EVERETT – The City of Everett invites the community to celebrate the dedication of new interpretive signage honoring the legacy of Everett’s early trailblazing women, created by Deb Fox, a local artist and former Everett Cultural Arts Commissioner. The dedication ceremony will take place on Wednesday, December 10, at 12 p.m., on the south side of the Everett Municipal Building along Wall Street.
Fox created and provided the content for two new interpretive signs that highlight the stories of women who helped shape Everett’s future, including Dorothy Chin, who established and grew beloved restaurants such as Chin’s Café and Tai Ping Terrace. For more than 30 years, the restaurants owned by Dorothy and her family served Everett, breaking barriers and leaving a lasting impact on the city’s cultural and civic life.
“I am deeply inspired by the courage and determination of Everett’s trailblazing women and I’m proud to see their stories highlighted in such an impactful way,” said Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin. “These signs are more than just art; they are reminders of the strength and resilience that continue to empower Everett today.”
This project was made possible through the Everett Forward grant program, which supports community-driven initiatives that help strengthen Everett’s identity. The work also benefited from collaboration with the Northwest Room at the Everett Public Library, providing staff support and access to robust historical resources that ensure the accuracy of the stories represented.
“Women brought civility, order and ingenuity to communities, and Everett’s women have special stories to tell,” says graphic novelist Fox. “I hope that visitors and residents will take the time to get to know these fascinating women.”
In addition to the two new installations outside the Everett Municipal Building, Fox has also created two new signs at Clark Park. One explores the history of the park itself, while the other highlights the history of the Green Book and Everett’s Civil Rights leaders. Fox also created another interpretive sign at Emma Yule Park honoring the aunt of the Rigby sisters, who are featured in the new signage.
Everett residents and visitors are also encouraged to visit the “Ahead of the Curve” exhibit located in the lobby of the Everett Municipal Building. This exhibit was created by the Washington Secretary of State’s Legacy Washington program to celebrate the passing of the 19th Amendment and the Suffrage Centennial.
For more information about the dedication ceremony, please reach out to Tyler Chism at TChism@everettwa.gov or Kari Quaas at KQuaas@everettwa.gov.
Source: City of Everett
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
