Olympia Heritage Commission vice chair Garner Miller unveiled this year's Heritage Award nominees, most of whom contributed to the city's music culture, at the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee meeting on Wednesday, April 26.
Miller said the Heritage Commission reviewed and selected the nominations for recommendation in the committee. They have various nominations, including people, places, events, or local businesses or organizations that have historically contributed to the community's heritage.
"We tried to broaden our awards base from not just architecture but also other elements in the community that we feel are important to cultural heritage," Miller said.
According to Miller, this book fills in the lack of history documented for black people living in Thurston County, especially between 1950 and 1970.
Dr. Thelma Jackson is the book’s editor, which is primarily based on oral history and interviews that tell the stories of blacks living in the county facing challenges of racial inequality, employment, and housing. The book describes some positive experiences as well.
Other contributing editors are Edward Echtle and Jill Severn.
The commission, Miller said, has been working on an indie music project that involves documenting the music heritage in Olympia. Through their research, they stumbled upon Rainy Day Records, which has contributed to the local music scene for 50 years.
A vinyl-focused record store, Rainy Day Records store was established in 1973.
The award goes to the house and the current owner Hilary Haselton, who purchased the Klaumbush House in 2022.
It was believed that the Klaumbush House was built in 1911. But in doing research for the award, Miller said it was discovered that the house was built in 1905 by Thomas McLarty, a former mayor.
"The house has some connections to people with historical significance in the City of Olympia, as well as being an excellent example of its period and well preserved," Miller said.
He commended the owner for upgrading, modernizing, and preserving the historic property.
The upgrade includes the electrical and heating coat of paint to preserve it without changing anything in the house's foundation.
Miller said Stacey Bennett designed the KGY Radio station in 1960. "This is an excellent and intact example of mid-20th century modern architecture."
"We are giving this award to the owners [Kerry family] for the stewardship they had with building over the years," Miller said.
James Maeda, who runs Rainy Day Records, is also a 2023 Olympia Heritage Award nominee.
Maeda, according to Miller, had much influence on the music scene in Olympia through the years. He has collected and shared a lot of music, memorabilia, and records.
"He has an amazing collection of concert posters from the 80s and 90s on display in the Capitol Theater. We are honoring him for his 50 years of contributing to the music scene in Olympia," Miller added.
Joe Baque is a pianist who came to Olympia in the early 80s. He played piano around town and was a fixture at Carnegie Restaurants. He had gigs at the Olympia Farmers Market, and Old Spar Lounge, and held free noon concerts at First Christian Church. He taught piano and vocals.
"He had a lot of musical influence on pianists and other musicians in this area, as well as being a vocal coach. He loved jazz, but he also loved standards and classical music," Miller described Baque, who passed away this year at 100.
The radio station was founded in 1973.
According to Miller, KAOS Radio has been a big part of promoting local music.
Before the days of streaming, KAOS Radio was the go-to local and up-and-coming bands to get their music on the airwaves.
Skid Row band, the former name of Nirvana, appeared on KAOS Radio on May 6, 1987.
KAOS Radio also broadcast Kurt Cobain's solo acoustic performance on September 25, 1990.
"They have been doing it as a nonprofit and in partnership with Evergreen Community College. Their contribution to the indie music scene can't be overstated," Miller added.
Committee member and Councilmember Dontae Payne commented that the presentation of these nominees brought rich history. "My favorite part about bringing these to us is seeing all the things that it is like you are learning something new about where we live every time."
The committee approved the recommendations for Heritage Award nominees.
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