2021 Redmond Historical Society Annual Membership Meeting

Three Mayors of the City of Redmond speak, including Mayor Angela Birney!

... and there's more!

(scroll left for the whole show)

Al DeYoung shares memories of his family growing up in Woodinville in the 1930's and l940's: RHS meeting Feb 9

 

History is happening in the Redmond area and we welcome you to our meeting. The Redmond Historical Society (RHS) will meet on Saturday, February 9, 2013, 10:30 a.m. to noon, at The Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center, 16600 NE 80 Street, Redmond, WA. 

 

Al DeYoung will share memories of his family and growing up in Woodinville in the 1930s and 1940s. His family operated many businesses, including brother Lowell’s TD Feeds in Redmond. Al has spent most of his adult life in public service. He has been a Commissioner of Public Hospital District 2, which is the Evergreen Hospital Medical Center, for 33 years, and a Northshore School Director for three years. His daughter, Lucy, is treasurer of the Woodinville Heritage Society. Don’t miss this meeting.  Read More >>

Aerojet manager to discuss Mars exploration at October Redmond Historical Society Meeting

History is happening in the Redmond area and we welcome you to our meeting.  The Redmond Historical Society will meet on Saturday, October 13, 2012, 10:30 to noon at the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center, 16600 NE 80 Street, Redmond, WA.  

Redmond is home to a rocket manufacturer. Originally known as Rocket Research Company, Aerojet-Redmond is located on the hill above the Sixty Acre soccer fields, just off Willows Road. Rocket Research Company designed and manufactured the Viking Lander engines that originally landed two spacecraft on the Martian surface in 1976. More recently, Aerojet redesigned and manufactured the Mars Science Laboratory Lander engines that delivered the rover Curiosity to the Martian surface on August 5, 2012. 

Ms. Olwen Morgan, Associate Development Engineer for Rocket Research Company, and now Business Development Manager for Aerojet, will discuss the history of Rocket Research Company and its contribution to the space industry, especially Mars exploration.  READ MORE >>

Redmond Historical Society Holiday Invitation

Seasons greetings from the Redmond Historical Society...

Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for the New Year 2012!

Wouldn’t it be fabulous to be part of creating new extraordinary memories during our Redmond Centennial in 2012?

Please join us at the January 2012 monthly meeting and bring some friends! If everyone could bring a friend we could spread the word about our organization and upcoming events. It would be great to grow our membership to enjoy the Redmond Centennial Celebration with our community during the New Year 2012 and in the future. Please help us preserve Redmond Historical Society for generations to come, see you on Saturday, January 14, 2012.  Read More >>

Jeni Craswell of Realize Redmond to share her vision of Redmond's future at historical society meeting

"Old Town Court" (click the red area!) is planned for Redmond's proposed Downtown Park (courtesy of RHS)

A new non-proft, Realize Redmond, has some impressive plans to raise private funds for public projects, especially the proposed downtown park. Whats more, both it and the city have taken Redmond's heritage to heart-the city's park designs include an "Old Town Court" as one idea for the city. You can read more in our Newsletter.

Please join us as we welcome Jeni Craswell, the Executive Director of Realize Redmond, on Saturday, September 10, 2011, from 10:30 to Noon, in the auditorium of the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center located at 16600 NE 80th St., as she shares her vision of Redmond's future.

Miguel Llanos

Education Hill neighbor

Editor, Redmond Historical Society (RHS)

September, 2011 RHS Newsletter

Redmond Historical Society features developer Kemper Freeman on May 8

Redmond Historical Society May Newsletter is bursting with present-day news!

We are pleased to welcome developer and long time Eastside resident Kemper Freeman, Jr. Please join us on Saturday May 8, 2010, as he shares stories of growing up in what is now Marymoor Park, where he and his sister raised cattle. He is now one the eastsides' most successful developers transforming his families' strawberry farm into Bellevue Square. We will be meeting from 10:30 to noon at the auditorium of the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center, 16600 NE 80th St located at the corner of NE 80th and 166th NE in downtown Redmond.  PUBLIC INVITED.

Come See Patti Simpson Ward at the Saturday Market

Come to the Saturday Market opening on Saturday, May 1 and see our Board member and local artist, Patti Simpson Ward, and her poster, which is this years' adverstising poster for the market.

Come See our Display at the new Liquor Store

Our stated purpose as a society includes sharing and celebrating Redmonds's heritage, so we jumped at the chance to do so by showcasing our collection in the windows of the new state liquor store going into Bill Brown's Garage (previously Underhill's Furniture). Each of the five windows highlights a different theme: the Old Trading Company, mid 20th century homes, logging, Bill Brown's Legacy and a huge aerial shot of the city from the 1960's.

Please Click Here to Read our Newsletter [PDF]

Submitted by Redmond Historical Society

The RHS challenges the Scouts to learn Scout History!

The next Redmond Historical Society (RHS) is Saturday, May 9 at 10:30 a.m when Mary Hammerman King will talk about the "History of the Boy Scouts." Meetings are in the Old Redmond School House Community Center. For more information write to: RHS

ATTENTION Scoutmasters! Don't be shy! We'd love to see you "pack" it into the event. (If you had fun touring City Hall, you'll definitely like this!) Here is our personal scout challenge to you: Every scout and scoutmaster attending will be given a can or two of food to give to the charity of your choice. Please call 425-885-2919 with your count! What do you think? Should I make a run to Costco? :)

Last Saturday, the RHS held a multi-media event on the History of the Saturday Market. Unfortunately, I missed it. The following, is an excerpt from the Redmond Historical Society Newsletter:
The Saturday Market -- 3 Decades On


"It’s been a long row to hoe, but the Redmond Saturday Market is now a fixture rooted in our spring, summer and fall. It dates back to 1976 and the late Georgia Erskine, who started it. Georgia is seen at left on May 22, 1999, when she attended the first meeting of the Redmond Historical Society, where she contributed to our history with artifacts like the article she's holding now".... from "The East Side Journal". Do you remember reading that awesome newspaper? I almost forgot.
-- Redmond Historical Society Newsletter, Miguel Llanos, Editor, 3/09

The Redmond Historical Society website is designed by my next door neighbor Richard Morris.

What business operated for 47 years before being replaced by Willows Run Golf Course?

Vegetable Farming in 1921 before Golfing at Willows Run

- excerpt from the Redmond Historical Society Newsletter, Miguel Llanos, Editor

The Willows Run Golf Course now dominates the Sammamish Valley area near downtown, but back in the old days the Aries family’s produce farm was the center of attraction.

Redmond Historical Society President Pro Tem Judy Aries Lang was born into that Italian family as was her sister Angela – and both pulled a few carrots and worked in the packing shed at Aries Gardens.

On Saturday, Nov. 8, from 10.30-noon at the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center, the sisters will take folks on a slideshow and video tour. All are welcome.

“The farm started with three partners in 1921 and 6 acres,” Judy recalls. “By 1928, it had 9 partners and 87 acres and was the largest in the valley, according to the East Side Journal. In 1930, they employed about 80 farm hands at the busiest time.”

“Head lettuce was the biggest crop, with half the acreage planted in lettuce,” Judy adds, “but over the years they also grew carrots, cabbage, cauliflower, beets, turnips, spinach, potatoes and pumpkins.”

The farm closed in 1968 with an equipment auction, of which a video was made, part of which will be shown at the meeting. “All the big veggie farms folded around this time,” Judy says. “An end to the era of truck farming in the valley.”

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

With assistance from my neighbor, Richard Morris, The Redmond Historical Society has created a new Web site -- with a new address: redmondhistoricalsociety.org. Check it out!

Here’s a sample of what you’ll find: 1) Past newsletters to 2001, 2)Select biographies
3) List of items we sell (great holiday gift ideas!) 4) Upcoming heritage events
5) Video clips (e.g. Derby Days; and one of the last trains through town)

The behavior and heritage of Redmond's "fine feathered friends" - 2008 Bird Walk Schedule

Clay-colored sparrow at Marymoor Park

The Redmond Historical Society held a multi-media meeting Saturday, April 12 from 10:30-noon at the Redmond Library, where Marymoor birding expert Michael Hobbs shared stories about the natural habitat of birds and their behavior. I have a personal Life List of over 130 birds and I can't wait to make one of Mr. Hobbs walks and get it up to date. What about you?! (see walk schedule below). Some students might get "extra credit" on this one?!

According to the Redmond Historical Society, Redmond’s history is not just about people and places. It’s also about our natural heritage, and our April speaker shared lots of photos of our feathered friends at Marymoor Park.

Michael Hobbs, a board member of the Friends of Marymoor Park, has plenty of experience. “I first birded at Marymoor Park in 1990, and I've been doing a weekly bird survey there since April 1994. That's every Wednesday or Thursday for the past (almost) 14 years, or well over 750 visits. I also gather records of others' bird sightings at Marymoor Park, and I now have documented 201 species in the park since 1990.” The focus of my talks is not always about pretty pictures of birds,” Michael notes, “but rather on the seasonal patterns, habitat niches, and changes over time in bird usage of the park. I'll try to share some good bird stories.

Michael also maintains birding information on the Friends of Marymoor Web site, at http://marymoor.org/birding.htm " --- Reference: Miguel Llanos, Redmond Historical Society Newsletter, RHS

2008 Morning Bird Walk Schedule - Meet at Marymoor Park, Parking Lot C

January 3 -- January 24, 8:00 Thurs
January 31 -- February 14, 7:30 Thurs
February 21 -- March 6, 7:00 Thurs
March 27 -- April 3, 7:00 Thurs
April 10 -- April 17, 6:30 Thurs
April 24 -- May 8, 6:00 Thurs
May 15 -- July 24, 5:30 Thurs
July 31 -- August 14, 6:00 Thurs
August 21 -- September 4, 6:30 Thurs
September 11 -- October 2, 7:00 Thurs
October 9 -- October 23, 7:30 Thurs
October 30, 8:00 Thurs
November 6, 7:00 Thurs
November 13 -- November 20, 7:30 eve 7:30 WEDS
December 4, 7:30 THURS
December 11 -- December 18, 8:00 Thurs
December 24 -- (Christmas eve) 8:00 Thurs

Bob Yoder, co-author, Ed Hill neighborhood

Multi-Media Program on how the Klondike Gold rush of 1897 affected our area, 3/8.

SAVE THE DATE: On Saturday, March 8, 2008, 10:30 a.m. to noon, at The Redmond Library, 15990 NE 85 Street, Redmond, WA. A special multi-media event will take place!

Come and hear all about the Klondike Gold Rush. Ruth Kerr, of the Klondike Gold Rush International Historical Park, Seattle, will cover the 2-year period, starting in 1897, of the gold rush and this area’s involvement. She will take us from Seattle to Dawson City, also discussing the U.S. partnership with Canada. (click to enlarge)

History is happening in Redmond! Visit our RHS website: http://www.redmondhistory.org/.”

Old Redmond Historic Walking Tours Return. If you live in Redmond, you probably drive along Leary Way daily. But do you know the histories of our oldest buildings? Like, which one was both an undertaker's premises and a bordello? Tom Hitzroth will educate and entertain folks with walking tours that explore those histories.

This year’s dates are April 20, May 18, June 22, and September 21, 2008. Tours run from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m., and walkers meet on the front steps of the Justice White House, 7730 Leary Way. A tour will not be held if it rains.

An $8 fee helps fund Society research. Pre-registration is required. To register, e-mail Tom at thitzroth@msn.com or phone the Redmond Historical Society office at 425-885-2919.

Clip: Mayor John Marchione has big plans to enhance Derby Days!

John announces a HUGE infusion of resources to Redmond's traditional "Derby Days" Event with "a little help from a friend". Must see!

Short, 1- minute clip of John Marchione during his first mayoral visit to the Historical Society Meeting of Saturday, 1/12, 2008 at the Library.

And, a video collection of John's election campaign is available for viewing by pressing "Menu" at the end of this clip.

Tom Hitzroth, New President for the Redmond Historical Society

"History is Happening in Redmond!"

Excerpts from President Judy Lang's (on right) remarks in the "Redmond Recorder", January 2008 newsletter:

"It is with great pleasure I pass the gavel to our new president, Tom Hitzroth.

Tom (on left) is not a newcomer to the Redmond Historical Society or the preservation of
history. He has served on our board since 2002, and leads walking tours through old
downtown. Tom is currently serving on the City of Redmond Landmarks and Heritage
Commission, and the Kirkland Heritage Society. He is also researching the murder of James Colman in 1890.

Tom’s involvement in Eastside history began in 1992 as president of Marymoor Museum. Later he served on the board at Issaquah Historical Society. Some of his past historical research includes the Tosh homestead, Redmond Meat Market, and the murder of Letitia Whitehall. We are fortunate for all the folks like Tom who are interested and willing to spend their time keeping our history alive. Thank you Tom!"

This Saturday's society event was a tribute to Larry Nelson, "Captain Radio" (October 1937 -November 2007) and native of Redmond. Larry passed away on November 29, 2007 after a battle with lung cancer. Larry excelled in tennis a loved golf and polishing his 'ole luxury car. Larry loved music and sang a few years with his band, the "Shades". He attended "Everett Community College".
Larry moved from Kirkland to Redmond as a baby when the population was less than 500; and left our world the "radio legend" from KOMO 1000. He is fondly remembered during Husky games talking it up on KOMO at football tailgate parties. He took his show around the world - to Australia, Paris, Calgary, Berlin, Spain and yes, Redmond "Derby Days"! Larry is survived by his wife, five sons, and daughter-in-law Maggie.

Redmond celebrated Larry's contributions at the January 12th Redmond Historical Society meeting with stories from friends, relatives, and a slide show from Miguel Llanos.

A Special Guest that day was In-coming MAYOR John Marchione
...................................................
2008 Executive Board
Tom Hitzroth President
Chris Himes Vice-President
Miguel Llanos Vice-President
Joanne Westlund Treasurer
Margaret Wiese Corresponding Secretary
Beryl Standley Recording Secretary
www.redmondhistory.com

RHS website

Redmond's Historical program features our city "Park Ranger"!

The Redmond Historical Society meeting of November 10 featured a slide talk by Peter Holte, our city's environmental "Stewardship Coordinator". Peter wears many hats but I have always liken him to a "city park ranger". (Peter once helped me get some land-use stream maps when I was studying the Critical Area Ordinance.)

At the historical program I felt like I was listening to a national park talk - but we were at the Old Redmond School House! I took a few notes:

• 35,000 years ago Redmond was under a glacial lake.


• the length of the Sammamish River used to be 28 miles long. The River was straightened in 1912 and 1963 for flood control. It is 10 miles shorter today.


• the Army Corps of Engineers "took the kinks out" to handle 40 year floods - we haven't had any.


• After straightening, the river became became known as a "slough" (slow moving body of water) and is now technically a "flood conveyance facility".


• One of the most significant pollutants from roadway stormwater run-off is copper. Automobile brakes used to be made with asbestos and now copper is used.

Peter mentioned the re-channeling the Sammamish River during the 90th Street Bridge construction - to make the river more serpentine. In 1999 salmon were put on the endangered list and making the river "curvy" helps salmon survive.

Stormwater construction is going on now at Luke McRedmond park near city hall. The project involves making part of the slough curvy and serpentine to help the salmon, but also to control and treat the stormwater run out of large, new outfall.

Sidebar: Not spoken at the meeting but a couple of RHS (Redmond Historical Society) members have joined other citizens in advocating to re route Bear Creek away from SR520 and make it serpentine and more salmon friendly. Why? The WDOT (Dept. of Transportation) has plans to widen 520 bringing the highway only about 50-feet from the Creek!

Peter mentioned that converting our straight-ditch Bear Creek and Sammamish River to a serpentine routing helps salmon by providing "off-channel rearing" places. Salmon just don't get the shelter and cool water they need in a straight-ditch owing to the faster running waters.

Peter gave us some interesting history of Redmond's development:

Prior to the 1800's, Sqwak Indians inhabited the Redmond area; known as the "Willow People". Sqwak tribes were related to the Snoqualmie and Duamish tribes. 1871 - first land claim; 1876 - first steamboat on Sammamish River; 1880 - logging boom (firs 12 feet in diameter); 1890 - transition to farming; 1892 - first drainage district; 1916 - river drops 9 feet after Ballard Ship lock was built; 1963-64 river straightened into a slough. Peter asked the society for help in naming 1 or 2 streams. Only 4 have names. Mackey Creek is one.

Peter Holte's environmental city work is interfaced often with citizens who what to help. If you want to volunteer in one of his stewardship programs call: 425-556-2822. Or email Peter at pholte@redmond.gov. Students looking for community volunteer credits can work in his storm drain stenciling program or stream steward program.

Many thanks to the RHS for providing this interesting program. http://www.redmondhistory.org/

8/30/07, Redmond's $40 million Regional Stormwater Treatment facility

8/30/07. Have you seen all the digging activity along the Sammamish River south of City Hall lately? It's not just about "IMPROVEMENT FOR FISH AND PEOPLE" . Some of that work ($1.7 million) in the vicinity of Lukc McRedmond Park is the first step toward building Redmond's ambitious regional downtown stormwater treatment system.

Jon Spangler, Redmond Division Manager of Stormwater Management gave a presentation in July to the King County Water Quality Committee about Redmond's $40 million regional stormwater treatment plan for downtown Redmond. Click on the following link to find the video archive:

Regional Water Quality Program, 7/25 - Redmond Stormwater (Real One media suggested)

The Regional treatment plan is a huge, proactive undertaking designed to service over 500 acres of downtown development anticipated in the next 40-50 years. It involves building 6 large "outfall" treatment facilities rather than hundreds of smaller vaults. Large trunk lines the length of Redmond Way and on 85th Street will be dug with pipes installed. Planned road re-designs will probably be coordinated with the storm pipe installation. All six facilities will be built in five years. Click here for the stormwater facility map

The $40 million cost will be paid by 1) raising residential and commercial stormwater fees by 40% and 2) raising the capital connection fees from $900 to $4000. According to Spangler, the city is well funded and Redmond already has one of the highest stormwater rates. Our rates are about double Seattle's rates.

If you look carefully at your 2007 utility bill you will probably find an additional $6.58/month charge. It goes towards the new regional stormwater system. It appears Education Hill, North Redmond, Grass Lawn and other neighborhoods are now paying higher stormwater rates to help fund the DT regional system.

Spangler states that about 90% of Redmond stormwater drains into the Sammamish and everyone benefits from a healthy downtown.

For the downtown property developers the regional plan is a deal.

• $800,000/year savings is anticipated over the old site by site stormwater design. Spangler claims the regional plan is about 60% the cost.
  
• The regional system doesn't consume landowner's buildable land.
  
• Maintenance costs will be reduced since catch basins won't need to be cleaned 1 month every other year along Redmond Way; and no catch basins to vacuum at night when it's dangerous to workers.

All wastewater treatment will take place "at the end of the pipe" into the Sammamish River OR Bear Creek. End-of-pipe treatment is least desirable of all treatments, though Spangler says Ecology feels they have more control over overall water quality.

The 2009 "Safeway-Bear Creek" outfall underground facility ($7M) will direct discharge into Bear Creek without detention. WILL EXTRA PRECAUTIONS & TREATMENTS OCCUR HERE? The remaining 5 facilities are expected to be built by 2011 or 2012 and all 5 will direct discharge into the Sammamish River without detention, as follows:

• 2007. Luke McRedmond underground facility ($1.7M) -- under construction w/ habitat upgrades
  
• 2009. The 8oth Street Trunk underground facility ($7.6M)
  
• 2011. Redmond Way Storm Trunk ($22M) -- start in 2009
  
• 2010. Redmond Way Trunk ($4.5M) -- wetland treatment
  
• 2008. Leary Way ($5.8M) -- natural vegetation for treatment

The 6 facilities will monitor flows and treat the run-off water by using: 1) a swirl concentrator to remove the large debris and 2) media filters to remove contaminants. Spangler isn't sure if he will use bio-filters on the end. Just how effective will this "1-2 swirl/media punch" be to keep the Sammamish fish and our recreation healthy? We need to keep an eye on this. Spangler described a "water-oil separator" that would be used at a downtown branch. He indicated treatment wetlands and sand filters may be used.

WILL REDMOND'S ADOPTED 2005 DEPT. OF ECOLOGY TREATMENT STANDARDS GUARANTEE THE FISHABLE, SWIMMABLE, RECREATIONAL WATERS WE NOW ENJOY? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A county representative asked Spangler about the impacts of Microsoft's growth on our stormwater run-off. Mr. Spangler plans to build a separate regional stormwater system for the Overlake Urban area to service Microsoft & environs. Treated stormwater will be discharged into Bellevue's Kelsey Creek system.

Without a regional Overlake stormwater system, the "Block C" development of Microsoft would require 14 vaults each 700,000 cu. ft. in size! That's 3x the volume of City Hall. (Our wellhead protection officer also claimed removal of 3x the volume of City Hall in contaminated by hazardous waste. ) Our super-sized City Hall is drawing lots of attention these days. Thus, Overlake Urban Center will probably install a regional system -- the good news is Microsoft will apparently pay for most of it.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FACTOIDS:

1) did you know stormwater was not regulated for effective treatment until after 1987? Expensive stormwater treatment retrofits are required on redevelopments prior to 1987.

2) the largest contributor to fecal coliform in Seattle is non-waterfowl birds and rodents.

3) 25% of all land-use in Seattle are roads, highways & road shoulders! Some of the worst pollutants come from roadway stormwater. This does not include parking lots.

4) The Sammamish River reaches a low of 17 feet in summer and high of 28 feet in winter, thus gravity flow of downtown stormwater a challenge. DT Redmond is 35-40 feet above sea level. Gravity flow of our stormwater is not 'strong'.

5) Redmond's downtown aquifer is sometimes 5-7 feet below the surface in the winter making installation of infrastructure challenging.

6) It's estimated that 15 acres of our downtown will be developed each year. With 520 acres of developable land it will take about 40-50 years to develop our "downtown".

7) Redmond's stormwater treatment standards are higher than Bellevue's so Bellevue becomes the limiting factor to overall water quality. They need to get up to speed!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

City Stormwater site: http://redmond.gov/insidecityhall/publicworks/stormwater/regionalfacilities.asp

9/8/07, Notes on Redmond's History Program,9/8

I came across this brass "Perrigo Road" sign today when taking pictures of 4 towering firs that were being cut down (for safety) by the Methodist Church. Mayor Ives was involved with this street sign program. The sign & trees are hard to see in the photo and you'd be lucky to see it from your car. It's banded to a light post. Do you see the sign? Do you see what's left of the trees?


Warren Perrigo staked his claim in 1871 at the north end of Lake Sammamish and was one of the first white men to live in "Redmond". He and Matilda Perrigo had 11 children.

See "Comments" (end of blog) for the descriptions of 3 other street signs .

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Redmond Historical Society (RHS) met on Saturday, September 8, 2007, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Redmond Library, 15990 NE 85 Street, Redmond, WA.

Duniel and Sylvia Murillo and daughter shared stories and pictures of Redmond’s Filipino families, from the early 1930s and now.


9/8 MEETING OBSERATIONS - The RHS had a good turnout again, filling up the Library conference with standing room only. It was time for annual membership dues - $20/year and past mayor Chris Himes was registering new member, selling Brad Solomon's CD "Redmond Views from History". Andy McClung, reference librarian gave a talk about the library's city book club event "One Book, One Redmond, One Summer". The book is "The Work of Wolves" by Kent Meyers. Contact Andy at andrewm@kcls.org for information.

I was thrilled to meet Chris "Hurricane" Himes. When I mentioned The "Seattle Times" had an article on Mayor Ives and called her "Hurricane" Ives, Chris reacted saying that was HER nickname. I think she may have been indirectly involved in helping Ms. Barbara Beeson write the Redmond City Development Guide - over 25 years ago (?) that the city is still using! No wonder it's time we need a new version! On growth issues, I mentioned, if you can't beat 'em you may as well join 'em. She smiled.

The Murillo talk and pictures were fascinating. Their farm was along Red-Wood Road near Bella Botega shopping center. Their house was about where the Red-Wood Veterinary clinic is. Hardly any other buildings or development in sight! Many of the "roads" were driveways. Traffic problems? Not. All trees and open farm space. Mr. Murillo said water used to pond up where Bella Bottega parking lot is now. -- probably a wetland? His grandfather was one of the first to take produce to the open market. There used to be a grocery store where B&B Auto is now. Will a 6-story condo replace B&B next?!

I had to leave early and didn't take notes so that's all for now.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Historical Society Programs are very entertaining. I encourage you to come and especially students and residents new to the area.

To receive the monthly newsletter, contact Society president Judy Lang at 425-885-2919, or email your request to redmondhistory@hotmail.com. Books, note cards, free historic walking tour brochures, and the book, “Redmond Reflections”, are available in our office, which is open Tuesday – Thursday, 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. and Monday and Friday, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Visit our website: www.redmondhistory.org.”

FROM: NEO HARDY - CO-FOUNDER OF RHS:

Table adapted from City’s Excel file 2005/07/19 Adair Street: see 170th Avenue NE170th Avenue NE1928 Ezra Sikes donates property for Redmond’s first park, on the condition that the park be named for his wife, Jennie Adair, a condition that was not met by the City. Shortly afterwards, however, a street adjacent to the park was named for her: Adair Street.c.1931 Recorded on map as “Adair Street”1950 Listed in Redmond telephone directory: “Adair”1958 Recorded on Kroll Map as “Adair Street”2000 Recorded on Thomas Map as “170th Avenue NE”

Perrigo Road 166th Avenue NE on Education Hill1877 William Perrigo homesteads “Perrigo Hill,” and as he logs it off, logs are sent skidding down the hill’s southern slope toward Lake Sammamish. The logs’ path is called the “skid road,” and sometimes “Perrigo’s Skid Road.”c.1895- Logging operations completed, the skid road is now commonly called “Perrigo’s Road” and “Perrigo Road”year? Noted on map as “A. Littell Rd” for property owner Albert D. Littell [1874-1949] c.1930 Two southernmost blocks of original road re what corded on Metzker map as “3rd Avenue”1950 Listed in Redmond telephone directory: “3rd St”Listed in Redmond telephone directory: “3rd Av”Two southernmost blocks shown on “Official Route of Primary State Highway No. 2” map as “Third Ave.” These two blocks are the only ones yet inside the town boundaries.1958 The 2 southernmost blocks of 166th Avenue NE are recorded as “3rd Avenue” on Kroll Map02/1969 City Council adopts ordinance calling for improvement of the roadway 02/1969 improvements are completed, including two additional lanes, five-foot sidewalks on both sides, gutters, wiring 10/1969 City Council decided to forbid on-street parking at any time along 166th NE, between 80th and 104th . Public Works Director Frank Hansche has recommended this for better traffic flow. the road will be striped only down the middle, restricting passing to the left-hand lanes. Police Captain Fred Patricelli says enforcement won’t begin until striping is completed.2000 Recorded on Thomas map as “166th Avenue NE,”“ main north-south road on Ed HillYork Road NE 116th StreetYear built? Constructed by prisoners of County Lazy Husband’s Farm. The farm’s main buildings were on east side of Willows Rd, but work fields were primarily west of Willows Rd, and the new road provided access between Willows and Woodinville-Redmond Road.Year of Plat?

Named York Road, for platted ]but failed] Town of York at its western terminus. The County Farm’s buildings were located on the Town of York’s platted site. c.1912 Road on south border of Muller dairy farm recorded as “Ronald Road Næ 225” on Kroll Atlas, Sammamish Supplement1930 The eastern most end of York Road was recorded on Metsker map as “Griswold Road.” It ran east-west with Sections 29 & 30 to the north, Sections 31 & 32 to the south, and crossed today’s Avondale Road NE1950 Listed in Redmond telephone directory: “York Rd”1958 Both segments of the road recorded as both “NE 116th St.” & “York Rd” on Kroll map1962 Nard Jones, author and chief editorial writer for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, wrote: “Some of these side roads…are scarcely a mile long, yet are very beautiful. One such I know is Yorke [sic] Road, which is rather a side road off a side road. To reach it – and I recommend a time just before sundown – you start out from Redmond for Woodinville and keep a sharp eye toward your left for Yorke Road which traverses the lovely Sammamish flatland. Clearly it is a road of old necessity, to reach the Yorke farm when it was not as easily accessible as now. Try it some evening when you feel the need for a little quiet; stop on the little bridge and listen to the crickets sing, and smell the grasses in the fading sun.” 2001 Recorded on Thomas map as “NE 116th Street.” Runs east-west from Willows Road to 1/8 mile west of Woodinville-Redmond Road where it is interrupted
Monday September 10, 2007 -

FROM AN HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEMBER and co-founder: "Re perrigo road sign, City and Society worked together to come up with list of honorary street signs to mark longtime families. There’s also a lampaert road sign near library and 8 or so others around town. Nao has the full list/location."
Monday September 10, 2007 -

FROM Chris Himes (Redmond mayor, 1980-1983)

"Thanks for the heads up Nao, on Bob's blog. It was really well written and good publicity for RHS. Many thanks Bob. Nice meeting you to.I had to laugh though. I never said I "wrote" the Development Guide. Wow! That would really be an undertaking. I said I worked on it and that is where I met Barbara Beeson. But I guess no one else would notice that except me. But he was right, it was a long time ago, in fact in the 1970s.....So yes, it is time for a redo.....And yes, that moniker "Hurricane" belongs to me. Ha!!Yes, it was a good meeting and I think the Murillo's enjoyed the exposure. They did a nice job with the presentation.Maybe one of our next meetings can involve those students from Redmond Jr. High who won the History portion of that contest (held at my old Alma Mater Univ. Of Md.) that Tom H. told us about. They did a segment on the Great Seattle Fire and the Galloping Gertie Bridge collapse. Food for thought".........Chris

9/8/07, RHS program notes - 1930's

9/8 HISTORY PROGRAM NOTES on a Redmond 1930's family

I came across this brass "Perrigo Road" sign today when taking pictures of 4 towering firs that were being cut down at the Methodist Church (for safety). I'm not quite sure how the Administration came up with idea to 'rename' this road. The sign looks large in the photo but it's really hard to see. It's banded to a light post. Can you guess where this road is?
Warren Perrigo staked his claim in 1871 at the north end of Lake Sammamish and was one of the first white men to live in "Redmond". He and Matilda Perrigo had 11 children.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Redmond Historical Society (RHS) met on Saturday, September 8, 2007, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Redmond Library, 15990 NE 85 Street, Redmond, WA.

Duniel and Sylvia Murillo and daughter shared stories and pictures of Redmond’s Filipino families, from the early 1930s and now.

9/8 MEETING OBSERATIONS - The RHS had a good turnout again, filling up the Library conference with standing room only. It was time for annual membership dues - $20/year and past mayor Chris Himes was registering new member, selling Brad Solomon's CD "Redmond Views from History". Andy McClung, reference librarian gave a talk about the library's city book club event "One Book, One Redmond, One Summer". The book is "The Work of Wolves" by Kent Meyers. Contact Andy at andrewm@kcls.org for information.

I was thrilled to meet Chris "Hurricaine" Himes. When I mentioned The "Seattle Times" had an article on Mayor Ives and called her "Hurricaine" Ives, Chris reacted saying that was HER nickname. She confirmed that she wrote the Development Guide - over 20 years ago (?) the city is still using! No wonder we need a new version! On growth issues, I told her if you can beat 'em you may as well join 'em. She smiled.

The Murillo talk and pictures were fascinating. Their farm was along Red-Wood Road near Bella Botega shopping center. Their house was about where the Red-Wood Veterinary clinic is. Hardly any other buildings or development in sight! All trees and open farm space. Mr. Murillo said water used to pond up where Bella Botega parking lot is now. -- probably a wetland? His grandfather was one of the first to take produce to the open market. There used to be a grocery store where B&B Auto is now. Will a 6-story condo replace B&B next?!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Historical Society Programs are very entertaining. I encourage you to come and expecially students and residents new to the area.

To receive the monthly newsletter, contact Society president Judy Lang at 425-885-2919, or email your request to mailto:miguel.llanos@msnbc.com. Books, note cards, free historic walking tour brochures, and the book, “Redmond Reflections”, are available in our office, which is open Tuesday – Thursday, 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. and Monday and Friday, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Visit our website: http://www.redmondhistory.org/.”

FROM AN HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEMBER BELOW: "Re perrigo road sign, City and Society worked together to come up with list of honorary street signs to mark longtime families. There’s also a lampaert road sign near library and 8 or so others around town. Nao has the full list/location." m.l.
Saturday August 25, 2007


Hint: The "Perrigo Road" sign is the honorary marker for an major Avenue to Education Hill.
Saturday August 25, 2007

RICHARD MORRIS:
geez, your hint is very strong! Also, the Methodist Church is featured in your photo. So I would guess that Perrigo Road is now known as 166th Ave NE! I noticed another of these HONORARY Street Signs across from the old Elementary School, I think the modern name is 169th Ave NE, but I admit I was riding my bicycle and wasn't reading the street signs closely. I was more concerned with finding the right gears to climb up "the back way" Ed Hill.As a practical matter, what is the cost of installing HONORARY Street Signs? Is this a line item in the city budget?
Wednesday August 29, 2007

4/11/07, Avondale Crest bio-swale issue

Attached, is a good photo of the city "bio-swale" on Avondale & NE 104th St. You are looking to the north from 104th. The Avondale Crest project is on the west-side. This swale is serpentine (not straight) to slow the water flow enough to allow filtration into the soil before draining into Bear Creek. It is a very good example of a high functioning and (apparently) well maintained bio-swale.

This bio-swale serves as a water quality measure for storm water running off of various housing projects. It functions as a water filter for removing phosphates, nitrates, and heavy metals from stormwater. The swale also re-oxygenates the water. In the end, our drinking water is cleaner and salmon healthier.

A small, but important problem was discovered with the bioswale. The swale was intended to treat the Avondale Crest stormwater draining from two wet vaults on the north along Avondale. But, I couldn't find the northern inlet pipe to the swale servicing these vaults. A development engineer graciously escorted me into the swale to look for the inlet pipe. We could not find the inlet pipe after an hour of searching and digging.

The Development Department reviewed my request for proof of a pipe inlet for more than 2 months. With some back-up from our Code Enforcement Officer cmArthy@redmond.gov and the Department of Ecology, our Public Works department was able to find and dig out the inlet pipe. They showed me a picture for proof. Though the pipe appeared smaller than the construction plans and flow does not appear fully re-directed from the Avondale pipe, some treatment may occur.

Of note, the stormwater engineer told us bio-swale earth accumulates heavy metals over time and the soil needs to be removed. Also, during floods, the water flows over the ditches by-passing the serpintine channels. During floods, treatment is significantly limited.

A pattern seems to be emerging in newer, proposed projects to eliminate bio-swales from wet vault treatment altogether. I am researching this further. But so far, I could not find bio-swale water quality measures in the 42-lot Shaughnessy Plat or 24-lot Perrigo Heights plat. In fact, it appears the Perrigo Heights vault stormwater will drain directly into Perrigo Creek for oxygenation and filtering.

Water enters the Avondale Crest swale from housing uphill and west of the swale. It treats the stormwater from older neighborhoods to the west and potential future projects. It is also designed to treat stormwater entering from the north (Avondale pipe).

I learned about this swale while appealing the proposed 9-lot Avondale Crest plat housing project just uphill. Though, appealing can be rigorous and time consuming one may often find a mistake or unintended consequence in the development process that could improve project quality....just reward for one's effort.

2007 STORMWATER MANUEL AMMENDMENTS (SEE PAGE 19) FOR BIOSWALE REQUIREMENTS. http://www.redmond.gov/insidecityhall/publicworks/technotebk07/Chapter2.pdf