Tuesday, April 24, 2007
An important part of our history is saved
The Fort Steilacoom Museum board of directors has been working since the mid-1990s to save the buildings of Fort Steilacoom, the first official U.S. presence in Washington Territory. You have followed our progress, through such postings as this one.
I've been out of town, so I missed the 'day of' news, but here's the official word from the state budget:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2027. FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH
2 SERVICES
3 Minor Works - Program Projects (08-2-365)
4 The appropriation in this section is subject to the following
5 conditions and limitations: Up to $250,000 is provided for roof
6 repairs of historic homes on the grounds of western state hospital.
What that means, my friends, is that the state budget includes funding for the roofs.
I'm trying to figure out why my heart is beating so quickly. I think it's because there is no cause I have been affiliated with for so long. So to see the buildings saved - to know that the stories of Chief Leschi and George Pickett and so many others can still be told - is just overwhelming.
I am particularly grateful to Senator Mike Carrell for his interest in the buildings, and for his direct approach to DSHS and the budget process. The fort is also indebted to News Tribune Peter Callaghan for his help in publicizing these buildings.
Fort Steilacoom Museum stands in the shadow of a mental hospital; not everyone can look past mental images and imaginings about Western State and see the museum. But those buildings - symbols of the lives lived there - tell important stories that must be heard.
Schoolchildren will be able to visit these buildings for decades to come. Lakewood can continue to grow its tourism industry. With this funding, there is implication after implication for the betterment of Lakewood. There is so much potential in this community - More later.
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I've been out of town, so I missed the 'day of' news, but here's the official word from the state budget:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2027. FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH
2 SERVICES
3 Minor Works - Program Projects (08-2-365)
4 The appropriation in this section is subject to the following
5 conditions and limitations: Up to $250,000 is provided for roof
6 repairs of historic homes on the grounds of western state hospital.
What that means, my friends, is that the state budget includes funding for the roofs.
I'm trying to figure out why my heart is beating so quickly. I think it's because there is no cause I have been affiliated with for so long. So to see the buildings saved - to know that the stories of Chief Leschi and George Pickett and so many others can still be told - is just overwhelming.
I am particularly grateful to Senator Mike Carrell for his interest in the buildings, and for his direct approach to DSHS and the budget process. The fort is also indebted to News Tribune Peter Callaghan for his help in publicizing these buildings.
Fort Steilacoom Museum stands in the shadow of a mental hospital; not everyone can look past mental images and imaginings about Western State and see the museum. But those buildings - symbols of the lives lived there - tell important stories that must be heard.
Schoolchildren will be able to visit these buildings for decades to come. Lakewood can continue to grow its tourism industry. With this funding, there is implication after implication for the betterment of Lakewood. There is so much potential in this community - More later.
