Reprinted with permission from the Winter 2017 edition of the Lakewood Historical Society's Prairie Gazette newsletter. In 1955 a small neighborhood butcher shop opened for business in what today is now a booming business at 111th St. S.W., just off Bridgeport Way. “The area in those days was mostly prairie,” says Tammy Faelnar, current owner of AA Meats. … [Read more...]
Around the Sound: Jenkins honored as 2016 Alumnus
Zabrina Jenkins, Steilacoom High School’s Class of 1998, was honored on Friday night as Steilacoom Historical Education Foundation’s 2016 Alumnus of the Year. The SHEF presentation was made on Dec. 30 during halftime at the school’s traditional holiday Alumni Basketball game. This year’s game marked the 23rd year for the alumni game. After her graduation , Zabrina earned a Bachelor’s degree … [Read more...]
Around the Sound: A Historic Candy at the Fort
On Dec. 10, during Historic Ft. Steilacoom's annual "Christmas at the Fort" one of the re-enactors gifted me with a roll of historic candy--here's the rest of the story: In 1847, a young English immigrant, Oliver Chase, invented the first American candy machine, a lozenge cutter. After initial success selling his new candy, he and his brother, Silas Edwin, founded Chase and Co., which became … [Read more...]
Around the Sound – Christmas at the Fort
It's always a treat to go time traveling around the Lakewood/Steilacoom/DuPont region. Especially this time of year when local museums offer many opportunities to see how the holidays were celebrated back in the day. … [Read more...]
Around the Sound: Emery illuminates Steilacoom’s tree
Five-year-old Emery Bower had a tough time containing her enthusiasm on Dec. 2. By 3:35 p.m. that afternoon, the Cherrydale kindergartner, daughter of Peter and Amanda Bower, could barely wait until 6 p.m. … [Read more...]
Around the Sound: Red Ribbon Bazaar kicks off holiday season in Steilacoom
Several dozen holiday shoppers arrived at Steilacoom High School early on Saturday morning to browse the 65 vendors' wares--everything from Seahawk gear to holiday decorations. … [Read more...]
Around the Sound: New Housing Development in Steilacoom
For the fourth year in a row, TopSide owner John O'Reilly has sponsored s gingerbread holiday house building contest. On the Saturday after Thanksgiving gingerbread house kits awaited builders who stopped by to construct these delectable structures, using icing, candies and lots of imagination. … [Read more...]
Around the Sound: Metal works featured at Red Ribbon Bazaar
Sunbursts, ships, jewelry racks and more...these are just a few of the items shoppers will find at the annual Red Ribbon Bazaar in Steilacoom on Saturday, Dec. 3. Between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. that day, shoppers will find decorated trees, quilts, baked goods and more at this traditional event that's always held at Steilacoom High School. Wire worker Steve Larson, a retired eyewear maker, began his … [Read more...]
Around the Sound: Holiday Reading suggestions
What's on your reading list for 2017? Lakewood Historical Society has a few suggestions for those interested in learning more about local history. … [Read more...]
Around the Sound – Orr Home visited
Dozens of history-minded folks visited Steilacoom's historic Orr Home this weekend and enjoyed meandering among the Victorian-style holiday décor--from the festive parlor, through the dining room and kitchen and then upstairs to view the children's rooms. … [Read more...]