WHEREAS, Wilkeson was first incorporated by the Legislative Assembly of Washington on July 24, 1909; and
     WHEREAS, In 1869, Samuel Wilkeson declared the forests of the Cascade Mountains the "most enchanting forest on the globe"; and
     WHEREAS, The name of Wilkeson was selected in honor of the railroad pioneer Samuel Wilkeson; and
     WHEREAS, Wilkeson was established in 1877 with the opening of the Northern Pacific Railroad Depot and Wilkeson Post Office; and
     WHEREAS, In 1877, the Wilkeson depot provided for transportation of the prominent coal and sandstone industries of the region; and
     WHEREAS, Coal provided from the city of Wilkeson was instrumental in fueling the region's businesses, families, and shipping industry; and
     WHEREAS, The sandstone used to construct the Washington State Capitol came from the sandstone quarry of Wilkeson; and
     WHEREAS, The city of Wilkeson maintains a rich historical district with five properties on the State's historical register; and
     WHEREAS, Four hundred forty citizens proudly call Wilkeson their home; and
     WHEREAS, Wilkeson's centennial birthday will be commemorated by a sandstone monument sculpted by Paul Keeslar; and
     WHEREAS, Citizens, elected officials, and community leaders celebrate Wilkeson's historic centennial with a 100th birthday celebration on July 18, 2009;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate congratulate the city of Wilkeson and residing citizens for celebrating Wilkeson's centennial; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Wilkeson Mayor Janet Kepka, to the Wilkeson Centennial Committee Chair Donna Hogerhuis, and to the monument's sculptor, Paul Keeslar.