Community service groups have
helped shape Redmond, but none has been around as long as the Nokomis Club
– founded by six women in 1909 to bring
culture to what was then a Wild West Redmond. Set up as a literary club, the
organization eventually went on to found Redmond’s first library. Alexa Munoz,
current club president, will present the Nokomis story at the Redmond
Historical Society's Saturday Speaker Series program on May 9th at
10:30am at the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center.
“The history of the Nokomis
Club is an example of the role that women played in the community during the
first half of the last century,” says Munoz. “It’s a great topic for Mother’s
Day weekend.” Read More >>
Its charter was clear:
"only those of good moral character" were allowed in and
"two negatives" meant expulsion.
Poetry readings and clothing drives for orphans and homeless were among the early activities of the
all-women's club.
After several fundraising efforts, the Nokomis
voted in 1927 to organize a public library in Redmond.
The library opened on October 29, 1927, loaning out
567 books in its first month. But the donated space soon became too small and
according to Munoz “within five years, a permanent library was financed,
organized, and administered by women who volunteered their talents and
capabilities for the betterment of the community.” That wood-framed
cottage, which later became the Redmond Chamber of Commerce, still stands but
its future is uncertain. A developer has plans for an apartment building on the
property. However, Nokomis Club is
working to preserve the historic building on its original site.
The Saturday Speaker Series
is a monthly program presented by the Redmond Historical Society on every
second Saturday (with the exception of June, July, August and December) at
10:30am at the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center, located at 16600 NE 80th
Street. Topics range from local, state
and Pacific Northwest historical interest. There is a suggested $5 donation for
non-members.
The Redmond Historical
Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that receives support from the
City of Redmond, 4 Culture, Nintendo, the Bellevue Collection, and Happy Valley
Grange as well as from other donors and members.
No comments:
Post a Comment
COMMENT HERE - COMMENTS ARE MODERATED