Rhs Newsletter 11 2007

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NOVEMBER 2007 NEWSLETTER

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THE

VOLUME 9, NUMBER 9

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!

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resident’s Column The PTA Circus

Hurry! Hurry! Hurry!

Get your tickets now

for the big PTA circus!

REDMOND HISTORICAL SOCIETY

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oin Us for History Mysteries RHS General Meeting Saturday, November 10 10 a.m. to 12:00 noon

It was the 1940s, and Oma Saunder’s suggestion for a Redmond PTA fundraiser turned into a three-ring circus, complete with ringmaster, midway sideshows, food and games. It also

Join us at the Old Schoolhouse Community Center

turned into hard work, fun and a resounding success. Eileen McCoskrie recalls that whenever Oma made suggestions, they were always BIG. One example of BIG: the show’s papiermâché elephant created from chicken wire and a vacuum cleaner, the hose of which served as the animal’s trunk. Peanuts sold for just 5 cents a bag, so kids could feed the elephant that sucked up the peanuts, which were re-bagged and sold again. Later a penguin, tiger and other over-sized animals were added to the collection. Parents made the performers’ costumes. One year’s theme was something to do with chickens, and Oma ended up dying loads of chicken

Redmond Historical Society Mystery Photo

feathers in her washing machine. Maybe this was the year of “big bird.”

It’s that time of year when we gather up mystery



The acts were excellent: tumbling, girls

photos and share them at our general meeting in hopes of

drill team, skating, bareback riding, clowns,

getting answers.

bullfighters and the thrill of the trapeze.





Bucky Willhite, Boyka Dincov and Coeta

For example: all we know of the photo above is that

it was in the Sammamish Valley News. But exactly when?

Hartman performed daring feats flying through

What was Mike’s Kitchen and what’s there now? So

the air with no nets.

join us on Saturday, November 10 at the Old Redmond

Beth Crew taught some dads ~ Rex Swan, Wayne Hanson, Don McCoskrie, Bob Churchill,

Schoolhouse Community Center from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon as we drive down a mystery memory lane!

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(Continued on page 2)

The Redmond Recorder ~ November 2007

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History is Happening in Redmond!

2007 GENERAL MEETINGS 2nd Saturday of the Month 10 a.m. (unless otherwise stated) Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center

16600 NE 80th St

The PTA Circus (Continued from page 1)

Bill Weiss ~ how to dance. And this particular sides how really drew a big crowd because the men were dressed as dancing girls. The act included a kiss

LAST 2007 RHS MEETING SATURDAY, November 10 ...................................................

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

that was planted on the head of a bald fellow seated in the front row ~ and how

the crowd laughed! Despite the fact that the ‘dancing girls’ suffered leg cramps, over the years they performed the can-can, dressed in tutus for the ballet, and even grass skirts for a Hawaiian-themed circus. Another fond memory from Eileen was Petunia the Pig. Petunia was purchased as a piglet, raised in the McCoskrie’s kitchen and was trained to do tricks. Then, after her three days of circus fame, she was auctioned off and became pork chops, which made extra money for the school, but it did sadden those children who learned of her demise. The first circus was such a successful fundraiser for buying classroom “extras” that the PTA sponsored the event for years.

Office Manager

Beryl Standley

Attorney

Thanks to Rose Weiss, Eileen McCoskrie and Boyka Dincov Thayer for helping put together this short history. Anyone have more to share? l

Charles Diesen

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

FREE Newsletter

If you don't already subscribe, please sign up. Call the office at 425.885.2919 or e-mail [email protected]. State your preference of e-mail or U.S. Mail (e-mail is cheaper for the city and the photos look better on-line).

The Redmond Recorder

The all-male “Fabulous Fillie” perform at one PTA circus.

~ Judy Aries Lang, RHS President

Correction: The Real Martha

Turns out the Martha Washington shown with George (Ray Haines) last

month was actually Marilyn Lampaert (not Carol Larsen). The two were high school sweethearts at the time. “They were an item back then,” son Steve Haines recalls hearing. “When they married I believe my dad was 21 and my mom 20.” l

Wanted: Redmond Police Department Photos Photos of Redmond police officers, events,

Published nine times annually Miguel Llanos Editor Patti Simpson Ward Newsletter Graphic Designer

vehicles, equipment, uniforms and scenes are needed

Major Sponsors

where tiles will show images from the history of



for a new art project at our Public Safety Building, our Police Department. We’ll scan your photos and return originals to you. Please contact Nao Hardy: 425.883.3866 or [email protected], or mail them to Redmond Historical Society, 16600 NE 80th Street, Room 106, Redmond, WA, 98052. l

The Redmond Recorder ~ November 2007

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History is Happening in Redmond!

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Calling All Seabees, Vets

iz Coward Carlson: Two video projects are looking for candidates Our Newest Lifetimer to profile. One is a history of the Navy Seabees, the other part of the Veteran’s History Project at the

“When I think of the most important memories of my

Library of Congress (www.loc.gov/vets/).

life they are around one most important theme “FAMILY.”



That’s how Liz Coward Carlson, our newest lifetime

If you are or know of a Seabee or a veteran with

wartime service please contact Inventive Productions

member, describes her passion for history. And her family

at [email protected] or 425.747.4538. l

sure has a history to tell. Her parents, Harry Carlson and Elin Johnson, were Swedish. Elin’s family settled in Happy Valley,

Pow Wow for Vets

and Eric worked in the lumber business. They married in 1926 at the home her grandfather Eric Johnson built in Happy

Students with the Lake Washington School

Valley. “That house still stands and is well cared for,” Liz notes.

District’s Native American education program are

Liz’s mom taught elementary school in Redmond and helped her dad run Harry’s Market, which he built by himself

honoring veterans on November 17 with music, dance

in the 1930s.

and food.



All are invited to the free pow wow, especially veterans

Liz and brother Howard after a fishing trip with dad

in the Harry’s Market van. “The van was our only vehicle in

and members of the Gold Star Mothers, an association of

those days,” Liz recalls.

moms who have lost children in the military.



“He was a self-educated man because his father died

The Snoqualmie Tribe will welcome the veterans,

when he was only 10,” Liz says of her dad. “That was the end

students will share letters they wrote to veterans and

of his school days but he was clever with paper and pencil

the Snoqualmie Canoe family will do some veteran

and always ambitious. He liked carpentry and drew house

honor songs.

plans by hand. We lived in three of the houses he built.”

The music and food start at 2;00 p.m. followed by

Liz’s own career was as a teacher and she married Jim

a grand entry of veterans, a color guard and flags at

Coward in 1957. Two daughters and five granddaughters

6:00 p.m. The pow wow is at the Lake Washington

followed.

High School, 12033 NE 80th St, Kirkland. For details,

“Both retired now, we are planning our 50th anniversary

contact Mary Wilber at [email protected] or

this December,” Liz says.

425.702.3402. l

What’s next? Liz is writing a book on her Swedish heritage beginning in the 1700s. “When it gets published,” she says, “I will make it available to the Redmond Historical Society.” l

History Makers We thank these lifetime benefactors! See the membership form on Page 6 for how to join this group with a tax-deductible donation of $1,000 or more

* deceased).

(

John Anderson Barbara Neal Beeson Brad Best Liz Coward Madeleine Hagen Naomi Hardy Patricia Weiss Jovag Barbara Weiss Joyce Glenn Lampaert* Roy Lampaert Miguel Llanos

Liz and brother Howard after a fishing trip with dad in the Harry’s Market van. “The van was our only vehicle in those days,” Liz recalls.

The Redmond Recorder ~ November 2007

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Jon Magnussen Daryl Martin Allison Reed Morris Charles Reed Frances Reed Vivian Robinson Laurie Rockenbeck Margy Rockenbeck William Rockenbeck Don Watts Margaret Evers Wiese

History is Happening in Redmond!

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olunteer Profile: Roxie and John Phillips

Volunteers Needed Have you got a few hours to spare? The Society is always looking for help around the office or at your home ~ from scanning photos to transcribing audiotapes. Contact Nao Hardy at [email protected] or 425.883.1861 if you have some passion and time to help out. l

Heaps of Historical Thanks to: Patsy Rosenbach for donating the album of pictures of the 2007 Redmond High golden reunion Frances McEvers for the medal honoring her brother Edward Charles McEvers, who Roxie and John Phillips examine a recent donation: an old film projector. Roxie jots down information about a donation, while John photographs it and enters the photo and information into the Society database. (Photo by Miguel Llanos.)

died in WWI

Drop by the Society office on a Wednesday afternoon

1950s to 1960s and three tax tokens

and you’re likely to find volunteers Roxie and John Phillips

Jerry Askew, son of Ben Askew, Redmond’s

photographing and documenting donations. They’re relatively new

last blacksmith, for a 1975 Sammamish Valley News

to our town, arriving in 2004 from San Diego, but they sought out the Society because of a passion for heritage. With degrees in anthropology and history, Roxie earlier had

Betty Goudy for canceled checks from

Janis and Hank Radtke for an old film projector

a land-use consulting practice in California, where she worked

Jerry Torell and Jayme Jonas for the

to explore and preserve the history of sites before they were

VHS players

developed.

The mystery donor who gave us copies of

“Roxie saw the request for volunteers in the newsletter and jumped on it,” recalls John, who served in the Navy (1944-46) and

“Rememberings of My Brother Jack” and “Willowmoor”

also has two degrees: physics, which led him to a career in the defense industry; and astronomy, which led to a teaching career

The unidentified UPS driver who saw QFC was throwing out a 1913 Leary Way photo

before retirement. Roxie, a North Dakota native who moved to California at 12,

and brought it in l

later met John there. In 1958, they tied the knot and went on to have two boys and two girls. They came to Redmond to be closer to their children, all of whom live in the Northwest. Their other interests include travel, reading, photography and friends. But the Society hopes to keep them busy with donations!

“There is a huge amount of cataloging and recording to do,

and it will take a while,” says John. “It’s a fascinating job.” Using a form devised by Nao Hardy and with direction from

Got donations? Our Society office needs: •

Newer digital camera

•

Digital audio recorder

•

Transcriber for digital recorder

•

Flat screen TV

office manager Beryl Standley, the Phillips create order for the

If you can donate an item (or finance its

donations that keep coming.

purchase), please contact Miguel Llanos at

“John and Roxie are one of the best things we have going for us ~ make that two!” says Nao. l The Redmond Recorder ~ November 2007

[email protected] or 425.802.3806. Donations are tax-deductible.

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History is Happening in Redmond!

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ere You at Our October 13 Meeting?

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

Adams, Mark Adams, Ray Adams, Ruth Sires Alexander, Margo Anderson, Betty Beardslee, Candace Bresolin, Tami Brulé, Kay Bupp, Sherry Couch, John Coward, Liz Dela Cruz, Diane Elduen, Violet Emmanuel, Tony Goetschius, Millie Goetschius, Russ Hall, Tom Hanscom, Martha Hansen, Tom Hardy, Jerry Himes, Chris Hitzroth, Tom Ingersoll, Jo Ann Janus, Diantha Jovag, Pat

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Kenyon, Bruce Lang, Angela Lang, Judy Lindemoen, Donna Lindemoen, Gene Llanos, Miguel Magnuson, Cheryl Marr, Amo Marrs, Carl Marrs, Pat Martin, Bob Martin, Daryl Martin, Ward McCormick, Elma McFarland, Doris McHatton, R. J. Mercer, Betty Miller, Larry Muñoz, Alexa Phillips, John Phillips, Roxana Rhinehart, Jutta Roe, Phil Rosenbach, Patsy Rosenbach, Ruth Ann

Salmi, Anne Saunders, Dee Schaible, Doris Sellers, Dawn Smith, Elsie Standley, Beryl Stensland, Don Stray, Fran Stray, Fred Sugden, Charlene Swanson, Kris Tollfeldt, Anne Tollfeldt, Harvey Townsend, Joe Trapp, Carol Underhill, Kris Vallene, Arlyn Watkins, JoAnn Weiss, Rose White, Bob Wiese, Margaret Whitaker, Colleen Williams, Audrey Williams, Larry Williams, Lois

Door Prizes Russ Goetschius proposes we mix things up at our meetings with door prizes that folks bring in ~ a baseball cap, T-shirt, anything with a Redmond theme or history. Russ and a few others will go over whether an item is appropriate so bring it to the next meeting or let him know what you have. l

Personal Histories The Redmond Library hosts a free workshop on how to get started writing and documenting your family history.

It’s on November 15 at

7:00 p.m. There is no need to sign up ahead of time. l

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 ~ November 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

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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.)

Address: __________________________________ City: _____________________________ State: ______ Zip: _____________ E-Mail Address: ______________________________________________ Birth Date (Month/Day/Year): _____________________ If Family Membership, other names to be included: ________________________________________________________________ How would you like our complimentary newsletter delivered to you: E-Mail: _________________ U.S. Mail: __________________