Fifty years ago today, the first King County Council and County Executive were sworn in under the Home Rule Charter. The current Council is celebrating the golden anniversary at today’s meeting with historic images from the Archives collection. Below: read the Charter and follow along with the first swearing-in ceremony on May 1, 1969, through the transcript and photographs taken on that day.
The Home Rule Charter
“A home rule charter for King County by the Board of King County Freeholders,” 1969, Series 872: Documents Collection, box 30, document 480, King County Archives
May 1, 1969: The Swearing-In Ceremony
Series 400: Department of Transportation Road Services Division Photograph and Moving Image Files, box 52, file 917, King County Archives
Proceedings
Official proceedings of the swearing-in of the first King County Council and County Executive, May 1, 1969. Series 134: County Council Proceedings, box 1, folder 1, King County Archives
Transcript
Transcript of the swearing-in of the first King County Council and County Executive, May 1, 1969. Series 134: County Council Proceedings, box 1, folder 1, King County Archives
Portraits: John D. Spellman
Series 1591: Clerk of the Council Public Relations Materials, box 11, folder 10, King County Archives
Portraits: First County Council
Official councilmember portraits, 1970. Series 705: County Council Photographs, folder 1, King County Archives
The photo under the headline: “May 1, 1969: The Swearing-In Ceremony” is mislabeled. The person being sworn-in is County Executive John Spellman, not Councilman John O’Brien.
Hello Gregory! The image caption has been updated. Thanks so much for catching that!
You are welcome.