Hunt is first customer for new capitol gift center

OLYMPIA – It seemed only right that the prime legislative-backer for opening a gift center in the state capitol would be the first customer when the shop opened for business yesterday, Jan. 9.

State Rep. Sam Hunt was the lead sponsor last year for legislation (House Bill 1896) setting up the gift center in the Legislative Building on the Capitol Campus. The center is located on the first floor of the capitol, just inside the southeast door across the street from the John A. Cherberg Building.

Hunt, D-Olympia, noted that Oregon, Nevada, Texas and several other states have had legislative or capitol gift shops for years

“These shops are great promotional tools for the states,” he pointed out.

“In addition to the general souvenirs and remembrances that visitors will take back to other states and nations, our gift center will showcase Washington artists and many products made by other Evergreen State citizens.”

Proceeds from the gift center will go to help strengthen state-history activities, including the Legislative Oral History Program and the Capitol Furnishings Preservation program.

The gift center’s grand-opening ceremonies will be Monday, Jan. 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. The regular hours during this year’s 60-day legislative session are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturdays.

On his shopping trip to Washington’s gift center, Hunt bought a book called “Fairview to Salmon Creek: A Community Spirit.”

The book was written by former state legislator Al Bauer, who represented the Clark County region for 30 years. Bauer’s autobiography talks about his journey from a Montana homestead to the Washington State House of Representatives and Senate.