This was an interesting article in our Spokesman on 23 March 2015. “Urn artists look for beauty in death.” The article began, “Of all the pieces Julie Moore crafts in her home studio, the most popular is a brightly colored fabric vessel she calls ‘the party jar.’ But in this case, the guest of honor is inside the jar.”  The article goes on to explain that since cremations are up, more people are looking for unusual and beautiful urns for their loved ones’ ashes. Do a Google search for “Julie Moore party jars” to read more about this artist and her project. And what do you think about this?

I thoroughly enjoy old postcards! This one, “Upper Grand Coulee, Columbia Basin Project, Washington,” is undoubtedly of what would become Banks Lake. So named for an engineer on the project, Banks Lake was created to provide irrigation water to the central basin area of Washington.

Way back in Dec 2014, I posted and proposed that our WSGS blog carry members’ queries as long as they pertained to the Pacific Northwest. I crafted a sample query but one which I was curious about. “I would like to know mroe about the U.S. Army’s Balloon Company, stationed at Port Townsend, Washington, about 1920.”

Well, Robert Edwards, friend of Bonnie MacDonald, wrote in January 2015 with an answer to my query!  “(My wife) and I were married at “Memories Vault”, up on the hill at Ft. Worden, and have visited and stayed in the houses there numerous times, and we pass the hangar each time. Here are some websites to check out regarding Donna’s query:

www.fortworden.org/about

www.historylink.org

http://mil.wa.gov/national-guard-museum/official-history-of-washington-national-guard

“In one of the above references, it indicated that the balloons proved not to be suitable for the mission at Ft. Worden, so the project was probably short lived while there….”

“There also may be some helpful information on www.fold3. com,” added Bob.

What a great answer! Even to a make-believe query….although I did really want to know about the Balloon Company. We do welcome queries from YOU regarding your research and your ancestors in the Pacific Northwest. Please send them to Charles Hansen, Roxanne Lowe or Donna Phillips.