Flora Belle Key of West Seattle celebrated her 80th birthday Friday night, Oct. 6, at the Duwamish Longhouse, also in West Seattle. Pictured top left are Flora Belle with her dance partner, Cal Bannon a West Seattle High School Class of '39 graduate. Below them are April and her mother, Margo McFarland. Bottom left is WS Herald columnist Georgie Bright Kunkel, who just turned 92. Pictured right with Flora Belle is her daughter, Joan Frydenlund.
It all started last June 30 at the Duwamish Tribe's "Annual Gala Dinner & Art Auction". That's when the array of auction items were offered following dinner which included a one-night free rental of the Longhouse reception room where the public can book parties, weddings, and other gatherings. West Seattle's Flora Belle Key raised her paddle with the highest bid.
She booked the room for her 80th birthday party held last night, Oct. 5. She danced with partner, Cal Bannon. Also attending were her twin children, Joan and Jim Frydenlund, West Seattle Herald columnist Georgie Bright Kunkel and her date, Emil Martin, and members of the Southwest Seattle Historical Society including Judy Bentley and Clay Eals. Key is a board member. Live music played as guests cut a rug on the intricate, mosaic cedar floor designed by Mary Lou Slaughter, Duwamish Basket Weaver and direct descendant of Chief Seattle.
Flora Belle Key would like to remind people that the Southwest Seattle Historical Society Gala Champagne Luncheon, themed "Stand Tall for History" will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. this Saturday, Oct. 13, in the banquet room at Salty’s on Alki, 1936 Harbor Ave. S.W. Tickets for the Gala are $75 apiece ($25 for children age 4 to 12) and are available at the historical society’s Log House Museum, 3003 61st Ave. S.W., open noon to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, or by calling 206-938-5293.
