Annual ice cream social set June 26 at Perkins House

Gazette intern reporter

The event was started in 1972 by Norma McGregor, as well as others who were interested in saving the cabin and house built by James A. Perkins. The cabin, built in 1870 and the house, built in 1886, have been around to celebrate the Whitman County Historical Society's Perkins House and Ice Cream Social, which is always on the last Sunday of June.

This year’s will be on June 26 from 1-4 p.m. on the grounds of the Perkins House on Perkins Ave.

This year is the 130th anniversary of the house. The event will feature ice cream from Ferdinand's Creamery at Washington State University, along with various pies.

Theresa Dale, head of the event this year, said they are accepting donations for pies.

Refreshments including water and lemonade will be available, too.

Events at the ice cream social will include a dedication of a "Wolfe River" apple tree, one of Mr. Perkins’ favorite trees that he grew in his orchard surrounding the house. At least three or four more trees will be planted in the future to establish a small heritage orchard.

"Auf Gehts,” a German type of Oompa band, will play traditional waltzes and polkas at the social. Also, the Colfax Arts Council will announce the winners of this year’s street banner art contest. Ten banners have been on display along Main Street in downtown Colfax.

Besides those events, there will be tours of the Perkins House.

The Historical Society plans to host a training session this Saturday, June 18, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

While there will be tours of the house, there are repairs needed to the current house, cabin and yard. The north side of house is sinking, and requires immediate action, as well as repairs to the roof, balconies and scroll work on the outside above each balcony. There are planned repairs of sidewalks and the stone wall.

“For those interested, an individual or group can help and volunteer as much or as little time as they have time for,” said Dale. “You could "adopt" a flower bed to take care of, and students can earn credit for community service hours or school projects.”

Updates on the agenda for the Historical Society include a holiday open house, caroling, decorating of the interior and exterior of the house for the holidays. Changes and updates to the "photo room" in the old nursery have been made including information on many of the small/pioneer communities in Whitman County.

Plans are for the house to be open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Special arrangements for other times can be made by calling the house.

“Only with help from the community can we hope to stay open for the public,” said Dale, “Educating them about our history and what a wonderful place the Palouse is to live, work and play!”