History celebrated at Burroughs Home

A large crowd gathered on Aug. 15 to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Ritzville’s historic Burroughs Home.

Community members gathered together for an afternoon of celebrating history and participating in a day of fun activities with friends.

Mayor Linda Kadlec welcomed the crowd, sharing the history of the home and thanking the Ritzville Museum Volunteers for their tireless efforts in returning the home to its full glory.

While ice cream and root beer floats were served, a Style Show highlighting clothing from the 1900-1930s occurred on the lawn.

Local volunteer models Chris Clinesmith, Eliza Galbreath, Michele Kiesz, Coleen Coon, Emmi Von Olnhausen and Harriet Lynch displayed the timeless gowns as they walked through the crowd.

The majority of the dresses were made out of silk and included intricate bead work and detailed stitching.

A live and silent auction highlighted the afternoon events, where the Ritzville Museum Volunteers raised $1,400.

The funds are being used to repair the aging foundation of the Burroughs Home in order to continue preserving the nationally historic registered museum.

At the conclusion of the auctions, Ruth Keeley and Deloris Allert provided musical accompaniment for a sing-a-long of beloved songs.

Allert played the keyboard while Keeley led the vocal performance. Allert also played a tune on a washboard during the final song.

Among those in attendance at the historic event included Senator Mark Schoesler, Representative Mary Dye, and great-great nephew of Dr. Frank R. Burroughs, Gordon Smith.

An estimated 50 people attended the celebration in downtown Ritzville.