American History

Being Memorial Day, I decided that it would be better to have a post honoring the sacrifices of those who have come before us to create this fine country of liberty and principles and for those who spend their lives to ensure these values persist. On TV today, there will be plethora of war movies, as there should be, but I think it would be better to tell a three stories that are not well known. In April 1775, tensions were running high in colonies as colonists stood edge waiting for the...Read Full Story

Our niece Jill and I get into some really fun conversations that can last for hours and hours. Today was no exception, and one of our topics was family china.  We discussed the various patterns we’ve had, and the ones we remember from childhood, as well as ones we’d like to have! I wasn’t taking notes so I can’t remember all of Jill’s ‘china history’, so for now I’ll just list my own from memory.  Have you ever noticed that dinnerware kind of ‘evolves’ over time? When I was a young girl my...Read Full Story

Plaza De Espana, Guam   O ne of the remnants of Spanish colonial rule on Guam is located in the center of the capital city, Hagatna, near the Catholic Basilica called the Plaza de Espana. These restful looking ruins that are typically landscape are the remains of what used to be the seat and home of the Spanish Governor of Guam. As a young boy, this was a park that I would go play in and enjoy, especially when the flame trees were in bloom. I remember the quietness of the place and the little...Read Full Story

I found a couple additional Bordeaux – Mason County Logging Photos this week and want to share them with those of you following the history of Bordeaux, Washington on this blog. My dad (William Gale Yates) would probably be able to tell you who the man is in this photo, but I’m sorry to say, I cannot.  Judging by the size of the photo and it’s age I do think it’s very likely that my dad took the photo. He always had his trusty Leica camera with him.  The caption on the back of the photo...Read Full Story

Try a new Ancestry.com Membership!   Powered by Max Banner Ads     The Will and Josie Yates House – Olympia, Washington My family, except for my Grandma Josie, were not the church going type.  In fact, I don’t think I ever attended a church service of any kind with either of my parents.  I did love to spend the night with my Yates grandparents on Christmas Eve though, and early in the morning on Christmas Day Grandma and I would walk down to the church nearby to their holiday...Read Full Story