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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007 Issue 1 - Renton's Black PioneersThe term pioneer is most often used to describe those who venture into wilderness areas and build cabins from rough- hewn logs. To most people, the name conjures up images of bearded men with flintlock rifles, dressed in deerskin clothing. But the word pioneer can also refer to someone who initiates a new area of enterprise that no one like them had attempted before. With February being Black History Month, this story will take a brief look at the lives of some of the first African Americans to put down roots in Renton. Their experiences while trying to make a home here can serve as an inspiration for all, while still revealing aspects unique to Black culture and heritage. THE GREAT EXODUS The name of the first African American to settle in the Renton area is unfortunately not easily found in our historical record. It is clear from photographs, however, that shortly after the end of the War Between the States in 1865, newly emancipated former slaves started to head north, and into the Renton area specifically, looking to start a new life. By the 1880’s word about employment in the coal mines beneath Coal Creek and Newcastle had spread, and African Americans began to come to the area in search of financial opportunities. Many felt that even though racism could be found Also In This Issue... RENTON HISTORICALSOCIETY & MUSEUM Spring March 2007 Volume 38 Number 1 Continued on page 5 RENTON'S BLACK PIONEERS QUARTERLY by Tom Monahan Museum Report by Elizabeth P. Stewart, Director.3 Collections Report by Sarah Iles, Collection Manager.9 Volunteer Report by Dorota Rahn, Volunteer Coordinator.10Upcoming events calendar. Also see page 9.4 2 | RENTON HISTORY MUSEUM COLLECTION SNAPSHOTS This toy dog on wheels is an excellent example of an object with connections and associations. The Steiff Company manufactured the dog and based on the button in its ear, we can positively date the dog to 1905-1940. We have further narrowed that date to around 1913 based on photographs of the dog and children. This dog was a gift to Charles L. Custer from Dr. Charles L. Dixon. As we can see from these pictures, the dog spent many years providing fun and entertainment to many of the Custer-Lewis children. EARL CLYMER (1925-2006) We are sad to note that Earl Clymer, Renton Mayor 1988-1996, passed away December 20, 2006 at the age of 81. Clymer was also a 18-year City Council member, serving from 1969-1987. He was a descendant of a pioneer family whose homestead was the site of one of Renton’s first schools and lived in Renton all his life. Prior to serving as Mayor, Clymer was in the Navy and was an elementary school teacher in the Seattle School District. He was also a lifetime member COAL TO JETS REPUBLISHED The Renton Historical Society has republished Morda C. Slauson’s Renton: From Coal to Jets, making it available to the public for the first time in ten years. This revised edition has been edited and updated with photographs, an index, and a chronology of Renton events. The book is available for $15.00. A talented team of volunteers, Stan Greene, Clark Petersen, Carrie Bergquist, and Donald Custer, contributed their time to completing this and supporter of the Renton Historical Society. He was involved with the construction of the Renton Senior Activity Center, the Renton Community Center, Maplewood Golf Course, and Gene Coulon Park. project. The book provides a historical overview of Renton from the Duwamish Indians and Henry Tobin’s arrival in 1853, up through early businesses, early families, coal mining, and onto Boeing’s production. Right: Bill Ann Lewis, Kathleen Lewis, and cousin Charles L. Custer, ca. 1918. (RHM# 2000.127.8237) Charles L. Custer's Steiff Dog, ca. 1912. (RHM# 2000.127.0029) Charles L. Custer, ca. 1913 (RHM# 2000.127.8896) SPRING QUARTERLY, 2007 | 3 MUSEUM REPORT QUARTERLY Spring 2007 Elizabeth P. Stewart Director I’m writing this around the one-year anniversary of my interview for the job as Director—we historians tend to recall these things. I’ve been thinking about the fact that one of the things about the Renton History Museum I was really impressed with was the community involvement in the life and work of the museum. Volunteers participate in every kind of project here— we couldn’t do what we do without them and volunteers have every right to be proud of their contributions. Dorota keeps us informed about the volunteers in every newsletter, but I don’t think many people know how important interns are to the museum’s world, and what a difference the museum has made in their lives as well. Start with our own Collection Manager, Sarah Iles, who began her association with the Renton History Museum as an intern from UW’s Museology program in 2004. During her internship, Sarah catalogued the museum’s jewelry collection and worked extensively with the Custer Collection. Her work was invaluable to the museum at a time when staff had no idea how they’d find time to tackle such a huge collection. But these internships also had a benefit for her; her work in our collection became her M.A. thesis project. Another UW museology student, Benny Eisman, has joined us this year to work on a new coal mining exhibit in the main gallery—we’ll keep you posted as it develops! Willamette University student Eric Haddenham worked here during Christmas break, digging out all the photos relating to coal mining from among our 13,000+ photographs and gathering them into a reference notebook by subject. He doggedly stuck with what might have been a pretty dull project for him, knowing that his work would be used in the coal mining exhibit and in new curricular materials for teachers to use. Eric has worked with us for two summers running, assisting with the cataloguing of the Kennydale School Collection, so we knew he was fully capable of any project we gave him. Also over Christmas break, Cal Poly graphic arts student Andrew Santos-Johnson developed a stunning poster for inclusion in an exhibit showcasing over 30 Seattle-area museums at the History House in Fremont. Don’t miss our poster in this exhibit, on display until Labor Day—it turned out to be great marketing for us, and a nice piece for Andrew’s portfolio! You can tell from these examples what great opportunities the Renton History Museum has to offer for young people looking for their first professional experience in historical research, graphic design, public relations, exhibit design, and many other areas of museum work! And what a wonderful chance for museum staff to mentor young people! by Elizabeth P. Stewart, Museum Director UW Museology Intern Benny Eisman. RENTON HISTORICAL QUARTERLY Sarah Iles Graphic Design & Layout Karl Hurst City of Renton Print & Mail Services RENTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY BOARD OF TRUSTEES Bob Hunt, President Sandra Meyer, Vice President Paula Tran, Treasurer Elizabeth P. Stewart, Secretary Jerrilynn Hadley, 2007 Patty Law, 2007 Vicky Persson, 2007 Larry Sleeth, 2007 Robert Bonner, 2008 Kevin McQuiller, 2008 Ron Stroben, 2008 Susie Bressan, 2009 Laura Clawson, 2009 Doug Kyes, 2009 Martha Zwicker, 2009 Lynn Bohart, 2009 Terri Briere, City Liason MUSEUM STAFF Elizabeth P. Stewart Museum Director Sarah Iles Collection Manager Dorota Rahn Volunteer Coordinator Daisy Ward Administrative Assistant Tom Monahan Research Specialist Pearl Jacobson Registrar Louise George Secretary RENTON HISTORY MUSEUM 235 MILL AVENUE S RENTON, WA 98057 P (425) 255-2330 F (425) 255-1570 HOURS: Tuesday - Saturday 10:00am - 4:00pm ADMISSION: $3 (Adult) $1 (Child) Intern Eric Haddenham. 4 | RENTON HISTORY MUSEUM 2007 HERITAGE CONFERENCE I n February Director Liz Stewart and Collections Manager Sarah Iles attended the biannual Washington Heritage Conference, three days of workshops and panel discussions about the documentation, preservation, and interpretation of history in our state. This year’s theme, “The Dollars and Sense of Heritage,” was aimed at helping all of us understand the economic and financial aspects of heritage practice these days. First, speakers from the Association of King County Heritage Organizations (AKCHO) and the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) reported on their studies of the economic benefits of preservation and museum activities. Second, numerous speakers discussed ways to do more with less by creating partnerships with other organizations. The results of studies done by AKCHO and the DAHP were surprising, and provide extra evidence for all of us who believe that heritage efforts are beneficial to communities in tangible ways. In a survey of its member organizations, AKCHO discovered that in 2004 historic sites and museums served 3147 schools by hosting 203,704 student visits and 2299 teacher visits—that’s 996 educational visits a day, every weekday! Heritage organizations also provided stimulating experiences for tourists. The survey showed that 320 historic sites around the county attracted 584,706 visitors in 2004. The DAHP reports that in Washington state as a whole these “heritage tourists”—folks who travel primarily to visit historic sites and museums—spent an estimated 8.7 million visitor days in 2004, generating an estimated $1.3 billion for the state’s economy and supporting 20,000 jobs! The DAHP also studied the advantages that the rehabilitation of old buildings has over demolition. Between 2000 and 2004, historic preservation activities generated annual sales of $221 million and supported 2320 jobs. Historic rehabilitation had a higher benefit to the economy than many key sectors, including aerospace, wood products, and the overall construction industry. The DAHP study also debunked the myth that historic house designation reduces property values; property values in Bellingham’s and Tacoma’s historic districts, for example, actually increased at a faster rate than other neighborhoods. In addition to these encouraging facts and figures, we learned all kinds of tips from organizations pooling their resources to form partnerships to achieve exciting projects. One of the most interesting opportunities coming up is the Centennial of Washington Women’s Suffrage in 2010. The Washington Women’s History Consortium is helping museums and historical societies around the state prepare for its commemoration. It’s an exciting time to believe in the value of history! The Dollars and Sense of Heritage UPCOMING EVENTS TEA, TRUE WOMANHOOD, AND UPPITY WOMEN March 13 4:30-6:00 pm Presenter Susan Butrille explores how tea parties started women thinking about their lives, their own freedom, and other radical notions. Celebration of Black History Month Ray Egan presents Ezra Meeker: George Washington Bush. In 1844 African-American George Washington Bush and his family settled north of the Columbia, searching for freedom. Despite the fact that he could not own the land he farmed because of his race, Bush saved countless white pioneers by freely sharing his crops. Tues., February13th at 4:30 p.m. Celebration of Women’s History Month Susan Butruille’s Tea, True Womanhood, and Uppity Women explores how tea parties started women thinking about their lives, their own freedom, and other radical notions. Hear tales of Washington women, both uppity and refined, who opened up a wider world for themselves and their sisters. Tues., March 13th at 4:30 p.m. Reflection on the lives of immigrant workers Living Voices presents La Causa with Rachel Atkins. In the late 1960s activist Cesar Chaves changed the lives of Latin American farm workers by fighting racism and unjust working conditions. Experience this chapter of history as one young woman balances family demands with her fight to see her people free of poverty. Tues., April 10th at 4:30 p.m. Celebration of Asian Pacific Americans History Month Living Voices presents Within the Silence with Ken Mochizuki. In 1942 Executive Order 9066 imprisoned thousands of loyal Japanese Americans. Witness as these innocent citizens struggled to maintain their families while in prison, striving to preserve their faith in their country they love. Tues., May 8th at 4:30 p.m. RENTON HISTORY MUSEUM SPRING 2007 SPEAKER PROGRAM Please join us at the Renton History Museum for our spring program series. Programs are free with regular Museum admission, and always free for members. Youth and Adult Program, second Tuesday of the month. Audience: high school through adult Call (425) 255-2330 or email us at info@rentonhistory.org 235 Mill Ave. SouthRenton, WA 98057 Made possible by HER STORIES March 10 11:00 am-12:00 pm Come and meet some of the bravest, cleverest, and silliest women and girls ever as storyteller Karen Haas presents “Her Stories.” LIVING VOICES PRESENTS LA CAUSA April 10 4:30-6:00 pm In the late 1960s activist Cesar Chaves changed the lives of Latin American farm workers by fighting racism and unjust working conditions. Join presenter Rachel Atkins as she tells this story. SPRING QUARTERLY, 2007 | 5 in the North as well as the South, they would have an easier time living among people who didn’t have a recent tradition of slave ownership. The devastation suffered by the southern states due to the war also made finding work there difficult. Add to this the resentment of defeated White southerners toward the newly freed slaves, often boiling over in acts of brutality, and you have more than enough reason for African Americans to migrate north. The Pacific Northwest was just beginning to blossom with newly formed towns, and labor was needed in the lumber and mining camps of Western Washington. By the early years of the twentieth century, a small but thriving black community had come to be established in Renton. The main difficulty for African Americans moving to this area became the competition for jobs that they faced from the newly arriving immigrants from Europe. It seems that word of Renton’s mines and mills had spread across the Atlantic Ocean as well, and Blacks traveling to Renton for work found themselves in a city populated by a myriad of Europeans, all wishing to make new lives for themselves as Americans. Irene Grayson, who moved to Renton with her family in 1931, remembered the challenge facing the Black community to find work in a town with a large immigrant population: “ There wasn’t that much work here. The only common labor Continued from page 1 Cover photo: Lime Kiln Club, Newcastle Black Miner's Association, 1890. (RHM# 1984.075.1887) Newcastle miners, 1880. (RHM# 1983.074.1780) RENTON'S BLACK PIONEERS 6 | RENTON HISTORY MUSEUM work was at the car shop where they made auto parts. Practically all the jobs went to Italians.”1 But Mrs. Grayson didn’t recall race being much of an issue at the time. She explained that the Whites in this area did not express the same racial biases toward her that she had experienced growing up in the south, because “practically all the Whites here were the original northern people. There weren’t many southern Whites. I believe in being friendly with everybody. People seemed to get along well in Renton.”2 ALWAYS MIND YOUR MOTHER Irene Grayson’s perspective as an African-American woman living in Renton is all the more unique, when one discovers that when she died on May 10, 1995, she was one day past her 107th birthday. She had lived in Renton for more than 60 years. “Mother Grayson,” as Irene came to be known in her later years, had settled in the Renton Highlands with her family in the 1930’s, due mainly to the Depression, because she felt that she would be able to grow what her family would need to eat, regardless of the economy. The Graysons had been living in Seattle when the economy collapsed in 1929. They had a little plot of land with a small house on it, but no work. “I couldn’t stand it in Seattle,” she said, “every Monday going to get a handout.”3 It was that experience that drove her decision to relocate to the rural Renton Highlands, where she was able to raise turkeys, pigs, and ducks, both to feed her family and to earn a few extra dollars. Mother Grayson’s pioneer determination helped her to acquire these animals with help from neighbors, Unidentified couple shopping at Howell Grocery. (RHM# 2001.040.5440) During the Depression, many families moved out from Seattle to“the country”where it was easier to raise fruits, vegetables, and livestock. (RHM# 2001.040.5537) SPRING QUARTERLY, 2007 | 7 and make her small farm a success. Once her animals began to reproduce, she returned the original animal she had borrowed, and kept the offspring for food and barter. She took some of the livestock into Seattle where she went from place to place, until she obtained the best price she could get for them. With the money from the sale of the animals, added to $25 from one of her employed children, she was able to put a $75 down payment on her farm. Every time she managed to save up $5 or $10 she would put it toward her goal of paying off her land. In just over four years, she owned her 10 acres free and clear - orchard, animals and all. In true pioneer fashion, her family had even cut the trees on her property for the wood to construct a new home.4 The Black community in the Highlands began to grow at the outbreak of World War II, when Boeing began hiring workers to build bombers, and Pacific Car & Foundry began to build tanks. A federal housing project was established for employees working in the factories, so that they could live near by. These duplexes and four-plexes were known as “victory cottages” during the war years.5 African-American workers created a small community in a section of the Highlands known as “the Hilltop,” although most of what is now known as the Highlands was made up of small farms like the Graysons. Mother Grayson soon became a well known and respected figure in the area. Along with her husband Albert, she built one of the first churches in the Highlands, where they each served as pastor. Other members of the Hilltop community remembered that time as being one of a close-knit neighborhood, much like an extended family, where everyone helped one another get by. Since the folks on the Hilltop would share their prosperity with one another, it was common for people to leave their homes unlocked without fear of being robbed.6 For the many years she and her husband lived in the area, Mother Grayson served as an living example of her religious faith. Upon her death, many people commented that she “embodied the values that kept the tight-knit community together for so many years.”7 AN EXTENDED FAMILY REUNION While Mother Grayson was not aware of any serious racial tension between Blacks and Whites in those early years, it is clear from other Black families who lived in the Renton Highlands federal housing projects that they would not be welcomed if they attempted to move into other neighborhoods in South King County. In some areas, white residents would petition to stop a Black family from buying a home, or homeowners would raise prices to discourage potential Black owners. John Barfield, who grew up in the community, recalled in an interview that he knew of Black families who had similar difficulties when they tried to move out of the hilltop neighborhood. “ There was no other concentration of Black families,” said Barfield, “I don’t think you, as a Black person, could live anywhere else in Renton and be comfortable.”8 While both African Americans and Whites lived in the Highlands housing projects, Blacks seemed to feel more comfortable settling in clusters and developing their own community within the projects. According to Mr. Barfield, living “Mother”Irene Grayson, seated with cane. (RHM# 2001.040.5539) 8 | RENTON HISTORY MUSEUM ENDNOTES 1 “Blacks in pre-war Renton alone amid white majority,” Record-Chronicle, 6 September 1978, p.18. 2 “Blacks in pre-war Renton alone amid white majority,” Record-Chronicle, 6 September 1978, p.18. 3 “Irene Grayson: From hard times to good,” Record Chronicle, 21 May 1982. 4 “Irene Grayson: From hard times to good,” Record Chronicle, 21 May 1982. 5 The Seattle Times, 11 August 1988. 6 “Family, friends mourn Renton’s ‘Mother’ Grayson,” Valley Daily News, 14 May 1995, p.A3. 7 “Family, friends mourn Renton’s ‘Mother’ Grayson,” Valley Daily News, 14 May 1995, p.A3. 8 Seattle Times, 11 August 1988. 9 Seattle Times, 11 August 1988. 10 Renton Reporter, 6 February 2002, p.1. 11 Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction website. 12 Renton Reporter, 6 February 2002, p.1. 13 Renton Reporter, 6 February 2002, p.6. Left: Unidentified boy from the Grayson family collection. (RHM# 2001.040.5538) in a mostly Black community gave African Americans a feeling of acceptance and security that they could not get anywhere else.9 When the housing projects were closed and some of the homes were sold, starting in 1956, many Black Rentonites chose to move to Seattle, and the community that had been so close-knit began to pull apart. It was this trend that prompted Bernice Barfield, John Barfield’s mother, to come up with the idea of having an annual reunion picnic for the black families of the Hilltop. She was concerned that the only time that former residents of the Hilltop were getting back together was for funerals, and she wanted to create a more cheerful reason to have reunions. That first reunion in 1974 drew about 35 people. Over the years it has grown, and now it regularly draws over 100 attendees. Once word spread about the picnic, those original Hilltop residents began to invite their friends and relatives from outside the community as well, and the number of attendees began to grow. Unfortunately, both Bernice and John Barfield have since passed away, but Al Talley, another long time Renton Resident, has worked to keep the tradition alive. The picnic is held on the second Saturday in August, at Gene Coulon Park. EPILOGUE Slowly but surely, the ethnic make-up of Renton has evolved over time. As more and more African-American families managed to improve their financial status, they began to move down the Rainier Avenue corridor from the Central District in Seattle to Renton in greater numbers. This is clearly visible in the racial diversity of Renton’s institutions today. In 1977, the graduating class at Renton High School included five African- American students.10 According to statistics from 2005, Black students at Renton High now make up 34.4% of the student body, the largest single ethnic group at the school.11 The changes didn’t just take place at the student body level either. In a 2002 article in the Renton Reporter, the front page picture shows Mr. Willie Fisher, the second black principal at RHS at the time.12 Among Washington cities of 20,000 or more, only four cities— Lakewood, Tacoma, SeaTac, and University Place—have higher percentages of Black residents than Renton.13 No one can say for sure what Black pioneers like Mother Grayson would think about the flourishing African- American community that exists in Renton Today. No doubt she wouldn’t consider the struggles that she and her family endured to be any more worthy of praise than those of her friends and neighbors in the hilltop community. What we do know for sure, is that it is those very struggles of the first African Americans to build a life in Renton which helped make our city the prosperous, ethnically diverse city it is today. For that, we should all remember these pioneers with gratitude. AUTHOR’S NOTE The material for this story was taken heavily from interviews and articles published in local newspapers. The Renton Museum has very few photographs and ephemera in our collection portraying the African American experience in Renton. Most of the pictures that we do have, are the ones which appear in this article. If anyone has photos or objects that they would be willing to donate portraying the lives of black Rentonians, please contact the Museum. -TM SPRING QUARTERLY, 2007 | 9 I n the last newsletter I wrote about the Museum’s progress on a Collections Management Assessment grant from the American Association of Museums (AAM). The self-study portion of the grant made us think about how helpful a Collection Plan would be. AAM defines a Collection Plan as: “a plan guiding the content of the collections that leads the staff in a coordinated and uniform direction over a period of years to refine and expand the value of the collections in a predetermined way.” That definition is basically a fancy way of saying that a Collection Plan will tell the museum what to collect and what not to collect. It is our hope that this plan will allow us at the museum to do three things: 1. Wisely allocate remaining storage space. 2. Identify areas that are already satisfactorily represented. 3. Identify areas that are underrepresented. The museum is currently operating almost at capacity in terms of storage space. This space crunch COLLECTIONS REPORT by Sarah Iles, Collection Manager Sarah Iles Collection Manager has forced us to be far more selective about what we take into the collections. Because of this, it is our goal to have the Collection Plan spell out what we should and should not collect, as opposed to arbitrarily making these decisions on the fly. We want to make sure that our collecting practices reflect the best interests of the public we serve. Once the Collection Plan is developed, it will be made available to the public to use as a reference. Though we have not yet begun to develop this Collection Plan, we have already identified some of the areas in the Collections that are both satisfactorily represented and underrepresented. Satisfactorily represented areas are: • Clothing and hats • Dolls • Kerosene lamps • Victrola records • Woodworking tools Underrepresented areas are: • Objects, archives, and photographs pertaining to ethnic groups • Objects, archives, and photographs pertaining to women’s history/activities Most of all, we are looking for items that help tell the rich story of Renton and all its residents. Objects and photographs are used in exhibits and by researchers to convey Renton’s history. The more connections and associations they have, the better. For an object, we love to know who used it, where it was used, and if there are any stories associated with it. It is these stories that truly make the items we have in our collections invaluable. Renton High School 1926 track team members Aya Ayaman and Alice Harding. (RHM# 1996.027.4162) Elizabeth Morrison and Margaret Lewis outside Renton Hospital, 1927. (RHM# 2000.127.8170) 10 | RENTON HISTORY MUSEUM T here are so many things going on at the museum at the same time that it is difficult to decide on priorities in reporting them. However, this time it is a little easier to report as we have just finished a calendar year and I can give you some statistics. According to our data, in 2006 49 volunteers contributed 1551 hours to the museum. This statistic shows how much we rely on volunteers and how much more can be done the more people help us. It also demonstrates why we are so grateful to everybody who donates her or his skills and time to our museum. Some members support us by volunteering in addition to their monetary contributions, but we always need more volunteers to make the museum a better, more professional place. We are currently looking for new greeters and new tour guides. We give training and ongoing support to those who perform these functions. If you want to know more about these opportunities please contact me at 425.255.2330. VOLUNTEER REPORT by Dorota Rahn, Volunteer & Education Coordinator Dorota Rahn Volunteer & Education Coordinator I hope that by now you have received the flyer for the 2007 Spring Speaker Program—maybe you’ve already joined us on the second Saturday of the month and on the second Tuesday of the month. In February Eva Abrams and Ray Egan presented their special Black History Month interpretations, both very thought-provoking. We also recently started a series of docent training sessions with two presenters from the Visual Understanding in Education (VUE) Institute’s Seattle office. They provided an introduction to their Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), a student-centered, research-based education method that uses art to build capacities to observe, think, listen, and communicate. They explored, together with our tour guides, how VTS can be adapted for use in a history museum. Our next docent training session will take place on the same Tuesdays as our Spring Speaker Program. They will last from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. followed by a half an hour break before the scheduled presentation. Invited speakers will present programs for Women’s History Month in March, immigrant issues in April, and Asian-Pacific American History Month in May. We welcome everybody to attend. There is no admission fee for our members. I hope to see you soon at our programs! Celebration of Black History Month Ray Egan presents Ezra Meeker: George Washington Bush. In 1844 African-American George Washington Bush and his family settled north of the Columbia, searching for freedom. Despite the fact that he could not own the land he farmed because of his race, Bush saved countless white pioneers by freely sharing his crops. Tues., February13th at 4:30 p.m. Celebration of Women’s History Month Susan Butruille’s Tea, True Womanhood, and Uppity Women explores how tea parties started women thinking about their lives, their own freedom, and other radical notions. Hear tales of Washington women, both uppity and refined, who opened up a wider world for themselves and their sisters. Tues., March 13th at 4:30 p.m. Reflection on the lives of immigrant workers Living Voices presents La Causa with Rachel Atkins. In the late 1960s activist Cesar Chaves changed the lives of Latin American farm workers by fighting racism and unjust working conditions. Experience this chapter of history as one young woman balances family demands with her fight to see her people free of poverty. Tues., April 10th at 4:30 p.m. Celebration of Asian Pacific Americans History Month Living Voices presents Within the Silence with Ken Mochizuki. In 1942 Executive Order 9066 imprisoned thousands of loyal Japanese Americans. Witness as these innocent citizens struggled to maintain their families while in prison, striving to preserve their faith in their country they love. Tues., May 8th at 4:30 p.m. RENTON HISTORY MUSEUM SPRING 2007 SPEAKER PROGRAMPlease join us at the Renton History Museum for our spring program series. Programs are free with regular Museum admission, and always free for members.Youth and Adult Program, second Tuesday of the month.Audience: high school through adult Call (425) 255-2330 or email us at info@rentonhistory.org 235 Mill Ave. SouthRenton, WA 98057 Made possible by Black History Month speaker Ray Egan.Black History Month speaker Eva Abrams. SEE OUR EVENTS CALENDAR ON PAGES 4 & 9! SPRING QUARTERLY, 2012 | 11 MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS November 16, 2007 - February 15, 2007 Lee Anderson Florence Murray Ann Belmondo Louise Bertozzi Louise George Emery“Bob”Benson Richard & Corinne Lucotch Beth & Mike Potoshnik George & Frances Subic Robert & Gilda Youngquist Maxine Fullerton Benson Richard & Corinne Lucotch George & Frances Subic Robert & Gilda Youngquist Mildred“Jane”Bergquist Greg & Carrie Bergquist Dan & Gloria Cartwright Lila Jean Tonda Mary Starkovich Boyden Betty Sipila Dorothy C. Bruce Harold Bruce Margaret Jean Bruce Harold Bruce Beth & Mike Potoshnik Angele Bulgarelli Dan & Gloria Cartwright Anne Butko Verna Koshak Gene Christman Jason & Gail Valian Earl Clymer Ron & Sharon Clymer Wyman & Vicki Dobson Lila Houser C. Floyd Hughes Alduina Kauzlarich Ivona Little McLendon Hardware Mrs. Gwen Smith Robert & Gilda Youngquist Marie Codiga Greg & Carrie Bergquist Sam & Terri Simone June Hebner Cooper John & Eleanor Bertagni Louise George Bruce & Sarah Jane Hisey Homer Crookston Bill & Annie White James R. Fawcett Beth & Mike Potoshnik Anne White & family Diane Ford Florence Murray Aaron Goodwin Charles Goodwin John & Joyce Peterson Lorraine Goodwin Charles Goodwin John & Joyce Peterson Amelia Gotti Gordon Ivona Little Ann Hamlin Florence Murray George Hannah Florence Murray Louise Hannah Florence Murray Mary Anne Healy Katie Gilligan Frederick B. Leviton Greg & Sandra Taylor Josephine Mathewson Brian & Annabelle Berg Dale W. Merritt Judith Zanga Inez Merritt Judith Zanga Betty Elliott Minkler John & Eleanor Bertagni Florence Delaurenti Louise George Lila Houser Robert & Roberta Logue Beth & Mike Potoshnik Bill & Annie White James Murray Florence Murray Shirley Newing Peter & Hazel Newing R o y“ F i n n ”N i e m i Richard & Corinne Lucotch Beth & Mike Potoshnik Barney Poli Florence Murray Dan Poli Florence Murray Estrina Poli Florence Murray Berniece Thornton Schwartz Louise George Jane Subic Haug & family Sally Jo Kimbel George & Frances Subic Virginia Secrest Charles Goodwin John & Joyce Peterson Robert Strugar John & Eleanor Bertagni Robert & Robert Logue Richard & Corinne Lucotch Beth & Mike Potoshnik Robert & Margaret Wicks Jesse Tanner John & Eleanor Bertagni Louise Bertozzi LeMay Weiding Katie Gilligan William A. White Jody & Steve Brown Florence Delaurenti Ron & Barbara Dengle Jim & Debbie Easton Louise George Lisa & Bob Kalina Beth & Mike Potoshnik Don & Lois Pritchard Douglas & Dorothy Pritchard Leon Woodworth RHS Class of 1944 Emma Wyknenko Gilda (Jill) Youngquist MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS OVER $100 Alex Rivily Donna Rivily Earl Clymer Terry & Dennis Higashiyama Doug & Sonja Kyes Jim & Joy Poff Warren, Barber & Fontes, P.S. William A. White Jim & Stephani White THE BIRTHDAY OF RACHEL BEATTY Louise George ENDOWMENT CONTRIBUTIONS OVER $100 Lloyd & Fumiko Hoshide GENERAL CONTRIBUTIONS Noah Katka (United Way) MEZZANINE CONTRIBUTIONS Frances Barnes William Bauder Donna J. Bausano Gloria Bird William & Patricia Borek Helenanne Botham Ruth Boydston Dorlene Bressan Mary Delaurenti Chamblin Dan & Laura Clawson Zena Cochran Bert & Shirley Custer Trudy & Robert Dasovick Phyllis Davey Edwin & Claudia Gillispie Don & Judy Gunderson Agnes Hansen Martin & Marilyn Hemmann Robert & Jane Hendrickson Bruce & Sarah Jane Hisey Jean Hobart Mildred Mimi Holma Alduina Kauzlarich Pauline Kirkman Olga Lewis Charles (Cash) & Sandra Lundgerg Mary Ann Mason Naomi Mathisen Judith Matson Ted & Gerry McLendon Wesley & Velma Melville Peter & Hazel Newing Rich & Becky Nickles Keith M. Pearson, M.D. Raymond Petermeyer David Pickett Sally Rochelle Harvey Sandahl, Jr. Bettijane & Jerome Shepard Louise Starkel George & Frances Subic Alma Taylor Betty Warren James & Mary Williams Pearl Wolf Robert & Gilda Youngquist Continued on page 12 12 | RENTON HISTORY MUSEUM MEZZANINE CONTRIBUTIONS OF $100 OR MORE Glenn Anderson (Boeing matching gift) Kirk Mathewson Nancy Fairman Joyce Leas McIver Jim & Char Baker Rich Wagner & Andee Jorgensen Jean Tonda Jack Morrison Referring to the dedication page of the revised edition Renton from Coal to Jets, Lila Jean Tonda sent us a Thank You card with the added message: “Your tribute to Ernie has put a special joy in my life. On behalf of the Tonda family, and myself, I can never thank you enough for this special honor.” Kathy Argano McKnight and Mario Tonda cleared up the mystery of the two men in the December quarterly’s Centennial Snapshot: “I am finally responding with regard to the December issue of the Quarterly Newsletter and the photo of the Renton Rotary Club Christmas party (#5473). I do not know who the fellow is on Santa’s lap, but Santa was my Dad, Lewis Argano. Dad played Santa for the residents of Renton for about ten years. He used to be in the window of the Renton Hardware and Furniture store located on the southeast side of Third Avenue and Wells street. I have many fond memories of when Dad played Santa. When I was a junior and senior in high school I was his helper and would guide the children in to see him.” Mario Tonda also identified Lewis Argano as Santa and Alden See, Jr. as the man on Santa’s lap. Referring to the article in the December quarterly about Agnes Edwards, Mildred Thurston sent us a nice letter that read in part: “It is with a great deal of pride that you featured my mother, Agnes Edwards. She was a wonderful mother and a true example of being a young widow determined to support us three children through great sacrifice. However, we never felt neglected or unloved because of this. We were lovingly disciplined and taught the values and responsibilities of life.” Louise George asked us to let our readers know that the Renton High School Old Timers Alumni Association will be holding their Annual Reunion and Banquet for Classes 1918 through 1946 at the Holiday Inn Renton on May 20, 2007. Reservation Chairperson is Irene Cleven at 206.772.2758. The Alumni Association has been a faithful contributor to the Renton Historical Society, and we wish them a successful reunion. NOTES RECEIVED Continued from page 11 UPCOMING EVENTS CALAMITY PAYNE'S WILDE WEST WONDER SHOW April 14 11:00 am-12:00 pm Fashioned after entertainment popular during the late 1800s, Calamity Payne is a fun-filled performance that will engage and delight the entire family. RENTON HISTORY MUSEUM SPRING 2007 SPEAKER PROGRAMPlease join us at the Renton History Museum for our spring program series. Programs are free with regular Museum admission, and always free for members.Family Program, second Saturday of the month. Audience: elementary through adult Call (425) 255-2330 or email us at info@rentonhistory.org 235 Mill Ave. SouthRenton, WA 98057 Songs and Stories to Reconcile By Vincent T. Hutchinson takes us on a short journey through African- American history. We hear stories and drums in the African village on the West Coast of Africa. Suddenly we are captured and transported via the Middle Passage to slavery in the New World. There are songs and escape plans to deal with, many deeply in code. The program ends with an exclamation of friendship and helpfulness and a better understanding among people of all colors. Sat.., February 10 at 4:00 p.m. Her Stories Throughout history, folk tales have been filled with fascinating characters, and many of them are female! Come and meet some of the bravest, cleverest and silliest women and girls ever as storyteller, musician and historian Karen Haas presents “Her-Stories.” She's delved into folklore from around the world to find traditional tales where women take the center stage. Laugh, sing and celebrate Women's History Month as you discover that some of the best parts of History are Her-Stories! Sat., March 10th at 11:00 a.m. Calamity Payne’s Wilde West Wonder Show Known far and wide as a teller of tale tales, Calamity Payne also uses his extraordinary skill at the “High Art of Prestidigitation” to dazzle and amaze both young and old alike. Fashioned after entertainments popular during the late 1800s, the King of the Cowboy Conjurers is a fun-filled performance that will engage and delight the entire family. Sat., April 14th at 11:00 a.m. LIVING VOICES PRESENTS WITHIN THE SILENCE May 8 4:30-6:00 pm In 1942 Executive Order 9066 imprisoned thousands of loyal Japanese Americans. Witness as these innocent citizens struggled to maintain their families while in prison. MEZZANINE CONTRIBUTIONS $1000 AND OVER Olga Azzola (in honor of Leno & Zafira Azzola) NEW MEMBERS Frank Aliment Robin Baches Frances Barnes John & Jean Holman Mary Lou Lane Elizabeth P. Stewart Gary & Dorothy Walls Milton G. Fiene Marsh Remillard Mark & Kelly Malleck family David Schmitt LIFE MEMBERS Barbara & Ed Nilson SPRING QUARTERLY, 2012 | 13 The December 2006 quarterly included an explanation of the ways in which retirement funds could be used for charitable giving to the Renton Historical Society Endowment Fund or any other charitable organization. In this article we look at how life insurance can play a role in planned giving. The following information is a version of information prepared by Planned Giving Services in Seattle. As always, if you have any questions regarding the specifics of the information provided below, contact your accountant or the Renton Historical Society’s investment representative, Shane Klingenstein, toll-free at 1-888-891-8832. Most people own life insurance, but very few realize that there is enormous potential for gifts of life insurance. This section discusses common ways to give life insurance to facilitate charitable gifts. The following ways of giving life insurance are listed in order of their value to the charity. In each instance, the tax benefits for the donor are also noted. A. Transfer Ownership of Paid-Up Policy A gift of a paid-up policy is equivalent to an outright gift of cash, because the charity can, if it chooses, immediately surrender the policy for cash. More likely, it will retain the policy until the insured individual dies and then collect the death benefit. Meanwhile, the cash surrender value will probably continue to grow. The donor is entitled to a charitable deduction for the lesser of (1) the replacement value (the current single premium cost of purchasing a policy with equivalent coverage), or (2) the adjusted cost basis. A life insurance policy is not a capital asset, such as securities or real estate, but rather an ordinary income asset. If a policy owner were to cash in a paid- up policy, the gain is potentially subject to a federal income tax rate as high as 35% (whereas if he or she were to sell long term appreciated stock, the gain PLANNED GIVING SERIES: PART 2, LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES by Sandra Meyer, Board Vice President Sandra Meyer Board Vice President would be taxed at a maximum federal rate of 15%). When an ordinary income asset such as a paid-up life insurance policy is donated to a non-profit, however, the donor is not taxed on the gain; instead he or she receives a charitable deduction for the adjusted cost basis (or the replacement value, if less). B. Transfer Ownership of an Existing Policy on Which Premiums are Still Owed If the policy is whole-life and has been in force for two or more years, it will probably have some cash value to the charity. If the donor continues to pay the premiums, the cash value will increase each year, and the charity will eventually collect the death benefit. The donor is entitled to a charitable deduction for the cash value plus any prepaid premiums (called the .interpolated terminal reserve value.) and for subsequent premium payments. If the interpolated terminal reserve value exceeds the donor’s adjusted cost basis (which could happen if the policy has been owned for a number of years), the deduction is limited to the adjusted cost basis. The donor is entitled to a deduction for each premium payment whether the donor pays the premium directly to the insurance company or makes a contribution to the charity, which uses it to pay the premium. If the donor chooses the second option, he or she could contribute long-term appreciated securities instead of cash, thereby getting the double benefit of a charitable deduction plus avoiding tax on the capital gain. C. Purchase a New Policy Naming the Charity as Owner Although such policies have no initial cash value, whole life or universal life policies will accumulate value, and all policies pay a death benefit if the insured dies while the policy is in force. The donor is entitled to a charitable deduction for premiums paid to the insurance company after ownership has been transferred to the charity and, of course, for any contributions made to the charity to cover the premiums. The donor should either name the charity as owner on the initial application, or pay the minimum required premium before transferring ownership. If the donor is the initial owner, pays an Continued on page 14 14 | RENTON HISTORY MUSEUM Mary Healy Ernest Heinz Kevin P. Marlotty John P. Marshall Josephine M. Mathewson Inez Merritt Betty Minkler Roy Niemi Zita M. Noll Eleanor Osgoodby Theda Powell Roger Randall Continued from page 13 entire year’s premium, and then transfers ownership, the initial charitable deduction will be limited to the cash surrender value, which will likely be zero. A charitable deduction is allowed for the full amount of the premium paid after the charity is named as owner. D. Name the Charity Primary or Co-Beneficiary of a Policy If the policy owner keeps the policy in force and does not change the beneficiary, the charity will eventually receive the death benefit. The proceeds payable upon death are included in the policy owner’s gross estate, but an estate tax charitable deduction is allowed for the entire amount paid to a charity. Consequently, no estate tax will be payable on the proceeds received by a charity. If an individual were named as beneficiary, the proceeds would be subject to estate tax, and the federal tax rate this year could be as high as 46%, depending on the size of the estate. In addition, Washington State estate taxes may also be owed. The policy owner may also name the charity as a co-beneficiary with others, either individuals or other charities, to share the death benefit; the estate of the policy owner/insured is still entitled to an estate tax charitable deduction. Obituaries November 16, 2007 - February 15, 2007 Richard Armstrong Ann Belmondo Maxine Benson Mildred“Jane”Bergquist Mary Starkovich Boyden Margaret“Jean”Bruce Rosemary Ruth Brt Anne I. Butko Domenic Carpine, Jr. Earl Clymer Marie Codiga June Hebner Cooper Homer Crookston Shirley Culjak Louis DeHart Marion Spencer DeSanto Steven G. Elliott Vera Enghusen James Fawcett Linda Fjeld John M. Gillingham Marylu Giner Clifford Hanson Jean Haselton Jesse Tanner, Renton Mayor 1996-2004, died February 6, 2007 at the age of 79. He was a member of the Renton Historical Society. Mr. Tanner is remembered for working diligently towards the betterment of the city of Renton. He oversaw the purchase of the new Renton City Hall, completion of a performing arts center, the dedication of the Veterans Park, the construction of the Henry Moses Aquatic Center and skate park, and the development of the regional Metro transit center in the downtown area. JESSE TANNER (1927-2007) Jessie M. Sayler Ruth Schultz Berniece Schwartz Velma Sheridan Jesse Tanner Albert Lee Vaughn Henrietta J. Waffle Shirley Walimaki Audrey G. Weathers Roy White William A. White Leon Woodworth denotes former Society Life Member denotes former Society member FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE From the Director’s report: For more information about “34 Unique Museums of King County,” visit the History House website at www. historyhouse.org. The exhibit will be open until Labor Day, Wednesday-Sunday, 12:00-5:00 pm. From the 2007 Heritage conference article: “The Impact of Historical Organizations in King County,” AKCHO, www.akcho.org/pdf/AKCHOSurvey.pdf. “The Economic Benefits of Historic Preservation in Washington State,” Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, www.dahp.wa.gov/pages/HistoricSites/ documents/EconomicDevStudySummaryReport_000.pdf. SPRING QUARTERLY, 2007 | 15 Join the staff and Board of Trustees of the Renton Historical Society for the Annual Meeting and Renton River Days! The Annual Meeting is for members, prospective members, and volunteers of the Society. Please join us for dinner, a short business meeting, and volunteer awards. Renton River Days takes place during the last week of July. Kids’ Day is July 25th and the main festival is July 27-29th. Please visit our booth in Liberty Park! The museum will be open all weekend as well. Annual Meeting JUNE 6 at 5:30 JOIN RENTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY THIS SUMMER RENTON HISTORY MUSEUM 235 Mill Ave. S Renton, WA 98057 Rentonites celebrate the arrival of spring with a dance around the May Pole, 1916. (RHM# 41.3838) IN HINDSIGHT...