On December 23, 1950 children packed Ed Zabel’s Capitol Theater in Olympia. They had gathered for the theater’s annual Christmas matinee. The young audience could enjoy the films “March of the Wooden Soldiers” (a re-release of the beloved 1934 Laurel and Hardy holiday film “Babes in Toyland”) and “Father of the Bride” along with six cartoons. The children could also meet Santa Claus and receive a free candy cane.
“Though your name be unknown and not on the map,” wrote student Marie Rowe in her class poem for the 1914 graduates of Olympia High School, “We have faith in the common sense under your cap./May our acts be so noble, so upright and true/That they will always reflect honor on the dear old white and blue.” Marie herself, ironically, would soon become famous under a pen name.
By Drew Crooks Music has always been part of Olympia’s life. Many talented people have participated in the city’s musical activities. One such individual