On Memorial Day 2023, we unveiled our latest project, a set of utility box wraps along Des Moines Memorial Drive from 116th St. south to the end of the Drive at 216th St. Some feature the traditional symbol of the red poppy. And a dozen of the most striking pieces are unique designs drawn from magazines and newspapers of the era, by noted local artist Daniel Wend.
Sidewalk Dedication Project
Edith Cavell (Dec. 4, 1865 – Oct. 12, 1915) was a British nurse who was teaching at three hospitals in Belgium and some public schools. She cared for both Allied and German soldiers. As the German invasion was underway, she helped Allied soldiers escape. The Germans arrested and successfully tried Edith for treason. “I can’t stop while there are lives to be saved” she reportedly said. After the war she was reburied in Norwich, England. She is celebrated throughout the British Empire on Oct. 12.
Des Moines Memorial Drive Preservation Association board members Rose Clark, Kitty Milne and Diane Kennish in 2017Sidewalk art, bricks, “gold” star and arch of elm leaves, north of S. 128thFrom left to right, King County Council staffers; Kitty Milne, Rose Clark, Kay Reinarz (historian), King County Council Member Dow Constantine and in back Normandy Park council member George Hadley.
Beginning
Legal documents issued in 1922 granting the Seattle Garden Club from the King County Council.
Dignitaries From Around The World
In 1922 French General Frederich Fromme arrived for the second formal elm tree planting near the current intersection of S 120th and DMMD. Regional leaders gathered for a second time to honor WA State fallen with a ceremonial elm planting.
Marshall Ferdinand Foch, Commander in Chief of all Allied armies in France; Mrs. Alexander McEwen, Seattle Garden Club; and Brigadier General Alexander, Camp Lewis – planting a tree along Des Moines Memorial Drive – photo courtesy City of Burien
