On Saturday more than 200 individuals celebrated the grand opening of the White Pass Country Historical Museum in the former Packwood Grade School.
There was special live mountain music by Jack Bower and Mr. Potts. Bud Panco told stories of the Packwood area to eager listeners. With the creation of the museum powered by the White Pass Country Historical Society, it was just one year ago when it had its first meeting. Some of the many accomplishments during the year include:
- The group has grown to include more than 60 members.
- WPCHS has worked with students and AmeriCorps staff to complete historical interviews of local pioneer families.
- A newsletter is published quarterly, and it focuses on important historical personalities and stories from the areas of Kosmos to the summit of White Pass.
- WPCHS was able to lease a portion of the former Packwood School from the White Pass School District to house the museum. The Lewis County Sheriffs Department also has a sub-station located in the building. Deputy Fred Wetzel assisted in the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday.
- The group is busy raising funds and adding to the interesting collection of photos and historic items.
Janice Grose taught in the school until it was closed four years ago. This year she retired from teaching and returned to the grade school on Saturday in a different capacity, as WPCHS president. While emceeing the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Grose thanked the many volunteers and businesses that made this happen, as there are no paid employees.
Joining Grose on the board are: Martha Garoutte, treasurer; Betty Panco, secretary; David Garoutte and Fred Little, board members.
The second annual WPCHS General Membership meeting will be held on 6 p.m. Oct. 22 at the museum.
The museum is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Special appointment times can be arranged by calling the museum at (360) 494-4422 or Janice Grose at (360) 494-4007.
