The Redmond Recorder

REDMOND HISTORICAL SOCIETY NEWSLETTER

SEPTEMBER 2017 • VOL. 19 • NO. 8

Every town has a history. Discover ours.

Saturday Speaker Series

Saturday, September 9, 2017, 10:30am – noon
Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center
16600 NE 80th St., Redmond, WA.

Washington’s Healthcare Pioneer:

Group Health Cooperative

Group Health Clinic in the 1950s

Photo: Group Health Archives
The Redmond Historical Society’s Saturday Speaker Series begins
its new season on September 9. The first program, “Washington’s
Healthcare Pioneer: Group Health Cooperative,” will be presented
by Patricia Bailey, MPAF Business Operations Strategist, Kaiser
Permanente. See page 4: Student programs at EDCC a huge success,
page 5. Tom Hitzroth offers history of Redmond trivia, Part I (see p. 6).

Every town has a history. Discover ours. • September 2017

 2017
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
Joe Townsend • President
Mary I. Hanson • Senior Vice President
John Oftebro • Vice President Finance
Vacant • Vice President Collections
Halee P. Turner • Acting Secretary
Indrani Bandyopadhyay • Volunteer University graduate
Coordinator
DIRECTORS AT LARGE
Judith Simpson
Steve Johnson
Sharon Brocker
Indira Krishnaswami
Hank Myers
Debra Pelletier
MANAGER, ADMINISTRATION
AND ARCHIVES • Halee P. Turner
ATTORNEY • Charles Diesen
Our finances are public record and may
be viewed at the office.
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redmondhistoricalsociety.org
PHONE 425.885.2919
WEBSITE redmondhistoricalsociety.org
EMAIL info@redmondhistoricalsociety.org
HOURS Monday through Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
September 2017 • Every town has a history. Discover ours.
Society News
Please welcome
new Membership
Committee Chair,
Aashna Tiruvallur,
a Gonzaga
with a dual degree
in International Relations and
Political Science. Aashna worked
as a retail associate with Banana
Republic in Spokane before
moving to Kirkland for a job at a
promotions and merchandising
agency. Aashna has three years
of experience in event planning
as president of Gonzaga’s
Intercultural Student Union.
Coldwell Banker Bain real
estate broker Bliss Ong
has formed a unique
partnership 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 Bain
established its Community Partnership
program as a way for the company and its
brokers to give back to the organizations
that are committed to the welfare of our
communities, For more information,
contact Bliss Ong at 425.445.8006, or call
the Society Office at 425.885.2919.
 President’s Notebook
Shout Out to the Saturday
Speaker Series Volunteers
By Joe Townsend
The 2017–2018
Saturday
Speaker Series
season is
underway. Ever
wonder how
this all comes
together? It’s
not magic;
it’s the work of a core group
of volunteers, the Program
Committee, with capable staff
support from our Manager,
Administration and Archives,
Halee Turner, and a production
crew to make for a well-run event.
Thank you, Mary Hanson, Sherry
Stilin, Julianne Rossiter, Bliss
Ong, and Laura Lee Bennett, who
plan the programs. Throughout the
year, these volunteers research
potential topics, speakers,
providers, such as Humanities
Washington, and expected
content. Lists turn into schedules.
Schedules turn into events and
presentations. Events turn into
audiences averaging 130 people.
Saturday events start early.
Volunteers arrive before 9:00 am.
Coffee is brewed, chairs are set
up, AV equipment is readied and
tested. At last the speaker arrives,
and we know we have a good day
ahead.
Every town has a history. Discover ours. • September 2017
Thank you David Rossiter, John
Gustaveson, George Downing,
and John Stilin for handling
the AV equipment. Thank you
Tom Hanson for managing the
chair setup crew, with the help
of Redmond High School Key
Club Members. Thank you Beryl
Standley, Judy Lang, and Chris
Swanson for making coffee.
Thank you Bliss Ong for bringing
delicious muffins and pastries.
Thank you, greeters, including
Patsy Rosenbach, Ernestine
“Ernie” Reasoner, and former
Volunteer Coordinator Judith
Simpson. Thank you Linda
McCrystal and Bill Mackenzie
for your dedication to the
membership table.
And, we promote the Programs.
Thank you Miguel Llanos for
writing news releases.
And, we thank the friendly and
capable ORSCC staff, who offer
technical and logistical support for
a smooth program day.
Thanks to all of you. The
Redmond Historical Society
Saturday Speaker Series is truly a
community event.
 Saturday Speaker Series

Washington’s Healthcare Pioneer:

Group Health Cooperative
Think the Seattle area is
progressive now? In the post-
World War II era, activists who had
deferred their dreams of social
reform and progress during the
war were impatient to resume work
on building a more equitable, just,
and democratic society. One such
group—representing labor unions,
farmers’ granges, and consumer
and producer cooperatives—came
together in August of 1945 to learn
about organizing a cooperative
hospital. Their goal? To find a new Patricia Bailey
MPAF Business Operations Strategist
way to make health care affordable Marketing, Public Affairs, and
and accessible for everyone. Foundation, Kaiser Permanente

From that initial event grew the
seed that became Group Health
Cooperative. Organizers found a
medical group equally passionate
about affordability, and together
they persevered through obstacle
after obstacle. Buying their
first hospital. Fighting a smear
campaign by the King County
Medical Society. Enduring financial
setbacks. Rapid growth. Internal
disagreements. Alliances and
breakups. And eventually
acquisition. This colorful story,
covering seven decades, highlights
an organization that became
a success beyond anything its
founders imagined It is the early
years—and the optimism and
determination of those doctors and
members who risked everything
for a dream—that still inspires
the people of Group Health, now
Kaiser Permanente Washington.
Please join us on Saturday,
September 9, for the first program
of the series, with speaker Patricia
Bailey, MPAF Business Operations
Strategist for Group Health
Cooperative. The series is held
10:30am-noon at the Old Redmond
Schoolhouse Community Center,
16600 NE 80th St., Redmond,
WA. Doors open at 10:00 am.
$5 suggested donation for non-
members.

September 2017 • Every town has a history. Discover ours.


Spring Student Projects A Huge Success
By Debra Pelletier
Over the last several months,
two student projects have been
going on, culminating in over
820 volunteer hours to assist
the Redmond Historical Society.
Thank you to all who helped
move these projects forward.
Without membership involvement
and participation, we could not
offer and produce these fabulous
programs. We are proud of the
work these young professionals
have accomplished.
Edmonds Community College –
Project Management 270 Class
Students at EDCC were tasked
with carrying out a feasibility
study for the Redmond Historical
Society. The Board wanted
recommendations regarding short-
term relocation and long-term
possibility of a permanent location.
Over an 11-week period, 30
students went through a traditional
Project Management Institute
(PMI) process, using industry
methodologies.
The class was split into five
planning teams. Those teams, in
turn, interviewed key stakeholders,
including Society Board members,
the Facilities Task Force, Society
membership, City of Redmond
Parks and Recreation staff, City
Council, Planning Department,
other regional historical societies,
Redmond community members,
Every town has a history. Discover ours. • September 2017
Society News
visitors to the City of Redmond,
and the Lake Washington School
District.
A total of 243 individuals were
interviewed. Board members
received the final results in a
presentation on June 15th.
Project Management Internship
Program
The Philanthropy Committee
developed creative ways to build a
quality fundraising program through
the efforts of Bellevue College
project management students
wanting direct project experience.
Five students volunteered, creating
the following deliverables:
 Historical Walking Tour Mobile
App launch community event
 Historical Walking Tour Mobile
App promotional events and
marketing materials
 Corporate Sponsorship Packet
and potential sponsors profiles
 Donor Giving Program
marketing materials
 Philanthropy Training research
 Strategic planning for
fundraising next steps
Job well done to Pamela Hanes
Julien Thorn, William Esque,
Anastacia Ji, and Ted Muller.
Students received mentoring,
coaching, and training on project
management process, improvement
feedback, certificate of completion,
and a reference letter.
 Local History

Redmond Trivia: Part I

By Tom Hitzroth
This month, I thought I would take you through some little-known facts
about Redmond.
• The Valley Hotel, owned by William Sikes, was built in 1889. Ery B.
Cowles was the builder.
• When the Railroad Depot and the Valley Hotel were built in 1888 and
1889, Cleveland Street, Leary Way, Jackson Street (Redmond Way),
and Gilman Street did not exist.
• The Valley Hotel was remodeled to become the Hotel Walther.
• On March 13, 1882, Adam Tosh had to file an amendment to his
homestead claim. When he first filed the claim, he misread the map
and gave the wrong property description.
• Prior to 1877, Bear Creek was known as Merritt Creek for Miles
Merritt, an early land claimant.
• The original paint scheme for the Hotel Redmond was white and green.
• The Fraternal Order of Eagles, organized March 20, 1907, occupied
the building where Redmond’s Bar and Grill is today, 20 years before
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows moved in.
• When James Clise purchased the John Tosh homestead in 1904,
he used Tosh’s cabin as a woodshed for the house.
• The Redmond Railroad Station and tracks we see in the historic
photographs are not in their original location. Stay tuned for a future
article on this topic.
• On March 13, 1910, the Hotel Walther caught fire. After burning for
most of the day, it was decided to dynamite the building to stop the
fire. When the blast went off, it shattered most of the windows in town
and was heard in Kirkland, four miles away.

Leary Way in Redmond, 1907–1910, looking south.

Photo: Eastside Heritage Center

September 2017 • Every town has a history. Discover ours.

 Society News

H appy Birthday to the Library!

Saturday, September 30, 10:00am – 3:30pm
Celebrate the birthdays of KCLS, formed 75 years ago—and the Redmond
Library, established 90 years ago by the Nokomis Club.
10:00am – The Friends of the Redmond Library art book sale. Classical
CDs also for sale.
11:30am – Watercolorist Molly Hashimoto presents her new book, Colors
of the West.
1:00pm – Docents lead tours of the art on permanent display.
2:00pm – Redmond High School Jazz Band plays popular music from the
‘20s and ’40s.
3:00pm – Nokomis Club members speak. Birthday cake is served.
Redmond Historical Society will be on hand with information about the
history of the library and the Society’s new walking tour app. The Nokomis
Club will be present with information about their organization. Sponsored by
the Friends of the Redmond Library.

‘Shrimp Boil’ Moved to September 23

Have you bought a ticket to the Shrimp Boil Fundraiser? It’s not too late!
Deadline is September 14.
When: Saturday, September 23 at 2:00 pm
Where: 16714 NE 97th St.. Redmond, WA 98052 (private residence)
Tickets: Members $35, Non-members/Guests $45.
Space is limited, so reserve your spot now! For those who have already
purchased a ticket, you may use your ticket on Sept. 23, or request a refund by
contacting our office at 425-885-2919 or info@redmondhistoricalsociety.org.

A special thank you to Pamela Become a Member

Hanes, who went beyond the call Volunteer
Be Part of History

Donate
of duty, and made close to $300 in
cash contributions to the “Steps in
Time” community event. Pamela
has volunteered numerous hours
creating marketing materials for our
organization.

Job Opportunity:The Society currently has an

opening for a part-time Administrative Manager. Click
here: http://preview.tinyurl.com/yatsonzb to view the
full job description. To apply, please send resume
to info@redmondhistoricalsociety.org.
redmondhistoricalsociety.org

Every town has a history. Discover ours. • September 2017

 Society News

Join the Historical Society

for a Walking Tour
The Redmond Historical Society
announces the date of its last
walking tour of the season on
Sunday, September 10, from
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

These tours are a fun opportunity to

learn about the people and places
that helped make Redmond what it
is today. Join our guide Tom Hitzroth
as he takes a look at Redmond from
the Settlement Period to the mid-
1920s and highlights the sites of
early business buildings that defined Can’t make the tour?
Redmond’s core, paving the way for
the present commercial district.
Download our free walking
  tour mobile app!
A $10 donation is suggested for each
person. You may pre-register for the
event by calling 425-885-2919 or by
sending a check to the Redmond

Tour
Historical Society at 16600 NE 80th
Street, Room 106, Redmond, WA Redmond
98052. Registration must be received Walking
the Friday before the tour.
FREpE!
The tour begins across the street Ap
from the Hotel Redmond (Jensen/
Fey Architects) at 7730 NE 76th St. Steps
in
Time
There is a significant amount of
walking and standing included in
the tour, with limited opportunity for
resting. We recommend comfortable
shoes and weather appropriate Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc., registered in the

clothing. If you have any further

U.S. and other countries. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google Inc.

questions, please contact Halee

Turner at 425-885-2919 or manager
@redmondhistoricalsociety.org. 425-885-2919

September 2017 • 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:
NAME _______________________________________________________________________________________

STREET ADDRESS ____________________________________________________________________________

CITY • STATE • ZIP _____________________________________________________________________________

NOTE: REDMOND REFLECTIONS is also available at the Redmond Historical Society

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:
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. • September 2017

 Society News

Fred Meyer Community

Rewards Program
Did you know that you can support the Redmond Historical Society just
by using your Fred Meyer Rewards Card? Here’s how it works:

• Use your current Rewards Card, or apply for one at any Fred Meyer
store.
• Log in or create an account at www.fredmeyer.com/
communityrewards.
• Select the Redmond Historical Society as your chosen nonprofit
organization. Search for us by name or by our nonprofit number
(91447).
• You’ll receive Rewards Points, Fuel Points, and Rebates! And, every
time you shop, you’ll be helping the Redmond Historical Society
earn a donation from Fred Meyer’s Community Rewards Program.

Our Society Lifetime Members

Sharon Freeman, Ballisty 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 O’Brien Subhadra Terhanian
Frank Garbarino John Oftebro Doris Townsend
Madeleine Roberts Hagen Dale Potter Joe Townsend
Wayne Hansen Jo Ann Potter Roger Trepanier
Mary Hanson Bobbie Graep Rettig Arlyn Bjerke Vallene
Jerry Hardy Vivian Robinson Patti Simpson Ward
Chris Himes Laurie M. Rockenbeck Donald Glennister Watts
Rosemarie Ives Margy U. Rockenbeck Joanne Westlund
Patricia Weiss Jovag William Rockenbeck James Windle
Barbara Weiss Joyce Doris Bauer Schaible
Allen Lang Dick Shinstrom
A full listing of lifetime members, both current and in memoriam,
is available at redmondhistoricalsociety.org

September 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. • September 2017

 September 2017 • Every town has a history. Discover ours.
Redmond Historical Society
16600 NE 80th Street, Room 106
Redmond, WA 98052
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