The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce celebrated a century with a gala party at the Admiral Theater on April 27. Among the strongest chambers in the state it has more than 250 members and is deeply involved in the promotion of business in the community. 

The first chamber of commerce was founded in 1599 in Marseille, France, as the "Chambre de Commerce". Another official chamber of commerce followed 65 years later, probably in Bruges, then part of the Spanish Netherlands. The West Seattle Chamber is not the oldest in the US.  The Chamber of Commerce in Charleston, S.C. Back of postcard reads: "The oldest Chamber of Commerce in the United States. Founded in 1773. 

The event in West Seattle sponsored by Potter Construction offered commemorative coffee cups, Buffet Desserts & Appetizers from Red’s Kitchen & Catering, Charcuterie by Annalise, The Bridge, and BAKED. Custom Cakes. 

It also featured red carpet photos, taken by Samantha Witt of lost,found design. and festive lighting (provided by LD Techniques.

In the theaters themselves  two silent films played to stay with the 1920's theme. Many people dressed in 1920's costumes.

Jack Menashe of Menashe Jewelers spoke about his own 50 year history in the West Seattle Junction and about his pride in the community's ability to survive so many challenges over the years. Jack Miller owner of Husky Deli spoke about his own history here too.

The event marked one of the last times the Chamber's Executive Director Whitney Moore will share. She announced her departure from the role in early April but will stay until the end of July.