In past OlyBlog posts I've called for action to change the pronunciation of Pierce County to Purse County, and Island County to Islands County. Now, as a fellow OlyBlogger by the initials of Sarah has pointed out to me, it is Grays Harbor County's turn for a name alteration.

The body of water now known as Grays Harbor was "discovered" by American seafarer Robert Gray in 1792, an act that was instrumental in helping bolster U.S. claims to our corner of the world. So this chunk of liquid acreage should be properly known as "Gray's Harbor," rather than "Grays Harbor."

When the area became a political subdivision at Statehood, it was called Chehalis County, but in 1915 the name changed to the present form. 

It is a well known fact that due to the Great War raging in Europe at the time, apostrophes were in short supply. And in the hub-bub of the County name change, the lack of this punctuation mark was seen as a temporary measure. But as the world turned this little detail fell through the cracks. And here we are today, looking like idiots. 

Well, the time has come to finally stand up and demand legislation to (1) Change to pronunciation of Pierce County to Purse County, (2) Change the name Island County to Islands County, and (3) Change the name Grays Harbor County to Gray's Harbor County.  

And while we are at it, I remain enthusiatic about legislation to make the Mountain Beaver the State Rodent, and the Giant Palouse Earthworm the Official State Worm!

The legislator who has the courage and vision to make any of the above suggestions become reality will make a name for themself in the history books and have the undying gratitude of Washingtonians.