Friends of the Grandview, WA Museum

06/23/2026

06/04/2026

Why is this simple device so important?
What does it say about Grandview Pioneers?
Where can I see it?

Modified "Spoke Dog" & Fence StretcherAmerican Homestead Artifact | c. 1860–1900Hardwood (Hickory) & Wrought IronThis artifact is a prime example of American frontier ingenuity and "make-do" tool recycling.It began its life as a Wheelwright's Spoke Dog. The 5-inch-deep, 3/4-inch hole in the end was slipped over the tip of a wooden wagon wheel spoke. The 16-inch handle allowed a craftsman to lever adjacent spokes together to force the outer wooden rim into place.
When wooden wagons became obsolete, a farmer modified the dense hickory lever into a Single-Line Fence Stretcher. By adding a crude wood notch and a threaded iron wingnut clamp, the user could lock onto a strand of barbed wire and lever it taut against a fence post.

This will be at the Grandview Museum's booth at the Yakima Valley Fair and Rodeo. Stop by and visit a spell!

05/29/2026

The museum has discharge certificate from the Spanish American War for Mills Seymour, (might be Neil or Nills). It is hard to decipher. We have been unable to find a link to Grandview. We would appreciate any leads.

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05/28/2026

Grandview was established 55 years after the Civil War, yet we have veterans of both sides of the Civil War in the Grandview Cemetery. Read more about how Civil War veterans found their way to Grandview and the surrounding area.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z3SA0SnR5BE8oGh80YAhTl62_gOjrHX4/view

05/26/2026

We had a bit of vandalism at the museum. Someone wanted to see what was behind the latch, tried and broke the latch. It will take an hour's work to repair the damage. Should we hide the tractors? I think not. The public deserves to enjoy our agricultural history.

05/26/2026

This morning this stored away in a box and labeled "Skillet". This afternoon with the aid of image.google and ChatGPT it is a "Classic “Never Break” cowboy skillet featuring lightweight rolled steel construction and a traditional long handle design. These camp skillets were favored by ranch cooks and chuckwagon kitchens because they heated quickly and were far lighter than cast iron. Appears to have been made in the early 1900's.

05/24/2026

05/18/2026

Is your Dad a big Grandview fan? The museum has the perfect gift for a Dad with a love for things Grandview. These buckles celebrated Grandview in 1980. Buckles are solid metal of sturdy construction. You can get one for that special Dad at the Grandview Museum. Open Th, Fri, Sat from 2 - 4 pm.

05/18/2026

Congratulations to Darrell Neil of DW Motor Machines of Grandview on his Ford Dexta tractor winning the People's Choice Award. Thank you to all the exhibitors who made this a wonderful Tractor Show. See you all next year!

05/17/2026

The machines that revolutionized farming. Bring the family by and experience more of our history. A great way to learn more about a great place to live. Visit the Tractor Show at the Grandview Museum TODAY! While your here, vote for your fav Tractor!