Week 21: May 25-31
May 30, 1914
On this day, labor activist Mary Harris “Mother” Jones spoke in Seattle after a “monster memorial parade” to honor those who lost their lives for organized labor. Mother Jones attacked capitalists, particularly Colorado coal capitalists involved in the recent “Ludlow Massacre,” criticized the Industrial Workers of the World, and encouraged workers to come together.
May 30, 1930
On this day, an impressive monument was dedicated at Fort Lewis honoring the Army’s 91st Division. The monument, featuring six statues and a 40-foot-tall shaft, recalls the division’s wartime contribution and honors its war dead. Sculptor Avard Fairbanks designed the statues, and noted Seattle architect John Graham Sr. designed the monument.
Since its dedication, the monument has become a prominent Joint Base Lewis-McChord symbol, where it continues to honor national sacrifice.
May 1968
This post is in partnership with HistoryLink, and Warren Seyler, former chairman Spokane Tribe of Indians, the Black Muse Resource Center, and the Living Arts Cultural Heritage.
We encourage you to engage in further research through your local historic societies, museums, archives, and community.
