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LOWER FLOOR EXHIBITS

Archives
Over 8,000 photos, clipping files, school year books, pioneer files and a host of other primary research materials await the researcher. The archives are open Wednesday, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and by appointment. 

Richmond Beach Post Office Interior
Post offices in rural communities were often the meeting place of residents and the first source of interesting news. Loaned to the Museum in perpetuity by the Federal Government, the original wood and glass interior from the Richmond Beach Post Office and P.O. boxes from the Richmond Highlands Post Office, along with certificates, photos and letters, serve as reminders of the importance of the local post office to daily life.

Blacksmith Shop
Rural communities depended on the blacksmith for their horse shoeing, tool and farm equipment repair needs. In the early 1900's, Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park both had resident "smithies." 

At Home in Shoreline
Was it difficult for people to make the transition from horses to cars? And when households began to get electricity, did everyone throw away their washboards and wood stoves? The old, comfortable ways existed along side the newfangled ones for a long time in most homes. The families of local pioneers donated their typical household items from the 1910's and 20's, including a 1926 model T Roadster, given by Paul Beard.

Tracy Owen Country Store and Farmyard
If one wanted to have an independent income and be one's own boss, opening a general store or clearing acreage for a farm were the most chosen professions in the flourishing Shoreline area. From 1889 until the coming of the second World War, many families tried their hand at running one of the two mainstays of the rural business world. The late King County Council member, Tracy Owen, realized the importance of the history of the area's early entrepreneurial era, and amassed a collection of store and farm memorabilia to depict those times. Enjoy the hands-one exhibit of old-time toys!

Once Upon a Time in Playland
Return to a carefree time, when kids could have fun all day on a dime (well, almost all day). Playland, one of the most revered sites in the history of north King County, Washington, is immortalized in an exhibit that includes a generous slice of the history of the Stadium/Playland Speedway and other nearby tracks. 
Track history in partnership with Golden Wheels Racing Pathfinders.

Note: The building is wheelchair accessible via ramp and elevator. Rest rooms are located on the main floor and are wheelchair accessible.

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