October 2024

Happenings

This family was walking by just as the bench was installed, and they were the first to sit on it!

Chris Sigo Memorial Bench

OTF has installed a memorial bench and plaque in honor of our late board member, Chris Sigo. Chris served as the development director at the Squaxin Island Museum, where he provided the foundation with invaluable knowledge and guidance. This new bench is located near the bottom falls on the east side of the Deschutes River, facing north toward Squaxin Island. It honors Chris and his contributions to the community, serving as a place for reflection and remembrance.

December History Talk

Monthly History Talks at the Schmidt House are back for autumn 2024! Join us in Tumwater at noon on the first Thursday of each month for an hour-long history talk. We’ll feature captivating programs on social history or natural history, each presented by a recognized expert.



The Evolution of the Northwest Passage as a Cartographic Image: 1753-1853.

At our December 5 history talk, local author and historian Dave Nicandri will present a program on The Evolution of the Northwest Passage as a Cartographic Image: 1753-1853.

Dave will discuss the many explorers who sought a sea route between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. All their attempts failed, but the resulting knowledge spurred the expansion of the U.S. and Canada.

Dave’s research is presented in his latest book, Discovering Nothing: In Pursuit of an Elusive Northwest Passage, which will be available for purchase after the talk.

Date: Thursday, December 5

Time: Noon (doors open at 11:30, seating is first come first served)

Place: Schmidt House, 330 Schmidt Place SW, Tumwater

Admission: Free!

2024 OTF Scholarship winners Sky Lin (left) and Rianna Slevin (right) play a duet on the Schmidt House's 100 year old Steinway piano during the 2024 Scholarship Ceremony.

The First Tumwater Music Grant Award Winners!

This summer, OTF partnered with the City of Tumwater Parks and Recreation department's Art Program to produce a series of events, the Summer at the Schmidt series! One of the Summer at the Schmidt events, the Speakeasy Garden Party, raised funds for a new grant fund that OTF would add to its education program, the Tumwater Music Grant. This grant was made available to Tumwater School District music educators, and provides funds for musical instruments, learning materials, and classroom supplies. Our first grant cycle came to a close last week and selected three grant winners! Funds were approved for musical instruments and learning materials. Congratulations to our first Tumwater Music Grant winners! 2025's Summer at the Schmidt event (theme TBD) will again raise funds for this grant.

Crosby Flour Mill

Here’s the Lincoln Flour Mill, built in 1866 by Tumwater’s Crosby family (ancestors of Bing Crosby). The

mill was located near what is now the Tumwater Historical Park. The mill and land were eventually

purchased by the Schmidt family; the building burned down in 1905.

Want to see more photos like this?

Explore the history of the Tumwater area through vintage photos! In 2020, OTF was awarded a grant from the Thurston County Historic Commission. This grant allowed OTF to digitize over 4,400 images from its collection. We are still actively adding more photos so make sure to check back regularly!

Karen Johnson, Schmidt House Curator.