Historic Wallingford held it’s official launch on Saturday, January 6 at The Good Shepherd Center. It was attended by more than 140 people who came to learn of the new organization’s mission and of it’s planned activities. Most of the attendees haled from Wallingford but I personally talked with folks who came from Queen Anne, Ravenna and Ballard showing the interest that Seattleites have in learning and perpetuating the history of our great city.
The crowd was welcomed by Rhonda Bush, President of Historic Wallingford. Rhonda explained that “There is a significant cultural value for the entire city found in the historic fabric of Wallingford. The lives of people today and into the future will be enhanced by the knowledge of Wallingford’s historic past, its architecture and information regarding people who have shaped this community. Historic Wallingford hopes to increase the awareness of the value of the historic qualities of our community and to increase civic pride and involvement in the neighborhood.”
Next. Rhonda reviewed the existing Wallingford Designated Landmarks that anchor this historic neighborhood. These structures are listed via the City of Seattle Landmark Preservation Program or in the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes:
Fire and Police Station on 45th Street – 1913
Home of the Good Shepherd – 1906
Hamilton Middle School – 1927
Latona School – 1906
Lincoln High School – 1906
Interlake Public School – 1904/08
Gas Works Park – 1973
Other historic buildings were also noted including:
Irwins Coffee Shop
Dick’s Drive-In
Swansons Shoe Repair
Blue Star Cafe and Pub
Guild Theatre
Historic Wallingford has three areas of focus and they include the following:
Educate – Foster a greater awareness of Wallingford history
Celebrate – Share and promote Wallingford history
Advocate – Collect and champion Wallingford history
One of the more interesting aspects and initiatives of Historic Wallingford will be providing information and guidance to Wallingford residents on how to discover the specific DNA or history of their respective homes.
Attendees were encouraged to become members of Historic Wallingford and to visit the website to become a member, to learn about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities. It was also announced that there is a need for volunteers to assist with content subjects, curating as well as IT support and those who are interested can sign via the Historic Wallingford website.
Upcoming Historic Wallingford events include:
March – Wallingford history program by Thomas Veith, historian and author
June – Wallingford history program by Paul Dorpat, historian, author and Seattle Times contributor.
August – Potluck Picnic
October – Bungalow Fair
One Wallingford resident in attendance told me that it was really refreshing to finally attend a community meeting that was fun, educational, stress-free and not politically charged and that she was looking forward to attending future meetings. So, at the end of the day, the folks who started Historic Wallingford hit a home run with its initial launch and we all look forward to an exciting and “historic” 2018 and beyond with this exciting new community initiative.
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I wonder if any pro-HALA people attended. This sounds like the villainized “neighborhood character” crowd…
I am not sure this is related. There are no lack of historical buildings and history societies in cities where houses are constantly being rebuilt and the density is high.
I lived in Wallingford back in the 1950’s. I attended Interlake Grade School and Hamilton then moved away in 1958. I’ve now been back in the “hood” for the past 25 years. As I sat at last Saturday’s wonderful gathering I wondered if any of my old classmates were in attendance. Is there going to be any attempt to have a reunion or some kind of opportunity for us old students to identify each other after all these years?
Check your spelling on the name of Paul Dorpat, please…