VALLEY CITIES 2019 - MAPLE VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
This cache is part of the Valley Cities GeoTour 2019. If you are participating in the GeoTour, be sure to record each cache's code word or punch in your series passport to verify your visit. There are 40 caches placed throughout the four cities to take you to a variety of interesting or beautiful locations, and provide you with fun and informative geocaching experiences.
The goals of the Maple Valley Historical Society are to teach people about the history of the Greater Maple Valley area, provide a means for people to do research on their heritage, and to showcase the history of the area through maintaining three museums with displays of the past.
The Original Maple Valley School Museum houses the main photo collection of the Society as well as the primary offices of the Society. There are also displays set up in this museum that depict the early lives of the residents of the Greater Maple Valley area, as well as a room almost solely dedicated to the history of the Tahoma School District. The Historical Society has been notified by the Tahoma School District that we must vacate this building by the end of 2018.
The Gibbon-Mezzavilla General Store is the restored original store of the Greater Maple Valley area that was frequented by early residents.
The Fire Engine Museum houses the restored 1926 Howard Cooper Fire Engine which was the original Fire Engine used by Fire District 43 Volunteers. In addition to the Howard Cooper, there are displays depicting the early years of the Fire District.
The Gibbon-Mezzavilla General Store and the Fire Engine Museum are open the first Saturday of each month from 10:00am to 2:00pm or by appointment. The original Maple Valley School Museum is no longer open to the public. For more information, please visit the Maple Valley Historical Society's website.
THE CACHE
The cache is located ON THE GROUNDS of the historical society museum. There is no need to go into any building or bother any of the flora or fauna. The cache is located behind the general store near the top of the stairs that goes down the Green to Cedar Rivers Trail. Additional hints provided below. The folks at the Historical Society ask that cachers PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS CACHE AT NIGHT. The museum has had some issues with theft and damage in the past and therefore would appreciate no cacher visitations at night. Please return in the proper orientation. Please note that the code word is in two places.
This cache was placed by a WSGA member. If you are a geocacher in the state of Washington, please consider joining Washington State Geocaching Association. Follow this link to visit our website to learn more about becoming a WSGA member.
2019 is the first year of a formal GeoTour for the expanded geocaching adventure in the cities of Auburn, Kent, Renton & Maple Valley, Washington. Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation, auburntourism.com, visitkent, the Port of Seattle and the WSGA are stakeholders in this GeoTour. There are 10 caches placed in each city. The geocaches highlight some scenic outdoor area, park, trail, or general area of interest in these cities. We hope you enjoy visiting the area, learning about its natural beauty and interesting outdoor areas. You can visit the website for information about lodging discounts, restaurant, brewery and other discounts that are available while you are visiting our area, Valley Cities GeoTour.