On August 12, 1961, thousands of Washingtonians gathered on the eastern side of the Hood Canal Bridge celebrate its dedication. Ernest Caddick (1895-1973), a retired magician from Bainbridge Island commanded the spotlight during the day's festivities. Known in his performing days as Ernesti, The Clown Prince of Magic, Caddick claimed the honor of being the first person to cross the new bridge— and the first to do it blindfolded. Learn more below!
In 1975, as the Bicentennial of the American Revolution neared, people began planning events to mark the occasion. One such event was the Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage, a network of five covered wagon trains that would pass through each state along well-known historic trails. Organized by the Pennsylvania Bicentennial Commission, the trails were designed to converge together at the Valley Forge National Historic Park to celebrate on July 4th, 1976.
Constructed in just 11 months and commissioned in 1954, the Evergreen State became the first custom-built vessel to join the Washington State Ferry fleet. Upon its debut on the Bainbridge-Seattle route, the 310ft long Evergreen State was the largest ferry on the West Coast.
George Tsutakawa (b.1910-d.1997) was a Seattle-born artist of the ‘Northwest School’ famous for his paintings and bronze metal sculptures. His signature abstract fountain work, such as the above Joshua Green Fountain, furnish public spaces throughout the US, Canada, and Japan. In the course of his lifetime, Tsutakawa produced 75 unique fountains.
Catchy and easy to dance to, “Louie Louie” was once the subject of a popular campaign to change Washington's official state song! Read more about the state song that could have been below:
