Pete von Reichbauer Secures $80,000 for Historic Farm
King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer presented an $80,000 check yesterday to Vice President Gordy Nishimoto and other members of the White River Valley Historical Society. These funds will help restore this historic Farm readying it for educational programs and public use. Councilmember von Reichbauer toured the Farm a year ago and it left a lasting memory. When museum board members Judi Roland and J.B. Rupert visited the Councilmember seeking support, he noted that while funds are limited, “We need to do all we can to preserve King County’s rural agricultural heritage, and that means supporting farms and protecting farmland, as well as preserving historic sites like Mary Olson Farm.”
The Mary Olson Farm is considered one of the best preserved historic farms in King County, and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places as well as being a City of Auburn Landmark. It has been undergoing restoration to become a living history park and environmental learning center. “With its combination of forested hillsides, thriving Coho and Chum salmon runs, 100-year-old orchard and six historic buildings, all a mere five minutes from downtown Auburn, the Mary Olson Farm is destined to become a tremendous asset to the people of Auburn and the region,” said Museum Board Vice- President Gordy Nishimoto.
The overall budget to restore the farm and ready it for public use is $1.6 million, of which $1.1 million has been committed. This special appropriation secured by Councilmember von Reichbauer brings the farm significantly closer to its public debut. “We will use these funds to create educational signage for trails and buildings at the Farm, and to finish interior restoration of the Barn as a fabulous educational site and public gathering area. These improvements will bring this historic gem to life for kids and adults alike,” notes Museum and Farm Director Patricia Cosgrove.
The Mary Olson Farm is owned by the City of Auburn and leased for the purpose of restoration and programming by the White River Valley Museum. It is located on Green River Road and was originally purchased by the Olson’s in 1879. Once fully restored the Farm will provide living history programs, host classes and events, be available for parties and weddings, and provide a restful retreat just a few minutes from downtown Auburn. The Farm is undergoing significant restoration and rehabilitation, and is scheduled to open for public use in 2008. For information regarding making a donation to the Mary Olson Farm, contact Patricia Cosgrove at 253 288-7437
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