125 Years of Service

The Washington Secretary of State’s Office has officially honored the Fall City Cemetery Association with a quasquicentennial recognition, celebrating an impressive 125 years of service. This rare distinction is given to organizations that have been actively contributing to the state for over a century.

The Fall City Cemetery Association was formally incorporated on April 10, 1899, when its members met with then-Secretary of State Ithamar Howell. In a letter recognizing the association's quasquicentennial status, current Secretary of State Steve Hobbs remarked on the historical significance of this milestone.

"While your organization may have existed before then, it was in 1899 that they sought the protections that come with incorporation," Hobbs wrote. He also noted the challenges of incorporating during that time, when rough roads outside Olympia made such efforts quite an adventure.

In 1899, nearly 1,900 organizations incorporated with the state, but only 11 remain today, including the Fall City Cemetery Association. The association’s ongoing efforts reflect its enduring commitment to the community. Last year, volunteers began restoring the headstones of 20 Civil War veterans buried at the cemetery. This year, they completed the restoration of all World War I veterans' headstones.

Cindy Parks, a member of the Fall City Historical Society, expressed surprise and pride at receiving the award. “It came out of the blue,” Parks said. “It’s remarkable that the cemetery has been run entirely by volunteers for 125 years.”

The origins of the cemetery trace back to the late 19th century. In the 1870s, settlers in the area often buried their loved ones on their own properties or on a knoll overlooking the town. By 1898, the need for a formal cemetery became apparent, leading to the creation of the association. In 1902, land was officially purchased for the cemetery, and over the years, additional parcels were added. In 1999, a northern section of the cemetery, where many Native Americans had been laid to rest, was deeded to the Snoqualmie Tribe.

Today, Fall City Cemetery serves as the final resting place for many of the town's early settlers and veterans, with graves dating back to the Civil War. The volunteer association continues to work diligently, with plans to begin restoring the headstones of World War II veterans next spring, aiming for completion in time for the annual Memorial Day ceremony, hosted by the local American Legion and Boy Scouts.

Restoring the cemetery's headstones is a labor-intensive and costly process. Each headstone requires the use of D2 Biological Solution, which costs about $55 per gallon. Despite the challenges, the association remains dedicated to preserving the cemetery’s history and honoring the memories of those who rest there.