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April 2026

Happenings

Finding a Home for History

I recently picked up this great photo at a garage sale and knew it deserved a better home. A bit of online research revealed that “MWA” stands for Modern Woodmen of America. While the name might suggest a group of lumberjacks, it’s actually a life insurance organization—who knew?

Founded in 1883 by Joseph Cullen Root in Iowa, MWA began as a “tax-exempt fraternal benefit society.” Chapters, or “camps,” soon sprang up across the country and became known for their drill teams, which often performed in parades. One of these, Skookum Camp No. 7177, was established in Bremerton, and this photo likely captures one of those teams.

I searched for a local museum in the Bremerton area and found the Kitsap History Museum, which was happy to accept the photo into its collection. While the museum already has a few small MWA-related items, this photograph is new to their staff. It likely dates from around 1910 to 1920.

There’s something deeply satisfying about finding the right home for a piece of history.

-Karen L. Johnson

Curator, Schmidt House

Olympia Tumwater Foundation

Karen@olytumfoundation.org

P.S. To see a short film of MWA drill teams, check out the “Historical Foresters” video: Modern Woodmen of America.

Friends of the Centennial Rose Garden Meeting

They call themselves the “Friends of the Centennial Rose Garden,” and they dedicate countless hours to caring for the extensive rose beds at the Schmidt House. These wonderful volunteers buy, plant, prune, deadhead, spread bark, and remove weeds. It sounds like a lot of work—and it can be—but when shared among a dozen or more people, it’s quite manageable. Plus, they get to enjoy the roses while they work!

For many years, the Centennial Rose Garden was led by Gary Ritchie, who has decided to “retire”—though he promises to remain available for consultation. We recently invited all the rose volunteers to a meeting at the Schmidt House, where new leader Midge Price, a longtime Master Gardener, presided. During the gathering, Midge presented Gary with a “gold medal” in recognition of his decades of dedication to our beautiful rose garden. Other Friends received rose-shaped lapel pins.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helps care for this special place! If you’d like to join the team, please contact Karen Johnson at 360-890-2299 or karen@olytumfoundation.org. We’d love to have you!

April 2 History Talk:

Bald Eagles: An American Icon

Join us each month for a free hour-long talk on social or natural history, each presented by a recognized expert. Doors open at 11:30. First-come, first-seated until we reach capacity.

April 2 Talk

Join us at noon on Thursday, April 2, for a fascinating presentation by Dan Varland of Coastal Raptors: “Bald Eagles: An American Icon.”

The Bald Eagle is deeply revered by the Indigenous tribes of the Pacific Northwest coast. Frequently featured in dances and ceremonies, eagles are also depicted in drawings, totems, and other forms of Native art. While the Bald Eagle has served as a national symbol of the United States since 1782, it was not officially designated as the National Bird until 2024.

The Bald Eagle’s long lifespan, great strength, regal appearance, and range—exclusive to North America—have undoubtedly contributed to its iconic status. Dan Varland will share insights into Bald Eagle populations in the U.S., along with their natural history, including lifespan, diet, and nesting habits. He will conclude with highlights from his 30 years of monitoring Bald Eagles and other raptors along the Washington coast.

Where: Schmidt House, 330 Schmidt Place SW, Tumwater

When: Noon, Thursday, April 2, 2026

Cost: Free! Donations are gratefully accepted.

Doors open at 11:30.

For more information, contact Karen Johnson at 360-890-2299 or karen@olytumfoundation.org.