Yesterday’s meeting of the George Washington Bicentennial Planning committee marked one year since the committee formed. Citizen Brian Mittge had recognized that 2017 would mark the 200th birth date of Centralia’s founder, George Washington. He decided to hold a meeting to see if anyone wanted to do anything to commemorate. Lots of us filled the meeting room at the Centralia library. I think most people in Centralia know a little about its founder George Washington, such as he was a black man. But the room became electric—as we listened with rapt attention as each person shared their understanding of George Washington. We were getting a picture of a courageous, benevolent, man whose legacy is all over Centralia. Ideas for celebrating filled the white board. I doubt Brian knew what he was getting into, but he has been the steady leader, going far beyond the extra mile, for a rich year of commemorating and celebrating Our George Washington.
Let’s recall what has happened to commemorate Our George Washington since that initial meeting in January of 2017. August birthday party and outdoor church service, a radio play, Olympic Club history night and gala later, renaming Centralia College Washington Hall for our George, a stunningly beautiful coloring book, creative research which is leading to a biography, a portable museum which pops up all over town, Seattle Times front page article, Oregon Public Broadcasting radio spot, city council proclaiming George Washington day, a website and Facebook page, a scrapbook, marching in the 4th of July parade, ML King event in Tacoma, talks by Heather Baird, cemetery clean up, coloring contest through Centralia schools, posters and T-shirts, library book studies and talks, tours around town of GW sites. This list is off the top of my head and I apologize to deserving items not listed here.
What more? The grand project is to place a statue of George and Mary Jane Washington in the, of course, George Washington Park in Centralia. We hope to unveil the statue in August of 2018, George Washington’s birth month. The sculptor Jim Stafford has just finished the historic creation and it now goes to be casted. This will be a major landmark in Centralia, and so it takes major money. Almost half has been raised. But there are still opportunities to give: a check to the address on the website, through GoFundMe, special fundraisers, or whatever way you can come up with to ensure the statue will be paid for when it is finished.
Again, everyone is welcome at the monthly meetings, next is Feb. 8, check the web site (ourgeorgewashington.com) for location. Be prepared to be swept away by Our George Washington.
Carrie Aadland
Centralia
