Where Modern Art and history meet, the intersection is golden. The depth of value at an historical site climbs as multiple facets merge. In the case of Dickman Mill Park, the effect is tripled. This Park features the trifold attraction of a former wood processing site, an Art installation, and related media honoring the Puyallup People.
Dickman Mill Park rests along Puget Sound in Point Ruston, Washington. We favor this area with the walking paths, Point Defiance Park, and local eateries. It is possible to move from the end of Point Defiance to the Tacoma Chinese Reconciliation Memorial all on foot while discovering historical markers along the way.
We passed one such marker on two recent trips. On the first, my husband remarked how neat it is when efforts combine to bring history to life through Art. True words. We walked the length of the exhibit, read the accompanying details, and observed the metal creation, noticing varied images depending on the vantage point. On the second pass, we enjoyed the installation again and gained even more appreciation after listening to the accompanying media. With two simple clicks, visitors can hear a tribute to the Puyallup People and learn of their history in relation to the area. Song, language, legend.
This unexpected trifecta exists as a treasure hunt from what we experienced with visitors encountering the exhibit. Yet another example of getting out what you put in. Imagine multiple scenarios:
A passerby observes the landmark from a distance and keeps walking...
In researching this post, I discovered there is a fourth enhanced option of online discovery after the fact. I’m grinning now because I did not realize there is also text within Mary Coss’ steel Ghost Log. Now I am itching to go back to see it in person. Third time is a charm, right? Getting ahead of the story. Let's go back a few years. Or maybe more than a few.
Did you know, Tacoma was known as the “Lumber Capital of the World.” How did they acquire this moniker? A plethora of timber along with proximity to the railroad and the ocean provided an ideal location for waterfront sawmills. Dickman Lumber Mill Company operated on this site from the 1890s to the 1970s and was in fact the last remaining mill in 1977. All that remains at present are a refurbished head saw, crumbling concrete foundations, and the 8’ by 44’ steel Ghost Log created by local artist, Mary Coss.
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Another takes a few moments to enter the location and view the site as is. Walks through the stages of the presentation and exits to complete the stroll.
The final visitor peers from afar, explores while reading the placards, and pauses to avail themselves of the additional media. Channeling a three bears experience here as Goldilocks listens to the SoundCloud and declares it, "Just right."
Did you know, Tacoma was known as the “Lumber Capital of the World.” How did they acquire this moniker? A plethora of timber along with proximity to the railroad and the ocean provided an ideal location for waterfront sawmills. Dickman Lumber Mill Company operated on this site from the 1890s to the 1970s and was in fact the last remaining mill in 1977. All that remains at present are a refurbished head saw, crumbling concrete foundations, and the 8’ by 44’ steel Ghost Log created by local artist, Mary Coss.
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At the height of use, the head saw could cut nearly 150,000 feet per day. Wait until you watch the video offering a snapshot of volume in its heyday. The size of the trees! Cutting by hand – two men at the saw. The worker climbing the tree with haste and only a rope. Imagine the bravery required for many facets of this mill.
Long before the mill existed, the Coast Salish people lived on this land. The Ghost Log serves to honor the Puyallup Tribe. As I mentioned earlier, text exists upon this structure. The artist added traditional twining and Lushootseed words with the help of the Puyallup Tribe. How neat is that? I encourage you to listen to this short recording, titled Ghost Timbre. This rich collage of voices, songs, and sounds celebrates the history of a people and this site.
What do you see in the sculpture above? We believe Art allows us to see and ponder anew each time we observe a piece. Depending on where you stand when you look at the Ghost Log, you can imagine
What do you see in the sculpture above? We believe Art allows us to see and ponder anew each time we observe a piece. Depending on where you stand when you look at the Ghost Log, you can imagine
I imagine desired aspects of traveling could be equated to books if one is a mood reader for example. At times we hope for a light escape. At others we seek a humorous tale. Sometimes, we long for an in-depth story to transport us in time, space, or perhaps both. When the next opportunity arises for viewing a site brimming with history, I wonder which you will choose.
As a child, Rebecca loved to write. She nurtured this skill as an educator and later as an editor for an online magazine. Rebecca then joined the Cru Ministry - NBS2GO/Neighbor Bible Studies, at its inception. She serves as the YouVersion Content Creator, with over 145 Plans, in 46 languages on the Bible.com app.
Rebecca and her husband share a townhouse with their rescued dog named Ranger, who is not spoiled inthe least. They are enjoying a new season nestled in a quaint southeastern US city. She is a proud mom of an American soldier and an Aerospace grad student. If it were up to Rebecca, she would be traveling - right now. First up, trips to see their two grown sons. As a member of ACFW and FHLCW, she tackles the craft of fiction while learning from a host of generous writers.
Connect with Rebecca: Facebook Goodreads Instagram Pinterest X/Twitter
Rebecca and her husband share a townhouse with their rescued dog named Ranger, who is not spoiled inthe least. They are enjoying a new season nestled in a quaint southeastern US city. She is a proud mom of an American soldier and an Aerospace grad student. If it were up to Rebecca, she would be traveling - right now. First up, trips to see their two grown sons. As a member of ACFW and FHLCW, she tackles the craft of fiction while learning from a host of generous writers.
Connect with Rebecca: Facebook Goodreads Instagram Pinterest X/Twitter
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