. Mike Lowry issued an executive order implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act:

“Washington will not be meeting its most basic responsibility until all Washingtonians can equally participate in and enjoy the benefits of state services and programs…”

Also in this collection are photographs of past governors, a history of the Governor’s Mansion in Olympia, a timeline for the years each governor was in office, and information about the territorial governors.

This is the latest in a series of blog posts, called “Falling for the State Library,” on your Washington State Library’s many online services and features. The Library is a proud division of the Office of Secretary of State.