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The Historical Society holds meetings, and also publishes a newsletter. Anyone is welcome to attend any or all of the following meetings. General meetings
We meet six times a year: September, October, November and March,
April, and May. We meet the third Monday of these months at 1:00 p.m. at:
Upcoming Meetings May 17, 2004, 7:00 PM - Mercer
Island Library!!!!! -
Note the change in time
and location!!!!! Board meetings Held the first Monday of each month at 9:00 a.m. at the Mercer Island Historical Society, 9611 36th Avenue SE. The board meetings include business activities within the Historical Society. Past Programs April 19, 2004 -- Guy Townsend, a Mercer Islander and World War II Pilot shared his interesting adventurous stories during his flying career. March 15, 2004 -- Norman Blye, a true eastsider spoke about this "Ferry Tales". His father was a purser on the Fortuna, and he worked on the Leschi. November 17, 2003 -- Bill Lightfoot, one of our members and a long time resident spoke to us about maritime with an emphasis on boating activity in Lake Washington. Bill is a member of the Puget Sound Maritime Historical Society. October 20, 2003 --Eric Erickson, spoke about early logging and a 1925 train wreck in the Issaquah/Renton area. September 15, 2003—Molly Cone and Jacqueline Williams authors of a new book “Family of Strangers” spoke about building a Jewish Community in Washington State. May 19, 2003— Jeff Hummel talked about the treasures, some already retrieved, resting at the bottom of Lake Washington. April 21, 2003—The irrepressible Ed Maloof spoke about the Craft Guild, an organization of Islanders that exemplifies neighbor-helping-neighbor, having started in April 1940 just as the United States was slowly emerging from the Great Depression to become the arsenal for Britain and France at war with Nazi Germany since September 1939. March 17, 2003—George Whitaker Clarke, at age 96, may be the Island’s oldest resident. If not that, surely the resident who has seen the most changes, arriving here at age 2 in 1908. Clarke Beach on the South Side of the Island bears George’s family name. November 18, 2002 -- Don Gulliford spoke about his experiences growing up in East Seattle in the 1940s. Don is a life-long resident of Mercer Island, and the son of the late Dennis and Doris Gulliford. His talk consisted of colorful anecdotes and interesting descriptions about the people and events of this phase of Mercer Island history. October 21, 2002 -- Aubrey Davis, past major and city councilman, talked about the early years of I-90 on Mercer Island. He also shared views on the ballet items on our upcoming election. Aubrey Davis has long been recognized for his effectiveness and dedication in public service. Born in Pasadena, CA on Sept. 29, 1917, he graduated from Pasadena high school, where he was senior class president. He obtained his undergraduate degree at Occidental College in L.A.. As a young man, he worked driving supplies to his father’s gold mine. He was in intern for the National Institute of Public Service in Washington D.C., and in 1941 joined the army and was stationed in India and oversaw construction of roads. After the war, he worked for the federal government administering construction of wartime and veteran’s housing. In 1960 he moved to Mercer Island, was a member of City Council from 1967 to 1978, and served as Mayor from 1970 to 1973. From 1980 to 1988, he was the regional administrator for the Urban Mass Transit association. In 1988, at the age of 70, Aubrey was named president and CEO of Group Health. In 1992, he was appointed to the state transportation commission and presently is chairman. Aubrey is also a member of the Puget Sound Regional Council and the Translake Washington Project Committee. September 16, 2002 -- We met at the Roanoke Inn and visited. May 20, 2002: Was one of our annual "Show & Tell" meetings where residents told their favorite stories of the history of Mercer Island. April 15, 2002: Chris Tubbs, Battalion Chief from the Dept of Public Safety Fire Division spoke about the history and operation of the Mercer Island Fire Department. March 18, 2002: Ruth Fricke, one of our members talked about how the first history "Mercer Island the 1st 100 years" was written, published, and sold and who received the profits. She also told us about the Bicentennial Park, and showed slides of the largest parade ever held on Mercer Island. She also asked for any corrections or new information to be added to the history. November 19, 2001: Member Dr. Al Skinner shared his interest and the results of his research on maritime exploration of the West Coast. October 15, 2001: Commissioner Leon L. Leeds, Ph.D., Chairman of the King County Landmarks and Heritage Commission spoke about the Commission and other heritage funding in Washington State and King County. He shared ways in which the Mercer Island Historical Society could better utilize some of the programs the Commission has established, as well as he generated lots of interest in partnerships which could help us afford historical programs on Mercer Island. Mr. Leeds lives on Mercer Island.
September 17, 2001:
Phil Flash presided, asked the attendees to identify
themselves and tell what year they came to the Island and
relate their feelings.. One fellow, Hugh Riley said he came
to the Island in 1918. Someone asked, "How could you
have come that early? HR replied: "I was born
here." May 21, 2001: Show & Tell -- This was an opportunity to share your stories and experiences of early years on Mercer Island. Many shared stories. April 16, 2001: Claire Rauum presented early Washington history. Her old fashioned costume lent flavor to her interesting stories. March 19, 2001: Joe Joseph presented information on the Mercer Island Floating Bridge. Events The Mercer Island Historical Society was at Summer Celebration. We promoted the historical society and gave out brochures.
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Copyright © 2001-2006 Mercer Island Historical Society |