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September 2025

Happenings

Summer at the Schmidt raised over $40,000 for Scholarships!

From mid-century magic in the garden to giving with heart, Summer at the Schmidt was truly an evening where community and history came together. Relive the memories and see all the incredible photos here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCrvd9

On Saturday, August 9th, the Olympia Tumwater Foundation hosted Summer at the Schmidt, 1950s garden party edition! Our Presenting Sponsor, Obee Credit Union, generously supported the event. Our community came out in its “rat pack” finest, listened to era-appropriate tunes, and learned how to foxtrot. Marilyn Monroe was the master of ceremonies and even sang a little ditty herself.

The event benefited the Foundation’s college scholarship fund and raised over $40,000 to support it, thanks to our sponsors, attendees, and donors.

Interested in contributing to our scholarship fund? It’s not too late…follow this link: https://givebutter.com/c/coolscholars

Thank you, sponsors!

The August Issue of the Thurston County Historical Journal is Now Available to Read

The August issue of the Thurston County Historical Journal is now available in hard copy! Inside, you’ll find Deb Ross’s research into a mysterious photo connected to early photographer Ida B. Smith, Jim Hannum’s in-depth look at the Portland & Puget Sound Railroad, and a short photo feature.

Hard copies are available from many of the county's heritage organizations (generally free if you're a member). Copies are also occasionally available for purchase from the Bigelow House Museum, Lacey Museum, Tenino Depot Museum, Orca Books Cooperative, and Hedden's Pharmacy in Tenino. Thank you for your continued interest in and support of the Journal!

Explore Local History Through the Thurston County Historical Journal

Since 2016, the Foundation has proudly published the Thurston County Historical Journal, a triannual print publication dedicated to documenting and celebrating the county’s rich history. Hard copies are available through most local heritage societies, while back issues can be accessed online through the City of Lacey’s website: laceyparks.org/lacey-museum/thurston-county-historical-journal.

From time to time, this newsletter will spotlight a featured article from a past issue. One you might enjoy is Dennis Larsen’s fascinating piece connecting a gravestone in Tumwater’s Masonic Cemetery to a tale of outlaws, vigilante justice, and the Old West—all tracing back to a Montana ghost town.

On the stone, Larsen notes, the usual tender words are replaced with stark inscriptions. For Whittington Johnston Sayre: “Capt. of Vigilantes who hanged the Sheriff Henry Plumer Capt. of Outlaws Bannock City, Mont., Dec. 1863.” For his wife, Ann Maria Crosby Sayre: “Heroine of Vigilantes Days.”

Naturally, such epitaphs raise questions: Who were these people? What was their story? And why such grisly memorials?

You can read the full article in the April 2019 issue (No. 8), available on the City of Lacey’s website. An index of past issues is also online for further exploration.

Join us for a free Riverwalk Tour led by local tour guide, Don Trosper—offered twice a month from April through September! Each tour begins at 5 pm, departing from the park office at 110 Deschutes Parkway SW in Tumwater.

Upcoming Dates:

September 2 & 16

These fun, informative walks are family-friendly and open to all ages, proudly sponsored by the City of Tumwater. Come learn more about the local landscape and enjoy the beauty of the Deschutes River!

Thank you to the City of Tumwater for supporting this program.