06/07 - Pristine Perrigo Springs Dedication

The small willow on the right commemorates Perrigo Springs, Redmond's first water source used by Indians and early Redmond pioneers.

The Historical marker and willow were dedicated by the Snoqualmie Falls Daughters of the American Colonists in 2004.

The above picture depicts the Perrigo Springs memorial as of last week. A few months ago, rock and debris was dumped on the the historical marker, tree and springs by a Public Works contractor. This was probably an unintentional consequence from nearby construction on a water tower. After several calls to the city the Public Works Dept. says they are looking for the vendor responsible for the damage.

UPDATE 1)They found the contractor and according to the Director of Public Works Bill Campbell, the rock pile and debris will be removed in 2-4 weeks,

6/26. UPDATE 2) the rock pile was raked into the surrounding ground and heavy, rusty pipe couplings were dumped next to the willow!
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The Springs can be found by walking from NE 100th St. terminus (on Education Hill) on the Perrigo Trail towards Avondale. It's at the base of CAMWEST DEVELOPMENT, INC. steep-slope sewer line.

So far, the Springs remain pristine, though citizens are monitoring the wetlands and creek water feeding the spring owing to Perrigo Heights construction impacts.

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Submitted by:  Nao Hardy, Founder of the "Redmond Historical Society" 6/07

"The little Perrigo Springs was purchased by the Redmond Water Department in 1914 and was the first water supply for the newly incorporated town of Redmond. A dam was originally constructed to impound the water for storage, with the transmission main a 4” to 8” wood stave pipe. This site was Redmond’s only water supply until 1927 and served as a major source of supply until 1962. Currently the spring is still there, trickling through a small, forested valley, past the city’s Perrigo Springs Reservoir and makes its way to Bear Creek. There is a wide trail near the spring that goes up Education Hill. Hikers and school kids and the curious use this trail. A mile to the east the large Perrigo Community Park is being developed."

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Letter to Tom Fix, City of Redmond, re: Dedication, 5/29/04

Went exploring this weekend, and we now have a rock from Perrigo Springs in our archives. Hope I'm forgiven for this because I did take a river rock, not one brought in from off-site. I followed the creek back to where it was oozing from ground. To judge by rock-lined stream bed, it must've been fairly good sized waterway once. Got some great pictures. Away from the roadway, it's another world. 

Pedestal signage on south bank would probably work well. Or bronze plaque mounted on large stone. Should DAC honor it, parks could spiff up immediate area slightly with bench and garage can! There wasn't much trash, but seeing even a few items in the little waterway was distressing. It does give me pause about publicity for the site, although I saw a surprising number of other people on the trail.

I wonder how a cross-section of old wooden water pipe could also be displayed with interpretive signage. Maybe this is best done on a wall in the old schoolhouse.

Arlyn Vallene whose farm was just below springs, told me how her family worried that building the dam would mean they'd have fish in their drinking water.

 --Nao Hardy, submitted 6/07
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I include this for Arlyn Vallene's anecdote re fish. think I told you that the "road" paralleling springs was called Frog Farm Road. there was even a sign on post with that name. all I really have is the two othere's I sent you tonight. if u wanta get some info from Arlyn, her contact info is below. she volunteers in our office every Thursday - faithfully. I recall her saying someone[s] on the hill above her came to Arlyn's farmhouse to bath as they didn't have running water on the hill until early 1950s when they were annexed.

--Nao Hardy, 6/07