Free Noontime Event at State Library, 4/18/2013

Schafer State Park Thursday, April 18, 2013 @ 12 p.m.; Room 221 - doors open at 11:45. Presented by Peter Reid, Chair, Washington State Parks Foundation

Schafer State Park, a US National Historic Site, not only represents a unique example of 1930s craftsmanship from the Works Progress Administration and other emergency programs but is also a window into the settlement of the Satsop River Valley. In the last quarter of the 19th century, this included the vast logging and lumber operations undertaken at the park and in the surrounding forest, as well as the bounty available from the river stretching far back into the history of Native Americans in the Northwest. The park also memorializes an early example of philanthropy by private citizens and corporations in Washington State. It is an effort that has continued over the years and has been crucial to the expansion of the state park system. Olympia authors Peter Schafer Reid and Barbara Seal Ogle will discuss the park’s history and future. They will also be signing their new book, Images of America: Schafer State Park, which boasts more than 200 vintage images and memories of days gone by. The authors are pleased to provide this book as the Washington State Parks System celebrates its 100th anniversary. Peter’s grandfather and his brothers donated the land—including a large stand of old-growth timber—that became Schafer State Park in 1922. Peter is particularly interested in continuing that tradition of private philanthropy by making State Parks better and more accessible through the Washington State Parks Foundation. For more info or to RSVP, call the Washington State Library, 1-360-704-5221