Honoring History and Celebrating Youth

On Sunday, the Tumwater Middle School Homesteader class and their parents had the open house for the start of the new school year here under the butternut tree. The Tumwater Historical Association sponsors this group of 8th graders throughout the year including the open house celebration. The Thurston County Historical Commission contributed funds and brought a display about George Bush and his son Owen and the SPSCC archeology students and staff brought artifacts from the Bush farm. The best part (besides having the kids here in pioneer dress) was Ray Egan's impersonation of Ezra Meeker talking about his good friend, George Bush. Ray is an extraordinarily talented storyteller and to hear the story of George and Isabella Bush under the butternut tree they planted 166 years ago was pretty amazing. We owe thanks to all who contributed to make this quite a memorable event.