ECHS 2023 End of the Year Newsletter

Dear Members and Friends of the Entiat Community Historical Society,

While on an evening walk, an owl glided softly through the darkness over our heads, landed on a telephone pole, and repeatedly sounded the familiar, “who who… whoo?” The rare treasure of a peaceful walk on a quiet street, near wilderness that still exists is a precious gift. I think of the question as I write tonight. Who are we? We are a grateful community, knowing how fortunate we are. We are a community that honors those who work hard, and the many different paths we each take. We are a community that bears its share of hardships, heals together and takes time to become strong again. We are a growing community, and we are evolving , with as yet untold stories. As the year ends, it is good to look back and consider what we have accomplished and to share our goals for the coming year.

The Entiat Community Historical Society and the Albert Long Museum are proud to announce that the Chelan County PUD and the City of Entiat have signed a new agreement to include the museum for funding and maintenance. This is a significant milestone for our organization, and we are very grateful for their support. The Entiat Community Historical Society will continue to act as a volunteer and advisory organization, providing guidance and support to the museum. We are committed to preserving the history of our community and sharing it with future generations.

In addition to this exciting news, we have had a busy year at the museum. We welcomed over 500 visitors. We are thrilled to see so many people interested in the unique history of our beautiful valley beside the Entiat and Columbia Rivers. The Museum in the Park signs along the walking path have brought the story of Entiat to visitors year-round. We are proud of the Entiat Tribal Exhibit with the well-attended Opening Day event featuring Wendell George. We hosted the 2023 Hydro Races and Antique Car show. We also hosted the talented Quail Run bluegrass singers LuAnn Price and Michael Johnson for two entertaining summer Saturday events. The alumni gathering in July was a huge success, and many graduates visited the museum after a much-enjoyed program and meal at the Entiat School.

We are pleased to share that we have made several improvements to the museum this year. North Cascade Heating & Air Conditioning installed a new heating and air conditioning unit. Thanks to Northwest Plumbing Contractors for donating a new toilet and running water for an operational bathroom and kitchen sink for workers. As part of this process the City of Entiat added us to their sewer and water system. The addition of accessible Wi-Fi allows for credit card purchasing of books and gifts. The refurbished and newly added display cabinets on wheels allow for more ease of rearrangement. A big thanks for a new solar light on the flagpole (no more up and down with each day). We are so very thankful for the many individuals, organizations, and businesses that have and continue to support the Entiat Community Historical Society and Museum.

Our goals for the future are to continue the work that has begun on an additional building to be a replica of an Old Mercantile. As part of a City of Entiat grant we plan to complete 3 outdoor Firewise display case that will feature how local families have lived through some of our most challenging forest fires. We are also in the process of gathering personal stories from local Latino families who have lived in Entiat and been an active and important part of our community. The acquisition of the antique piano that used to be housed in the Ardenvoir School will also present new opportunities and challenges.

We want to mention that we will miss the smile, positive attitude, and endless Entiat stories and knowledge of former president Wayne Long, who passed away this previous spring. We will also miss member Judy Whitehall Williams, who passed away this fall. Her enthusiasm, work ethic, and love of local history will be sorely missed. We are thankful to all members, donors and interested community supporters and always welcome new members. We wish you a happy, healthy, story-filled holiday season and look forward to keeping in touch through the EntiatHistory.com website and blog and our Entiat Community Historical Society Facebook page.

Sincerely,

The Entiat Community Historical Society Board and Members