Carmichael’s Hardware and Variety Store, a staple in Snoqualmie, has been recognized with the King County Executive’s John D. Spellman Heritage Award. This award celebrates outstanding efforts in preserving historic sites.
The award ceremony occurred at Si View Community Center in North Bend on December 7. Jennifer Meisner, King County’s Historic Preservation Officer, presented the award. Carmichael’s was acknowledged alongside other important projects, like Tollgate Farm.
Key local figures attended the event, including King County Council Member Sarah Perry, Landmarks Commission Chair Cristy Lake, Snoqualmie Mayor Katherine Ross, and North Bend Mayor-Elect Mary Miller.
Carmichael’s, initially known as the Reinig Brothers Store in 1902, is the longest-operating business in Snoqualmie. Wendy Thomas and Bryan Woolsey have owned it since 2002 after purchasing it from Dick and Betty Carmichael.
Reflecting on the recognition, Wendy Thomas expressed gratitude: “We appreciate our customers, who are affirming to us on a daily basis,” she said. “It is also wonderful to receive this formal recognition from King County.”
The John D. Spellman Awards, named after King County’s first executive and Washington state’s 18th governor, are given each year to honor significant contributions to historic preservation.
