History of the Association  

In the early days of the Washington Territory, reunions were held among the settlers who arrived in the territory prior to 1855. At the reunion of 1886 which was held in Seattle a merger occurred between this group of settlers and the King County Pioneers Association which was founded in 1871. On December 5, 1895, the group was incorporated as the “Pioneer Association of the State of Washington.”
At the annual meeting of 1908 a resolution that the Sons of Pioneers be admitted to membership was adopted. In 1934 by-laws were amended making lineal descendants of Pioneers who were residents of Washington Territory prior to statehood eligible for membership.

Purposes of the Association

Preservation of the history of territorial days through its collection of biographical materials, photographs, books, recordings, reminiscences and other memorabilia of Pioneer families.
Preservation of Pioneer Hall and its contents, making them available for the public with an open house from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month.
Preservation of lineage data for the benefit of posterity. A file containing more than 6,600 applications of current and former members are now computerized to readily determine if anyone has an ancestor who was a Pioneer or was a member of the Association.
Producing a periodic publication, Pioneer Presences, to keep the entire membership informed of the activities and progress of the Association.
Periodic publication of a membership directory.

Pioneer Hall

On the western shoreline of Lake Washington in the area of Seattle known as Madison Park stands “Pioneer Hall”. The lot on which the hall is erected was a part of the McGilvra homestead and was donated to the Pioneer Association by Mr. and Mrs. John McGilvra in 1902. Miss Sarah L Denny, who died between the 1908 and 1909 annual meetings of the Association, left a bequest of $20,000 to construct the building. The building was dedicated at the annual meeting in June, 1910.

The group of women serving as advisers for interior decoration was responsible for the cobblestone fireplace, pictured above, with the years “1853 and 1889” inscribed on its sandstone mantel, both dates being significant in state history. In April 1853, Congress designated the area north of the Columbia River as Washington Territory and on November 11, 1889, Washington became a state. On June 5, 1970 Pioneer Hall was entered in the National Register of Historic Places under the provisions of the Historic Sites Act of August 21, 1935, memorialized by the bronze plaque on the front of the building. The diligence of the Building Committee and generous contributions of the Association membership have made possible the complete renovation of both the exterior and interior of Pioneer Hall in preparation for the celebration of the Centennial Year of Statehood.

Association Meetings 

Each year the Pioneer Association holds its annual meeting in June at Pioneer Hall. A business meeting is held in the morning which includes the election of officers for the ensuing year, after which at noon there is a buffet-style salmon bake across the street at Madison Park, followed by a program of entertainment. In addition there is a spring meeting and a fall meeting for all members. Meetings are held in the afternoons and include a short business session, entertainment and refreshments.

The Daughters of the Pioneers

Seattle Chapter No. 1 of The Daughters of the Pioneers of Washington maintains the historical displays on the upper floor of Pioneer Hall and works closely with the Pioneer Association. This statewide organization was founded in 1911 with all members being direct descendants of Pioneers who established residence in Washington Territory by 1870. The dogwood tree in front of Pioneer Hall was planted by The Daughters in 1976 to commemorate the nation’s Bi-Centennial Celebration, dogwood being the flower of the organization.

Membership

If you are a lineal descendant of a Pioneer who was a resident of the Washington Territory before November 11, 1889, we extend to you an invitation to join the Pioneer Association of the State of Washington. In this way you can help us preserve the colorful heritage of our Pioneer ancestors and the history of the Washington Territory for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations. Too often the recording of family history is passed on only by word of mouth, delaying any recording until it is too late to carry on any continuity. The recording of such family history for the benefit of your children and generations to follow can prove to be a most interesting and satisfying accomplishment. If you are eligible for membership we invite you to fill out our online application in our Membership section or our web site by clicking on the Membership button below. If you need assistance in researching your eligibility please mail or phone your request to:  

Pioneer Association

1642 43rd Avenue East  

Seattle, Washington 98112-3222  

(206)325-0888

 

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