Athenaeum Club, Hickman family install new highway welcome sign

The “Welcome to Colfax” sign greets travelers arriving in Colfax on Highway 26.

The plaque at the base of the sign honors the late Evelyn Hickman's desire to welcome all who journey to and through Colfax.

Gazette intern reporter

The 'Welcome to Colfax' sign that stands on the side of Highway 26 has finally been completed.

The sign was planned and designed by the Hickman family and the Atheneum Club, honoring the late Evelyn M. Hickman, 1912-2007. It was completed last month.

Hickman was born in Spokane to Mathilda Reiman and Arthur Krause. She moved to Colfax after marrying Lawrence Hickman and quickly began making friends and making Colfax her home.

“She was very active in community life,” said Elaine Hickman, daughter of Evelyn and Lawrence. “She adopted it as her town and put effort to make it a beautiful place.”

Hickman was involved in the community as an active member of the Hospital Auxiliary, one of the founders of the Whitman County Historical Society, Atheneum Club, Rockwood Manor Board of Trustees (in Spokane), University Woman's group and the United Methodist Church, according to her children Elaine, Ellen and Larry.

The sign was inspired not only by Hickman's dream of welcoming all visitors to Colfax, but was also inspired by the “Welcome to Colfax” columns built in the 1930s. The three columns stood at the entrances to Colfax from Pullman, Spokane and Walla Walla highways.

“The sign was intended to play off the appearance of the columns, which are iconic to this town,” said Larry Hickman, Evelyn's son.

Atheneum worked with Gary and Kay Stilson of Colfax Monument to complete the project.

“Our hope is that Colfax enjoys it, and the visitors. Maybe some will eventually stay,” said Larry Hickman.