The Redmond Recorder

REDMOND HISTORICAL SOCIETY NEWSLETTER

APRIL 2018 • VOL. 20 • NO. 4

Every town has a history. Discover ours.

Saturday Speaker Series

Waterway: The Story of
Seattle’s Locks and Ship Canal
Saturday, April 14, 2018
Jennifer Ott, Author and
Assistant Director, HistoryLink.org
10:30am – noon (Doors open 10:00)
Emerald Heights, Redmond, WA
$5 suggested donation for non-members
Speakers subject to change.
For details:
Pontoon in the Ballard Locks. www.redmondhistoricalsociety.org.
Photo: WSDOT

Why does a city surrounded by water need another waterway? Find

out what drove Seattle's civic leaders to pursue the dream of a Lake
Washington Ship Canal for more than sixty years and what role it has
played in the region's development over the past century. On April 14,
historian Jennifer Ott, co-author with David B. Williams of Waterway:
The Story of Seattle's Locks and Ship Canal, will explore how industry,
transportation, and the very character of the city and surrounding region
developed in response to the economic and environmental changes
brought by Seattle's canal and locks. See p. 4.
Also inside:
• Society honors our 2018 “History Hero,” p. 5.
• Local History: Read about Emma McRedmond, Postmistress, on p. 6.
• Interested in the history and development of Redmond’s downtown
core? Sign up for a walking tour with local historian Tom Hitzroth.
For registration info and tour schedule, see p. 7.
• Society seeks program committee members, p. 8.

Every town has a history. Discover ours. • April 2018

 2018 Society News
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Our thanks to Society member Betty Gaudy,
OFFICERS who donated a large collection of letters and
Joe Townsend • President mementos from her time working as a 4-H
Mary I. Hanson • Senior Vice President leader in Redmond from 1957–1970.
John Oftebro • Vice President Finance
Do you have piece of Redmond’s history you
Halee Turner • Vice President Collections
would like to donate to the Society? If so,
Sayeda Haq • Secretary
please contact info@redmondhistoricalsoci-
DIRECTORS AT LARGE ety.org with a description of the item to see if
Judith Simpson we can accept it.
Indira Krishnaswami
Debra Pelletier Welcome new Business
Brian Burck Member, De Jong Sawdust
and Shavings. Cory de Jong
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR • II and his ten-year-old son
Krishna Nandanoor started Cory de Jong & Son,
Inc in 1950 with one delivery
ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER • truck that delivered sawdust
Tasia Williams and shavings to local farms. Sixty-eight years
later Cory de Jong III, his daughter Shannon
ATTORNEY • Charles Diesen (The Girl) de Jong and great grandson
Our finances are public record and may Cornelius de Jong IV continue Cory Sr.’s
be viewed at the office. legacy that we all know today as de Jong
FREE NEWSLETTER Sawdust & Shavings and de Jong’s Avondale
If you don’t subscribe, please sign up. Bark & Topsoil.
Call the office at 425.885.2919 or email We’ve moved! Last month we packed up our
[email protected]. offices and collections. Now we are settling
State your preference of email or U.S. Mail. into our new space in the Vision 5 Building,
The historical society prefers email as it’s 8525-163rd Court NE #120, Redmond, WA
inexpensive and photos are enhanced online. 98052. Our phone number is the same―
425-885-2919―our office hours have
FIND US ON FACEBOOK:
facebook.com/Redmond.Historical.Society changed: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday,
9:30 am to 4:30 pm.
THE REDMOND RECORDER
is published nine times annually.

NEWSLETTER EDITOR
Laura Lee Bennett

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Coldwell Banker Bain real

Teresa Potter - Urban Dakota Creative estate broker Bliss Ong has
formed a unique partnership
redmondhistoricalsociety.org with the Redmond Historical Society in an
effort to help raise money for the Society.
Coldwell Banker Bain will give 10% back
to support the Redmond Historical Society
when you or someone you refer is looking
to buy or sell property. Coldwell Banker
PHONE 425.885.2919
Bain established its Community Partnership
WEBSITE redmondhistoricalsociety.org
program as a way for the company and its
EMAIL [email protected] brokers to give back to the organizations
HOURS Monday, Tuesday, that are committed to the welfare of our
and Wednesday: communities, For more information, contact
9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Bliss Ong at 425.445.8006, or call the Society
Office at 425.885.2919.

April 2018 • Every town has a history. Discover ours.

 President’s Notebook

It’s Easy to Become a Member

By Joe Townsend

At our very successful dinner and auction in

January, an attendee remarked, “Why haven’t we
joined the historical society?” We couldn’t agree
more. To all who have become members of the
Redmond Historical Society, thank you. Membership
has its benefits, and the primary benefit is intrinsic—
the personal knowledge and satisfaction that you
are supporting the Society and its mission.

It’s easy to join the Redmond Historical Society. You can join by mail using
the form in the newsletter or on our website, by credit/debit card, or your
PayPal account. Join at a Saturday Speaker Series program, where we
accept checks, cash, or credit cards. Or, stop by the Society office and pay
by cash or check.

The Society has several membership levels: Trailblazer (Student), Pioneer

(Individual), Homesteader (Family), Entrepreneur (Supporter), History Maker
(Lifetime), and Corporate. Membership dues for nonprofits like Redmond
Historical Society are a form of donation and are tax deductible, the same
as other 501(c)(3) organizations.

Membership means you enjoy these programs and activities:

• Saturday Speaker Series—admission is free to members, while a
suggested $5 donation is asked of non-members.
• Annual summer picnic at Perrigo Park in June—food, music, and more.
• 10% discount at the Redmond Historical Society Shop.
• Our website—a great resource about Redmond’s history and Society
activities.
• Monthly newsletter, The Redmond Recorder, with news of upcoming
events and stories of Redmond’s past.
• Invitation to visit our Redmond Historical Society office.
• Opportunity to participate in volunteer activities at Redmond events such
as Derby Days, Redmond Saturday Market, and Redmond Lights.

The Redmond Historical Society is constantly working to serve the

community through historical stewardship: collecting, preserving, and
sharing Redmond’s unique heritage.

What are you waiting for? It’s easy to become a member today!

Every town has a history. Discover ours. • April 2018

 Saturday Speaker Series

Waterway: The Story of Seattle’s

Locks and Ship Canal
Construction of the Lake Washington
Ship Canal by King County and the
Army Corps of Engineers was the
culmination of more than 60 years
of efforts to join Lake Washington
with Puget Sound. When it was first
opened in 1916, vessels of all sizes
could traverse the divide between
fresh―and saltwater―stimulating
the economy and spurring shoreline
development on the lakes.  Jennifer Ott,
Author and Historian
Assistant Director, HistoryLink.org
Jennifer Ott, co-author with David
B. Williams of Waterway: The
Story of Seattle’s Locks and Ship For this month only, the program will
Canal, will share some of the stories be at Emerald Heights, 10901 176th
they uncovered in their research Circle NE, Redmond, WA. Doors
about the decades of false starts, open at 10:00 am. $5 suggested
the political shenanigans, and donation for non-members. Speakers
far-reaching social, economic, subject to change. For details: www.
and environmental impacts of the redmondhistoricalsociety.org.
canal’s construction and operation. Note: There is a location change
She’ll explore how lowering a lake, for the April 14 program.
raising a bay, and drying up a river Ride the shuttle to Emerald
created space for industry and Heights. Please park at Redmond
recreation and shaped King County’s High School (17272 NE 104th St,
communities over the past century. Redmond, WA 98052).

Enjoy a relaxing morning at the Shuttle schedule:

Redmond Historical Society Depart Redmond High School
Saturday Speaker Series, a monthly (before program)
program that features six speakers 9:30 am • 9:45 am • 10:00 am
addressing topics of local, state and Depart Emerald Heights
Pacific Northwest historical interest. (after program)
The series is held 10:30am–noon. 12:15 pm • 12:30 pm • 12:45 pm

April 2018 • Every town has a history. Discover ours.

 Society News

Society Announces 2018

‘History Hero’
The 2018 History Hero Award for
the first half of 2018 is awarded
to Paige Norman for superlative
volunteer contributions to the
Redmond Historical Society.
Page’s leadership as Co-Chair
of the Fundraising Dinner and
Auction project and Chair of the
Fundraising Events Subcommittee
helped propel the Society toward
reaching our goals for this
fundraising event. Judy Aries Lang and Paige Norman
at Society Fundraiser in January
Paige utilizes her expertise 2018. Photo: Patsy Rosenbach
and experience to help plan
all elements of the fundraising
event, brought together a team Become a Member
of effective volunteers, organized Volunteer
Be Part of History

resources, effectively employed Donate

staff and vendors, kept the
Finance Committee and the Board
appraised and involved in the
project, and finally executed the
event, leading to overwhelming
success. Members and guests
wholeheartedly expressed that
it was great deal of fun and we
heard people asking themselves
why they aren’t members of the
Society. Not only did we meet our
financial goals, we also gained
much positive publicity.

Paige Norman, a true History

Hero. Paige, thank you for your
thoughtful assistance to the
Redmond Historical Society. redmondhistoricalsociety.org

Every town has a history. Discover ours. • April 2018

 Local History

Emma McRedmond’s Post Office

By Tom Hitzroth
On July 20, 1891, Luke and Kate The building in the photograph
McRedmond deeded a small piece (Emma second from left) operated
of land, 120 feet by 72 feet, to their as the Redmond Post Office
daughter Emma for one dollar. from after September 22, 1888 to
The parcel included one building, January 26, 1898. A letter, written
constructed by Luke McRedmond by John Tosh to the King County
between September 22, 1888 and Board of Commissioners on October
March 28, 1891, which became the 22, 1888, suggests that the post
site of the second Redmond Post office was co-located with a general
Office. Emma was the Postmistress. store. Many post offices in that time
period occupied a small area in a
Luke McRedmond purchased this general store. Luke McRedmond
land (part of an 80-acre tract) from positioned the post office/general
the Northern Pacific Railroad on store across from the railroad depot
September 1, 1883. At this time in what would today be NE 76th
Luke was Postmaster of Redmond Street (see map). The post office
and the post office was located at building was demolished sometime
his home. His son William became between late 1899 and early 1900,
Postmaster on January 2, 1884, so the Hotel Redmond could be
holding that position until his death located in its present position in
from consumption (tuberculosis) relation to the depot.
on December 4, 1884. Emma
filled William’s unexpired term until Among other projects, I am currently
her formal appointment by the working on is determining the physical
Postmaster General of the United dimensions of the old post office
States on March 21, 1885. building, and I am close to determining
its exact location in NE 76th Street.

Redmond Post Office, ca. 1895 Extract from the plat map
Eastside Heritage Center. Emma of Redmond filed by Luke
McRedmond is second from left. McRedmond on March 28, 1891,
Puget Sound Regional Archives.

April 2018 • Every town has a history. Discover ours.

 Society News

Society Celebrates 15 Years

of Walking Tours By Laura Lee Bennett
In 2002, local historian Tom Hitzroth and Society co-founder Naomi
Hardy developed a walking tour and since 2003, Tom has led walking
tours of Redmond’s historic district. Over the years, the tour has evolved
from one hour to two, with the script changing as new information is
discovered. “I’m looking for the question I can’t answer, which means I
need to look further into a particular area.”

A lifelong Eastside resident and chair of the City of Redmond Landmark

Commission, Hitzroth continues to work at identifying details of Redmond
development from its earliest times to 1930. He is currently researching
the historic site of the settlement of Melrose that preceded Redmond.

2018 Walking Tour Schedule

Saturday April 7, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Sunday April 22, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Saturday May 6, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Sunday May 20, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Sunday June 10, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Sunday June 24, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Sunday August 12, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Justice White House/Hotel
Sunday September 9, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Redmond

There is a suggested donation of $10 for each person with a limit of 10

people per group. 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. You can also pre-
register on our website: www.redmondhistoricalsociety.org/. Registrations
must be received by the Friday before the tour.

Tours include a significant amount 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.

Every town has a history. Discover ours. • April 2018

 Society News

Society Seeks Committee Members

for Saturday Speaker Series
The Redmond Historical Society Ideas for topics and speakers
is recruiting volunteers to join the come from many places, including
Saturday Speaker Series Program members, the statewide historical
Committee. The Saturday Speaker community, newspapers, the Society
Series is the crown jewel of the archive of past programs, and
Society’s service to the community. word of mouth. The Humanities
Serving on the Program Committee Washington Speakers Bureau has
is an exceptional volunteer also been an excellent resource.
opportunity for those who love
The committee begins the speaker
history, enjoy working with effective
selection process in October of each
people, and find satisfaction in
year with the goal to have promotion
good planning and organization.
materials ready by the following
Committee members assume
May. Programs occur September–
responsibility for a program that is
November and February–April.
already highly developed but also
has opportunities for growth and The committee has kept busy. The
enhancement. Attendance at the 2017-2018 season concludes this
programs has averaged 136 people. month with Jennifer Ott, author
and historian, presenting a talk on
The May 2015 Redmond Recorder “Waterway: The Story of Seattle’s
newsletter carried an informative Locks and Ship Canal,” and is
article, titled “How the Saturday currently working on the 2018-
Speakers Series is Created.” Read 2019 season. This is planning at
about the fun and rewards of its finest. If you are interested or
this exciting work. This is a great know someone looking for such an
opportunity to give back to the opportunity, contact Tasia Williams
community, using skills developed at info@ redmondhistoricalsociety.
over your career—perhaps in org or 425.885.2919. A detailed
marketing, event planning, or event description of the opportunities can
production. be found on our website, under the
Get involved/Volunteer menu.

Saturday Speaker Series

courtesy Headspinner
Photography

April 2018 • Every town has a history. Discover ours.

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

SHIPPING & HANDLING: Please add $10.00 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:
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NOTE: REDMOND REFLECTIONS is also available at the Redmond Historical Society Office at the
Vision 5 Building 8525-163rd Court NE #120 Redmond, WA 98052. (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:
BOOKS POSTCARDS
of historical photos
MAGNETS
featuring artwork
by Patti Simpson Ward
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN
REDMOND WALKING GUIDE
The Redmond Historical Society’s
updated Historic Downtown Walking
Guide. Suggested donation is $8.

OUR TOWN, REDMOND

History of Redmond This painting of Marymoor Park, Flying Kites
at the Clise Mansion, is the work of fine artist
by Nancy Way. Patti Simpson Ward.
$12 (includes tax)
Visit her website to see more images of
Eastside settings— pattisimpsonward.com.

Every town has a history. Discover ours. • April 2018

 Society News

Huge Historic Thank Yous

Many thanks to our Saturday Speaker Series
volunteers for their generous donation of time
and effort to ensure a smooth program day:

Press release – Miguel Llanos

Room set up – Tom Hansen & Jeff Liu (student)
Greeters – Patsy Rosenbach & Laura Lee Bennett
AV – David Rossiter
Coffee – Judy Lang
Snacks – Mary Hanson
Membership – Linda McCrystal & Bill McKenzie

Our Society Lifetime Members

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

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

is available at redmondhistoricalsociety.org

April 2018 • 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
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Attn: Membership
Vision 5 Building
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8525-163rd Court NE #120 Now!
Redmond, WA 98052
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Every town has a history. Discover ours. • April 2018

 April 2018 • Every town has a history. Discover ours.
Redmond Historical Society
Vision 5 Building
8525-163rd Court NE #120
Redmond, WA 98052
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