Heritage Reflector

HERITAGE REFLECTOR Fall 2013 Volume XIII Issue III Vision The Story Behind a Bike To be a destination heritage museum and research facility that enhances Sherry Grindeland Former Seattle Times community identity Trustee columnist Don Duncan through the preservation remembers the race well. He and stewardship of the Barbara Fox Curran always wrote about it in a 1990’s Eastside’s history. intended to restore her old column. bicycle. She kept it through “Hearts pounding, my buddy a long and happy marriage, Mission and I hunched over our bulky, through moves around the To steward Eastside history balloon-tired bikes, impatient for world, and finally, for the last 3 by actively collecting, Gov. Clarence D. Martin to cut ½ decades, in the garage of her preserving, and interpreting the ribbon so we could race across home in Bellevue’s Woodcreek documents and artifacts, the brand new Lacey V. Murrow complex. and by promoting public Floating Bridge. involvement in and Fox recently moved to The (…) we were going to make history appreciation of Gardens senior living complex by leading the first official charge this heritage through in downtown Bellevue. As to the Mercer Island side. Imagine, educational programming part of the downsizing, she a concrete bridge that floats right and community outreach. donated the bike to Eastside here in the center of the universe, Heritage Center. The bike has Seattle, Washington. Above: Barbara Fox Curran, ca. 1940. an interesting track record. We didn’t win the great bike race, On July 2, 1940, as part of the my buddy and I. A mere girl, astride bike. She and a friend rode from In this Lake Washington Floating a new-fangled bike with skinny tires University Avenue and 22nd Bridge opening festivities, Fox and a gear shift, blew past us and was in Seattle to Tacoma and spent pedaled the bike in a race from interviewed by a radio announcer. It the night. The next morning Seattle to Mercer Island. She Issue hurt our pride, of course, her being a they peddled to Mount Rainier. was 18. And she zipped by the girl and all…” They spent the night at the Recent Accessions...... 2 mostly-boy crowd to finish ranger station in the park. Wanted ...... 2 first. “The boys were younger than I In the morning, they headed Collections Corner ...... 3 was,” Barbara said. “But I was downhill and were home in Her memories of the day have President’s Message ...... 4 used to riding my bike a lot. I Seattle by dark. dimmed. She doesn’t recall if Programs...... 5 rode it everywhere. That’s how she won any prizes that day. In Memoriam ...... 6 I got along.” “It was safe to ride on the But she does remember that Education Corner...... 6 streets then,” she said. “We her family didn’t know she was Fox believes that was the Welcome...... 6 didn’t worry about cars headed to the bridge opening. same summer she had a more Volunteer Corner...... 7 because it was crowded. And memorable experience on the EHC Membership ...... 7 Continued on page 2... Page 2 Heritage Reflector Fall 2013

...Bike, continued from pg. 1 those cars and drivers that Wanted! were around were polite.” Recent Accessions By Nancy Sheets, Volunteer Thank you for your donations to the collection: Fox, who was born Sept. 12, It is a fact, Bellevue, along 1921, spent most of her youth with the rest of the Eastside, in Seattle with the exception Trisha Nerney Barbara Sharpe is growing up and out, and of a brief stint in California and - Photos and archives related to - Misc. artifacts, photos and forever changing; and as an a couple years in Medina. She the Easton family of Bellevue archives relating to the Sharpe organization we must keep up. attended fourth and fifth grade family and general Bellevue in Medina. She remembers Jane Morton history; complete archive of Questions are being asked, and walking to school there and - 1980 Bellevue teacher’s strike the Bellevue Reflector we should have the answers. said downtown Bellevue was t-shirt We are requesting your help open fields then. C.R.Bowar in keeping our collection and Rob Foxcurran - Photos for the Mercer Slough Both sets of her grandparents research archive up-to-date. - Barbara Jean Fox’s bicycle, were early Seattle residents. used to win the 1940 race Heather and Nick Trescases Her paternal grandfather was Here are some of the subjects across the Mercer Island Bridge - Assortment of Microsoft on the board of the Alaska we need more information on: Office product installation Yukon Pacific Exposition. Her Kathy Lindquist discs grandmother Lucinda Diane Parks - community and - Brick from Medina School, Horback told her stories about neighborhood wood panel from Medina Store BOLA Architecture and coming west on the Oregon Planning Trail in 1857. Neighborhoods - e.g. Surrey Pat Sandbo - Blueprints and architectural Downs and Sherwood Forest - Materials relating to the drawings from the Clise Fox graduated from Roosevelt history of the Bellevue Library Mansion/Willowmoor farm High School in 1938 and started Performing Arts, system classes at the University of Entertainment, Activities - Ross McIvor Washington. She had no including programs, pictures Carl Lind - Village Inn matchbook desire for an office job – too with people participating, - Photos from the 50Fest Moto- much sitting. She preferred and information on venues rama car show Knute Berger something active so she began (theaters, movie complexes, ice - Complete archive from the working at Sandpoint Naval rinks, bowling alleys, etc.) Margot Blacker EastsideWeek newspaper Air Station taking care of - Kathy Gwylim files relating airplanes. There she caught Schools - e.g. Odle, Interlake, to the Three Towers project, the flying bug and always an Newport, Sammamish Enatai adventurer; she earned her substation pilot’s license. She flew a Piper Shopping Centers - e.g. Lake project, Bellevue Cub and was the only girl in a Hills, Eastgate and Kelsey traffic ordinance class of 10 men. Creek file She married a young Navy Officer on May 25, 1942. After Churches - old and new City of Bellevue the war, Navy life took them to - 1993 Seafair Italy, France and Japan, and a Businesses - from all around parade photos lot of time on the East Coast. the Eastside They had four children. When school was out each summer, Pictures and information on Fox would load the children any of these would be greatly and suitcases in the family car appreciated. And remember, and drive cross country back to history is happening now – so Seattle. Upon retirement, they in addition to information from Above: Village Inn matchbook donated by moved back to the Northwest. the “old days”, we also need Ross McIvor. information from more current Moving to a retirement home times. has its advantages, Fox said. There are a lot of classes. “I like We need all we can get from To Donate Items: to keep busy. I particularly like the past to the present to call 425-450-1049 or email the exercise class.” answer the questions – and [email protected] inform and educate. Thank you! Fall 2013 Heritage Reflector Page 3

over the region, State and the then back up into Old Bellevue, world, we have noticed an covering a number of historic Collections increasing desire and need to sites along Main Street. tell the Bellevue story. Some preliminary work was done The brochure will be Corner in 2012 in partnership with available online through the Sarah Frederick Visit Bellevue Washington, Eastside Heritage Center Collections Manager providing guided historic website, as well as at walking tours to visiting VisitBellevueWashington. Exhibits travel writers as part of the com and others. The printed organization’s efforts to brochure will be available in Stop by the Winters promote Bellevue as a tourist November, and we plan to House to check out destination. But, it quickly distribute it to hotels, Old our new exhibit on became clear that what was Bellevue merchants and other the history of Beaux needed was a self-guided public sites in the community. Arts. This exhibit walking tour brochure, in order will only be up to share some of Bellevue’s In the Spring and Summer 2014 until the first week early history with visitors and we hope to do some guided of December, so the public at large. walking tours for the public, don’t miss it! Santas to promote the brochure from the Golliver Over the past few months and share some of Bellevue’s Collection will then EHC worked to develop the ‘hidden’ history. be on display at both Above:Detail from a 1908 map of Beaux Arts, brochure with the help of the Winters House showing the proposed clubhouse. Gravity Design. A total of 24 Thank you to 4Culture for and at Crossroads sites are included on the tour, funding the brochure through a Shopping Center throughout which starts at NE 8th St. & Heritage Special Projects grant, the holiday season. to collect oral histories from Bellevue Way, heads south and we also really appreciate those associated with the to the Downtown Park, then the support of Visit Bellevue Upcoming Projects history and development of west to Meydenbauer Beach Washington in this endeavor. the Garden. Information from Park, along the waterfront, and Our Collections team is these oral histories, and other working on two exciting archive sources, will be used by projects this winter. the Garden in the development of interpretive elements in The first is finalizing the the new visitor center, park manuscript draft for our signage, and in the creation of upcoming Arcadia book other education materials. project, Bellevue – The Post-War Years. The book will focus on If you are interested in assisting the transformation of Bellevue us with this project by from a rural, agricultural helping to conduct interviews area to a classic American (previous experience post-war suburb. Watch for conducting interviews more information in our next is a plus) or transcribing newsletter. A big thank you them, please send an email to our book Editor, Michael to Sarah at collections@ Luis, and lead researcher, Diana eastsideheritagecenter.org. Ford. Walk Through Bellevue We are also in the beginning History stages of an exciting oral history and interpretation Eastside Heritage Center is project in partnership with very excited to introduce a the Bellevue Botanical newly developed Early Bellevue Gardens. Thanks to generous Walking Tour! IMLS (Institute for Museum and Library Services) grant As Bellevue continues to grow Above & Right:Front and back cover funding, EHC will be working and attract visitors from all of walking tour brochure, 2013. Page 4 Heritage Reflector Fall 2013 Eastside Heritage Center President’s Board of Trustees Kim Radcliffe Michael Luis Ray Higgins President Treasurer Tim Johnson Message Rona Ji Karen Klett Trisha Nerney Kathleen McDonald 1st Vice President Secretary Ross McIvor in order to support that. We Bernice Nurse will also be looking at how Betina Finley Rick Carlson Ken Schiring 2nd Vice President Brian Casserly Jan Van Blaricom prepared we are for a capital Reagan Dunn Stu Vander Hoek campaign; doing more of the Sherry Grindeland things we do well and finding and filling the gaps elsewhere. Staff Heather Trescases Sarah Frederick Jane Morton Like my nephew, we will Executive Director Collections Manager Education Coordinator celebrate every step that brings us closer to our facility and vent frustrations at detours. Endorsers We will keep moving forward because it’s right for the Bob & Clodagh Ash Carol James Lee Springgate Kim Radcliffe community, for you our loyal Margot Blacker Fred Jarrett Bill Ptacek President George Brace Sarah Langton Colin Radford supporters, and for us the Nan Campbell Pamela Lee Daphne Schneider volunteers, staff and board of Dick Chapin Ken Johnson David Schooler EHC is finishing up year three EHC. Doris Cooper Leslie Lloyd Karl Thunemann of its five year strategic plan Mike Creighton Doreen Marchione John Valaas called “A Journey Home” – One of the exercises the staff Jean Floten Dan McDonald Janice & “Home” being a permanent and board went through at our Kemper Freeman, Jr. Louise Miller DP Van Blaricom heritage facility. The plan Stacey Graven Rose Nohara Bob Wallace April retreat was a visioning Jerry Henry Bob Nuber Scott Wallace prepares EHC to explore the exercise about what EHC’s Ross Hunter Ron Sher Rosalie Whyel feasibility of a capital campaign Heritage Facility would look for our Vision at the end of the like. Although everyone’s fifth year. responses were a bit different, Charter/Founding Members we all saw it: in Bellevue, The number “three” caught interactive, hands-on, engaging, Brad Best Louise Miller my attention, as my nephew guiding and educating the John Betrozoff Alex Modelski – three years old – is about community with “stories of C.Keith Birkenfeld Charles Morgan to turn four. Our family has us”. It is the vision that inspires Richard & Margot Blacker Bob Neir been sharing his joy at being Charles Bovee Phil & Shelley Noble all of us to keep growing and Dianna Broadie C. & W. O’ Donell able to do new things, as moving forward. John Cannon Arnold Olson well as experiencing his pain Karyl Dean Sally Polk and frustration at things he’s I am grateful to all of you for Steve & Kathy Dennis Connie Reed not ready for yet. I know we the continuing support you Phyllis Fenwick Betty Ann Rizk can all relate to that joy and give to EHC. I see great things Diana Ford Bob & Pat Sandbo frustration! He will keep ahead for us. Just writing this, Peter Gulick Victor Scheffer moving forward because that’s I have a grin on my face as big Birgit Hansen Daphne Schneider what he’s supposed to do – as my Kindergarten picture Peggy Hansen Dick & Susan Schwasnick learn and grow. Bob Hennig Barbara Sharpe from Central Elementary in Thomas K. Hitzroth W. & V. Thompson Kirkland. I have a grin as big as Bill Lagen Karl Thunemann We at EHC keep moving my nephew’s when he learns Charles Le Warne Iris Tocher forward as well. something new and is ready for Anne Long D.P. & J. Van Blaricom what’s next. Jim & Pat Loughran Stuart Vander Hoek During the last three years, Karen & Duke Luetjen Libby Walgamott EHC has been focused I’m ready. I know you are Louis & Patty Marsh John Walker on expanding programs, too. Let’s take the next steps Beatrice Mathewson Doug & Patti Ward partnerships, and visibility. together. Philip Maxeiner James & Gwen Warren For the next two years, we Lee Maxwell Robert & Barbara Welsh John McClelland Rosalie Whyel are looking at expanding our Rosa McDonald Marcy Williams staff and growing our budget Fall 2013 Heritage Reflector Page 5

Upcoming Save the Date February 27, 2014 Programs 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM Meydenbauer Center

La k e Ex c u r s i o n s : 25 c e n t s On c e Up o n a Ti m e ... Date & Time: Tuesday, November 5, 2013 An Ev e n i n g o f Ea s t s i d e Sto r i e s 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Location: The Microsoft Store (Bellevue Square) Discover the story of Lake Washington ferries and parks created as a result of the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition in 1909. A fleet of 14 steamboats carried 1.5 million passengers to and from the fair at the University of Washington campus, to destination parks on the Eastside, or on scenic tours around Lake Washington. The graceful boats and happy parks were a major Eastside contribution to the A-Y-P; and 1909 has been known ever since as the “Golden Age of Steamboating on Lake Washington.” He r i t a g e Be n e f i t Di n n e r Ha n d s -o n Hi s t o r y Pr o g r a m s Contact Heather at 425-450-1049 or email [email protected] Dates & Times: Third Thursday of the Month for more information on how you can get involved! 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Location: KidsQuest Children’s Museum (Factoria Mall, Bellevue) FREE. Ma g i c Se a s o n Sp e c i a l Ev e n t Early Settler Life November 21, 2013 “The Shoemaker & The Elf” What was it like before washing machines, clothes dryers, running water or supermarkets? You can help with the household Marionette Performance chores by rolling dough, washing clothes and hanging them out to dry, or beating rugs. These were daily chores that kept the early Date & Time: Sunday, December 15, 2013 settlers busy! 11:00 AM Showtime Doors open at 10:00 AM Heritage Crafts Location: Winters House (2102 Bellevue Way SE) December 19, 2013 Celebrate Bellevue’s history with family heritage crafts. Create Step back in time at the historic Winters House for a magical holiday ornaments from paper, pipe cleaners, beads, paper cups, marionette performance. Children adore the thrill of anticipation yarn and more. Discover craft activities enjoyed over one hundred as they watch the shoemaker puzzle his way through the mystery years ago. of beautifully finished shoes.

Personal Time Capsules The Winters House will be all decorated for the holidays with a special magic season exhibit and will be open for tours 10AM – January 16, 2014 2PM. Remember the past and look to the future by making a personal time capsule. What will the world be like in 2014? What will Presented by Eastside Heritage Center in partnership with Bellevue Parks & it be like in 10, 20, 30, even 100 years? Bring items to put in your Community Services. Marionette performance by Shaver Marionettes. capsule, label it and then use a traditional canning machine to seal your can to be opened at a later date.

Eastside Heritage Center partnership with KidsQuest Children’s Museum. Page 6 Heritage Reflector Fall 2013 In Memoriam Education Robert “Bob” Sandbo Happenings Longtime Eastside Heritage Jane Morton were heard during the hour Center member, volunteer and Education Coordinator such as “Cool!” and “How do friend, Bob Sandbo, passed we get the lid off?” away on September 5, 2013 in During the second week of Snohomish. August, Eastside Heritage EHC and the Bellevue Boys Center helped 150 students and Girls Club look forward to Bob was the firstborn of Albert (K-5th grade) make a very continuing this partnership in Maurice Sandbo and Alma special time capsule. the future. Josephine (Ehrenberg) Sandbo in Montevideo, Minnesota on Sarah Frederick and Jane June 5, 1920. In 1928 the family, Morton took EHC’s canning which now included siblings machine “on the road” for Marge and Jack, moved to Eastside Heritage Center, and the Bellevue Boys and Girls Bozeman, Montana. He learned volunteered in many capacities Club summer camps. Eastside and practiced drafting in the over the years. In 2008, they Terrace, South Bellevue, and Civilian Conservation Corps in were jointly honored as the Main Boys and Girls club the 1930’s and early 40’s. Volunteers of the Year for EHC, sites were all visited. The and they also received a “First week’s theme was ‘Time Travel’ During World War II Bob Citizen of Bellevue” award. and the students each made If you are interested in having joined the Navy and was their own individual capsule the canning machine or another stationed in California and “Their unsurpassed enthusiasm using a small can. hands-on history activity Connecticut as a radar and commitment to educate as part of your next event technician. After the war the youth of our community A personal fact sheet and label (birthday party, school pioneer he earned his electrical helps instill a greater were put with the can before day, company team-building, or engineering degree from understanding of Bellevue’s the canning machine was used family reunion), we would be Montana State University, then history in the minds of our to put on the lid. Observations happy to participate! moved to Bellevue and worked future civic leaders.” Geoff for Boeing until his retirement Bradley. in 1985. Bob is survived by his wife Pat, In 1947 Bob married Lois sons John (and Donna), Steve EHC Board Goodenberger of Scotts Bluff, (and Claire), Eric, and Mike Nebraska. They turned a house (and Heather). Grandchildren in Bellevue into a home and include Lisa, Bill, Charlie, Welcomes Rona Ji began raising a family together, Ryan, and Caroline, and a great until Lois succumbed to cancer grandchild, Jessie. Rona, a senior in the Gifted and with culture and the history behind in 1957. Talented Program at Interlake communities. My parents are May he rest in peace. High School, was elected in immigrants and I have been taught In 1962, Bob married grade September to the EHC Board since youth that I must preserve and school teacher Patricia “Pat” The family has suggested of Trustees as our Youth Board appreciate my own heritage before Groves Bruce. Bob and Pat that donations be made in Member. We are honored to I can be successful at anything else recently celebrated their 51st Bob’s memory to the Eastside have her. I wish to pursue in life. Half of my wedding anniversary. Heritage Center. heritage belongs to my Chinese Although Rona’s resume is family, but the other half belongs impressive, it is the letter to Bellevue and the Eastside, the After retirement, Bob’s life was she wrote to EHC Trustee enriched by family, hosting community in which I have grown Tim Johnson and Board up. I would like to give back to my Japanese college students and a President Kim Radcliffe, that 100-day trip around the world. community in the most important encapsulated the talent and way possible – by helping to preserve passion she will bring to the and cherish its memories and past.” Pat and Bob were founding organization: members of the Bellevue Historical Society and “I have always been fascinated Well said Rona. Welcome. Fall 2013 Heritage Reflector Page 7 Eastside Heritage Center MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Volunteer Corner MEMBERSHIP LEVEL: □ Benefactor $1000 □ Contributor $100 □ Steward $500 □ Family $40 “Research has shown that people who volunteer often live longer.” □ Supporter $250 □ Individual $25 - Allen Klein □ Organization $100 □ Student $15 Enroll me as: □ New Member □ Membership Renewal □ Gift Karen Klett ______Volunteer Coordinator MEMBER’S NAME

Many kudos and thanks to all to assist with our current oral ______the energetic and dedicated history program. They will ADDRESS Strawberry Festival volunteers be interviewing candidates, ______who helped with the countless recording their stories and CITY/STATE/ZIP CODE tasks and challenges required transcribing. Welcome to ______for a successful event in June! Cynthia Diederich (also a PHONE Winters House host!), James Again this summer EHC Anderson and Julianna Hawes. ______volunteers were out in our EMAIL community sharing history The third Thursday evening This membership is a gift from: at the Fraser Cabin, greeting of the month, from November shoppers at the Crossroads through April, EHC will ______Famers Market, directing continue its very successful PAYMENT INFORMATION: visitors at Bellevue’s 6th partnership with the Street Fair, and participating KidsQuest Children’s Museum, □ Check (make checks payable to the Eastside Heritage Center) in neighborhood events such presenting hands-on history □ Credit Card □ Visa □ Master Card □ American Express as Medina Days, the Lake activities. If you love history Hills Blueberry Festival and and enjoy kids you might want ______Sammamish Days, among other to look into this great volunteer NAME ON CARD things. opportunity! ______CARD # At the McDowell House, Sarah Frederick, our ______Collections Manager, has been EXP. DATE V-CODE (last 3 digits on back of Visa/MC) interviewing and assembling a great new team of volunteers Additional Contribution: ______Total Enclosed: ______□ My company will MATCH my gift

Company Name: ______Contact EHC and get involved today. Karen Klett The Eastside Heritage Center is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. Volunteer Coordinator 425-450-1049 PLEASE MAIL THIS FORM AND PAYMENT TO: [email protected] Eastside Heritage Center P.O. Box 40535 Phone: 425-450-1049 Bellevue, WA 98015 Fax: 425-450-1050 www.EastsideHeritageCenter.org All Eastside Heritage Center Members receive:

- Membership Card Supporter - $250 - Quarterly Newsletter with historical features and program updates Receives Organization benefits, plus: - Invitations to exhibits and programs Historic photo reproduction - 10% discount on books and gift shop items Organization (schools, scout troops, etc) - $100 Receives Contributor benefits, plus: CATEGORIES: Free Treasure Box rentals Benefactor - $1,000 Discounts on field trips and classroom presentations Receives Steward Benefits, plus: Contributor - $100 Honored at Annual Event Additional benefits include: Steward - $500 Access to Archives fee waived Receives Supporter benefits, plus: Family - $40 Special publication Individual - $25 Curator’s Tour of the collection Student (under 18 years of age) - $15 EASTSIDE HERITAGE CENTER CONTACT INFORMATION

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 40535, Bellevue, WA 98015 Tel: 425-450-1049 Fax: 425-450-1050 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.eastsideheritagecenter.org

McDOWELL HOUSE (EHC Administrative Offices) Visiting Address: 11660 Main Street, Bellevue, WA 98005 Tel: 425-450-1049

WINTERS HOUSE (National Historic Site and EHC Research Services) Visiting Address: 2102 Bellevue Way SE, Bellevue, WA 98004 Tel: 425-452-2752 Hours of Operation: EHC Research Office Hours Tues., 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Winters House Public Visiting Hours: Tues 10:00 AM-4:00 PM ; Thurs-Sat 10:00 AM-2:00 PM ; Closed Mon, Wed & Sun.

ACTIVITIES OF THE EASTSIDE HERITAGE CENTER ARE SUPPORTED BY

HERITAGE REFLECTOR - Editor in Chief and Design/Layout: Heather Trescases

Bellevue, WA 98015 WA Bellevue, P.O. Box 40535 Box P.O.