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closeMain Street organizations help preserve traditions
Shelly Schlumpf / community correspondent
I wish I had a nickel for every time someone asked me what the difference is between a Main Street organization and a Chamber of Commerce.
It’s gotten to be one of my favorite questions to answer. I usually say something like “Main Streets have a more holistic approach to preserving a historic downtown core and as part of their revitalization efforts, they work toward preservation of not only historic buildings, but cultural traditions as well.”
I was reminded of the importance of preserving a cultural heritage this past weekend when I attended Fred Oldfield’s 90th birthday party bash at the Puyallup Fairgrounds.
From the minute I opened the invitation to when I first walked through the Expo Hall doors, I knew the event was going to celebrate Fred Oldfield’s love of all things western.
Because my mom is a local artist, I first met Fred Oldfield and his daughter, Joella, more than 20 years ago at the Eatonville Arts Festival.
It was very heartwarming to see more than 500 of his friends and family in attendance. The guest list included well known personalities such as Ichabod Kane, Brakeman Bill, Stuart Anderson and local politicians who wanted to celebrate not only his life of 90 years, but acknowledge his contribution to preserving western and American Indian cultural heritage.
Guest speakers emphasized how important his work is with children and the arts. He reminds both the young and old what the world was like in simpler times and the hardships our countrymen endured in protecting this nation of ours.
But what really stood out for me was recognizing how many of our Sumner community members were also there to be part of Fred Oldfield’s celebration of the western culture.
The longer I am involved in the Sumner Downtown Association, the more I recognize the same people at different events who give of their time and resources to ensure that history, culture and traditions are preserved for generations to come.
I was a little curious about Fire Sprinklers, Inc. being one of the main sponsors of the event. Owners Brett and Carla Morrison are from Sumner and they own a building in the downtown core which they are restoring. Brett is a member of our planning commission and is currently working with me on addressing fire ordinances and preservation of Main Street buildings. Imagine my surprise when someone told me he is Fred Oldfield’s grandson.
It all comes back to preserving heritage. As an artist, Fred Oldfield uses his paintings to ensure that we don’t forget our cultural roots. When you work as a Main Street organization, a community of volunteers come together to ensure that downtown history is not destroyed or forgotten.
So to Fred Oldfield, happy 90th and thanks for reminding us of a simpler time. And to the hundreds of Main Street volunteers who make downtown preservation and revitalization efforts a success, thanks for your unending time and resources. You help to make downtown remain a place to come home to.