More Log House Museum totem-pole celebration photos: The people who were there to write a new chapter in its history

(Our first report on this morning’s ceremony is here)

(Photo by David Hutchinson)
This morning’s celebration of the former Admiral Way totem pole’s new home at the Log House Museum wasn’t really about the pole – it was about the people. Not just the dignitaries:

(This and subsequent photos by WSB’s Patrick Sand unless otherwise credited)

It was especially about the kids – most of whom arrived with the dignitaries – County Executive Dow Constantine walking from his alma mater, Schmitz Park Elementary, through the park:

Mayor Ed Murray, who attended Alki Elementary, walked with its students, and talked with kids even once he was in place:

At Murray’s left is Marcy Johnsen from the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, a childhood playmate of his, from her time living in what’s now the museum. The young attendees made the event especially memorable:

Some helped keep their fellow students safe, as they guarded intersections on the walk to the museum – following a quick run to get ahead:

Also there with safety in mind – SPD:

(Photo by Liesbet T.)
Considering the Schmitz Park, Alki, and Lafayette students on hand helped the crowd total pass 900, it was amazingly calm. Finally, the big moment came, and student representatives joined dignitaries in pulling streamers to unveil the totem pole:

Here’s video of what happened from there:

(More of the ceremony is in the archived Livestream video in our first report.) A Native American blessing was bestowed by Blake Shelafoe:

The energetic voice that guided everyone through today’s event, that of Historical Society executive director Clay Eals, who emceed:

Some of the people who were there today represented both past and present – the Schmitz family, for example, represented by family members including Dietrich Schmitz and Vicki Schmitz Block:

The pole was carved in 1966 from a log that came from a tree in the Schmitz Park forest.

(Photo by Liesbet T.)
And now you can make your own memories – visit the pole on 61st south of Stevens any time, and learn about West Seattle history inside the Log House Museum during its regular hours Thursdays-Sundays, noon-4 pm. (You might even want to become a volunteer – the next orientation is tomorrow morning, 11 am Saturday!)

P.S. If you missed our earlier reports including more about the pole’s history – see this page on the museum website.

ADDED 4:17 PM: Time-lapse of the event by SWSHS volunteer Brad Chrisman, starting with preparations, then the gathering of the immense crowd, and beyond:

2 Replies to "More Log House Museum totem-pole celebration photos: The people who were there to write a new chapter in its history"

  • JO June 6, 2014 (10:42 pm)

    What a wonderful celebration and the photos are terrific! I love our community!

  • Wes Cider June 7, 2014 (7:12 am)

    So happy for the kids, who energized this celebration. I heart WS.

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