Paha and Packard

As I drive east or west across Interstate 90, north or south on Interstate 5, or on other Washington State highways and roads, I am always entranced by the names of the towns I read on the road signs. I wonder where they originated and how they came to be. If I have been there I usually find a way to research, study and write about them. If I haven't, then I learn about them, hopefully, to visit later.

So when I get curious about places I haven't been, I pull out my copy of "Washington State Places Names" by James W. Phillips and read away. This is usually the beginning of my research on Washington places, then I research on the internet and in other books. My favorite thing to do, however is visit, talk to the locals and get local publications.

Tacoma Book Center

I got my copy of Phillips' book at the Tacoma Book Center on 26th in Tacoma, one block from the Tacoma Dome. They specialize in used, rare and out-of-print books. They're open every day from 10 to 6. If you haven't been, you're missing a great find.

When you get a chance to go there, allow lots of time; you will find a gold mine of books. It's not a place for the claustrophobic; there are lots of nooks and crannies. If you're like I am, each shelf beckons. Since the shelves are very tall you will even find me climbing a ladder for what I want to peruse. I have spent hours there. I then leave with an armload of books to add to my always-growing Washington State home library.

Since I live in eastern Washington now, it's not so easy to get to the bookstore, so I treasure each visit. I admit I haven't been there in a couple of years.

Paha and Packard

Anyway, I thought I'd share a bit of history from the place names book about two towns I see on signs somewhere near George, Washington, on I-90, Exit 215. Places I haven't visited yet.

What prompts me?

Well, this morning I was reading the Sunday paper and there was an old picture of Paha, Washington. That's what prompted me to write this article. I immediately saw the I-90 sign in my head: Paha, Packard.

Paha. Where does that come from?

Go To Page: 1 2 3