History Section

Highline Historical Society’s Online Auction Fundraiser is now open

Highline Historical Society’s Online Auction Fundraiser is now open

The Highline Historical Society has opened its online auction fundraiser, which runs through June 2. “Auction items range from exotic vacation getaways, to restaurant gift certificates, to sports... [Read more]

B-TOWN UNDERCOVER: Unexpected, yet very sweet estate sale find…

B-TOWN UNDERCOVER: Unexpected, yet very sweet estate sale find…

by Shawn Underwood I bet a lot – or well most of you – have been to the Tin Room in Beercan, aka Burien, WA. I love the ambiance of the Tin Room and Tin Theater with the rusty old signs and salvaged... [Read more]

Tickets for the June 8 Highline Garden Tour are on sale now

Tickets for the June 8 Highline Garden Tour are on sale now

Tickets for the Highline Historical Society’s 2013 Highline Garden Tour – set for Saturday, June 8 – are now on sale. This popular annual event allows participants to visit inspiring private... [Read more]

Three Tree Point Youth Association seeking donations for Youth Cabin

Three Tree Point Youth Association seeking donations for Youth Cabin

An often-overlooked cabin sits quietly at the end of 164th Place SW in Burien’s Three Tree Point neighborhood, and the non-profit organization behind it – the Three Tree Point Youth Association... [Read more]

Learn about the life and times of General George Pickett on Saturday, April 27

Learn about the life and times of General George Pickett on Saturday, April 27

Who was the “leader of the charge” and why is he important to Washington State? Find out when the Highline Historical Society presents General George Pickett himself this Saturday, April 27... [Read more]

VIDEO: KOMO News Does Report on ‘The Maury Island Incident’ Film/Stunt

VIDEO: KOMO News Does Report on ‘The Maury Island Incident’ Film/Stunt

Normandy Park resident Matt Markovich, a Reporter at KOMO-TV, also happens to be a neighbor of John White, Executive Producer of the upcoming film ‘The Maury Island Incident’…

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: ‘Why Did This Tree Have to Die?’

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: ‘Why Did This Tree Have to Die?’

[EDITOR'S NOTE: The following is a Letter to the Editor, written by a Reader. It does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The B-Town Blog nor its staff:] Click image to see larger version. This tree... [Read more]

Highline Historical Society Quilt Exhibit Opens at Community Center Today

Highline Historical Society Quilt Exhibit Opens at Community Center Today

Marie O’Kelley, Carla Stehr, Linda Johanson and Sonia gather around one of O’Kelley’s quilts, which is now on exhibit at the Burien Community Center. Click image to see larger version. The Highline... [Read more]

Highline Historical Society to Present Quilt Art Exhibit March 18–29

Highline Historical Society to Present Quilt Art Exhibit March 18–29

The Highline Historical Society announced that it will be showcasing the work of four outstanding Highline-area quilt artists from March 18 – 29 at the Burien Community Center. “A Sense of Place: In... [Read more]

Highline Historical Society Offering Intermediate Genealogy Classes

Highline Historical Society Offering Intermediate Genealogy Classes

Following up on the introductory genealogy classes it offered last year, the Highline Historical Society this spring will be offering an intermediate series of classes in genealogical research from 1 –... [Read more]

Learn About ‘Hidden Treasures in Washington’s Museums’ Sunday, Feb. 24

Learn About ‘Hidden Treasures in Washington’s Museums’ Sunday, Feb. 24

The Highline Historical Society and Humanities Washington will be presenting a conversation with Harriet Baskas, a member of the 2012-14 Humanities Washington Speakers Bureau on Sunday, Feb. 24. This free... [Read more]

A Few Moments With Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

A Few Moments With Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: We are re-posting this column (originally run Nov. 2, 2008) in honor of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, whose life and work we celebrate today:] “When machines and computers, profit... [Read more]

Founder of Piledriving Company Goes ‘APE’ Over Upcoming Local UFO Film

Founder of Piledriving Company Goes ‘APE’ Over Upcoming Local UFO Film

John White, Founder of American Piledriving Equipment (APE) and an area resident, has stepped up to pile on the majority of funding for an historic local UFO conspiracy movie that will begin filming this... [Read more]

Learn About Hidden Treasures in Washington’s Museums on Nov. 18

Learn About Hidden Treasures in Washington’s Museums on Nov. 18

Harriet Baskas The Highline Historical Society and Humanities Washington invite the community to an engaging conversation with Harriet Baskas, a member of the 2012-14 Humanities Washington Speakers Bureau... [Read more]

SAVE THE DATE: ‘The Bubbleator Sessions, Vol. 1′ Release Party is Dec. 14!

SAVE THE DATE: ‘The Bubbleator Sessions, Vol. 1′ Release Party is Dec. 14!

[for best viewing experience, switch to 720p and full-screen] A new project put together by BTB Founder/Publisher Scott Schaefer, local band Trip Like Animals (featuring Mike Molner from the Tin Room)... [Read more]

REMINDER: Re-Live Seattle World’s Fair in ‘The Future Remembered’ Saturday

REMINDER: Re-Live Seattle World’s Fair in ‘The Future Remembered’ Saturday

Fifty years ago today – Oct. 12. 1962 – the Columbus Day storm ripped through the Puget Sound region, providing for a dramatic farewell for the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, which was scheduled... [Read more]

Seattle World’s Fair ‘Future Remembered’ Play Coming to Burien Oct. 13

Seattle World’s Fair ‘Future Remembered’ Play Coming to Burien Oct. 13

The cast of Book-It Repertory Theatre’s special edition production of ‘The Future Remembered.’ Photo by Shannon Erickson. Burien Little Theatre is partnering with the Highline Historical... [Read more]

Learn How to Research Your Family History via the Highline Historical Society

Learn How to Research Your Family History via the Highline Historical Society

Back by popular demand – the Highline Historical Society, in conjunction with the South King County Genealogical Society, will hold an introductory series of classes in September for people interested... [Read more]

World War II Fighter Pilot Recalls Dangers Escorting Allied Bombers

World War II Fighter Pilot Recalls Dangers Escorting Allied Bombers

by Ralph Nichols, with photos by Michael Brunk WWII Veteran John Hauff shares a log book entry to Ralph Nichols “It was a lot of fun until they started shooting at us.” So quipped John Hauff, a World... [Read more]

Herr Backyard Garden Center Owners Retiring; Business Closing June 17

Herr Backyard Garden Center Owners Retiring; Business Closing June 17

Sons William (Bill), Gordy and their father Amos Herr taken at Burien's Herr Lumberyard circa 1970s. Click image for larger version. by Janet Grella Diane Herr Lorella and her sister-in-law and business... [Read more]

World War II B-17 Coming to Boeing Field for Public Tours and Flights

World War II B-17 Coming to Boeing Field for Public Tours and Flights

by Ralph Nichols Sixty-seven years ago this month, Ted Gary was a relieved young airman. After 22 missions over Nazi Germany as tail gunner on a B-17 bomber, World War II at last was over. Now Gary –... [Read more]

‘Remember Century 21′ at Burien Library on Saturday, May 12

‘Remember Century 21′ at Burien Library on Saturday, May 12

In the spirit of the 50th anniversary of Century 21, MOHAI invites you to explore the memories, memorabilia, and myths of Seattle’s 1962 World’s Fair through a series of free community-wide workshops.... [Read more]

Highline Historical Society Sets Record Straight On Guy Burien Was Named After

Highline Historical Society Sets Record Straight On Guy Burien Was Named After

The Highline Historical Society has posted a very interesting article written by Earl F. Charvet (from research by Charles L. Thiesenhusen) on its website that sets the record straight about Gottlieb Burian…

Road Crews Uncover Part Of Original ‘Des Moines To Seattle Brick Boulevard’

Road Crews Uncover Part Of Original ‘Des Moines To Seattle Brick Boulevard’

A segment of the original Des Moines to Seattle Brick Boulevard was exposed by road crews last weekend. Click image to see larger version. Photo by Carmen Scott. [EDITOR'S NOTE: From our sister site The... [Read more]