VIDEO: ‘The Mount’ celebrates a century

(WSB photos and video)

Providence Mount St. Vincent‘s centennial celebration opened ceremonially, including the opening of a time capsule, with a little help from a team from West Seattle’s Nucor steel mill, which produced steel that built “The Mount” a century ago.

It’s a day full of history, including photos and items dating back to the elder-care and rehabilitation facility’s early days in the 1920s.

Both County Executive Dow Constantine and Mayor Bruce Harrell issued proclamations in honor of the occasion:

Reflections about the Sisters of Providence founding The Mount were shared by Providence executive Dianna Reely, after an introduction by emcee Brian Callanan:

A rededication ribbon-cutting followed:

As noted in our calendar listing, you still have time to go to The Mount (4831 35th SW) and participate in today’s celebration – with an ongoing open house this afternoon and a free family movie at 5 pm.

OneTimeCharley April 26, 2024 (6:47 pm)

I was surprised to see the contents were in what appears to be a plastic bag. Did plastic bags even exist 100 years ago? Can someone help me out with my confusion in these regards? Thanks in advance. Oh and happy 100th!

Christopher B. April 26, 2024 (10:29 pm)

That looked very odd to me too. They certainly had cellophane in the 1920’s but by now I’d expect it to be brittle, yellow and would not look like that clear, soft, contemporary plastic bag. Weird.
1994 April 26, 2024 (10:52 pm)

I was wondering about that too, a plastic bag from 1924?

OneTimeCharley April 27, 2024 (7:43 am)

Ahh. I am interested in the possibility it is made of Cellophane. Enough to go read about the development of the product in the early 20th century. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cellophane ) For lack of a better alternative I would have to say it is Cellophane, but the specific timing of the development of that product also makes that conclusion suspect. I wonder if the person handling the contents can be approached about their observations of the material? Cellophane has a unique feel and sound. Other than asking the person who handled it, or someone who is an expert in polymer history, I suppose we may never know. Any chance we could ask someone at the Mount about this WSB? This one is really twisting the old melon.

WSB April 27, 2024 (10:12 am)

Sorry, I wasn’t there in person, had to stay at HQ and work on Garage Sale Day between writing/researching stories, but I’ll first ask my partner, who was there, then Providence if he doesn’t know.

Molly Swain April 29, 2024 (10:55 am)

Thanks everyone for your interest! The mystery of the plastic bag question is solved. The original time capsule sealed in 1924 was opened following the 1965 earthquake as the box was found to be damaged. A new box was built. The contents were placed in a plastic bag (not the best idea as plastic can trap any moisture), and an item that we know of was added: “The Gospel According to Peanuts”. This book was published in 1965. We are in the process this week of cataloging and photographing the contents — and will share more information soon! A fascinating glimpse into our history!