November
photo challenge
October
challenge results


There are a lot of things to like about November (turkey, football, and fall colors come to mind), and the ability to vote is one of them. Can you guess why this image is significant for women and their vote in Washington state?

Click image to view larger version.
Many of you correctly guessed that last month's challenge photo showed Gracie Hansen, who ran the Paradise International burlesque show at the 1962 Seattle World's Fair. In an interview with Al Swift of KVOS-TV in 1962, Gracie stated that her mission was to "save the fair from science," as "science will never replace sex or cotton candy." Witty and charming, Gracie was a controversial figure, particularly in her hometown of Morton. You can read more about her, including her run for governor of Oregon, on Historylink.

Washington's Statehood: A Territory no more!
133 years ago on Nov. 18, 1889, hundreds gathered at the portico of the Capitol in Olympia to celebrate Washington's newly acquired statehood and to view the inauguration of the state's first governor, Elisha P. Ferry.

More than 3,000 Washingtonians celebrated their new statehood that day, marching in parades and celebrating by “shooting off Roman candles” in the capital city.

One week earlier, President Benjamin Harrison signed the bill admitting Washington to the United States.
Olympia celebrates Thanksgiving during WWII
Haunted History 2022
In an article titled "Gratitude in a Time of Conflict: Olympia Celebrates Thanksgiving During World War II," historian Jennifer Crooks discusses how Olympians overcame wartime obstacles to celebrate the holidays. She notes that "local newspapers were full of practical advice. 'Don't slave over the Thanksgiving dessert,'" because it was "'neither necessary nor good form in wartime.'" Read the article in Thurston Talk to find out how the community rallied.
Last month, Haunted History 2022 premiered on YouTube. Archives partnered with divisions across the Office of the Secretary of the State to track down a very special, and slightly spooky, Washington State cryptid. Follow along as we try to find our BIG and furry friend!
All Washington State Archives branches are open to the public.

Appointments are highly recommended. Contact a certain branch for COVID protocols as they may vary.

Go here for more information, including how to contact each branch to set up an appointment.

Banner photo: Olympia High School Football Players, November 1935, by Vibert Jeffers, Susan Parish Photograph Collection, Washington State Archives.