To take a step back in time you only need to drive about sixteen miles from Olympia, down Highway 99 – back to when everyone in town knew each other and things were much simpler. The town of Tenino today still echoes the Tenino of the past. Mayor Wayne Fournier shared the town’s history with me.
Even though Mayor Fournier took office less than three months ago, he has strong roots in this area and a passion for the town’s history. I initially came to learn more about the Tenino Depot Museum, located in the city’s park, but our discussion turned into more of an education. “There’s stuff to be learned and found out down here that is real and you can connect to,” says Fournier as he shows me countless books, pictures, and memorabilia about Tenino.
Fournier is looking ahead to the town’s future, and wants to find ways to link the present to the past. As we drive around town on our way to the Depot Museum, he points out countless pieces of history still standing. “The whole town is an open air museum,” says Fournier as he shows me where a local stone artist works, the countless historical buildings downtown, and places he visited as a child.
And the best part is, you can relive that history on a small-town budget. From the free yellow bikes to the walking tour, it’s not going to cost you much more than your weekly allowance can handle. “Tenino has still got character,” adds Fournier. “It’s authentic. It hasn’t been lost to box stores.”
As we enter the City Park of Tenino, just a few blocks south of city hall and downtown, Fournier excitedly points out all the improvements taking place. “Did you know you can camp here? Most people don’t realize that. And it’s only $8 per day. Right now they’re installing showers for this season,” he adds. My first thought is about what I’ll be doing come summertime.
The Tenino Depot Museum sits just inside this park and is a piece of history in itself. Originally built in 1914 as one of several train depots, the building is a testament of time. Up until the early 1950s it was still serving passengers and then used for freight into the 1960s. In the 1970s the depot moved across town to its current home, the city park. I first discovered it on a day trip to Tenino with my family and after peeking in the windows I knew I had found a treasure.
Mayor Fournier and I are met with a big grin from John O’Callahan, President of the Museum, as he welcomes us inside. It’s obvious how eager he is to share this special place. The tour starts with the first known photo of the City of Tenino, taken in the 1880s. “The things you’re going to see here, you’re not going to see anywhere else,” says O’Callahan.
From an old giant cheese cutter to countless picture albums of times long gone, there is plenty I haven’t seen before, including an old kitchen complete with recipes, history of the rock quarry, kids toys, and clothing from another time. My favorite exhibit is the replica of the town’s physician’s office. Dr. Wicham’s office comes complete with his exam table and countless other artifacts. He was the only doctor at the time and is said to have delivered more than 1,500 babies in Tenino. The history is everywhere, in the rough wood floorboards, stone walls and museum’s bathrooms. The entire building speaks to a different time.
“You could come here several times and not see everything,” chimes in Fournier as we walk around. Around every corner, through each door, is something new I haven’t experienced before.
O’Callahan says the focus of the museum is south Thurston County area relics and educating people about the rich history. He hopes this will include more school visits and outreach to other communities. The museum staff also wants to include tribal history in the future as it plays a huge part in the community. “Everything we do is to bring more visibility to the area. If you don’t get the city lit up, the museum is going to stay dark,” he tells me.
The museum officially re-opens to the public the beginning of April on Saturdays and Sundays between 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. It’s also available all year long for private tours. There is no entrance fee, but they do ask for donations. To find out more about the Tenino Depot Museum visit their website.
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