Rhs Newsletter 10 2007

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OCTOBER 2007 NEWSLETTER

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THE

REDMOND HISTORICAL SOCIETY

VOLUME 9, NUMBER 8

16600 NE 80th Street, Room 106 Redmond, WA 98052 ~ Tel 425.885.2919

Our Mission: To Discover, Recover, Preserve, Share and Celebrate Redmond’s History

website ~ www.redmondhistory.org e-mail ~ [email protected] HOURS: Tuesday through Thursday 1-6 p.m., Friday, 4-6 p.m. and by appointment

HISTORY IS HAPPENING IN REDMOND!

G

uest Column

Kangaroos in Redmond

H

omesteading on Avondale

October 13 Speaker: Doris Hebner McFarland

Bill Kruller, a Lake Washington

Kangaroo from the class of 1952, wrote this Doris Hebner McFarland, below, painted this view of her grandparents’ homestead cabin.

ahead of a Redmond-based celebration last September 13 of the class’ 55th anniversary. Forty classmates showed up and they toured the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center. “When I read the Society’s Redmond Reflections book and review the Redmond

Ever notice the wooded development

Recorder issues of the past few years, I find



no reference to the students from Redmond

“Provan Woods” off Avondale and just south

who became Lake Washington Kangaroos.

of 128th? Well that’s where Thomas and

It was before there was an Education Hill in

Edna Provan homesteaded in 1884, and

Redmond.

“In the early 1940s, the State and School

District education administrators determined that Redmond could not sustain its own high school. The sign on the edge of town said that Redmond had a population of about

where Doris Hebner McFarland grew up. Join us on Oct. 13th as Doris takes us back to those years in the ‘30s —and even before that when she lived in a town called Snoqualmie Falls, since demolished. Doris was actually born in the town, where her father was

700 people. We youngsters should merge

superintendent of the Weyerhaeuser mill. When he died in 1932, the

with the students in Kirkland . . .

family moved to her grandparents’ homestead in what was then



known as the settlement of Avondale. Her mother, the first person

“In 1948, my class that graduated in 1952

attended Kirkland Junior High for the 9th

born in Avondale, would later write a book titled “Avondale,” which is

grade. In our sophomore year we attended

available from the King County Library System.

Kirkland High School until December when

“Living there gave me an exceptionally wonderful childhood. I

the Lake Washington High School, first

attended Redmond schools, and graduated in 1940,” Doris says. She

phase, was completed.

was also a star 4-H performer—an important activity for farm children



“Ceremoniously, we moved into the new school on Rose Hill. We were the first class to complete all three high school grades there.

“ . . . It had a marvelous view of Lake (Continued on page 2)

The Redmond Recorder ~ October 2007

back then (See our June 2007 newsletter). After raising five children and having a career as a bookkeeper/ treasurer, Doris retired and now lives in the Trilogy development, just east of the family homestead.

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l History is Happening in Redmond!

2007 GENERAL MEETINGS

Guest Column: Redmond Kangaroos (Continued from page 1)

2nd Saturday of the Month 10 a.m. (unless otherwise stated)

Redmond’s Ray Haines and Carol Larsen (dressed as George and Martha Washington), Duane Springsteel and Bob Dunn lead Lake Washington students in planting a cherry tree in 1951 to mark George Washington’s birthday. Duane, also from Redmond and the 1951 class president, later fought in Korea, and died of war injuries.

Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center

16600 NE 80th St

LAST TWO 2007 RHS MEETINGS October 13 & November 9 ...................................................

2007 Executive Board

Judy Lang President Naomi Hardy Vice-President Miguel Llanos Vice-President Joanne Westlund Treasurer Margaret Wiese Corresponding Secretary Beryl Standley Recording Secretary

Board of Directors

Terri Gordon Chris Himes Tom Hitzroth Jon Magnusson Amo Marr Doris Schaible Patti Simpson Ward

Office Manager

Beryl Standley

Attorney

Washington and the U of W beyond. But there was no gym, no auditorium, and no outdoor ball fields. Basketball and tennis were played at the old, longago razed Kirkland High School. Football and baseball were played at the civic field in central Kirkland, now a public park. Our senior play was held in the lunchroom as a “theater in the round” production. On Friday and Saturday

Charles Diesen

nights there was a teen canteen in Kirkland for dancing, ping-pong, pool, and

Note: our finances are public record and may be viewed at the RHS office.



...................................................

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sodas. (It was a marvelous center to keep us off the streets.) “ . . . Other than the school bus system there was no community

transportation to Kirkland. A few parents, many fewer than would do so today, provided some rides to support afterschool activities and weekend social activities. Most of us boys became expert hitch-hikers, even though it was not legal. The police sort of ignored us if we tried to look innocent when they passed.

“For the years of our class, my observation was that the Kirkland students

as a group were a bit more urbane, scholarly oriented, and athletically trained than many of us from stump farms in Redmond. We all got along well together. However, those of us from Redmond agreed that attention to our hometown was neglected in regards to high school activities.

“In 1952, when our graduation was being planned, those of us from

Redmond expressed our interests. There was no need to graduate in a Kirkland facility just because the new high school had no appropriate facility. We graduated in the Redmond School House gym. Some of my classmates from Kirkland do not remember the facility in which we graduated, but all of us from Redmond do.”

Bill can be reached at 206.842.3927 and BGKruller@msn. l

The Redmond Recorder ~ October 2007

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~ Bill Kruller History is Happening in Redmond!

I

n Memoriam: Clarence Barker

May 19, 1909 to September 3, 2007



Redmond Historical Society Board Nominations

The Society regrets to inform readers that Redmond lost one

As per the Society’s bylaws, the

board of directors nominates this slate for Executive Board positions:

of its long-timers last month. Clarence H. Barker, the first acting Marshall of Redmond in the 1950s and a co-founder of the Redmond

President: Tom Hitzroth

Volunteer Fire Department, passed away on September 3 at the age

Vice President: Chris Himes

of 98.

Vice President: Miguel Llanos

On Sepember 22, Mayor Rosemarie Ives attended a memorial

Recording Secretary: Beryl Standley

service for Clarence and, on behalf of the Redmond Historical Society,

Corresponding Secretary: Margaret

she accepted a gift of his fire uniform from his family. The Society is

Wiese

proud to have this important artifact from our past when men like Clarence worked hard and even risked their lives for the community,

Other candidates for these

without thought of reminbursement or recognition.

positions may be submitted at our

Clarence was one of 15 charter members who founded the

October general meeting. A vote by

volunteer department, not only fighting fires but even performing

the membership will be taken at the

search and rescue operations for lost children. Within a few years, the

November meeting.

department had its own widows and orphans fund, and even donated

Judy Lang and Nao Hardy would

money to smaller departments in the state. By 1950, the City had a

remain on the full board. Joanne

five-stall fire station—a building that today houses the Teen Center.

Westlund remains as treasurer as per

The volunteers were also big-time Derby Days participants, often

her two-year term.

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running 10 or more food and game booths. Moreover, Clarence leaves behind quite a legacy. He and his wife Mae had six children and many more grandchildren, great-

History Honors Redmond Junior High students

grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.



The Society also wishes to thank Clarence’s family for requesting

took some top prizes at the National

that in lieu of flowers, any contributions in Clarence’s memory be

History Day contest in College Park,

donated to the Redmond Historical Society. l

Maryland, earlier this year. Eighth-graders Anand Raghuraman, Anthony McNicoll, Jake Levin and Arjun Narayanan took gold in the junior documentary division for their 10-minute work titled "The Great Seattle Fire: Phoenix of the Northwest." Raluca Ifrim and Koyo Kim took silver in the same division for “Galloping Gertie: The Collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.” Teacher Penny Cheshier worked with all six students, spending a day at the University of Washington's archives, searching primary sources,

Clarence Barker, left, joins Daryl Martin and then acting Fire Chief Dick Radtke at the Redmond Historical Society’s office in 2004 to record the fire department’s first years as a volunteer force. (Photo by Nao Hardy.)

The Redmond Recorder ~ October 2007

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newspaper clippings and old photographs.

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History is Happening in Redmond!

K

udos to the Stone House Owners

A Heap of Historical Thanks to: TOM HALL for the Eastside Journal “Yesterday” special report from June 23, 1998. MARY HANSON, for helping with the September Saturday market booth. NANCY CHOW for the Redmond High School Alumni Association's records going back several years. ARLYN VALEEN and AMO MARR for tending a table at the LWHS Golden Reunion, selling our books and DVDs.

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Got Donations Redmond Historical Society board member Patti Simpson Ward captured the beauty of the Stone House with this acrylic on canvas painting. Note cards with the Stone House and other local landmarks painted by Patti are for sale in the Society office. She will also be featured in the 425 Magazine holiday issue as one of the “12 Artists of Christmas.” Check out Patti’s web site for samples of her amazing artwork: www.pattisimpsonward.com.

A hearty Society thanks to Paul and Patty Gordon and Randy and Stephanie Reeves, the owners of the Stone House on Cleveland Way.

Built in 1913 by a one-eyed barkeeper named Orson Wiley, the unique

river-rock building now houses the Stone House Café operated by Society member Renee Northern. Having owned the Stone House for about five years, the Gordons and Reeves

Our Society needs:

•

Newer digital camea

•

Digital audio recorder for oral



histories

•

Transcriber for digital recorder

•

Flat screen TV

•

VHS player

If you can donate an item (or finance its purchase), please contact Miguel Llanos at

this year became the first owners of a Redmond property to have it listed as a

[email protected] or

Redmond Historic Landmark.

425.802.3806. All donations are

“We bought the property because we are passionate about preserving

tax-deductible. l

historic properties,” says Randy Reeves, noting that the Stone House was recently also listed as a King County Historic Property. “We are proud of the

DVDs for Sales

Stone House and love its past, present and future. We hope that other historic



properties on the Eastside can be preserved for future generations.”

on the “Redmond: Views from

“I grew up in Redmond and used to drive by the Stone House as a kid and

History” DVDs that Brad Solomon

always loved the building,” he adds. “It was a dream to buy it someday and like

We’re starting to run low

produced and Larry Nelson narrated. Ten two-minute videos

many dreams this one became a reality!” A Windermere realtor, Reeves says the partners are open to similar

cover topics like Derby Days, the schools and logging. Stop by our

purchases. “The Stone House is the only historic property we own in Redmond,”

office to preview it. If you like it, the

he says. “We would love to own more, if you hear of any opportunities please let

cost is just $13—a bargain for so

us know!” l

much history! l

The Redmond Recorder ~ October 2007

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History is Happening in Redmond!

W

ere You at Our September 8 Meeting?

These folks were! First time attendees are noted in BOLD TYPE and a

Adams, Ray Adams, Ruth Anspach, Ray Blair, Dusty Campbell, Sally Chambers, Coeta Davies, John Elduen, Violet Emmanuel, Betty Emmanuel, Tony Frey, Stan Goetschius, Millie Goetschius, Russ Goshorn, Jean Etta Hahnlen, Charlotte Hammersberg, Clara Hammersberg, Jerry Hansen, Thomas Hanson, Marge Hanson, Mary

O

★ ★

★

Hanson, Roy Hardy, Jerry Hardy, Naomi Himes, Christine Ingersoll, Jo Ann Isackson, Diana Isackson, Lloyd Kenyon, Bruce Lang, Judy Lindemoen, Donna Lindemoen, Gene Magnuson, Cheryl Marr, Amo Marrs, Carl Marrs, Pat Martin, Bob Martin, Daryl Masoero, Nadine Huddleston McClung, Andy McCormick, Elma

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

★

★!

McFarland, Doris Methven, Frank Miller, Larry Montgomery, Mary Muñoz, Alexa Murillo, Duniel Murillo, Duniel Jr. Murillo, James Murillo, Kyle Murillo, Sylvia Neal, Marion Pickett, Virginia Rosenbach, Patsy Cook Rosenbach, Ruth Salmi, Anne Schaible, Doris Schuelke, Michallea Solomon, Brad Stensland, Don Stoneback, Phyllis

★

★ ★

Stray, Fran Stray, Fred Sundholm, Larry Thayer, Boyka Thompson, Betty Grospé Tollfeldt, Anne Tollfeldt, Harvey Torell, Jerry Townsend, Joe Trapp, Carol Vallene, Arlyn Underhill, Kristine Warner, Norma Weiss, Rose Wiese, Margaret Williams, Audrey Williams, Lois Wines, Karen Story Wines, Sam Yoder, Bob

rder Your Redmond Reflections

Also available for purchase at the Redmond Library

✂ Redmond Reflections Order Form We ship free for current members, so if you haven't joined or renewed, use the form on the last page of this newsletter that you can send in with the book order form here. Price per book: $21.78 ($20.00 + $1.78 Washington Sales Tax) (Non-Members, please add postage: $3 for one book, $5 for two and $8 for three or more) ADDRESS TO MAIL BOOK(S) TO:

Name:______________________________________

Name:____________________________________

Telephone: __________________________________

Address: __________________________________

No. of Books Ordered: ________________________

City/St./Zip: _______________________________

Amount Enclosed: ____________________________

__________________________________________

Mail completed form (please print clearly) and check or money order to:

Redmond Historical Society 16600 NE 80th, Room 106, Redmond, WA 98052 The Redmond Recorder ~ October 2007

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History is Happening in Redmond!

WANTED!!! BUSINESS PARTNERS!

IS YOUR BUSINESS ROOTED IN REDMOND? if so, Redmond Historical Society is looking for partners who, in exchange for a tax deductable financial donation, would be allowed to reach our 1,200 readers via this space and on our website at: www.redmondhistory.org Contact Miguel Llanos at [email protected] or by phone at 425.802.3806

J

oin the Redmond Historical Society AND HELP DISCOVER, RECOVER, PRESERVE AND SHARE REDMOND’S HISTORY!

LEVELS OF MEMBERSHIP (✓ Check one only.) $5.00 $20.00 $35.00 $200.00 $250.00 $1,000.00

❍ TRAILBLAZER (Student) ❍ PIONEER (Individual) ❍ HOMESTEADER (Family) ❍ ENTREPRENEUR (Supporter) ❍ CORPORATE (Business) ❍ HISTORY MAKER (Lifetime) All Contributions are tax deductible.

✂

Please make checks payable to: REDMOND HISTORICAL SOCIETY

✉ Fill out the form below and mail it with your check to:

Redmond Historical Society Attn: Membership ORSCC, Room 106 16600 NE 80th Street Redmond, WA 98052

(PLEASE CLIP AND MAIL THIS INFORMATION WITH YOUR CHECK.)

Name:______________________________________________________ Telephone: ____________________________________ (PLEASE PRINT YOUR NAME EXACTY AS YOU WOULD LIKE IT TO APPEAR ON YOUR NAME TAG FOR GENERAL MEETINGS.)

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