Historical Society of Federal Way

06/18/2026

Thanks to the hard work by Sean & Deyton, and the Federal Way Parks & Recreation, our grounds have been really cleaned up.

06/05/2026

Throwback to a Historic Milestone: Decatur High School’s Very First Graduation!

Let's take a trip down memory lane to June of 1973!

Long before Decatur moved into its permanent campus, the trailblazing class of '73 made history while sharing a temporary home at Illahee Junior High.

86 incredible seniors officially walked across the stage to receive their diplomas. 28 of those graduates earned well-deserved scholarships to help fuel their futures.

Champions on and off the field: Despite being the district's smallest high school at the time, the team brought home the Nisqually League baseball championship that very same 1973 season!

Proudly paving the way for decades of Gators to come, this inaugural class proved that you don't need a finished building to build a legacy.

Are you one of the original 86, or do you have a Gator graduate in the family? Drop your favorite Decatur memories and shout out your graduation year in the comments below!

05/22/2026

Our Entry for America's 250th Out of Many, One Initiative is live

The next showing of the Cabins at West Hylebos Wetlands Park is June 13th 2026, starting at 11:00AM.

John Barker Cabin The Barker Cabin, often called the Ivied Cottage, is the oldest original structure in the Federal Way area. John Barker filed for a 160-acre homestead in the […]

05/21/2026

72 years ago this month, the landscape of Federal Way changed forever.

In May of 1954, heavy machinery cleared a massive 20-acre site at the southwest corner of Highway 99 and South 312th Street. This ground clearing marked the official birth of J. R. Cissna’s ambitious dream: The Federal Shopping Way Mall (what we know today as Pavilion Centre 1)!

This wasn't just your average mid-century shopping center. Cissna envisioned an all-in-one community destination that went way beyond retail. For those who remember or have heard the stories, it featured some truly unique attractions:

Santafair: A magical combination of traveling circuses and amusement park rides that delighted local kids.

Old World Square: A charming replica of quaint European streets, bringing a taste of overseas shopping right to the Pacific Northwest.

Old Line Historic Park: A dedicated preservation area showcasing real cabins and artifacts from Washington’s early pioneer past.

Fun Fact: The original grand vision also included a full golf course and a massive recreation center, though those parts of the plan were ultimately left on the drawing board.

Even if the golf course never made it, Federal Shopping Way became a legendary piece of our city's identity.

We want to hear from you! Did you or your family ever visit Santafair or shop at Old World Square? Share your favorite memories, stories, or vintage photos in the comments below!

Click here for The Federal Way Timeline-->https://bit.ly/3Pz8YXW
Click here for more on The Federal Shopping Way-->https://bit.ly/4ur8nqw

05/14/2026

In May of 1954, Philip Eichholtz purchased Knoll Lumber & Hardware before re-opening as New Lumber & Hardware, offering house building kits for $6998, delivered to your property and inspected upon completion for free.

For several decades, they went above and beyond for the community by offering more than your everyday retail services.

In 1961, New Lumber & Hardware donated the wood that was used to build the new King County Library bookcases.

Home Sign, c. 1950's
New Lumber & Hardware Storefront, c. 1950's & 1970's
Phil Eichholtz, c. 1954
New Lumber Ad, c. 1955

Find more about the history of our community here--> https://bit.ly/4sUXeNM
For an in depth history on some of the figures and locations of the community, click here--------------------> https://bit.ly/4wN7HNR

05/04/2026

Step back in time right here in Federal Way!

60 years ago, a piece of Seattle history made a big move. In 1966, the Denny Cabin traveled from Queen Anne to the Federal Shopping Way. For a few decades, the structure stood near the Federal Way Library in the South end of J.R. Cissna’s "Federal Shopping Way". Along with the Barker Cabin, the historic Denny cabin found its true home nestled in the greenery of the West Hylebos Wetlands, with the John Barker Cabin

Now, we’re opening the doors to history!

Visit the Denny & Barker Cabins
Join us as we showcase these incredible pioneer structures at the West Hylebos Wetlands Park (348th St and 4th Ave s). Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a unique weekend outing, come see how the early settlers lived.

When to Visit:
Opening Day: Saturday, May 9th
Schedule: Every second Saturday of the month through the fall.

Bring the family, enjoy a walk through the wetlands, and take a peek into our local past. We can’t wait to see you there!

Pictured is the Denny Cabin in use as Green's Tavern in Queen Anne c. 1938

Denny Cabin Roof Video-->
http://bit.ly/4w3h1wm
Barker Cabin-->
https://bit.ly/3PeP3gI
Denny Cabin-->
https://bit.ly/4tboDu6

05/03/2026

A Special Anniversary This Teacher's Day!
While we celebrate our educators today, we are also looking back 83 years to the official organization of the Brooklake Community Center!

The story of this local landmark is one of true grit. Started in 1929 by Mabel Vaughn, the original "Clubhouse" faced the hardships of the Great Depression, causing delays and even a temporary change in ownership. But Mabel didn't give up—construction resumed in 1931, and by the mid-30s, it was famously operating as the Wagon Wheel Inn.

A Legacy Built in Phases:
1929–1934: The original Clubhouse (built by Fred Michael and Fred Gisin).

1943: Officially organized as the Brooklake Community Center.

1947–1953: The completion of the hall extension that was demolished in recent years.

From an 18-acre dream to a cornerstone of our community, the Brooklake Community Center stands as a testament to local history and perseverance.

Happy 83rd Anniversary, Brooklake!

Pictured:
Brooklake Clubhouse c. 1953
The Brooklake Women's Club c. 1947
Ilene Marckx, Brooklake Community Fair, (date unknown)
Brooklake Hillbillies, c. 1950's

04/30/2026

1953: A Voice is Born
73 years ago today, the very first volume of the Federal Way News was released! Long before social media feeds, this was the heartbeat of our community—sharing the stories, growth, and daily lives of our neighbors. It’s because of their dedicated reporting that we can look back so clearly at our roots.

1989: A Quest for a Home
Fast forward to April 30, 1989 (reported in Vol. 37-52 of the Federal Way News), the Historical Society of Federal Way was officially on the hunt! Our collections were outgrowing their shells, and we were searching for a bigger space to preserve the treasures of our past.

Where are we now?
From those early days of searching, we’ve found a wonderful home! Today, you can find us preserving history just across the street from Steel Lake Park.

Whether it's a newspaper from the 50s or a search for a new building in the 80s, history is always moving forward. We are so proud to be the keepers of these stories.

Come visit us!
Find more about the history of our community here--> https://bit.ly/4sUXeNM
See the Federal Way News digital collection here--> https://bit.ly/3RbcR5A

04/16/2026

Since 1977, Wild Waves Theme & Water Park has been a part of summers in our community 💙🎢

As they head into their final season, we’re teaming up to celebrate the memories—and make a few more.

✨ GIVEAWAY ✨
Win:
🌊 2 Wild Waves Gold Season Passes
🎡 2 Washington State Fair Season Passes

How to enter:
✔️ Like this post
✔️ Follow both pages
✔️ Tag a friend you’d bring along
✔️ Sign up for both e-newsletters for special offers

https://bit.ly/4sOkVr7 - 🌊
https://bit.ly/47FBs8i - 🎡

PLUS — Wild Waves Season Passes are up to 50% OFF (through April 5), so you can lock in summer fun now

And don’t forget… Spring Fair kicks off next weekend 👀🌷

Here’s to one more unforgettable summer & fall 🔅🍁

04/13/2026

🌸 The Sweetbrier Bride of Seattle 🌸

Did you know that one of the most fragrant pieces of Pacific Northwest history was carried here in a small piece of cloth?

In 1851, Louisa Boren Denny left Illinois for the Oregon Trail. As a parting gift, her friend Parmelia Dunlap gathered dried rose hips from her garden so Louisa would always have a reminder of home. Those seeds became the first 'Sweetbrier' roses in the Seattle area! Known for pink blossoms and foliage that smells uniquely like fresh green apples, these roses earned Louisa the nickname the "Sweetbrier Bride."

Today, direct descendants of Louisa’s original 1850s roses are blooming right here in Federal Way! You can find them planted at the Denny Cabin, serving as a living link to the pioneers who shaped our region.

SEE HISTORY IN BLOOM!

Come visit the "Sweetbrier Bride's" roses and step back in time at our historic cabins.

What: Open House Showings of the Barker and Denny Cabins
When: Starting the Second Saturday of May, from 11AM-3PM
Where: S 348th St & 4th Ave S. - West Hylebos Wetlands Park

Join us to explore local heritage and catch a scent of the roses that traveled across the country 175 years ago!

Access the Dick Caster monographs on the Barker and Denny Cabins below.
Denny--> https://bit.ly/4msW4H2
Barker--> https://bit.ly/48F33Xs

For more on the Sweetbrier Rose, check out this monograph by Margaret Nelson--> https://bit.ly/3OylExD