Reporter staff
History came to life in the greater Kent community last weekend.
Such an opportunity brought a smile to Ed LaCrosse.
LaCrosse and volunteers maintain the Neely-Soames Historic Homestead, one of the many attractions during the inaugural Experience Historical Kent Day.
The Greater Kent Historical Museum, volunteers and event partners invited visitors and residents to explore the city’s past during the celebration last Saturday.
The event showcased local history, featuring special exhibits and bus and walking tours of the city’s oldest homes, businesses, parks and cemeteries.
LaCrosse, 87, has helped maintain the Neely-Soames Homestead for 16 years. The Neely house, built in 1884, is the oldest standing residence in Kent.
He also leads a community-based coalition at the historic Neely-Soames Homestead Garden, one of the King County Master Gardener demonstration gardens. County master gardeners have been in charge of restoration and improvement of the garden since 1996.
“It’s history. It’s maintaining the historical garden that goes with the house. It’s very rewarding,” said LaCrosse, the 2010 Washington State Master Gardener of the Year. “We have really good volunteers.”
Other highlights included a Greater Kent Historical Museum and Mill Creek Neighborhood Historic Home and Garden Walking Tour, with proceeds supporting the museum and Mill Creek Neighborhood Council in their endeavor to become the first historic district in South King County.
Groups also toured the Neely-Soames Historic Homestead to see how residents lived in 1885 at an annual open house.
The Soos Creek Botanical Garden and Heritage Center showcased antique quilts and cars and entertainment by the Old Time Fiddlers Association.
There were historic downtown walking tours and a look at the history of hydroplane racing at the Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum.
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