From the desk of Mary Paynton Schaff

Every school child knows that the willow goldfinch is the official State Bird of Washington.  But less well known is the fact that the willow goldfinch had a long and controversial road to approval – 23 years of bickering and grandstanding, all of which culminated in a dramatic and highly amusing floor debate in the state’s House of Representatives.

But first, let’s go back to 1928 when Washington’s school children were given the task of selecting a state bird.  According to this website, the children selected the western meadowlark, a lovely bird with a problem.  The meadowlark was already state bird of Nebraska, Wyoming, and Oregon (selected in 1927 also by a poll of Oregon school children and made official with their governor’s proclamation).  It would go on to become the state bird of Montana, Kansas, and North Dakota as well, making it the second most popular state bird in the United States.  Clearly, school children across the country were partial to the meadowlark, but Washington needed a bird that was more unique.

In 1931, the Washington Federation of Women’s Clubs took up the issue, polling their membership over which bird should have the honor.  The ladies returned a different result: the willow goldfinch.  But rather than deciding the question, popular opinion had it that Washington now had two unofficial state birds.

And no one seemed in a hurry to decide the matter.  A full 12 years passed before the Senate passed Senate Bill 134 making the willow goldfinch the official state bird and the rhododendron the official state flower. The February 9, 1943 Seattle Times then described a prophetic exchange between Senator Barney Jackson of Pierce County and Senator Paul G. Thomas of King County during the floor debate regarding the state bird:

Jackson: What is the difference between a goldfinch and a mugwump?

Thomas: A goldfinch is a bird, but a mugwump is something that just sits on a fence with his mug on one side and his wump on the other.

But despite the senators’ self-aware debate of the goldfinch, the House of Representatives never took action on SB 134, and the official authorization languished in committee no man’s land.  Washington was now going on 15 years with no official state bird.  Just how long could the Legislature ignore the unofficial dual bird situation?  Tune in for our next installment to find out.

Liberty Mountain, North Cascades National Park. Photo by Jim Culp. Used by permission.

Selected Resources

National Park Service

2016 marks the centennial anniversary of the National Park Service. “That’s 100 years of protecting America’s natural, historical and cultural treasures from all over the United States. These more than 400 beautiful, historic and exquisite sites cover over 80 million acres consisting of approximately 18,000 miles of trails, more than 75,000 archaeological sites and at least 247 species of threatened or endangered plants and animals.” (Text from http://bit.ly/2allmnJ.)

Interior Department National Park System. National Park System (Wall Map Poster). Interior Department National Park System, Print.

A beautiful wall map of the National Parks is available from the Government Printing Office Bookstore, https://bookstore.gpo.gov/products/sku/024-005-01274-5?ctid=507. “Handsome color map showing the locations of parks in National Park System; suitable for large wall map displays … the map shows all 392 authorized units of the park system. It measures 39 by 29 inches and is of display quality.

Washington State

“National Historic Landmarks Survey / Washington.” NPS.gov Homepage (U.S. National Park Service). N.p., n.d. Web. 21 July 2016. Available online: <https://www.nps.gov/nhl/find/statelists/wa/WA.pdf.>

“National Parks Road Trip: Pacific Northwest.” National Geographic. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 July 2016.  Available online: <http://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/road-trips/united-states/washington-national-parks/>.

Covers North Cascades, Mount Ranier and Olympic national parks.

Working with Washington by the Numbers National Park Service

“NHLs in National Parks | National Historic Landmarks Program.” NPS.gov Homepage (U.S. National Park Service). N.p., n.d. Web. 21 July 2016. <https://www.nps.gov/nhl/find/nhlsinparks.htm#WA>.
“Northwest · National Parks Conservation Association.” National Parks Conservation Association. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 July 2016. <https://www.npca.org/regions/northwest>.

“Working with Washington by the numbers.” NPS.gov Homepage (U.S. National Park Service). N.p., n.d. Web. 14 July 2016. <http://bit.ly/2a4PHoO>.

How many national parks are there in Washington State?

National Trails?

National Register of Historic Places?

National Historic Landmarks?

National Natural Landmarks?

World Heritage Sites?

“Want to Browse Some National Park Maps? There’s a Site For That | Smart News.” Smithsonian. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 July 2016. <http://bit.ly/2a4SS0o>. 

Check National Park Maps. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 July 2016, http://npmaps.com/. Free maps of national parks. Check by state.

“Washington: National Register of Historic Places listings in the state of Washington.” Flickr. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 July 2016. <https://www.flickr.com/photos/nationalregister/albums/72157620544261128>.

“Washington (U.S. National Park Service).” NPS.gov Homepage (U.S. National Park Service). N.p., n.d. Web. 14 July 2016. <https://www.nps.gov/state/wa/index.htm>.  Find a list of National Park Service designations, a description and a photo.

National Park Service brochures. Listed in the Washington State Library catalog.

Publications

Braille Books: The National Park Service publishes a series of visitor information brochures in Braille for most of the NPS designated areas in the United States. They are included in this resource list with the designation Print (Braille).

Ebey’s Landing

Ebey’s Landing. Photo by James Marvin Phelps.

Evans-Hatch, Gail E. H. Evans-Hatch, D. Michael. Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve: Historic Resources Study. Washington: U.S. Dept. of the Interior, National Park Service, 2005. Print. Available at WSL: I 29.58/3:W 57.

Polenz, Michael. Slaughter, Stephen L. Dragovich, Joe D. Thorsen, Gerald W. Geologic Map of the Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, Island County, Washington. Olympia N.p., Washington State Dept. Print. Available at WSL: 2 copies, one in library use only WA 33.7 G291ope 2005-2 2005 c.1 ; available for circulation  WA 333.7G291ope 2005-2 2005 c.2.

United States. National Park Service. Ebey’s Landing: Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, Washington. Washington: National Park Service, U.S. Dept. of the Interior, 2008. Print (map). Available at WSL: I 29.2:EB 3/2.

United States. National Park Service, author. Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, Washington. National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, 2015. Print (Braille). Available at WSL: I 29.155:EB 3.

Gilbert, Cathy. Reading the Cultural Landscape: Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve. Seattle: National Park Service, Pacific Northwest Regional Office, Cultural Resource Division, 1985. Print. Online at: http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS115589.

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Officers Row, Vancouver, WA

Fort Vancouver

Hussey, John A. Fort Vancouver National Historic Site/washington. Denver: Denver Service Center, National Park Service, 1972-1976. Print. Available at WSL: I 29.2:F77.

United States. National Park Service, author. Fort Vancouver: Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, 2013. Print (Braille).
Available at WSL! I 29.2:F 77 v/2/ v.1, I 29.2:F 77 v/2/ v.2.

Tip: check our catalog for author John A. Hussey to find other studies he did of Fort Vancouver.

Lake Chelan

Northwest Interpretive Association. North Cascades National Park Service Complex (Agency : U.S.). Imus Creek Nature Trail, Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. Seattle: The Assn., 1998. Print. WSL Northwest Collection NW 917.975 IMUS 1998?

Tip: See also North Cascades National Park.

“Welcome to Stehekin.” NPS.gov Homepage (U.S. National Park Service). N.p., n.d. Web. 7 July 2016. <https://www.nps.gov/noca/upload/Stehekin-Map-2010.pdf>.

Lake Roosevelt

Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, Washington. Washington, D.C.: National Park Service, 2005. Print (map). Available at WSL: I 29.39:R 67.

 Mount Rainier

“An icon on the horizon.” NPS.gov Homepage (U.S. National Park Service). N.p., n.d. Web. 21 July 2016. <https://www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm>.

Mount Rainier National Park: Washington. Washington, D.C.: The Service, 1973. Print (Maps). Available at WSL: Historic Research R 912.7977 United 1973.

 “Publications – Mount Rainier National Park (U.S. National Park Service).” NPS.gov Homepage (U.S. National Park Service). N.p., n.d. Web. 21 July 2016. <https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/publications.htm>.

Tahoma News
The Mount Rainier National Park “Tahoma News” is printed each winter, spring, summer and fall. Look inside for descriptions of seasonal activities, current events and facility hours … read the most recent edition on-line or receive a printed copy when you arrive at the entrance gate to the park.

United States. National Park Service, author. Mount Rainier, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington. National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, 2016. Print (Braille). Available at WSL! Call No. I 29.155:M 86 R/2.

North Cascades National Park (and surounding areas)

Johannessen, Tracie B, Wendy Scherrer, Saul Weisberg, and Nikki McClure. North Cascades National Park: A Living Classroom : a Guide to Field Trips and Activities in Ross Lake National Recreation Area and North Cascades National Park. Sedro-Wooley: North Cascades Institute, 1996. Print. Available at WSL: NW OVERSIZ 917.9773 JOHANNE 19.

“North Cascades are calling.” NPS.gov Homepage (U.S. National Park Service). N.p., n.d. Web. 21 July 2016. <https://www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm>.

“North Cascades National Park Complex.” NPS.gov Homepage (U.S. National Park Service). N.p., n.d. Web. 7 July 2016. Available online at <https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/upload/NOCAmap1.pdf>.

“North Cascades National Park Complex Stephen Mather Wilderness.” NPS.gov Homepage (U.S. National Park Service). N.p., n.d. Web. 7 July 2016. <https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/upload/Wilderness-Trip-Planner-2016-05-06_01-for-web.pdf>.

 North Cascades National Park Service Complex. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 July 2016. <https://www.facebook.com/NorthCascadesNationalPark/>.

Popular Trails: Featuring Trails in North Cascades National Park & Ross Lake National Recreation Area. Seattle: Northwest Interpretive Assn., 2000. Print. Available at WSL: NW 917.975 POPULAR 200-?.

“Surrounding region.” NPS.gov Homepage (U.S. National Park Service). N.p., n.d. Web. 7 July 2016. Available online at: https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/upload/NOCAmap2.pdf.

“State route 20 detail map.” NPS.gov Homepage (U.S. National Park Service). N.p., n.d. Web. 7 July 2016. https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/upload/SR-20-Detail.pdf.

Rain Forest Greenery along the shores of the Quinalt River. Photograph by Alan posted to Flickr. Used by copyright permission.

Olympic Mountains

 “Olympic National Forest – Maps & Publications.” US Forest Service. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 July 2016.

Olympic National Park, Washington. Washington, D.C.: National Park Service, 1939- . Print (Maps). Available at WSL: I 29.6OI 9/3 1939-2003 some issues missing.

“Olympic National Park Guide.” Sunset. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 July 2016. <http://www.sunset.com/travel/northwest/olympic-national-park-washington>.

United States. National Park Service, author. Olympic: Olympic National Park, Washington. National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, 2015. Print (Braille). Available at WSL! Call No. I 29.155:OL 9.

Ross Lake National Recreation Area

“Ross Lake National Recreation Area.” NPS.gov Homepage (U.S. National Park Service). N.p., n.d. Web. 7 July 2016. <https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/upload/rosslake_6-08.pdf>.

Tip: See also North Cascades National Park

Crook House historic structures. English Camp, San Juan Island National Historical Park, San Juan Island, Washington

San Juan Island

Erigero, Patricia, and Barry Schnoll. Crook House Historic Structures Report: English Camp, San Juan Island National Historical Park, San Juan Island, Washington. Seattle: Cultural Resources Division, Pacific Northwest Region, National Park Service, 1984. Web.  Available at WSL:  I 29.88:C 88. Available online through the Library’s Washington Rural Heritage project: bit.ly/29X2ZEs

United States. National Park Service, author. San Juan Island National Historical Park, Washington. National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, 2014. Print (Braille). Available at WSL! Call No. I 29.155:SA 5 J/2.

Whitman Mission

United States. National Park Service, author. Whitman Mission National Historic Site, Washington. National Park Service, U.S. Dept. of the Interior, 2014. Print (Braille). Available at WSL: I 29.155:W 59.

United States. National Park Service. Whitman Mission, Sitio Histórico Nacional, Washington.  N.p.,  Print. Available at WSL:
I 29.6/6:W 59/SPAN.

Site of the Whitman Mission National Historic Site. Photograph by Glenn Scofield Williams as found on Flickr. Used by copyright permission.

Washington and Other States

Klondike Gold Rush

United States. National Park Service. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Seattle, Washington. Washington: National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, 1981. Print (map). Available at WSL: I 29.6:K 69/W 27.

United States. National Park Service, author. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Skagway, Alaska. National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, 2014. Print (Braille). Available at WSL! I 29.155:K 69

United States. National Park Service, author. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Skagway, Alaska. N.p., 2014. Print (Braille). Available at WSL: I 29.155.G29.

Lewis and Clark

United States. National Park Service, author. Lewis and Clark National and State Historical Parks, Oregon / washington. National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, 2014. Print (Braille). Available at WSL! I 29.155:L 58

Mcloughlin House Fort Vancouver

United States. National Park Service, author. Mcloughlin House Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Oregon/washington. National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, 2013. Print (Braille). Available at WSL! Call No. I 29.155:M 22

Manhatten Project National Historical Park (Oak Ridge, TN, Los Alamos, NM, and Hanford, WA)

United States. Congress. House. Committee on Natural Resources. Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation, author. H.r. 1208, to Establish the Manhattan Project National Historical Park in Oak Ridge, Tn, Los Alamos, Nm, and Hanford, Wa: Legislative Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation of the Committee on Natural Resources, U.s. House of Representatives, One Hundred Thirteenth Congress, First Session, Friday, April 12, 2013. N.p., 2014. Web. Available at WSL: WSL Annex (Call ahead) Y 4.R 31/3:113-10, MICRO Y 4.R 31/3:113-10 ; Available online at <http://purl.fdlp.gov/GPO/gpo47105> <http://purl.fdlp.gov/GPO/gpo47106>.

Manzanar

United States. National Park Service, author. Manzanar, Manzanar National Historic Site, California. National Park Service US Department of this Interior, 2016. Print (Braille). Available at WSL! Call No. I 29.155:M 31/2

Minidoka

United States. National Park Service, author. Minidoka, Minidoka National Historic Site, Idaho/washington. National Park Service, US Department of the Interior, 2016. Print (Braille). Available at WSL! I 29.155:M 66/2

Nez Perce

United States. National Park Service. Visitor Guide: Nez Perce National Historical Park, Big Hole National Battlefield, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington.  Lapwai: Nez Perce National Historical Park, 2009.  Print.  Available at WSL: I 29.2:N 49/2 2009

Listen Up! North Olympic Library System. Oral histories from the Washington Northwest corner. Used by permission of the North Olympic Library System. Project supported by the Washington State Library Washington Rural Heritage Project using federal Library Services and Technology Act funds administered by the Institute for Museum and Library Services.

 Oral History

Listen up! Stories from the Northwest corner. A series of oral histories collected by staff of the North Olympic Library System from residents of Clallam County sharing their stories about National Parks. There are 16 recorded interviews plus a compilation video.

Golden-mantled ground squirrel at Crater Lake NP. These little guys will steal your sunflower seeds and your heart. Photo by Tore.

From the desk of Rand Simmons

This August 25th the National Parks Service (NPS) celebrates one hundred years of service to the nation and, indeed, to the world. The year was 1916, but national parks, designated by various federal agencies, have existed far longer than the NPS.  The first was the District of Columbia, authorized on July 16, 1790. It included the National Capital Parks, National Mall and the White House.

Summer view of Crater Lake NP, Oregon. Photo by Maciek Lulko.

My personal relationship with National Parks was shaped by where I was born and where my father was born.

I was born in Canyonville, Oregon in Douglas County and spent my childhood in the little burg of Myrtle Creek. It was easy for my family to head to Crater Lake in the Oregon Cascade Mountains.

Established in 1902 as a national park, Crater Lake National Park predates the establishment of NPS and is the only national park in Oregon. An eruption of Mt. Mazama, a volcano in the Oregon Cascade Mountains, caused an implosion of the mountain and formed the lake. It is the deepest in the United States, has no inlets or outlets, and the blue of the water is almost indescribable. You can learn more about this the deepest lake in the United State at this site. Two childhood memories: Trying to spy the wizard on Wizard Island, the larger of two islands in the caldera-formed lake and, second, trying as I might to catch one of the wily park chipmunks or ground squirrels. No doubt I would have rued the results had I caught one.

State Highway 287 slumped into Hebgen Lake.

My father was born and raised in Eastern Idaho. On the occasions that we would go to visit my aunts, uncles and dozens of cousins we would often make a trek to Yellowstone National Park. All my memories of Yellowstone are positive except for three — first, visiting the devastation caused by the Madison River flood in 1959 and seeing the ghostly lines of trees along the bank of the water marking the water level when the river was dammed and formed Quake Lake. That visit formed an indelible memory in my brain. Second, sadness upon learning that Old Faithful geyser was no longer predictable as a result of the same earthquake.  And finally, as an adult with two young sons, viewing the damage of the great fire of 1988 and remembering stories effectively told by a park ranger.

This August we will celebrate 100 years of the marvelous work of the National Park Service through posts to our blog, Facebook site and Twitter account (look for #NPSCentennial). We will focus on Washington State’s national parks and feature other Washington NPS sites. We will connect you to resources in our collections. We hope we will inspire you to take pride in our historic and cultural treasures made possible by the stewardship of the National Park Service.

What is your connection to National Parks? A funny/scary story of a woman in a car that tried to feed a bear? Leaning over a guard railing to see what was in the canyon below while your dad held on to your shirt tail? Catching your first rainbow trout? Seeing your first moose? A solemn moment at a national historic site? A family reunion? The antics of ground squirrels stuffing their cheeks with peanuts tossed to them by tourist?

What’s your story? We would like to hear it. Or maybe you want to build some memories.

Here’s to another great 100 years of service to the people of the United States and the world.

Resources

The National Parks: Index. Washington, D.C: National Park Service, U.S. Dept. of the Interior, 1985. Print. Available at WSL: I 29.103:  2012-2016

The National Park Service released its 2012-2016 Index in time for the Centennial celebration. This is a must have for travelers especially if they are visiting multiple National Parks and other national sites, reserves and recreation areas maintained by the NPS.

“This index is a complete administrative listing of the National Park System’s parks and related areas, including historical documentation to distinguish between the types of National Park Service sites. It has been revised to reflect congressional actions. The entries, grouped by state, include administrative addresses and phone numbers, dates of authorization and establishment, boundary change dates, acreages, website addresses, and brief statements explaining the areas’ national significance.” However, this book is not intended as a guide for park visitors. “This resource should provide beneficial information to historians, especially State historians.” (Both quotes, GPO Bookstore, June 28, 2016).

Centennial junior ranger activity book. Not distributed to Federal Depository libraries. Available from the Government Printing Office.

McDonnell, Janet, and Barry Mackintosh. The National Parks: Shaping the System. Washington, D.C: U.S. Dept. of the Interior, 2005. Print. Available at WSL: I 29.2:SH 2/2005; Online at: https://ia800301.us.archive.org/20/items/nationalparkssha05system/nationalparkssha05system.pdf (other formats are available)

“US National Parks Timeline.” Travel, Landscape, and Nature Pictures – QT Luong Stock Photos and Fine Art Prints. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 June 2016. http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/info/parks-by-date.html.

Check out the Government Bookstore’s National Parks Collection, National Parks. U.S. Government Bookstore. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 June 2016.

From the desk of Jeff Martin

Do your ancestors come from this area? While not always politically correct by 21st century standards, this publication is full of pictures and information about the early days of Rosalia.

Author:

Charles Thompson

The Inland Press, of Inland Printing Co., Spokane, Washington

Publication date: 1905

PEOPLE

“Natives of almost every state people Rosalia and vicinity. It has profited from this circumstance just as the emigration from all nations has made the United States a superior people. The immigration to Rosalia up to the early nineties (i.e., 1890s) was of two classes. The least desirable and the best of the older states. The first class, the incapables, industrially and morally, were simply crowded out of their environment in the East. They came because land was cheap and they must go somewhere. The great opportunities of those days for people of little means roused some to ambitious efforts, and, weaklings no longer, they are numbered today among our strong successful men. The greater part of this class failed, as they had failed before, and became driftwood, passing from sight down the stream long ago.

The second class were of the best and strongest of the older states, selected from their fellows by the test of courage. Equally as capable, but braver, more ambitious, more self-reliant, than contemporaries who were content and hesitated to venture, a comprehensive survey of their environment showed but a meager prospect – at best, a limited competence to reward a life of toil and self-denial. To them it was not worth it. Resolutely turning from the pleasures and comforts of home, they set their faces toward the unknown West, determined to battle for a worthier prize. And, braver yet, were the young wives that accompanied them or faithfully waited the return of husbands or lovers, gone before to prepare a humble home. (Pages 16 -18)”

Washington State Library Electronic State Publications – On the Battle Ground: Rosalia Wash., Charles Thompson, 1905

From the desk of Rand Simmons

May is Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and before time slips away here is a post about a Japanese-American family’s experience during World War II. The American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) and author Matthew Elms retell the saga of three brothers who nobly fought alongside one another in World War II. (Thanks to the Government Publishing Office for the text of this post: Government Book Talk, Family, Patriotism & Sacrifice, Trudy Hawkins, May 4, 2016.)

When the Akimotos Went to War: An Untold Story of Family, Patriotism and Sacrifice During World War II

Hardworking and California-bred, brothers Victor, Johnny, and Ted Akimoto grew up with the sparkle of the American dream in their eyes. Then the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor happened. It got under their skin and into their heads. One by one, they joined the fight.

Victor, the eldest brother and first to enlist, reported to duty in frosty Fort Warren, Wyoming. He eschewed anti-Japanese hysteria and sent cheering letters to his devoted family. Despite stacked odds, Victor was eventually promoted to infantryman. Younger brothers Johnny and Ted soon joined him in the 100th Infantry Battalion, a mostly first generation Japanese-American, or Nisei, unit.

The Akimoto clan battled two enemies: the Axis Powers and racial tension. Suspicion of Japanese-Americans grew. When the government froze the family bank accounts, they lived off remittances from their soldier-sons. Then they were forcibly confined to internment camps around the country. The family was split up but not beaten. They remained resolute in the hope that if men like their Victor, Johnny, and Ted “could serve bravely in the armed forces, then perhaps America would finally move beyond seeing people of Asian descent as a different people, a different race, and just see them as patriotic Americans.”

On the fields of Europe and in military camps, three brothers gave themselves to “the greatest cause a man can give his life for,” as Victor wrote in a letter to his family. While their family sat in internment camps, the brothers ducked the whoosh of artillery. Pinned in by Germans on all sides, they steered their G.I. brethren to safety. In the face of crushing loss, as Ted wrote, “no matter what the cost, we have to make this world a better place.”

The Akimotos lived out the belief that there is no more important role than citizen, no more important act than service.

Young adult non-fiction literature
Available for purchase from Government Printing Office Bookstore
Available at the Washington State Library and other federal depository libraries:  Y 3.AM 3:2 AK 5

A selected list of resources received at the Washington State Library through the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP). The State Library is the Regional Depository Library for the states of Washington and Alaska and has a comprehensive collection of FDLP publications.

Did you know? Each year thousands of federal electronic publications are added to the Washington State Library’s comprehensive federal publications collection? During the first 3 months of 2016 2,136 electronic publications were listed in our online catalog and are available to you anytime you want them and anywhere you happen to be. Need to know more? Call our Ask a Librarian line, 1-360-704-5221 or set your browser to http://www.sos.wa.gov/library/ask.aspx. We are here to help.

Around the World in 80 Documents, A Journey Through the U.S. Congressional Serial Set, 2015. (2015). Available at WSL! GP 1.2:D 65/2

Army History: The professional Bulletin of Army History

Center of Military History. (1989). Army history: The professional bulletin of Army history. Washington, D.C: U.S. Army Center of Military History. Available at WSL! D 114.20:98; online http://www.history.army.mil/armyhistory/AH98(W).pdf.

Christianson, J., Marston, C. H., Barker, J., Bennett, L., Conwill, J. D., Duwadi, S. R., Gasparini, D. A., … Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center,. (2015). Covered bridges and the birth of American engineering. Available at WSL!  I 29.2:B 76/5; Online at
http://permanent.access.gpo.gov/gpo64533/CoveredBridges2015.pdf.

List of lights, radio aids, and fog signals. Western Pacific and Indian Oceans including the Persian Gulf and Red Sea. (2015). Available at WSL! D5.317/2:112/ 2015

Nasa’s journey to Mars: Pioneering next steps in space exploration, NP-2015-08-2018-HQ, October 2015. Available at WSL!  NAS 1.83:2015-08-2018-HQ

The People’s Liberation Army and Contingency Planning in China, 2015. (2015). Available at WSL! D5.402:C 44/6

Pacific Northwest Research Station (Portland, Or.). (1998). Science findings. Portland, Or.

Issue 179, Predicting Douglas-Fir’s Response to a Warming Climate.  Available at WSL! A 13.66/19:179; online http://www.fs.fed.us/pnw/sciencef/scifi179.pdf.

Student Tools for Emergency Planning (STEP) program : curriculum for 4th and 5th grade students. [Washington, D.C.] : U.S. Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, 2015. Available at WSL! HS 5.102:ST 9/2015/PACK  includes disc; Online at
http://1.usa.gov/1UzPvkk (link shortened)

Treasured landscapes : National Park Service art collections tell America’s stories. Washington, D.C. : National Park Service Museum Management Program, 2016. Available at WSL! I 29.2:AR 7/5

United States., & Harpers Ferry Center (U.S.),. (2014). Whitman Mission National Historic Site, Washington. 

One of a series of Braille transcriptions of visitor information brochures published by the National Park Service’s Harpers Ferry Center. Available at WSL!  I 29.155:W 59

This document was compiled by Rand Simmons with the assistance of Staci Phillips.

For assistance finding these publications or publications on any other topic please contact our Ask a Librarian service. Real people answering your questions!

The latest state document discovery from Jeff Martin

The Fourteenth Session: A brief history of the men who represented the million and a half people of the state of Washington in the legislature of 1915

Prepared by
Alfred T. Renfro
Beaux Arts Village, Washington
Publication date: 1915

A brief history of the men who represented the million and a half people of the State of Washington in the Legislature of 1915.
It is not the purpose or object of this book to discuss the Legislature as a whole or the merits of the bills. Neither is it a manual. The acts of the Legislature are recorded in the Journal, the results in the Session Laws, and the pocket manual covers the field.

This work will endeavor to treat [sic] of the personnel of the Legislature. Devoting its pages to the personal side of the men who made the laws. In some cases where the author knew, there will be found an “intimate peep” [sic] into the lives and characters of the members.

Another gem from within the document… “Governor Lister will be remembered in political history as the ‘Veto Governor.’  Of all vetoes recorded since statehood there appears to be over 40 percent credited to his administration.”

Washington State Library Electronic State Publications – The Fourteenth Session

Let us know in the comments if you find anything else that is particularly compelling.

Women’s History: a sampling of resources at the Washington State Library

A Century of Women’s Health, 1900-2000

Federal Publications : National Scope

Alfonso, K. L. M., & Air University (U.S.). (2009). Femme fatale: An examination of the role of women in combat and the policy implications for future American military operations. Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala: Air University Press.

Archive of Folk Song (U.S.). (1969). Sources for songs of the womans’ suffrage movement: With Library of Congress call numbers. Washington, DC: The Archive. Available at WSL!  Call No. LC 1.12/2:Su 3

Bellafaire, J., & Center of Military History. (1993). The Women’s Army Corps: A commemoration of World War II service. Washington, D.C.?: U.S. Army Center of Military History. Available at WSL! Call No. D 114.2:W 84

Calkin, H. L. (1978). Women in the Department of State: Their role in American foreign affairs. Washington: Office of the Deputy Under Secretary for Management, Dept. of State. Available at WSL!  Call No. S 1.69:166

Chang, J. C., ERIC Clearinghouse for Community Colleges., & United States. (2002). Women and minorities in the science, mathematics and engineering pipeline. Los Angeles, CA: ERIC Clearinghouse for Community Colleges.

Conaway, C. P., & United States Institute of Peace. (2006). The role of women in stabilization and reconstruction. Washington, DC: U.S. Institute of Peace.

Dannett, S. G. L., & Jones, K. M. (1963). Our women of the sixties. Washington, D.C: U.S. Civil War Centennial Commission. Available at WSL! Call No. Y 3.C 49/2:2 W 84

Eaton, S. A., Nielsen, F., National Institute of Standards and Technology (U.S.)., & NIST Women’s Summit “Women in Science, Redefined: Tactics and Alliances to Address and Change Systemic Trends Affecting Women in Science, Engineering, and Technology”. (2002). Women in science, redefined: Tactics and alliances to address and change systemic trends affecting women in science, engineering, and technology, March 12-13, 2002, Gaithersburg, MD. Gaithersburg, MD: U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Technology Administration, National Institute of Standards and Technology.  Available at WSL! Call No. MICRO C 13.58:6918

Flowers, S. H., Abbott, M. H., United States., & Alabama Aviation and Technical College. (1995). Women in aviation and space. Washington, D.C.?: U.S. Dept. of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration. Available at WSL! Call No. TD 4.2:Av 5/6/990

Women hunting

Henderson, E., & U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (2004). Participation and expenditure patterns of African-American, Hispanic, and female hunters and anglers: Addendum to the 2001 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. Washington, D.C: Division of Federal Aid, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Available at WSL!

Hewitt, L. L., & United States. (1974). Women Marines in World War I. Washington: History and Museums Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps. Available at WSL!  D 214.13 W84 D 214.13:W 84

Karim, B., & United States. (1972). A preliminary study of maximal control force capability of female pilots. Washington, D.C: Office of Aviation Medicine, Federal Aviation Administration. Available at WSL!

Kovach, K., & United States. (2001). Breaking codes, breaking barriers: The WACs of the Signal Security Agency, World War II. Fort Belvoir, Va: History Office, Office of the Chief of Staff, US Army Intelligence and Security Command. Available at WSL! Call No. D 101.2:C 64

Library of Congress. (1995). Women come to the front: Journalists, photographers, and broadcasters during World War II. Washington, D.C.: Library of Congress. Available WSL! Call No. LC 1.2:W 84

Molnar, A., & United States. (1994). Women marines in WWII. Washington, DC: Navy & Marine Corps WWII Commemorative Committee, Navy Office of Information. Available at WSL! Call No. D 201.39:M 33/5

Morden, B. J. (1990). The Women’s Army Corps, 1945-1978. Washington, D.C: Center of Military History, U.S. Army.

Naval History & Heritage Command (U.S.), & United States. (2011). Women in the United States Navy. Washington, D.C.: Naval History & Heritage Command.

Oakes, C. M. (1978). United States Women in aviation through World War I. Washington: Smithsonian Institution Press. Available at WSL! Call No. SI 1.42.2C1

Oak Ridge National Laboratory. (1995). Pioneer women: Pushing the frontiers of science and engineering at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Oak Ridge, Tenn.?: ORNL. Available at WSL! Call No.  E 1.2:W 84

O’Sullivan, J., Gallick, R., & Smithsonian Institution. (1975). Workers and allies: Female participation in the American Trade Union Movement, 1824-1976 : exhibition organized by Judith O’Sullivan : catalog. Washington: Published for the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service by the Smithsonian Institution Press. Available at WSL! Call No. SI 1.2 : W89/2

Sandia National Laboratories. (2006). A woman’s place is where she wants to be: A photographic history of women at Sandia. Albuquerque, N.M.: Sandia National Laboratories.

Smith, E. M., Alabama State University., & United States. (2003). Mary McLeod Bethune and the National Council of Negro Women: Pursuing a true and unfettered democracy. Washington, D.C.: Alabama State University, for the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House, National Historic Site, National Park Service. Available at WSL! Call No. I 29.58/3:W 84

Stremlow, M. V., & United States. (1986). A history of the Women Marines, 1946-1977. Washington, D.C: History and Museums Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.

Stremlow, M. V., & United States. (1994). Free a Marine to fight: Women Marines in World War II. Washington, D.C: History and Museums Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.

Theidon, K. S., Phenicie, K., Murray, E., & United States Institute of Peace. (2011). Gender, conflict, and peacebuilding: State of the field and lessons learned from USIP grantmaking. Washington, DC: U.S. Institute of Peace.

Treadwell, M. E. (1954). The Women’s Army Corps. Washington, D.C: Office of the Chief of Military History, Dept. of the Army. Available at WSL! Call No.  D 114.7:W 84

United States. (2002). A century of women’s health, 1900-2000. Washington, D.C.: Office on Women’s Health, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services.

United States. (2015). Empowering women entrepreneurs: Understanding success, addressing persistent challenges, and identifying new opportunities : hearing before the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, United States Senate, One Hundred Thirteenth Congress, second session, July 23, 2014.

United States. (1998). Equal pay: A thirty-five year perspective. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Labor, Womenʼs Bureau. Available at WSL!  L 36.102:EQ 2/3

United States. (2000). Honoring our past:Report and recommendations. Washington, D.C.:The Commission.

United States. (1992). A Question of equity: Women and the glass ceiling in the Federal Government. Washington, DC: The Board. Available at WSL! Call No. MS 1.2:W 84  C1

United States. (1977). Women and the environment: Women as agents of change. Washington: Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Public Awareness. Available at WSL! Call No. MICRO Y 4.F 76/1:111-97

United States Commission on Civil Rights. (1979). Window dressing on the set, an update: A report of the United States Commission on Civil Rights. Washington: U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. Call No. CR 1.2:W 72/979/UPDATE Available at WSL! Call No. PM 1.2:W 84

United States., & Judicial Conference of the United States. (1989). Criminal law, voting rights, United States v. Susan B. Anthony: “prisoner tried and convicted,” indictment, January 24, 1873. Washington, D.C: National Archives and Records Administration in cooperation with the Committee on the Bicentennial of the Constitution of the Judicial Conference of the United States. Available at WSL!  Sudoc No. AE 1.110/3:V 94

United States., & United States. (2011). Women & agriculture: Improving global food security. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Agency for International Development.

United States., & United States. (1986). Women marines in the 1980s. Washington, D.C.?: Division of Public Affairs (Code PAM) Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps. Available at WSL! Call No.  D 214.2:W 84/5

Urban and Rural Systems Associates., & United States. (1976). Exploratory study of women in the health professions schools. Washington: The Program.  Available at WSL!  Call No. HE 1.2W.84/3summ

Wells, J. A. (1962). Women in the Federal service, 1939-1959. Washington: U.S. Dept. of Labor, Women’s Bureau; [for sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Govt. Print. Off. Available at WSL! Call No. L 13.19:4/2

Wilcox, J., & United States. (2013). Sharing the burden: Women in cryptology during World War II. Available at WSL! Call No. MICRO D 1.2:C 88/2

Women on the frontlines of peace and security. (2014). Available at WSL! Call No. D 5.402:W 84

State Publications: State and Regional Scope

Office of the Secretary of State Legacy Project publications

Bonnie Dunbar, astronaut

Dunbar, B. J., Heffernan, T., Larson, L., Washington State Legacy Project., Washington State Heritage Center., Washington State Library., & Washington (State). (2009). An adventurous mind, Bonnie Dunbar: The oral history of Washington’s first woman astronaut. Olympia, WA: Washington State Heritage Center, Legacy Project, Office of the Secretary of State.

Jennifer Dunn

Dunn, J., Heffernan, T., Larson, L., Republican Party (Wash.), Washington State Legacy Project., Washington State Library., & Washington (State). (2010). The aura of Jennifer Dunn: A biography of Washington’s dynamic congresswoman. Olympia, Wash.: Washington State Heritage Center, Legacy Project, Washington Office of Secretary of State.

Heffernan, T., Washington State Legacy Project,, & Washington State Heritage Center,. (2012). A woman first: The impact of Jennifer Dunn. Available at WSL!

Walker, L., Hughes, J. C., Larson, L., Washington State Legacy Project., Washington State Heritage Center., & Washington (State). (2010). Lillian Walker, Washington State civil rights pioneer: A biography & oral history. Olympia, Wash.: Washington State Legacy Project, Office of the Secretary of State. Available at WSL!

James and Lillian Walker, wedding photo

Other State Agency Publications

Andrews, M. T., & Junior League of Tacoma (Tacoma, Wash.). (1989). Washington women as path breakers. Dubuque, Iowa: Kendall/Hunt Pub. Co. Available at WSL! Washington State Docs  WA 979.7 C33was w 1989; WSL Northwest Collection NW 979.7008 ANDREWS 1989

Barbey, D. E., & Washington (State). (1952). Washington State women in civil defense. Olympia: Washington State Civil Defense Dept. Available at WSL! Washington State Docs WA 355.23 C49ww

Blair, K. J., Northwest Center for Research on Women., & Northwest Conference on Women’s Heritage. (1985). Northwest women’s heritage: Conference proceedings, 1981. Seattle, Wash.: Northwest Center for Research on Women. Available at WSL!

Butruille, S. G., Walsh, J., Wang, K. H., Coleman, R., Masterson, R. E., & Washington State Library. (2007). Tea, true womanhood, and uppity women. Tumwater, Wash: The Library. Available at WSL!

Bristol Productions, Ltd., Washington (State)., & Washington State WWII Memorial Educational Foundation. (2002). When we were kids– we went to war. Olympia, Wash: Bristol Productions.

Daugherty, V. E., & Washington (State). (1977). Personnel inventory: Women in administration. Olympia, Wash: State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Available at WSL! Washington State Docs WA 370 P94per 1977

Elected Washington Women (Organization). (1983). Political pioneers: The women lawmakers. Olympia? Wash.: Elected Washington Women. Available at WSL!

Harvest, M., Walsh, J., Wang, K. H., Coleman, R., Masterson, R. E., & Washington State Library. (2006). Mary Sam: Basket weaver, visionary, provider and survivor. Tumwater, Wash: The Library. WA DVD 021.8 L611mar s 2006 c.

(Making a Difference –part of a series)  James-Wilson, J., Owings-Klimek, B., & Washington (State). (1992). Washington women: A centennial celebration. Olympia, WA (PO Box 47200, Olympia 98504-7200: State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Available at WSL! Washington State Docs WA 370 Ed8mak d1 1992

O’Neill, D., & Washington (State). (1983). Washington women. Olympia, Wash.: Superintendent of Public Instruction. Available at WSL! Washington State Docs  WA 370 Ed8was w9 1985

Owings-Klimek, B., James-Wilson, J., Washington (State)., & Washington (State). (1989). Tsagigla’lal: She who watches. Olympia: Division of Instructional Programs and Services, Office for Equity Education. Available at WSL! Washington State Docs WA 370 Ed8was w1 1992 v1

Pennucci, A., Foulk, J., Kavanaugh, S., & Washington State Institute for Public Policy. (2004). Preserving and providing access to Washington women’s history. Olympia, WA: Washington State Institute for Public Policy.

Schmidt, K. G., Bristol Productions, Ltd., Washington (State)., Washington State WWII Memorial Educational Foundation., & Washington (State). (2007). During the war women went to work–. Olympia, Wash: Bristol Productions.

Stevenson, S., & Washington State Historical Society. (2009). Women’s votes, women’s voices: The campaign for equal rights in Washington. Tacoma, Wash: Washington State Historical Society. Available at WSL! Washington State Docs WA 979.7 H62wom vo 2009; WSL Historic Research R 324.623 STEVENS 2009; WSL Northwest Collection NW 324.623 STEVENS 2009; WSL Rare Collection RARE 324.623 STEVENS 2009

Washington State Library. (2007). Women’s voices in classics in Washington history. Tumwater, Wash.: Washington State Library, Office of the Secretary of State. Available at WSL! Washington State Docs  WA 021.8 L611wom vo 2007

Washington State University. (1900). Women’s intercollegiate athletics. Pullman: Washington State University. Available at WSL!  Washington State Docs  WA 378.5 W851wai 1974-75, WA 378.5 W851wai 1975-76, WA 378.5 W851wai 1976-77

Washington State Women’s Council. (1977). History, activities, and accomplishments, 1971-1977. Olympia: Washington State Women’s Council. Washington State Docs  WA 301.412 W84his 1977

Newspapers

Political & Current issues of the day  

Echo Zahl, “wild young female” reporter, Seattle Star circa 1917

The Washington State Library contributed digitized historical Washington Newspapers to the Chronicling America site at the Library of Congress thanks to a National Endowment for the Humanities grant.

(In chronological order)

Women of Spokane Register First Time: The Spokane press. (Spokane, Wash.), 05 Dec. 1910. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.

Katherine Hodgins Runs for Commissioner of Finance in Everett: The Northwest worker. (Everett, Wash.), 14 Oct. 1915. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.

Seattle Star Reporter: Echo June Zahl: Echo Zahl that “Wild Young Female” – reporter to the Seattle Star.

Introducing Echo: The Seattle star. (Seattle, Wash.), 18 May 1917. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.

“Echo Zahl Visits Fort Lawton” :The Seattle star. (Seattle, Wash.), 04 June 1917. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.

And before it was popular – she even made her own emoji!: The Seattle star. (Seattle, Wash.), 12 June 1917. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.

“Spurns Nifty Bathing Suits” as not suitable for swimming: The Seattle star. (Seattle, Wash.), 15 June 1917. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.

Braving the Bucking Board: The Seattle star. (Seattle, Wash.), 16 June 1917. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.

“Echo Zahl See’s Carman’s Home: Tells How Family with 7 Children Struggles to Live on Inadequate Wage Paid By Traction Company.”: The Seattle star. (Seattle, Wash.), 18 July 1917. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.

Athletes & Sportswomen

Golf, tennis & trapshooting were among the most popular sports for women in 1916. Here’s a few articles about the national championship contenders from Washington.

The Mrs.: Conklin, Mills & Holmes from Washington & Mrs. Ada Schilling from Portland: Northwest Women to Shoot in Target Championship: The Tacoma times. (Tacoma, Wash.), 12 April 1916. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.

Miss Sara Livingston, ranked 5^th in U.S. Tennis in 1916.
Local women rank high in tennis: The Seattle star. (Seattle, Wash.), 13 Dec. 1916. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.

Mrs. T.B. Curran, Northwest Golf Champion of Tacoma in 1916
Tacomans Win Many Matches: The Tacoma times. (Tacoma, Wash.), 29 June 1916. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.

Other Resources

Visit our digital collections and resources page to find more information about women.

Sandia National Laboratories (2006)

WSL Writing Team: Nono Burling, David Junius, Sean Lanksbury, Anna Nash, Staci Phillips, Mary Schaff, Shawn Schollmeyer, Rand Simmons, Brian Zylstra

For assistance finding these publications or publications on any other topic please contact our Ask a Librarian service. Real people answering your questions!

The U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released President Barack Obama’s Budget of the U.S. Government, FY 2017, on February 9, 2016.

It is available through the Washington State Library’s Federal Documents collection, PREX 2.8:2017, PREX 2.8/5:2017 and PREX 2.8:2017/APP. If you decide to read it in print be sure to eat your Wheaties. It is a hefty lift.

The Budget is a collection of documents that contains the budget message of the President, information about the President’s budget proposals for a given fiscal year, and other budgetary publications that have been issued throughout the fiscal year. Other related and supporting budget publications are included and some of these are available only in pdf and spreadsheet format, see the online version. There is also a version for your mobile device.

The GPO Bookstore also offers the budget documents for sale.

For more than 160 years the Washington State Library (formerly, Washington Territorial Library) has provided the people of Washington with federal and state publications playing a vital role in an informed democracy.

Need assistance? Contact us at Ask a Librarian.

Thanks to the Government Publishing Office for wording used in this review.

Are you aware that the Washington State Library is not only a Federal Depository Library but also a Washington State Depository?  This means that we collect, preserve and provide access to all publications created by Washington State Agencies.

In 1963 the State Legislature created Washington State Depository Program and RCW Chapter 40.06 to ensure that our citizens have economical, convenient and permanent access to state publications. We have publications dating back to 1853, when Washington became a territory, which can be found in our online catalog, and are continually collecting new items as they are published.  We also distribute copies of state publications to libraries around the state, and capture and preserve electronic publications, so that citizens can more easily access them.

As you can imagine this is an enormous job but also one that is highly gratifying as we get to see all sorts of fascinating and often beautiful documents as they are published.  We decided to share some of our finds with you as they make their appearance.  So for the inaugural post we give you the Teanaway Community Forest Management Plan. 

Prepared by

Washington State Department of Natural Resources

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

April 2015

In 2013, Washington State paid $100 million to acquire 50,241 acres in the Teanaway, First Creek and Cabin Creek river basins of Kittitas County from American Forest Holdings LLC. The purchase was the largest single land transaction by Washington State government in 45 years, resulting from more than a decade of collaboration by many people and organizations.

The Governor and Legislature authorized the acquisition to protect a key segment of the Yakima River Basin watershed under the provisions of the Yakima Basin Integrated Water Resource Management Plan (known as the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan, or YBIP). Lawmakers directed the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to manage the property in consultation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) as the first state-run community forest under the terms of a 2011 law that emphasizes community participation in forest management.

This plan was developed to meet the requirements of the law and to reflect the priorities of the Washingtonians who cherish the Teanaway and view it as a special place.

Want to see the document?  Click on the links below.

Washington State Library Electronic State Publications – Teanaway Management Plan

Washington State Library Electronic State Publications – Teanaway Management Plan Appendices