The Redmond Recorder

REDMOND HISTORICAL SOCIETY NEWSLETTER

MARCH 2017 VOL. 17 NO. 3

Every town has a history. Discover ours.

Saturday Speaker Series

Camp Lewis and the Great War
Saturday, March 11, 2017
10:30am noon (Doors open 10:00)
Redmond Historical Society Speaker Series
Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center
16600 NE 80th St., Redmond, WA.
$5 suggested donation for non-members
Speakers subject to change.
For details: www.redmondhistoricalsociety.org.

As the winds of the World War

blew across the Atlantic in 1916
many Americans believed entry
into conflict was inevitable.
Military preparedness swept
the nation including the Puget
Sound region. Community and
commerce leaders from Pierce
County actively sought the
establishment of a permanent the State of Washington. Over the
military installation on the prairie past 100 years the installation has
south of Tacoma. Formally evolved from Camp Lewis to Fort
established in 1917, Camp Lewis into its present incarnation
Lewis began the century-long as Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
relationship between the United Come learn about the beginnings
States Army and the people of of this military base.

The Saturday Speakers Series is also posted on our

Redmond Historical Society Facebook page. Please
invite your friends to this fun and educational event.

Every town has a history. Discover ours. March 2017

 2017 Society News
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
Joe Townsend President
Spotlight on
Mary I. Hanson Senior Vice President
John Oftebro Vice President Finance
Business Member
Crystal Rojas Mora Vice President Happy Valley Grange #322 has
Collections
Vacant Secretary generously continued their support
DIRECTORS AT LARGE
as a Major Sponsor and Business
Judith Simpson Member of the society for 2017.
Steve Johnson
Sharon Brocker
Indira Krishnaswami The Happy Valley Grange
Hank Myers was founded in 1909, and the
Debra Pelletier
organization is still active today as
MANAGER, ADMINISTRATION a community service organization,
AND ARCHIVES Halee Turner
meeting in the historic Happy
ATTORNEY Charles Diesen
Our finances are public record and may Valley Grange building, which
be viewed at the office. was built in 1912. Duane Isackson
FREE NEWSLETTER is master of the Happy Valley
If you dont subscribe, please sign up. Grange. He and his wife Joanne
Call the office at 425.885.2919 or email
info@redmondhistoricalsociety.org.
Isackson are Members of the
State your preference of email or U.S. Mail. Society.
The historical society prefers email as its
inexpensive and photos are enhanced
online.
FIND US ON FACEBOOK:
facebook.com/Redmond.Historical.Society
THE REDMOND RECORDER
is published nine times annually.
GRAPHIC DESIGNER/EDITOR
Teresa Potter - Urban Dakota Creative
redmondhistoricalsociety.org

PHONE 425.885.2919
WEBSITE redmondhistoricalsociety.org
EMAIL info@redmondhistoricalsociety.org
HOURS Monday through Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Members, member families, friends, if you have

questions about buying or selling a home, contact
Bliss Ong at Coldwell Banker Bain: 425.881.3200.
Redmond Historical Society has entered into a
community partnership with Bliss Ong.

March 2017 Every town has a history. Discover ours.

 Presidents Notebook
Planning Priorities: Facilities
By Joe Townsend
Our accom-
plishments
over the years
demonstrate
that planning
has benefitted
the Membership.
Planning starts
with recognition
of Strengths
and Weaknesses, Opportunities
and Threats. With Redmonds
expanding population, the Society
has strong opportunities to grow
our membership, strengthen
community interest in our Saturday
Speaker Series, and garner
business support of the Society.
An important topic at the
Membership Celebration was
the pending termination of the
Redmond Parks Department lease
of the Old Redmond Schoolhouse
and loss of the Community Center,
when the Lake Washington School
District returns the building to
classroom use. Our lease also
hangs in the balance, creating a
threat to the Society regarding our
facilitiesour office and exhibit
areas. We may not have a home
in a year and a half. In the event
we do retain our space in the
Community Center, we expect a
directive to vacate for six months
during renovation. Moreover, we
Every town has a history. Discover ours. March 2017
are bursting at the seams. We
need more space.
The current Long Range Plan,
now in its final year, becomes
operational with annual Action
Plans, starting with a set of
priorities. The Board has agreed
to these priorities for 2017:
No. 1A Identify sites for
Society facilities
No. 1B Philanthropy,
Fundraising
No. 1C Collections
No. 2 Programs
No. 3 Membership
No. 4 IT infrastructure
Facilities, Priority No. 1A
To ensure the long-term viability
of the Society, we have impaneled
a Facilities Task Force to identify
potential sites in the city that
can house the Society and allow
expansion of our exhibit areas.
The wild dream is that we will
have space for a museum. Yes,
there is a certain urgency to this
project. Acquiring, operating, and
maintaining a facility requires
lump-sum funds, and an ongoing
revenue stream. Next month,
Ill write about Priority No. 1B,
Philanthropy and Fundraising.
 Society News

Volunteers Needed
Secretary
The Secretary must be a member in good standing. He/she serves on the
Board of Directors and is a member of the Executive Board. The Secretary
must attend all Executive Board meetings, Board of Directors meetings
and General Membership meetings. The Secretary records minutes of
Board, Executive Committee and General Meetings. Acts as custodian of
the permanent records (paper and digital) and maintains monthly records
in the office.

This position requires time outside of meetings to write up the minutes.

Minutes must be written up within two weeks of the meetings named
above and available for review.

This is an elected position for a two year term. Currently the position is open
and the President will appoint an interim person to fill this current term.

Director at Large
There are approximately seven Director at Large positions on the RHS
Board of Directors. These positions are appointed by the President of
RHS. RHS has an open Director at Large position. Directors at Large must
be members in good standing. Duties include attendance at the Board
of Directors meetings and chairing standing and ad-hoc committees as
appointed by the President.

This is a three year term.

Philanthropy Committee Member (2-3 people)

Works with Philanthropy Chair to develop and implement fundraising
events. Requires people skills, willingness to attend events for the
purpose of networking and building relationships to further RHS priorities
and goals. Hours required throughout the year for committee meetings,
phone calls, lettering writing and meeting people.

If you are interested in one of these positions please contact

Redmond Historical Society at info@redmondhistoricalsociety.org
or call 425-885-2919.

March 2017 Every town has a history. Discover ours.

 Society News

2017 Walking Tour Schedule

Sunday, April 9, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 21, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 11, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 10, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The tour will look at Redmond from

the Settlement Period to the mid-
20s and the sites of early business
buildings that defined Redmonds
core and paved the way for the
present commercial district. We will
also learn about the people who
helped make Redmond what it is
today.

Tours include a significant amount There is a suggested donation of

of walking and standing, with
limited opportunity for resting.
We recommend comfortable shoes
and weather appropriate clothing.
If you have any further questions
about our tours, please call our
office. Tour begins across the
street from the Hotel Redmond
(Jensen/Fey Architects) at
7730 NE 76th St.
$10 for each person. You can pre-
register for the event by calling
our office at 425.885.2919. You
can also drop by our office, or
mail in a check to 16600 NE 80th
St. Room 106, Redmond, WA,
98052.

Walking Guide
Available
Own a copy of the Redmond
Historical Societys updated
Historic Downtown Walking
Guide. Copies are available in
the Society office.

Suggested donation is $8.

Every town has a history. Discover ours. March 2017

 Local History

Church Bell or School Bell?

By Tom Hitzroth

The simple answer is The real answer may well be a little more
complex. From this question came others such as: Who purchased
the bell? When and where does it first appear? Who would have the
resources to purchase the bell? I am going to offer some thoughts that
may challenge or shake the tree of conventional wisdom.

The log school (1875 1887) and the first Congregational Church also
called Melrose School (1888 1892) did not have belfrys so the bell,
in all probability, did not appear until the church constructed a new
building in 1893 which did have a belfry (see photograph). Bells in those
days came in many sizes, weights, and alloys. On average, a cast iron
bell weighing 350 pounds could be purchased for about $.50 per pound
or $175.00. The 1893 to 1900 balance sheet below for School District
#34 was abstracted from the annual reports and suggests that a bell of
this amount might not have been feasible for purchase:

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS ANNUAL REPORT

SCHOOL DISTRICT 34 ESTABLISHED AUGUST 11, 1882

YEAR BALANCE # CHILDREN AMOUNT TOTAL BALANCE

ON HAND IN DISTRICT FOR RECEIPTS ON HAND
BEGINNING SCHOOL AT END OF
SCH YEAR DIST/YEAR SCH YEAR
1893 41.10 36 299.16 1358.26 197.24
1894 197.24 34 205.59 239.18 97.61
1895 97.61 50 177.82 261.14 84.45
1896 84.45 53 141.74 1068.50 186.08
1896 186.08 45 229.14 1232.70 96.74
1897
1897 96.74 55 264.16 731.48 203.82
1898
1898 203.82 56 207.59 668.46 137.69
1899
1899 137.69 66 1071.24 421.06 421.06
1900

March 2017 Every town has a history. Discover ours.


Church Bell or School Bell? Contd.
Photo courtesy of
Eastside Heritage Center
The more detailed reports show
that expenses were operational
(taxes, property maintenance,
teachers salaries, etc.). If the
school district purchased the bell
for $175.00 plus shipping the
balance on hand between 1893
1900 shows there are limited
funds to purchase a bell and still
remain in the black. The Panic
of 1893 may also have been a
factor. The most plausible answer
to who purchased the bell is the
Congregational Church and it
was rung for church on Sunday
and school on weekdays. It likely
became school property when the
Congregational Church sold their
property to School District #34 on
October 17, 1905. The new school,
constructed in 1908 at todays
Anderson Park included a belfry
and the bell was installed in that
location.
Every town has a history. Discover ours. March 2017
Local History
By Tom Hitzroth
OBSERVATION TOWER?
While doing some photograph
analysis over the past couple of
months I found that there is an
apparent observation tower on the
west side of Leary Way. It does
not appear in the 1911 Winfred
Wallace July 4 photographs but
it does appear in the July 4, 1913
photograph. It appears again in
a 1915 winter view of Leary Way
and the illustration is taken from
that photograph. The buildings
along the west side of Leary Way
in the 1915 photograph are the
ones there today. It appears to be
an observation tower and was no
longer there by 1925-1930.
I would appreciate any information
on this tower Society members
may have. You can contact me
through the Redmond Historical
Society at: info@redmondhistori-
calsociety.org or call the Society
office at 425-885-2919.
Photo courtesy of
Redmond Historical Society
 In Memoriam

Bradley D. Best 1924 - 2017

Brad Best, known to many as the owner of Brad Best Realty in
Redmond, passed away in January at the age of 92.

After World War II wherein he served in the U.S. Merchant Marine as a

Chief Radio Operator, Best partnered with a cousin in a construction
company, before finding his lifelong career in real estate. In 1955, Best
purchased the former Redmond State Bank building at the corner of
Cleveland and Leary Way in Redmond, establishing his own office where
the business remained active for over 60 years.

Best was prominent in Redmond civic affairs including active participation

in Redmonds Chamber of Commerce as well as in various service clubs.
He was a supporter of public parks and in later years was active in the
Redmond Historical Society. Best funded, in part, printing of the Societys
Redmond Reflections book. Because of his fondness for the Town of
Redmond, he and other civic leaders helped shape the future of Redmond.
The full obituary is in the Redmond Reporter and Seattle Times.

Bruce R. Kenyon 1939 - 2017

Bruce Kenyon passed away Friday January 27th at the age of 77. He
attended Lake Washington High School and Everett Community. He and
his wife, Cheryl, supported the Redmond Historical society as members.

He was born in Gary, South Dakota, the son of late Myron A. and Ruth
Jerde Kenyon. Bruce attended Lake Washington High School and
Everett Community.

He is survived by his wife Cheryl of 53 years, son Eric Kenyon and wife
Nora, and daughter Karen, two grandchildren.

Virginia Marie Pickett

A long term member and supporter of the Redmond Historical Society,
Virginia Marie Pickett passed away at the age of 84 on Wednesday,
February 1st.

An expanded obituary for Virginia will appear in the April newsletter.

March 2017 Every town has a history. Discover ours.

 Order
Now
Redmond
Reflections Book
$15 (INCLUDES TAX)*

SHIPPING & HANDLING: Please add $5.00 shipping & handling surcharge
for any order that you would like mailed.

ORDERING INFO*:
NAME____________________________________________________ PHONE NUMBER_____________________

# OF BOOKS ORDERED_______ AMOUNT ENCLOSED (CHECK PLEASE) _$_____________________________

SHIPPING INFO:
NAME _______________________________________________________________________________________

STREET ADDRESS ____________________________________________________________________________

CITY STATE ZIP _____________________________________________________________________________

NOTE: REDMOND REFLECTIONS is also available at the RHS OFFICE at the Old
Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center. (Hours of operation on page 2.)

Great Gift Ideas for History Lovers

Need something special for
someone who appreciates our
history? These are available at our
Society office:

GREETING CARDS, MAGNETS

& NOTE CARDS
featuring artwork by local artists:
PATTI SIMPSON WARD
DORISJEAN COLVIN
PAT DUGAN
This painting of Marymoor Park, Flying Kites at the Clise
OUR TOWN Mansion, is the work of fine artist Patti Simpson Ward.
History of Redmond by Nancy Way Visit her website to see more images of Eastside settings
pattisimpsonward.com.
VIEW OF HISTORY DVD

Every town has a history. Discover ours. March 2017

 Society News

Huge Historic Thank Yous

Many thanks to our Saturday Speakers Series for their generous
donation of their time and effort to ensure a smooth program day.

Press Release Miguel Llanos

A/V
John Stilin
Set-up
Tom Hansen
Door Greeters Patsy Rosenbach and Laura Lee Bennett
Muffins & Bliss Ong
cinnamon rolls
Coffee
Courtesy of the Program Committee

Our Society Lifetime Members

Sharon Freeman, Ballisty Allen Lang Dick Shinstrom
Brad Best Judy Aries Lang Frederick Springsteel
Pierre Bruneau Miguel Angel Llanos Beryl Standley
Marjorie Costello Jon M. Magnussen John C. Stilin
John Couch Dorothy Matsui Sherry B. Stilin
Cory de Jong Allison Francis Reed Fred Stray
Betty L. Emmanuel Morris Larry O. Sundholm
Tony Emmanuel Edward OBrien Subhadra Terhanian
Frank Garbarino John Oftebro Doris Townsend
Evelyn Grace Gilbert Roxana Phillips Joe Townsend
Madeleine Roberts Hagen Dale Potter Roger Trepanier
Wayne Hansen Jo Ann Potter Arlyn Bjerke Vallene
Mary Hanson Bobbie Graep Rettig Patti Simpson Ward
Jerry Hardy Vivian Robinson Donald Glennister Watts
Chris Himes Laurie M. Rockenbeck Joanne Westlund
Rosemarie Ives Margy U. Rockenbeck James Windle
Patricia Weiss Jovag William Rockenbeck
Barbara Weiss Joyce Doris Bauer Schaible

A full listing of lifetime members, both current and in memoriam,

is available at redmondhistoricalsociety.org

March 2017 Every town has a history. Discover ours.

 Membership

Join
Redmond Historical Society
Every town has a history. Discover ours.

CONSIDER A GIFT MEMBERSHIP FOR A FAVORITE HISTORY BUFF.

LEVELS OF MEMBERSHIP (Check one only.)

$5.00 _____ TRAILBLAZER (Student)
$25.00 _____ PIONEER (Individual)
$40.00 _____ HOMESTEADER (Family)
$200.00 _____ ENTREPRENEUR (Supporter)
$250.00 _____ CORPORATE (Business)

$1,000.00 _____ HISTORY MAKER (Lifetime)
ALL CONTRIBUTIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE.
PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: REDMOND HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Fill out the form below, cut out and mail with your check to:
Redmond Historical Society
Attn: Membership
ORSCC, Room 106
Renew
16600 NE 80th Street Now!
Redmond, WA 98052
MEMBERSHIP (CIRCLE ONE): NEW RENEWING

NAME

If FAMILY MEMBERSHIP, OTHER NAMES TO BE INCLUDED

PHONE NUMBER

EMAIL ADDRESS

STREET ADDRESS

CITY STATE ZIP

NEWSLETTER DELIVERY (CHECK ONE): _______ EMAIL ________ U.S. MAIL

Every town has a history. Discover ours. March 2017

 March 2017 Every town has a history. Discover ours.
Redmond Historical Society
16600 NE 80th Street, Room 106
Redmond, WA 98052
Major Sponsors
Happy Valley
Grange #322