Browsed by
Category: Just for Fun

Didyaknow…?

Didyaknow…?

… that candidates filing for public office used to crowd the Secretary of State’s lobby?  The photograph below, taken in the late 50’s, depicts what filing week used to look like.   Most candidates were men, but a closer look towards the back of the picture reveals at least two women in the room.   This year candidate filing week is June 7-11, but the lobby won’t look anything like the picture.   Most candidates today file online instead of coming into the office. Photograph courtesy of the Washington State Archives and part of…

Read More Read More

From Your Corner of Washington: Gig Harbor

From Your Corner of Washington: Gig Harbor

This Pierce County town of nearly 7,200 lies on the southeastern shore of Kitsap Peninsula, across the water from Tacoma.  Its picturesque namesake harbor draws boaters from near and far, and other visitors flock to the town’s waterfront to enjoy a meal at one of the many dining establishments while gazing at the boats and Mount Rainier in the distance. According to the Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce Web site, the area was named in 1841 during the U.S. Exploring…

Read More Read More

Didyaknow…?

Didyaknow…?

… that the Washington State Digital Archives is a treasure trove of historical pictures?  Thousands of scanned photos are available for anyone to download, free of charge.  Just last week as I was thumbing through the collection, I came across this slightly unique photo below: In the photo, Governor Rosellini is presenting a giant pickle to a gal representing National Pickle Week.  National Pickle Week still exists and begins tomorrow, May 15, and ends the 25th.  It first began in…

Read More Read More

Answers to “didyaknow…?” trivia

Answers to “didyaknow…?” trivia

… in last Friday’s “didyaknow..?” post, we asked if you could guess which original decor items from the photograph are still in use in the Secretary’s office (plus  a bonus point for guessing the correct Secretary of State).  The items in use are highlighted in the photograph below and include: the French velvet green curtains (purchased from the Fredrick & Nelson store) the State Seal chair the tall winged back chair  the Secretary’s desk.  Some of you guessed the wall cloth covering. Although it may…

Read More Read More

Didyaknow…?

Didyaknow…?

Did you know that some of the decor in the Secretary of State’s office is the same as it was decades ago?  Can you guess which original items in the picture below are still decorating Secretary Reed’s office today?  There are a total of  four items in this old photograph that we can see in Reed’s office right now, and the answers will be revealed on Monday.  (A bonus point goes to you if you can guess the name of the Secretary of…

Read More Read More

From Your Corner: How Ellensburg got its name

From Your Corner: How Ellensburg got its name

“E-burg,” as it is affectionately known, is both the home of Central Washington University and the seat of Kittitas County. Located in the heart of the Kittitas Valley, the town of 17,230 is renowned for the Ellensburg Rodeo, considered one of the top 10 professional rodeos in the nation and held every Labor Day weekend. It’s also known for its gusty winds that blow in from the Cascades, especially in the spring. The area also has a long agricultural history,…

Read More Read More

Didyaknow…?

Didyaknow…?

…that you might be able to find a copy of your parent’s marriage certificate or discover a grandparent’s birth certificate online?  That’s right, geneologists and just curious citizens use the Digital Archives everyday to research their family history and access millions of free documents online. Some documents date back to the Territorial Days in 1853 and all come from Washington state counties.   Many of the records online include birth, death, divorce, military, immigration, and census records.   Give it a try and see who…

Read More Read More

Didyaknow…?

Didyaknow…?

… if you are over 18 with a positive attitude, can spare at least four  hours a week, and want to know more about the Washington State Capitol, then you are eligible to work as a volunteer State Capitol Tour Guide or in the Legislative Gift Shop. It’s a great opportunity to make a positive contribution to your community.  Watch the Tour Guide video and learn more!

Didyaknow…?

Didyaknow…?

… that the grand Bluthner piano in the State Reception Room has quite the history?  Crafted in Leipzig, Germany, around 1890, it was purchased by Dr. Hans Moldenhauer in 1930.  Dr. Moldenhauer, of Jewish decent, was born in Germany and emigrated to Washington State in 1938, just one year before WWII broke out.  He brought his beloved piano with him to his new home in Spokane, and resided there until his death in 1987. He bequeathed the piano to the…

Read More Read More