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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. 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

Become a Member With your support, we provide programs that explore diverse topics including cultural traditions, social activism, architectural history, and environmental stewardship. ​ Your contributions also help us maintain our extensive digital and physical archives, many of which are housed at our Columbia City Office, ensuring public access to this valuable resource. Together, we can preserve and celebrate the heritage of Rainier Valley for generations to come. Join us Members Enjoy These Core Benefits Subscription to all RVHS publications. Presale access and reduced admission to tours, programs, lectures, and special events. Discounted image and document reproduction. Exclusive invites for hands-on participation in local research projects. Membership Levels Scholars & Seniors $20 Core membership benefits with valid ID ​ Individual $30 Core membership benefits ​ Household $30 All core membership benefits for 2 adults and dependents up to 18 years in age ​ Patron $100 All core membership benefits And a copy of the book Rainier Valley Food Stories Cookbook ​ History Maker $350 All core membership benefits + benefits of Patron level And 4 Hours of personalized research assistance Lifetime $500 A one-time payment to gain access to all core membership benefits for life ​ ​ Join us

Our Archives & Collections The Rainier Valley Historical Society maintains an ever-growing archive of historic photographs, documents, maps, oral histories, and artifacts. The collection - along with a library of books and other research materials relating to the Rainier Valley - is available to the public during office hours or by appointment and on our online databases. Researchers are encouraged to contact the RVHS to discuss their requests in advance by emailing office@rainiervalleyhistory.org . Contact Our Team Collections Committee In 2009 the RVHS Board adopted a new Collections Policy that outlines our commitment to collect and preserved the historical materials in our care. The new policy establishes a Collections Committee that will oversee accessions, cataloging, and preservation efforts. Collections Scope The collection focuses on the history of the Rainier Valley from 1850 to the present day. Our geographic boundaries are from Dearborn Street on the north to the city limits on the south, and from I5 freeway to Lake Washington. Our collection has historically centered on the Columbia City and the period from 1890-1940, but we are working to expand the collection to include a broader geographic range, materials from WWII and the post war period, and from many ethnic and cultural communities to present the Rainier Valley today. Explore Our Archives Articles & Publications Photographs Newsletters Oral Histories

Walk through history with us The Rainier Valley Historical Society is delighted to introduce a historic walking tour of the Columbia City Landmark District. This immersive experience guides participants through 26 significant sites within the district, providing captivating insights through historical photos and detailed information about each location. To enhance your exploration, utilize the interactive digital map provided below for seamless navigation. Alternatively, you may download and print a copy of the map for your convenience. printable map digital map

Grow Our Collection We are interested in expanding our collection of photographs, artifacts, and documents. Please let us know if you have items you would be interested in donating. All donation offers must be reviewed by our Collections Committee which meets monthly. While we are grateful for all offers, our Collections Policy requires that items accessioned into the collection have relevance to the history of the Rainier Valley. Cur rent priorities for collecting include: ​ Items that reflect the wider Rainier Valley community, beyond Columbia City. Items that reflect cultural diversity and the post WWII era. If you'd like to discuss a collections donation, please email the collections committee at office@rainiervalleyhistory.org get in touch

Volunteer Form RVHS has collected, preserved, and shared the stories of the Rainier Valley since 1891. Our volunteers are essential partners in this effort. First Name Last Name Email Availability 1 day a week 1 day a month Occasionally What are you interested in helping with? Archiving Events Office hours Special projects SUBMIT Thanks for your interest! We'll get back to you shortly.

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. Our Goals 01. Research, document, and preserve the history of Rainier Valley. 03. Develop knowledge and understanding of the multi-ethnic history of the area. 02. Foster pride in Rainier Valley’s unique heritage. 04. Maintain and add to our permanent archive of oral histories, photographs, documents, and artifacts relating to the Rainier Valley. Land Acknowledgement: ​Rainier Valley Historical Society acknowledges the land our mission statement refers to as Rainier Valley is the original home of the Duwamish and Coast Salish peoples. We recognize the reverberations of colonialism past and present and the painful history of forced removal of these groups. Through this acknowledgment, we hope to honor and respect the Indigenous peoples who were, and still are connected to and are stewards of this land. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement Rainier Valley Historical Society is dedicated to sharing the stories and histories of the many types of community that make the larger Rainier Valley community a place of diversity and differences. Become a Member Help us preserve and celebrate the history of the Rainier Valley. Be a part of our advocacy for local preservation. get involved

Upcoming 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. get involved

Photographs The Rainier Valley Historical Society maintains an ever-growing collection of photographs. These images are housed within our main database, PastPerfect, for public exploration and research. Additionally, RVHS offers photo essays and curated gallery selection, King County Snapshots, a collaborative project with the University of Washington and other Washington museums. Search Our Database Search our collection of 2,200+ photographs, articles, and artifacts. search Photo Essays Discover photo essays crafted by the RVHS team and guest writers. discover King County Snapshots Explore a curated collection of 350+ photos in collaboration with King County. explore Need help with a project? Looking for images for your project or need research assistance? Reach out to RVHS—we're here to help! Schedule an appointment or email us with your questions. ​ We also handle photo prints and usage requests via email. Contact us at office@rainiervalleyhistory.org . contact us

Our Team Rainier Valley Historical Society is guided by our dedicated Board of Directors. Our board members are volunteers who bring expertise in finance, non-profit management, and historic preservation to our organization. ​ ​ They are passionately committed to advancing RVHS's mission and engaging others in the importance of preservation efforts. Karen O'Brien President Archives Committee Chair Mary Charles Vice President Fundraising Committee Chair John DeFranco Treasurer ​ Jody Zumwalt Secretary Fundraising Committee Teresa Anderson Board Member Archives Committee Tim Burdick Board Member Facilities Chair Rebecca Corpuz Board Member Outreach Committee Chair Laura Day Board Member ​ Nancy Dulaney Board Member Archives Committee David Eskenazi Board Member ​ Joan Neville Board Member Founding Member Ryan Wadleigh Board Member Archives Committee Katie McClure Contractor Programs & Marketing Alyssa Enders Consultant Archives & Preservation Grover Haynes Emeritus Board Member Get Involved Passionate about preserving history and making a difference in your community? Join our dedicated team of volunteers! Fill out our volunteer interest form to get connected. Join the Team

Hillman City Heritage Bell Project Image Gallery Explore Hillman City's rich history and cultural diversity through the transformation of a 120-Year-Old Bell. The Hillman City Heritage Bell project has been nearly five years in the making, tracing back to 2019 when real estate broker and RVHS supporter Ray Akers orchestrated the donation of a 120-year-old cast iron bell. This historic bell was generously given by RVHS Lifetime Members Pete and Helen Sikov, setting the wheels in motion for what would become a significant landmark in Hillman City. Crafted around 1907, this bell once rang out from a church steeple at the corner of Rainier Ave S and S Lucile St, summoning worshippers from various congregations, including the Hillman Methodist Episcopal Church, Pentecostals, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, United Baptist, and Damascus Baptist. Although the exact date of its removal from the tower is unknown, the bell remained on the property as it transitioned to the Dayspring & Fitch Funeral Home, where it continued its presence for three decades until the building was demolished in 2020. Recognizing the bell's historical value, the Rainier Valley Historical Society (RVHS) embarked on a mission to preserve and reintroduce it as a new landmark for Hillman City. In 2021, the restoration began with sandblasting, stabilization, and priming. A "Call for Artists" was issued, leading to the selection of Cathy Fields, a local mural artist and 50-year Hillman City resident, to paint a mural on the bell. Cathy's work tells a captivating visual story, celebrating the cultural diversity of Rainier Valley. Completed in 2022, her mural honors Indigenous Peoples, early pioneers, and notable community members, reflecting Hillman City’s history as a welcoming home for immigrant populations. (Read her full Artist Statement below ) By July 2024, RVHS, with the help of community volunteers and Kohl Construction, developed a stand for the bell at the corner of Rainier Ave S and S Findlay St. The chosen installation site, currently home to "The Flour Box," has a rich history of its own, once being a Shell station turned service station operated by Rudy Hanson from the mid-1960s until his passing in 2008. The Hanson family, who still owns the property, graciously allowed the bell to be installed here, just across from its original home. The project culminated in a grand dedication event on August 10, 2024, during the Hillman City Neighborhood Association Block Party. This significant moment marked the bell’s new role as a symbol of local heritage and community spirit, celebrating the rich history and cultural diversity of Hillman City. Project Timeline 2019: The Hillman City Heritage Bell was donated to RVHS by Lifetime members Pete and Helen Sikov, after the demolition of the Dayspring & Fitch Funeral Home. RVHS begins fundraising efforts at the Annual Founder's Dinner 2021: RVHS initiated the restoration of the bell, with sandblasting, stabilization, and priming, preparing it for a new chapter as a public art piece. A "Call for Artists" was issued, and Cathy Fields was selected to create a mural celebrating the area's diverse history. 2022: Cathy Fields completed the mural, depicting significant moments and figures in Hillman City’s history, from Indigenous Peoples to early settlers and local business owners. The bell was then clear-coated for protection. July 2024: The bell was installed on a custom stand at the corner of Rainier Ave S and S Findlay St, across from its original home. August 10, 2024: The bell was officially unveiled during the Hillman City Neighborhood Association Block Party, marking its new role as a symbol of community and heritage. Meet the Artist Cathy Fields, a mural artist and lifelong resident of Seattle's Hillman City, masterfully blends the real and the imagined in her visual storytelling. Selected by the Rainier Valley Historical Society during their 2020 “Call for Artists,” Cathy’s work intertwines echoes of the past with the blur of contemporary times, resonating deeply with the community she has called home for 50 years. The following is a narrative that goes with the stories circling the bell, beginning with the vignette of native people gathering food and moving to the right around the bell: As the ice age ended, humankind arrived along the Pacific coast. The indigenous people who inhabited what was to become the Seattle area were here for over 10,000 years before the Euro-Americans arrived. The Coast Salish people were made up of various tribes that shared a common language. The scene depicted is of summer time when local tribes come to Lake Washington’s coastlines to harvest food to preserve for the winter. The men would fish and hunt, and women would gather various herbs, berries, fresh water mussels, or, as in this picture, dig camas roots, and much more. Moving right around the bell, the depicted one-room cabin became a neighborhood store in 1901 when Rhineholt and Louise Hausler moved to the area and purchased the property from Clarence D. Hillman. They quickly opened for business on Rainier Avenue at Graham Street. The Hausler store supplied Hillman City residents with a variety of household necessities and kitchen staples. The electric railway stopped a few feet from their porch delivering much of the goods that stocked their store. The Hauslers eventually build a bigger store further south on Rainier Ave. and moved there in 1921. The woman to the right of the store is Mrs. Fumiko M. Noji who, with her husband and family, ran the enterprising Columbia Greenhouse and Nursery between South Orcas and Juneau Streets and what is now Martin Luther King Jr. Way from 1918-1996. They had a reputation for their wonderful tomatoes. Her father-in-law, Isao Noji, was one of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce men who brought the cherry trees from Japan to Seward Park. When the family was interned during World War ll, a good friend who managed the grounds of Sick’s Stadium moved into their home and cared for the property until their return. Eventually a fourth generation family member moved the greenhouses to Kent and the award winning Noji Gardens affordable housing community was planned and built on the property by HomeSight. Also shown in this vignette is the Seattle Renton & Southern Railway that enabled valley farmers to transport their produce into town, make trips to visit friends and family, and encouraged development and new businesses. Sadly funding, safety, and reliability were problematic leading to a loss of licensing. The rails were torn up in 1937 to make way for more buses, trucks and cars. The church building in the distance hosted a number of different faiths over the years. Before it was torn down, the bell was donated to the Rainier Valley Historical Society and is now the “canvas” for this painting. The original Fire Station 28 was built in 1910, three years after Hillman City was annexed into Seattle. It was located at 4525 S. Orcas Street, just east of Rainier Ave. They used horses to pull the hose wagons until they became motorized in 1924. In 1955 the old station was closed and moved to a newly built station at its current location on Rainier Avenue. Rainier Valley wouldn’t be complete without Mt. Rainier. On a clear day it may loom large and appear deceptively near from Seward Park or when driving south on Rainier Ave. Here it is a backdrop for the title section, Looking Back. This Vignette speaks to the valley’s history as a destination for many different immigrant populations over the decades, enriching the area with cultural diversity, perhaps one of our greatest assets. Acknowledgements This project was made possible through the generous support of King County 4Culture, the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods' Small Sparks Fund, the Hillman City Neighborhood Association, Khol Construction, Flamespray NW, Puget Sound Coatings, the Sikov family, and the Hanson family. Special thanks go to the RVHS board members, members, and volunteers, whose time, talents, and dedication were instrumental in bringing this project to life. The Hillman City Heritage Bell now stands as a beacon of our shared history and a reminder of the vibrant community spirit that defines Hillman City. We invite you to visit and reflect on the stories it tells, connecting our past to our present and future. Gallery

Research Your House The Rainier Valley Historical Society has photographs of many historic homes and buildings in the Rainier Valley, particularly in and around Columbia City. We also have information about the general history of the neighborhood, which may also be helpful to you. ​ Another place to look for historic photographs of your house is the Puget Sound Regional Archives , located at Bellevue Community College. Look under "King County Property Records," find your tax parcel # (it's all right there on the site), and e-mail or call them to see what they've got. They should have a photo of the house from 1937 (a county-wide photo survey was done that year by the WPA), plus information about when the house was built, etc. The archivists there can point you to more resources if you want to keep going. ​ The Seattle Polk Directories are also helpful. A complete set of these directories — essentially the phone book, but they go back way before phones — is available at the Seattle Public Library's downtown site, and at the Seattle Municipal Archives . Many of these volumes also have reverse directories, so you can look up an address and find out what was there in any given year. The Seattle Municipal Archives also has a searchable online database of photographs, but they tend to focus on engineering projects and not residential buildings. ​ If you are interested in restoring your old house, Historic Seattle has wonderful resources for researching architectural history and finding historically accurate building supplies and fixtures. List of Resources Puget Sound Regional Archives Seattle Public Library Seattle Municipal Archives Historic Seattle Need help with your project? RVHS is here to help! Schedule an appointment with our collections team or email your questions to office@rainiervalleyhistory.org . contact us