Chief Seattle – A Worthy Namesake

Friday, December 13th, the Steilacoom Historical Museum was joined by Friends of the Steilacoom Library speaker series guest, David M. Buerge to discuss Seattle’s Namesake, Chief Seattle.

He is most noted for a great speech that has been widely translated, edited, and embellished throughout the years. So much so that, according to Buerge, “the speech obscures the man.”

PHOTO BY EMILY MOLINA.

It was pioneer Henry Allen Smith, an Ohio native, who first presented the speech on October 29, 1887 in the Seattle Sunday Star. As historical facts are often unreliable, so too are words. The speech would continue to emerge in other writings, morphing into whatever was needed as a means to the political gains of each author.

In the 1890’s, Frederick James Grant would publish the Smith version in his History of Seattle. Followed by Clarence B. Bagley’s History of King County, Washington. John M. Rich followed, where each took such liberties as adding additional lines.

Always, we return to the point of, ‘did he really say it?’, ‘Was it a letter, was it a speech?’…

It was a speech, but what he actually said largely debated, and we will likely never know.

Here’s what we do know, Chief Seattle, more accurately pronounced in two syllables: See-AT, was a notorious war leader. His mother was from the Duwamish tribe, and his father from the Suquamish. He was a respected diplomat for his people. He endeavored to live peacefully with early settlers, supporting, protecting, and helping them prosper.

He worked amicably with neighboring tribal leaders and early settlers as treaties were conceived, and lands exchanged. He advocated for intermarriages between natives and pioneers to further the assurance of stability for his people. He encouraged trade and helped create a fishery at Elliot Bay, with the infamous “Doc” Maynard. It was he who proposed the name of the city in 1952.

Sadly, as often seen throughout history, treaties were violated. According to Buerge, Chief Seattle would be exiled to the Suquamish reservation, after the promised Duwamish reservation was never honored. Chief Seattle would die there on June 7th, 1866. Many native tribes such as the Duwamish continue to be unrecognized federally to this day.

Buerge leaves us thoughtfully with the question, ‘Was he worthy to be the namesake of the city of Seattle’ with an emphatic, Yes! Is the city of Seattle worthy to have his namesake, maybe not.

DAVID M. BUERGE SIGNS COPIES OF HIS BOOK. PHOTO BY EMILY MOLINA.

Please join us at the museum on January 10th, 3 p.m.: John Jenson-The Roots of Rock ‘N’ Roll from the 1920s to the 1960s.

1801 Rainier St, Steilacoom, WA
(253) 584-4133

Published at:
https://thesubtimes.com/2019/12/20/chief-seattle-a-worthy-namesake/

Lakewood’s Rich History Finds New Home

Having lived in the Steilacoom-Lakewood area for the past five years, I decided it was time to make a visit to the newly  opened space and home of the Lakewood History Museum. On a cold, but sunny Saturday in November, that’s just what I did. The museum recently re-opened at its new location, inside of the former Terrace Restaurant, and lobby of the Lakewood Theater, in Colonial Plaza.

As I entered through the covered awning and glass chandeliered lobby,  I was transported to a bygone era, waiting to be seated in either the dining room, coffee shop, or lounge of the Terrace Restaurant.

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Lucky for me, I was greeted by the very enthusiastic Lakewood Historical Society Vice-President, and docent for the day, Ed Voie. As he showed me around, Ed took me for a walk down memory lane while recounting the days of his youth growing up in this very community. His own wedding reception was held years ago in the lower story banquet room of the restaurant.By all accounts, the Terrace Restaurant was the place to go. Left mostly as it looked in its former glory, I strolled into the different alcoves, which now hold displays and historic relics of Lakewood’s past. The sign still welcomes patrons, as well as a centrally located diner-style bar with original upholstered seating next to where a fry grill used to be. The early etched glass windows still partition the main dining room off to the right, where many of the museums exhibits are currently positioned.

In the late 1950’s, as a young boy Ed would cross what used to be an empty field (where the Best Western Hotel is now) and purchase a twenty-five cent theater ticket to view Jerry Lewis, and the Three Stooges on the big screen.  He recounts watching the first Magnificent Seven film here, starring Steve McQueen.  He remembers being really disappointed when the price went from twenty-five cents a ticket, to thirty-five cents.

The Lakewood Colonial Center was built in 1937 by Norton Clapp and the Lakewood Development Company. Along with the theater, it originally housed a grocery store, pharmacy, and dentist office, as well as several shops.

Though largely abandoned as a theater since the late 1970’s, I was fortunate to get an exclusive view of the inside. All the original furnishings, carpets, lights, and wallpaper remain, although in need of some restoration. Albeit, dark and quiet now, it’s not hard to imagine the lifetime of folks that flowed through its pillars and white wooden doors.

Although according to Ed, “the museum is a work in progress,” many interesting artifacts, maps, and photos are currently on display. An array of relics from the earliest school built north of the Columbia River, the Byrd School which opened in 1855, can be found here. A recreated interior homestead cabin is on view, as well as an early post office.

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As a non-native to the area, I found the large early photos and maps fascinating. I had no idea there was a famed racetrack  where Clover Park Technical College is today. The Tacoma Speedway was a two-mile long wooden track open between 1912-1922. What a spectacle it must have been!  

The museum relies mostly on donations and funding through the City of Lakewood. There are several organized fundraisers throughout the year, annual meetings, a quarterly newsletter called the Prairie Gazette, free history programs, and a presence at local community events such as, the Farmer’s Market. They continue to explore ways to best utilize and encourage visitors to the new space.

It’s funny to think that Lakewood wasn’t incorporated until 1996, not all that long ago. What began as prairie situated among many lakes, later known as the Lakes District, would become more than just a Tacoma address in its own right, the City of Lakewood.  

With so much local history right in our back yard, I cannot stress the importance of spending some time learning about it, or perhaps reminiscing about the past.

The Lakewood Historical Society always welcome new members.

Historian to Share Story of Chief Seattle

Ever wonder how the city of Seattle got its name?

Chief Seattle (1780-1866), born Si’ahl, or Sealth, was born at a village on the Black River, a branch of the Duwamish River, near what is now Kent.

CHIEF SEATTLE- PHOTO CREDIT HUMANITIES WASHINGTON

This month’s Humanities Washington speaker is a biographer and historian to the Duwamish Tribe, the people of Chief Seattle’s mother. David M. Buerge, historian, writer and teacher has authored over 14 books, and spent a lifetime delving into the real story behind the legendary figure. Most recently he has written a book called Chief Seattle and the Town that Took His Name.

Join us at the Steilacoom Historical Museum on Friday, December 13, at 3 p.m. as David M. Buerge, Friends of the Steilacoom Library presenter, answers the question and shares the fascinating story of: “Who Was Chief Seattle?”.

Friends of the Steilacoom Library sponsor these free events in partnership with the Steilacoom Historical Museum Association.

Steilacoom Historical Museum is at 1801 Rainier Street in Steilacoom. (253) 584-4133

Published at:

https://thesubtimes.com/2019/12/09/historian-to-share-story-of-chief-seattle/