The Annual Gathering of Washington’s Pioneers
Early settlers and their families convened at the new university grounds to share stories of the frontier, mourn those lost, and debate the future of their association.
The pioneers of Washington, their children and grandchildren, gathered for their annual reunion at the new university grounds and enjoyed a picnic on the green turf under the shade of the forest trees. At 10 o'clock, cars were taken on the Third street line for the grounds of the new state university. Owing to an accident which happened to Capt. Samuel Jackson, who had charge of arrangements, there was some delay in securing a sufficient number of cars to transport the party, numbering several hundred. It was decided to divide the proceedings into a picnic and general talk on the grounds and continue the speaking at the Chamber of Commerce rooms at night. On every side were old pioneers shaking hands with old-time friends. Rich and poor might be seen eating side by side at the same table, exchanging reminiscences of the days when Washington was still a wilderness.
“Rich and poor might be seen eating side by side at the same table, exchanging reminiscences as they did so.”
The 'new university grounds' mentioned here refer to the University of Washington's move from downtown to its current campus in the University District. Today, the Pioneer Association's struggle to maintain a sense of community across a growing state mirrors the modern challenge of preserving local history in a rapidly densifying Seattle.
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