First Comes Love: Attitudes Towards Romance, Love, and Sexuality in Early Thurston County Presented by Deborah Ross

*Subject matter involves issues of sexuality and may not be appropriate for all ages. Audience discretion advised. 

Olympia historian Deborah Ross takes a look at romantic relationships in early Thurston County from 1870-1900. She explores the institution of marriage, intimacy, and the importance of family that, in some ways, is very similar to attitudes of today.  

Deborah Ross is a historian who writes about Thurston County history and heritage. She has served on the Olympia Historical Commission, the Olympia Historical Society board, and writes a weekly column for the Olympian newspaper called “Looking Back.” Deborah is the author of two historical fiction novels based on Thurston County families, Tales from Scheider’s Creek and Konrad and Albertina. She and her husband live in Lacey.