Des Moines Memorial Drive Preservation Society: Keeping History Alive

Des Moines Memorial Drive Preservation Society and their Ongoing Mission

Since moving to the Seattle area in 1973, I have traveled up and down Des Moines Memorial Drive (DMMD) hundreds of times, not realizing what an amazing historic road it was! Originally called the "High Line Road," it was a major thoroughfare and, at one time, considered more important than Pacific Highway (a few miles to the east). This road is 8 miles in length, threading its way through SeaTac, Burien, and Des Moines.

Recently, I had the opportunity to hear many details about this important road from local historians Rose Clark, Diane Kennish, and Theodore (Ted) Teppo. The Society members who are preserving the memory of this road (also known as WWI Living Road of Remembrance) are continually working to improve this memorial.

The Society's mission statement is:  "To honor those who died in World War I by advocating for the preservation and maintenance of DMMD as a unique, living historical monument through educational, cultural, civic, and fund-raising endeavors."

Visiting Sunnydale School's Des Moines Memorial Drive Preservation Society's Museum provides a glimpse into the area's history. I encourage the citizens who travel on Des Moines Memorial Drive to visit this unique museum. I now have a greater appreciation (and almost an awe) of this road I've used for so long without really appreciating the heroes it was dedicated to, or the many things local citizens have done to preserve it.

Do You Know..."

1. What war is this road commemorating?
2. What type of trees (and how many) were planted in honor of the fallen military heroes?
3. What country sent delegates to participate in the dedication ceremony?
4. How many names are on the "memorial wall"?

I did not know the answers to these questions before I visited the museum at Sunnydale School on Memorial Day in May.

One thing I had not realized was that the Memorial Drive honored the fallen heroes of World War I (known as "The Great War.") That war was declared to be the "War that ends all wars."

Early History

There is much to be learned about Des Moines Memorial Drive.

Pioneer Mike Kelly first built the road from Southpark to the Sunnydale area (in the 1870's). The Kellys lived in a log cabin there, which eventually became Sunnydale School (still actively used today). Kelly's road was later paved with red bricks, known as Highway 14. Eventually, the red bricks were paved over; some are still under the pavement of the present Des Moines Memorial Drive (rumor has it that a few people in Burien got some of these and used them on the flooring of their home patios).

At Sunnydale School, there is a large "wallslate of names" listing local patriots who gave their lives in the battles of World  War I. (This 84-foot-long wall was beautifully made from rose-colored South Dakota granite and has bronze plaques.) One can see the engraved names of 1,428 Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines from Washington State; this is a diversified group of soldiers from all cultures: Hispanics, Europeans, Asians, African Americans, and Native Americans who were involved in fighting this war.  

Over one hundred years ago, in 1921, along Des Moines Memorial Drive, 1,400 elm trees were planted in double rows to memorialize the World War I fallen heroes. (Family, friends, and comrades purchased these trees.)Today, only about half a dozen of these original trees remain; many have been destroyed by insects and diseases over the years. These elm trees were selected to coordinate with elms planted on a boulevard in France (France was growing  "French elms," and the trees used here in Washington were "American elms.")

The counsels from four countries attended the Memorial Drive elm dedication ceremony: Italy, Belgium, England, and France. Two French Generals also came to Washington State to participate. In 1922, during a second planting ceremony, French General Frederich Fromme and regional leaders from our area held a second ceremony.

The Utility Wraps Project

The dedicated members of the Des Moines Memorial Drive Preservation Society have worked on improvements and projects to enhance and improve the road's significance. In 2023, they unveiled their latest project, "The Utility Wraps Project." From 116th St. South to the end of the drive at 216th, the utility boxes have been decorated with pictures and mottos, including the famous Red Poppy, "Spirit of 1917," Marine and Navy posters/pictures, etc.  

The Preservation Society wanted to beautify major intersections with World War I-themed art; they received grants from Burien, SeaTac, Des Moines, and the Port of Seattle. They consulted with the art commissioners from these cities; there were also many volunteers from the Highline area. A call was sent out to artists nationwide to submit ideas for the "Utility Box Wrap Project." Artists from other states as well as local artists submitted entries; they gave no biographical information. The committee made their choice. Amazingly, the chosen artist was Daniel Wend from Des Moines! "We could not have had a better artist to work with," organizers declared.

Wend had marvelous ideas; he also praised the Library of Congress/The National Archives for helping supply images used on some of the boxes:  "The photos in this collection include portraits of the battle-weary and shell-shocked who fought overseas, Choctaw Code Talkers who were the first Native Americans to contribute their language as secret codes to further the war effort, the famous fighting 369th Regiment of African American citizens from New York City, soldier Warren Gilbert, and a US Army officer of Japanese descent. " The wrap boxes along Des Moines Memorial Drive are fascinating and truly give one a "taste" of early-mid 1900s history and the war.

So we see that driving on Des Moines Memorial Drive is truly "taking a trip down Memory Lane" for many who have lived here scores of years. The Society hopes the citizens of our community, and especially young people, will have a renewed interest in history!

The Des Moines Memorial Drive Preservation Society

Make a visit to the Society's Museum at Sunnydale School....this can be a delightful,  informational opportunity.
Address: 15623 Des Moines Memorial Drive
Burien, Washington

Contact Information:

To learn more or donate, you may contact the Society here:

Des Moines Memorial Drive Preservation Association
P.O.Box 66482  
Burien Washington 98166

info@LivingRoadOfRemembrance.com

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(images of the Utility Wrap Project by the Des Moines Memorial Drive Society, courtesy of Ruth Storkel.)

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