Walking with History: Elise Farrel-McWhirter

Breaking news!  The folksy Redmond Mayor of 30-years Bill Brown is introduced and chats with the audience!  He may be attending the Society's 25th Anniversary party at the Senior Center on Saturday, 28th 3-5:30.  Have a beverage with him afterwards at a local tavern!

Saturday Speaker Series Walking with History: 

Elise Farrel-McWhirter (16:20 m) 

"Born an heiress in the Age of Industry, Elise Farrel-McWhirter led the life of one of the most intriguing socialites in New England in the early 20th century. Follow the incredible life journey of a woman who was independent and bold before it was in vogue. Before the Women’s Suffrage Movement, before Women’s right to vote, 

Elise Farrel-McWhirter lived a remarkable life on her own terms and traded the glamour of society for a small farming community in rural Washington—a community named Redmond that she chose to live in over all the other places she had traveled in North America, Asia, and Europe. 

We can walk with history today, because she donated her beloved home upon her death that became Farrel- McWhirter Park. Learn about one of Redmond’s early leading ladies, who loved children, horses, nature, and left us all a legacy that helped foster Redmond’s modern-day Parks Department."

Speaker bio: Ali Maynard is the Farm Program Coordinator at Farrel-McWhirter Park and has been employed with the City of Redmond since 2007.

Her presentation was provided courtesy of the City of Redmond. Ali has spent a significant portion of her career in Parks and Recreation at Farrel-McWhirter Park and has helped to maintain the Park’s legacy of equestrian education, farm and agriculture education, and promote stewardship for the natural world through day camps, outdoor classes, community events, riding lessons and much more. Ali, like Elise Farrel-McWhirter, is a lifelong equestrian and grew up on the back of a horse in Carnation, WA. She lives in Monroe, WA with her husband Eric, daughter, Edith, pony Nugget, and dog, Roxie.

Release, John Oftebro

President, Redmond Historical Society

9/12/2024