1802, 2020

Olympic Club offers an authentic railroad hotel experience

Washington Our Home
February 18, 2020
Destinations, History, Western Washington
0
1538

If you’re looking for stunning views from picture windows, wide screen TVs with streaming channels, and a brightly-lit lobby where you can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast, the Olympic Club in downtown Centralia, Washington, is not for you. Heck, if your travel needs require a toilet in your own room, you may want to pass on it as well. And though it doesn’t have an Olympic-sized pool, what the Olympic Club does offer is more historical authenticity than you might expect.

0401, 2020

Then and Now: Lake Quinault Lodge

Washington Our Home
January 4, 2020
History, Then and Now, Western Washington
0
1280

President FDR met with a large crowd of Quinaults in the spacious lobby of Lake Quinault Lodge when he visited there in 1937. The Native American children in traditional dress displayed some of their crafts and treated the president to a presentation by children of the nearby Taholah Indian School as well as a traditional Indian warrior display of strength.

0111, 2019

Ryderwood, Washington: The town with two histories

At the very end of Washington State Route 506 lies a tiny, well-kept community that bills itself as the town with two histories. And both of those histories are pretty darned amazing. Heard of Ryderwood, Washington? Neither had I until I was approached by a representative of their historical society. And the story she told me had me fascinated.

2010, 2019

Then and Now: St. Mary’s Catholic Church

Washington Our Home
October 20, 2019
History, Then and Now, Western Washington
0
1051

In a tiny stop along Highway 101 called McGowan, better known as Station Camp to Lewis and Clark fans, sits a beautifully restored Catholic church called St. Mary’s. In 1904, P.J. McGowan donated the land and paid for the construction of the Catholic church.

0409, 2019

Then and Now: Doupé Building, Ilwaco

Washington Our Home
September 4, 2019
History, Then and Now, Western Washington
0
1148

Take a trip through Ilwaco, Washington, in the southwestern quarter of the state, and you’ll see an historic building that is brimming with character. I discovered it is called the Doupé Building, but the story behind it is almost as detailed as the building itself.

0508, 2019

Hunting the Wild Man of the Wynoochee

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On this episode of the Washington Our Home podcast, we’ll be trekking deep into the forests of western Washington looking for a killer and a victim – who many say are one and the same. And he’s certainly one of the finest woodsmen Washington State has ever produced. We’re hunting a man named John Tornow – otherwise known as the Wild Man of the Wynoochee. In 1911, the misunderstood misanthrope

0306, 2019

Finding the Ship That Flew

Washington Our Home
June 3, 2019
History, Podcast, Recreation, Western Washington
16
9854

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There are dozens of things to see and do on the Lewis and Clark Trail Highway in southwest Washington (see here and here for just a few examples), but surely one of the most unique lies just outside a tiny berg called Knappton on the bank of the Columbia River. If you head west from Knappton Cove you might spot a rusty barge parked in a shallow bay called Hungry Harbor. There is

1704, 2019

The man with the golden gun

Washington Our Home
April 17, 2019
History, Legislature, Western Washington
0
1723

In 1989, one of the most brazen heists in Washington history occurred at the height of the state centennial celebration. Worse yet, it happened right under the nose of then-Secretary of State Ralph Munro. The thief – or thieves – simply walked into his office, and walked out with a first-issue, limited edition, gold-plated, commemorative .44 Magnum revolver made by Ruger especially for the centennial. And it wouldn’t be seen

0911, 2018

Discovering the creatures of the Northwest Trek trails

Washington Our Home
November 9, 2018
Destinations, Family, Recreation, Western Washington, Wildlife
0
1742

We learn about the history of the land, speak with naturalists about the newest hands-on learning area, and take a tram ride through the wilderness. But there are dozens more animals and attractions worth checking out along the park’s myriad trails and pathways.

2106, 2018

Get back to nature at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park

Washington Our Home
June 21, 2018
Destinations, Family, History, Mt. Rainier, Western Washington, Wildlife
0
2252

This story begins in the majestically-forested foothills near Mount Rainier. Dr. David and Connie Hellyer purchased land there in 1937, and lived on it for over 40 years. In 1971, the Hellyers donated their land to the Tacoma Metropolitan Parks District, with the explicit intent to create a conservation habitat that the public could enjoy. After four years of diligent fundraising and planning, Northwest Trek officially opened its doors on July 17, 1975.