GRAHAM, WA — Ever wondered how Graham got its name? It was simply, and quite unintentionally, transferred from camp boss Mr. Smith Graham to the logging area where he worked. He was the one who received the mail ‘off the hook” from the slowly moving train that still sometimes crosses Meridian (the old Barney-Larson road), passing the Graham Hay Market. In 1908 Henry Bates built his small house where Mr. Graham perhaps got the mail, and applied for the position of Graham’s first official postmaster. His “Bates House” still stands, much added onto, and now begging for demolition. The Graham Historical Society would love to see at least a part of the original home renovated into a Graham Visitor’s Center and Museum.

Recently, a Graham resident bringing trash to the LRI transfer station near 176^th noticed an unfamiliar newspaper a few feet away and, curious, picked it up, and was astounded to find his own mother’s name on the address label. Named the RAINIER INDEPENDENT, it was published in Graham (in the building now for sale at 22802 Meridian, near the Bates House) in 1988. Jeff Johnson was Editor, Leanna Woog was Production Manager, and Jinnie Jones was Business Manager. He delivered the paper to his mother, some 25 years late, but still in good condition.

Two Arlington KeyBank employees were injured in the OSO MUDSLID. Darryl Lessinger, at our local Graham KeyBank, said they have opened an account here to which you can donate to help both them and other victims of that disaster. A signature quilt is being created to send to Oso Community Chapel to provide Graham residents with a tangible way to express their sympathy. A truck will transport physical donations (clothing, canned food, furniture, etc.) directly to the Oso Community Chapel for distribution.

The GRAHAMCITIZENS project has, so far, mailed 60 packets of information about 14 groups and activities in Graham to people who requested it by phoning the 875-6299 number advertised on signs and handouts. The eventual goal of this project is to get many more residents aware of and interested enough in Graham activities to provide all groups with a source of new members and leadership. The Graham-Kapowsin Community Council also has a new website, G-KCC.org, also displaying similar information, hoping to get more people involved in Graham’s future.

A RENAISSANCE FAIR in Graham? Why not, said Lyn. She and her friends helped organize the Fair in Bonney Lake and is looking for a suitable 10-20 acre site to organize one in Graham. If interested,