Susan Monahan's new book Walla Walla Past and Present offers an array of photos and histories of Walla Walla's homes, businesses, and public places. In this talk, she will describe the process of creating the book (during a pandemic!): choosing the subjects, locating the past photographs, and taking the present ones.

Due to space and scope, many fascinating stories connected with the buildings did not make it into the book. In this presentation, Susan will share some of the most intriguing of these tales: the housemaid at Fort Walla Walla who made front-page news, the romantic triangle at Washington School, and a Walla Walla mansion owned by a rock star. 

She will also share some shots of the early buildings, buildings post-restoration, and the "awkward" mid-restoration photos for Reynolds Day and Kirkman House. Plus, she’ll provide a peek at the interiors of the Baumeister and Cropp Mansions.

The book's photographer, Steve Wilen, will join Susan and share his experiences—and challenges—of taking the present-day photos.