Founders’ Week is History – Welcome History Month

FEBRUARY IS Kirkland's History Month.  Previously called “Founders’ Week,” the celebration was held during the week of Feb. 15 in honor of Peter Kirk's birthday.  But this year the celebration has been expanded to include more than just the City’s founders, and in doing so the celebration now lasts an entire month.

Kirkland’s history embodies a rich and diverse cross-section of varying cultures and interests.  Originally settled by Native Americans, the English arrived during the 1860s when the McGregor and Popham families established homes in the Houghton neighborhood.  The Curtis family arrived on the scene the next decade, followed later by the French family in 1872.

was originally the home of the Forbes family in 1876 and, by 1886 the City’s recognized founder Peter Kirk arrived with hopes of making Kirkland the “Pittsburgh of the West.”  (Read my prior post “So Big It Failed: How the Railroad Bubble Popped and with it Kirkland’s Steel Industry” for a further discussion of Peter Kirk’s failed steel industry dreams.)  Once the City was eventually incorporated in 1905, Kirkland’s population was about 532 -- today it is about 80,000.

And those 80,000 people are not lacking in ways to celebrate the City’s history: the City and its Mayor issued a Proclamation commemorating the month at the Feb. 7 City Council Meeting; educational signs made by the Kirkland Heritage Society are strategically placed at various business locations in downtown, Carillon Point, Juanita and Totem Lake; and many businesses are offering specials in honor of the festivity.  There is even an attractive display at City Hall, which includes Peter Kirk’s top hat and a variety of photos and history.

Take part in celebrating Kirkland’s history.  Because the past, in many respects, is more important that the future: knowing where we’ve been helps us find the best path for where we’re going.