Search Results

Jean VelDyke (born Jean Veldwyk) was a pioneer, breaking barriers as a woman in business while dedicating herself to improving her community. Her legacy is one of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to others. Listen to our 2009 Interview with Jean VelDyke Born on July 2, 1931, Jean grew up in Seattle, attending Whitworth Grade School and Franklin High School. Although she once aspired to a career in medical research, financial challenges led her to the insurance industry, where she quickly rose through the ranks. Frustrated by systemic limitations placed on women, Jean transitioned to real estate, founding VelDyke Realty in 1962 - a bold move that would redefine her career and cement her as a pillar in Rainier Valley. Jean built her real estate firm from the ground up, constructing the VelDyke Realty office building on a vacant lot at 5500 Rainier Avenue. Breaking into the male-dominated real estate industry at a time when women faced significant barriers, Jean’s perseverance and determination were evident in every step of her journey. Her unwavering commitment to excellence made her a leader in the field and a trusted mentor to many, as she generously shared her knowledge and inspired those around her. Beyond her professional achievements, Jean’s heart was deeply rooted in her community. In 1995, she spearheaded efforts to purchase and refurbish the Brighton Apartments, providing affordable housing for seniors in Southeast Seattle. The project faced significant challenges, from raising funds to overcoming crime in the neighborhood, but Jean’s determination inspired countless volunteers and leaders to join her cause. Jean’s contributions extended far beyond housing. She co-founded the Southeast Seattle Crime Prevention Council, receiving national recognition for her innovative approach to reducing crime. Her work earned her an award from President George H.W. Bush in 1990. Additionally, Jean was a trailblazer in civic engagement, becoming the first female president of the Rainier Chamber of Commerce and advocating for local businesses and public safety initiatives. Southend Connect is an innovative project in Southeast Seattle that connects small, local businesses with residents through storytelling. A project of the Rainier Chamber of Commerce, connecting residents and local businesses through story fosters economic opportunity and builds strong and diverse neighborhoods. Jean’s leadership in the Rainier Valley community was driven by a profound belief in the power of collective action. Whether mentoring young professionals, rallying volunteers, or advocating for systemic change, she demonstrated an unwavering commitment to making her neighborhood a better place for everyone. At the Rainier Valley Historical Society (RVHS), we’re proud to preserve a physical piece of Jean VelDyke’s legacy: the iconic windmill sign from her real estate office, is now part of our collection. Donated by Studio TJP , the new owners of the Jean VelDyke building (now Hillman City Studios), this artifact symbolizes Jean’s enduring impact on our community. Jean VelDyke’s life was one of remarkable achievements and profound generosity. Her contributions to Rainier Valley will continue to inspire future generations to dream big, work hard, and support their communities. Jean Veldyke is featured on the Columbia City Riding the #7 Mural (Second to last seat).  Sources: Ford, C. (2021, May 20). Rainier Valley community remembers Jean Veldwyk . South Seattle Emerald. https://southseattleemerald.org/community/2021/05/20/rainier-valley-community-remembers-jean-veldwyk

Honoring the origins of Veterans Day and the legacy of local heroes who shaped Seattle's history. Today’s Veterans Day had its beginnings in the United States when in November of 1919, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation to honor the end of World War I. It stated, in part, “… the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory….” It had been one year since hostilities had ceased and an armistice had been called to end The Great War. In earlier times, local war veterans were honored with a Memorial Day parade in downtown Seattle. Parade grand marshal Colonel Charles Lawton Thompson, pictured above in white rider’s gloves, escorted Colonel William Frederick aka “Buffalo Bill” Cody, a veteran of the Union Army Cavalry and the Indian Wars. Riding to the left is David Clinton, “D.C.”, Brown, of Columbia City (previously councilman, town marshal, and acting mayor). The Seattle Star reported, “Flowers were showered on the heroes of the civil war who marched to the strains of their old battle hymns….” (6/1/1914) The dignitaries also attended services held later that afternoon at the Grand Army of the Republic cemetery in Capitol Hill, established in 1895 for American Civil War soldiers; i.e., the Union Army, Union Navy, and the Marines. The GAR was a national fraternal membership based organization. Both Colonel Thompson and Private Brown would later be buried at the GAR cemetery. D.C. Brown was commander of the John F. Miller Post, No. 31, of the GAR in 1907 and in 1914 was on the committee in charge of the parade program. His wife Arlettie volunteered with the Miller Post Women’s Relief Corps and her simple gravestone lies next to her husband’s in the cemetery. D.C. Brown had served three years in the Civil War and was wounded in 1864 per his obituary. As an aside, American activist “Mother Jones” attended the labor parade held that afternoon in May as well. Not known for fancy hats herself, in her address to the crowd she proclaimed, “If women would decorate the outside of their skulls less and put something inside, there would be no militia.” (The Seattle Star, 6/1/1914) Three years later, on April 6, 1917, the United States officially entered World War I against Germany. Eighteen-year-old Enumclaw native Roy Keeley enlisted on April 20, and was headed for the western shores of France aboard the transport ship President Lincoln in December of that year. In June of 1919, The Seattle PostIntelligencer published an American Roll of Honor reporting for Northwest soldiers, and Roy Keeley’s name appears in the Slightly Wounded category. Military records indicate Private Keeley had been at U.S. Army Base Hospital 64, in France, prior to his transport home in June 1919. This hospital was designated for gas and infected surgical cases. He then spent time at Fort Bayard Hospital, in New Mexico, according to the U.S. Census until his discharge in February 1920. This hospital is known for its treatment of soldiers with tuberculosis. In June of that year, Roy and Mary were wed at Mary’s childhood home on Ferdinand Street in Columbia City. The ceremony was officiated by Reverend Raymond Espy, founder of Findlay Street Christian Church in Hillman City. Mary’s Womach grandparents had brought the family to Southeast Seattle in about 1890 and her parents built their family home where Columbia School now sits, in about 1901. Roy had been raised in a farming community and returned to Enumclaw with his new wife to farm and raise their family, though Mary returned to her parents’ home for the birth of their first child, Dorothy. In June 1954, the United States Congress, with the support of President Dwight Eisenhower, changed the name of Armistice Day to Veterans Day and November 11th became the federal holiday to honor all servicemen and women of American wars. While Washelli Cemetery in north Seattle extended an invitation to their Veterans Day program “May Peace come to all” that year, a Rainier Valley newspaper ran the headline, “Local Men Off to Korea” as the Cold War had taken hold.

Dr. Dorothy Laigo Cordova’s life is a remarkable story of resilience, leadership, and dedication to Filipino American heritage. Born in Seattle in 1932 to Filipino immigrant parents, Dorothy’s early life was marked by hardship and determination. Her father passed away when she was just four years old, leaving her mother to support the family through a small café and grocery store in Seattle’s International District. Growing up, Dorothy faced the challenges of being both Filipino and American at a time when cultural identities were often marginalized. These experiences fueled her lifelong commitment to celebrating and preserving Filipino American heritage. Dorothy’s journey into activism and cultural preservation began during her college years at Seattle University, where she studied Sociology and met her future husband, the late Fred Cordova. Together, they became trailblazers for Filipino American identity. In 1957, they co-founded the Filipino Youth Activities (FYA) in Seattle, creating a space where Filipino American youth could connect with their culture. Through programs in soccer, folk dancing, and the iconic drill team, the FYA empowered young Filipino Americans to take pride in their heritage. In the 1960s and 70s, FYA was also instrumental in civil rights advocacy, pressing for bilingual teachers in Seattle Public Schools and for Filipino-trained doctors to be permitted to practice in the United States. Dorothy’s impact extended far beyond Seattle. In the 1970s, she served as Director for the Demonstration Project for Asian Americans (DPAA), conducting pioneering research on the challenges Asian American communities faced. Through the DPAA, Dorothy led efforts to document Filipino American experiences, collecting oral histories and archiving materials that would later form the foundation of an even larger legacy. In 1982, Dorothy and Fred established the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS), a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and sharing Filipino American history. FANHS was born out of frustration with the lack of accurate representation of Filipino Americans in mainstream history and has since grown to over 40 chapters across the United States. Dorothy has served as the Executive Director of FANHS for more than 40 years, volunteering her time to build one of the most extensive collections of Filipino American history in the world. Housed in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Seattle, FANHS’s National Pinoy Archives includes thousands of photographs, oral histories, and artifacts that document Filipino American life across the nation. The FANHS National Museum is located in Fred Cordova’s hometown of Stockton, California. FANHS’s work under Dorothy’s leadership has been transformative. The society spearheaded the nationwide observance of Filipino American History Month every October, celebrating Filipino Americans’ contributions to the United States. FANHS also holds biennial national conferences, drawing scholars, students, and community members from across the country to learn about and celebrate Filipino American history. At 92 years old, Dr. Cordova, affectionately known as “Auntie Dorothy,” continues to be a vibrant force at FANHS’s National Office. Despite announcing her intention to step back from her executive role, she remains a “Resident Researcher,” spending her days answering inquiries, guiding visitors, and sharing the wealth of knowledge she has gathered over decades. She is a mother to eight, grandmother to 17, and great-grandmother to 22, passing on her legacy of cultural pride to new generations. The Rainier Valley Historical Society proudly honors Dr. Dorothy Laigo Cordova as our 2024 History Maker this year. Her lifelong dedication to cultural preservation and her pioneering efforts to uplift Filipino American heritage resonates deeply with our mission. Through her work, Dorothy has not only preserved Filipino American history but has also fostered a broader understanding of the rich, diverse fabric of American society. Her impact reaches far beyond Rainier Valley, reminding us of the power of history to unite, inspire, and strengthen communities. Dr. Cordova’s story is a testament to the strength of immigrant communities and the importance of preserving diverse histories. We are deeply grateful for her contributions and thrilled to celebrate her as a History Maker, recognizing her incredible legacy and the lasting impact of her work on future generations. Dr. Dorothy Laigo Cordova Gallery

Join RVHS for a variety of tours, lectures, and special events that showcase Rainier Valley's cultural heritage. Events Stay in the know about upcoming events, meetings, and office hours. For further information, please refer to the details provided under each event listing. If you have any questions, you can contact us via email at office@rainiervalleyhistory.org or by calling (206) 723-1663. Become a Member Help us preserve and celebrate the history of the Rainier Valley. Be a part of our advocacy for local preservation. join rvhs

Historical society in Seattle, Washington. Our mission is to collect, preserve, exhibit, and interpret the history and heritage of the Rainier Valley. WELCOME TO RAINIER VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY Learn More Our Mission To collect, preserve, exhibit, and interpret the history and heritage of Rainier Valley and its community and to educate and promote public involvement in, and appreciation of, its history and culture. Upcoming Events Check out our calendar for information on walking tours, office hours, history happy hours, and more! see events Featured Articles See more articles Our Archives Learn more about our archives Articles & Publications Photographs Newsletters Oral Histories Become a Member Help us preserve and celebrate the history of the Rainier Valley. Be a part of our advocacy for local preservation. support

Visit us during office hours on Fridays from 10 am to 3 pm or schedule an appointment. Visit Us Visit us during office hours on Fridays from 10 am to 3 pm or schedule an appointment. Address 3710 S Ferdinand St Seattle, WA 98118 Contact (206) 723-1663 office@rainiervalleyhistory.org