Posted by: Susan Monahan in Misc Stories, History on
Oct 24, 2011
No one who knew Isabella Kirkman would ever think of her as having potential to "haunt." Isabella and William Kirkman were, as most locals know, the hardworking wealthy citizens who built the Kirkman House on the corner of Colville and Cherry. Their elegant home was finished by 1880 and the Kirkmans lived there until the 1920s when Isabella gave it to Whitman College. It was a dorm for a few years and then an apartment for many more, and was pretty much a disaster when rescued in the 1970s--just before it was about to be demolished--by a group of history-conscious citizens.
The restored home is a now a charming museum furnished with Kirkman belongings and those of their era. William died in 1893 and was so admired that mourners filled the front yard and spilled into the streets. Isabella lived until 1931, a supportive wife, a loving mother and grandmother. The Kirkmans did have their share of family heartaches. Isabella gave birth to 10 children but only four of them lived to grow up. Photos of Isabella show a round-faced rosy looking woman who was content with her lot in life. Like I said, not a scary lady. And yet, there are frequently "occurrences" at Kirkman House--noises, voices, footsteps--and some hold Isabella responsible.
I asked around, questioning Kirkman House Museum staff and board members. I was intrigued by the idea of Kirkman "ghosts." Yes, some folks had heard "things" in the house, but the "voices" one person heard turned out to be just the whine of the paper shredder. Another noted the sensor going off at the front door when no one was around, but it was just the wind leaking in and setting off the motion detector. Those are the spooky happenings that can be explained, but there are occurrences that have no easy explanation.
Posted by: Jim Willis in Art on
Oct 07, 2011
If you appreciate sculptures, Walla Walla is an ideal destination. Between Downtown Walla Walla, Whitman College, Walla Walla University, Walla Walla Community College and Walla Walla public parks there are over 50 commissioned sculptures in public view. The area also boasts two fine art foundries: Walla Walla Foundry in Walla Walla and the Old School Bronze Fine Art Foundry just south of Walla Walla in Umapine, Oregon. In addition to sculptures and foundries there are the artistic decorations of the historic buildings, classic Victorian homes, picturesque churches and historic schools.
There is a tremendous variety in the public sculptures. Some are of the historic icon variety. Then there are the abstract pieces. However, my favorites are the whimsical. You will have to take them as they come because they are not segregated - examples of the whimsical, historic and abstract may be within sight of one another. If you are into taking a serious sculpture tour, including a fine art foundry or two, plan on spending more than part of a day.
To check out the public sculpture scene:
