(muffled, overlapping voices)
♪♪
This is one of
the hidden gems of our state of Washington,
a location where a wide variety of organizations and groups
of all kinds of ethnic and racial backgrounds
have enjoyed one location together,
a spot where they can come to see their favorite performer,
or perhaps could come and listen to a lecture,
or just enjoy a Sunday afternoon of dance
and family gatherings and fellowship.
This is a beautiful location, located in
one of the small valleys in the central area of Seattle.
It's been here since 1908, and it truly is one of the gems
of the state of Washington.
♪♪
Washington Hall became one of those locations
in our state where any ethnic group
or any racial background, no matter who you were,
you could come and rent the location.
♪♪
Can you imagine if you were here
the night that Jimi Hendrix made one of his first performances?
Count Basie performed here.
Billie Holiday was here.
Marian Anderson.
You go down the list.
♪♪
The Danish Brotherhood built this hall
for the enjoyment of all.
They used it as a lodge
and a gathering place for dances and family activities.
But so many other groups have as well.
The Jewish community, the Scandinavian community,
the Eastern European community, the Ethiopian
and African community.
Was owned for a while
by the Sons of Haiti, then passed on to Historic Seattle,
and they've done a magnificent job to restore this location.
It's a tribute to everyone who ever lived in the area
or came here to watch a performance.
All of us must express our appreciation
for the restoration of Washington Hall.
This truly is one of my favorite places.
♪♪