Gov. Gregoire address the Govenor's Mansion Centennial Garden Party

August 1, 2008

AS WRITTEN

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good evening!

I have quickly penned a few notes to read since I�m quite unaccustomed to public speaking.

I am so very delighted that you were able to attend this marvelous party on such an auspicious occasion.

I daresay I shall treasure this day forever.

This mansion is my home and my haven, but we mustn�t ever forget � this is the people�s home -- now and always.

Am I to understand from many of you that the table fare was to everyone�s liking?

Oh, I�m so pleased!

And of course the discourse this evening has been simply splendid.

It was extremely agreeable and informative � even to the ladies present.

Much to our liking was the lively discussion among the Gentlemen pertaining to the respective qualities of Mr. William Howard Taft and Mr. William Jennings Bryant, each of whom very much wishes to occupy the White House.

My Goodness! It is marvelous to hear you converse so knowledgeably about these matters.

And we also enjoyed a most agreeable discussion of the Suffrage, about which we are hearing so much lately.

Fascinating! I do believe that we must welcome that which is new and modern.

I wish to offer my greatest thanks to the Mansion Foundation for your enormous generosity and travail now and through the years to protect and maintain our splendid heritage.

I most especially wish to inform Mrs. Daniel J. Evans that her prodigious dedication has left us with a legacy we shall possess forever.

I�m most eager to partake of the mansion festivities, which the Foundation has so graciously arranged for the coming months to honor the Mansion Centennial.

There will, of course, be the gala Centennial Ball, and this august occasion is simply not to be missed!

The music, the dancing, and the finest company most certainly will be without compare.

There will be a Centennial Luncheon honoring all the First Ladies. Alas, I shall miss this occasion due to a previous engagement.

I�m of course heartsick, but dear Mr. Gregoire � our very first First Gentleman -- shall be here to entertain the Ladies in my absence.

There will be other festivities as well.

And at the risk of seeming, perhaps, too forward, I must advise you dear, dear friends that in order to partake of any of them, you must first become a member of the Foundation.

I�m quite certain that you wish to support the Foundation. And I�m quite certain you shall do so.

For the Washington State Governor�s Mansion embodies nothing less than the history of our state.

�From that wonderful day in 1908 when the cornerstone of this lovely building was laid in the presence of Governor Albert E. Mead and hundreds of other proud Washingtonians�

�To the Georgian-style architecture�the breathtaking gardens and grounds�and the magnificent original furnishings from Frederick & Nelson in our own Seattle�

�To the splendid labors to save this beloved structure from the barbarity of the wrecking ball in the 1960s.

Truly, the Washington State Governor�s Mansion is more than a mere building and grounds.

It is our glorious history. It is our marvelous legacy. And it is our solemn duty to protect it always.

Thank You