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Early Years Renton Publication (Renton Reporter 1998)
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P RTµ 4 x T} 4. , ... •� EARLYYEARS ... :„..,...::.........„„_. ..:,;.,.: ..... ...::„ ,..... _ittilltst.-, ..-.' ,1.;.,..,;:".„.0.„,„:„.,... „..,-.:-,,:5-47' _ _ f. i i �' a U I - ia ' - • .„•••••. , •• . , - ,, iiii ,..-..... ,; -.. - -..' • ' --••*.!'4,11.401/1e„.?,....,,,......e.%0,.. • ;"..,,,'„,k:',-'-'•,-,:-• ,... - ';:•-43.:$;,"-'...;‘"*Frs, -'-'''''''''C'-'''' t''''''-".: :---I'''' f 1,.., ti....,„...,:,,„...2„, 1.,41,,%TriogiFn--7..,, 4t4tem ... ::-• : ,--sv.„4,,,,,,,,,i:- ,•••,.-:•.•IL— ••••,,,,,....,„..•-•• . „. •,,...„„.,..•••„:„.„_, „„••••,„,„ ,, , ,,, ,„••••..••,.L *rz� ... t :' . — '' • --4,:•_.4r...,.c *.V71474.1wkA3 ,. , .,,,,•ira„, • .7.0.ii*ipir-4 q a1 I Illibit, it• 1 -' '* PR3TP ; /ill. 4 ,‘ ' ' • ' -- " •-'- .,..,„...-_ 4 " -t .dp.--1.- ".-4'1 r kik . } � ) Ste `` �� � '�' ¢a` F3o"<.rr #�� ob �f 2'n?5:�. ,� 9g�� t' ,Ft kpfaakk t ,404,4lic. .o R y 3.r Flit:, 'k a9SFr • s� Zip.+Nti , ..:: � '3 $ ,.iy .SF � k � z o .S .. "ram 9 l h>':.. k - y� jOIX ' ,. 1 RI t I \ :, . , , IN.....i: Italian cooking at its best - awaits your discovery We are committed to providing you with a memorable dining experience, Stop by and see us today! -Armondo Pavone CI. A R M 0 N D 0 ' S • cafe italiano Serving Renton since 1986 Visit our non-smoking taproom/winebar featuring Northwest microbrews and great appetizers. Corner of South 3rd and Main St., in downtown Renton • (425) 228-0759 2 ♦ Renton Reporter Renton's rich history provides challenges and• joys when attem tin to look into the pastp . <::..;:, which make enton has a very rich history, wh c r : :_:.�,-• :..:, tand a is ca ` , .«�; _"�> putting together a history section ajoy— ,.' I1, , ; `. ..".,..-:•:,,,,,:. real challenge. - .. �., :::; ba y -;.+ ,:..; :.:..<'::. =`�'.��> Inevitably something or someone important probably ...: will be leftout,and for that we apologize in advance. ' •> �w" ",, Inhistory together,we de- ' ,,..,,,, ,,, guide Renton's putting a g � <° �• �_<�< ,•_�............� �:�- ._ '.....,�-., :--..';:.. .:_��..�,:.=,° � cided instead of creatinga chronological series of events we g . .. would try to take snippets and piece them together into a P .�`, . -<: '` --.i. 7� 7 glimpse of the city's past. "' "' ` '`"�`. ,' We talked with several "old-timers" whose families '' s'.� '' . "�' have been here for decades. They were able to talk about ,rttl'11`uu � ' .A A�� � °� ��'�.. � � ��.-- their families contributions to business and the community , � `� � r4S i� ' and recall some of their fondest memories.There are many �' f ', , R,,...:. ,<. more such individuals that time did not allow us to speak i ,,.- 4 1� E 3: with, and whose stories are undoubtedly just as interesting - ,,.3;.: €g< : as those we did hear. : � I� Z` Y ' � A r There is no way this section could have been done ,. ...:,..,,...,...: :.:,• r ;:> without the help of people from the Renton Historical Society -'' '''j :''' '- ' ' .x,, ::::;";�:. E: t and Museum, in particular foundingmember Ethel Telban, a- �� ;;. ..:. s • .I�: ,. < ; and Museum Supervisor Steve Anderson. • ,.i.: �a' -=' "' E ' - -, -;- The two helped give direction to this guide, and • ,` f ; ..h ' - .. .,., $' C x xYk<t + >. �"Y£' £. z - ,r y, k ,s:, Telban's clear memory of her past and the city s evolution was ; • •.: :<. � + = , an essential element. < ,: ' ,-;, ,' .' ' , : 33c N 3 N • .h.... F Numerous other sources of information were also es- ;':i;:,., ":, ! ; „ v,,. ..�:;_�<::::;, t:.,,, ,_:. m, sential, such as Morda Slauson's 1976 book "Renton — 1.. �",p °E t .< x , ,.>` ,, From Coal to Jets," and various articles from the museum's Pry:: � _ . J , �.. _ �. .. : ,;,,,;:p;.' �„�: . archives. . ° .:,. ':.a'' To all of those who contributed information and in- : .r::'.., u4 ,<.,>.o ,S _ .. .,..... .• • 1=. °'>'a _ " spiration,thanks. Mrs.Robert Miller and her children,Alex and Christina,stand outside their Elizabeth Parker house on Logan Street in 1912. Editor • EARL YEARS ENTON ©COPYRIGHT RENTON REPORTER • 1998 Published by Puget Sound Publishing Co. =k 721 S.W. 10th Street, Suite 275 ` `:' Renton, WA 98055 • <' (425) 271-6673 • FAX(425)271-6788 .EpoRTER_ 4.,,, .,..,,,,,o,,:i;:..44..:...,,...i..isit .,:,,,..w.!t&A,.,...„..:, .2::..,;:v.,,,,,41;:•.„nittsown2.4.„,.:,.,a..4„,,,,,, xk, ;�. This special section produced by the staff of the Renton Reporter. =gE Additional copies are available at any of the advertisers in this section. " `` R .,,,,,,:` Denis W. Law, Publisher • Elizabeth Parker, News Editor <'1:varn'z''N Ellen Morrison, Marketing Director Captain William Renton Natalie Knolles, Advertising • Debra Warren, Graphic Design Renton Reporter ♦ 3 .e.,«.N� .ra:. :r..: ' .Fgi l .m;✓ ::.. ai" : .. - ?y...a.:.....sw:.c......r..[...:...i.!..'<:.....>...:..:�m.e.?.:/:...N......a.n.L..3....Y......X?...,`..r..`.........:n.. óJf1I!I!IPiI ;�r�.`<9Fa"%.+N.,?..d....Esa.>:.i....e'_...rv�l✓:.f�..`�3r c:rw.F�3.�:xw.r�..�e...:.._\.x` ?./%:✓:..<<:..."'?"j: ':....;....:�.<tu_....§...r^.,:.a,k.R.«%.........:.....i„v .......:',.[./.:..:....�....t.'>>& .. .,..:;•�[ sw ..:�. 's.' K ;ws . 6r.. oy .a .m»w . x4 x ;:z '. % ` .;. ,:.':„ .R. a :l 7lbTyw , . 1 r . v. .r ..t ..... ....... .. ..... , `w n <c M » .2[ 0» w ' _ `° a :>'J ' :`.k.��;!a".`^...:F.•�. wa 0&S�. �O.ww . C .vf ?" l3SY �"d ✓wq sw S di ♦ 8 . . Y .. ' ' • : qg;./ 44'° 2kke' i1r 'sz; ' a r§. ^.!. • • F: "t . . : a . > . ' ' :¢Fxk'> :w . pw\. 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Y• orc4�;:." �.a .n :a"rr mNd.�4k;?3.::;,..,:h: ytir ; 5; $5A } ,.. ^a..xd, � .9. :' ....�n, ....d .... ..,.. a. , a .x»a . . . » a aR x :.cwr <NCQ?. %:cc j�., .. $..m 3. .. c.. . cn. x 3 kn .,..s.< w ? ^ .« >F.:. � :) a4eea ? ? :Rx;t 'i `re;tK ,t` c `r . o . . A.4:" .! ¢� , ..x»,m": : m;t n»,s .�rctR. : ;�•ro4 ;�4y .. .. . .: :. ... This is.the Erasmus Smithers Farm in the late 1800s. It was located where Fred Meyer is'today in the Renton Shopping Center. Renton's history is deep in families and industry • When Erasmus Smithers officially platted the little Renton's white settler beginnings were humble,with a few families town of Renton on September 4, 1875, little did he trickling into the area to homestead on the shores of Lake Washington, know what a leader in international industry the city or Lake Duwamish as it was called by some of the first settlers.These set- would eventually become. tlers followed in the footsteps of Hudson's Bay Co.explorers and traders, The humble beginnings of industry were there even then— who came to the area and traded goods with the natives. the seemingly endless coal seams,the cedar and fir logs on the hills The first white settler in the Renton area was Henry Tobin,who and the clay for bricks. came west from Maine,landing atAlki on Nov 13,1851.He and his wife All it took to get things rolling were the hands that dug,sawed Diane,were some of the first folks to take advantage of the Donation and smoothed. Those hard-working hands are the ones that built land Claim Act of 1850, which allowed'settlers who came into the Renton's businesses, homes, schools and churches. They were the Oregon Territory to claim 160 acres by surveying the property,submit- hands that formed a community ting a description to the government and then living on the land for an Today,some of those early businesses remain in one form or unbroken period of four years. another.The people who built them have left their legacies in the city, "The Tobins built a cabin on the Black River. They found the 'including many family members who still choose to live here. stream wide,placid and deep enough for the huge 40-foot Alaskan Before the explorers and settlers came, tribes of Native dugouts which came from the far north to trade.The Haidas and the Americans lived here,most following a hunter-gatherer lifestyle,and Tlingits paddled by on their way upstream to the fish traps set in the living on the banks of local rivers in longhouses.The Muckleshoots Cedar (river) near the present Maplewood Golf Club.Here they ex- and the Duwamish were the main tribes,and for years after the set- changed their cargoes of beads, lead, copper and even slaves of tiers came,they tried to live in peace alongside them,but they were dried salmon," wrote Renton historian Morda Slauson, author of ultimately decimated after their land was taken over in the Point "Renton—From Coal to Jets." Elliott Treaty of 1854.This treaty called for them to leave their homes Tobin and his wife built a cabin on the Black River,which is for good. now dried up after the Cedar's stream was diverted after the con- In 1855,some of the natives went to war with the"Bostons," struction of the Ballard Locks and the ship canal lowered the level as they called the white men who were taking over their land. of Lake Washington after 1910.Tobin had a sawmill on the river,and They were defeated and were then sent to live on the various was an owner of the first coal mine in the area.The Tobin homestead pieces of land scattered throughout western Washington that were was located near the present site of Renton Shopping Center. part of the treaty agreement. continued on page 5 4 + Renton Reporter • ;"§ y roc' ..,;A o-V ax t S:y , :• ` ar.'iF,%> :•va t, h.,� #. uyi h.,.1: Y.;' •ka:^,::;c,iA:.,,;l,�r�:, o m .k. �w > :�ti„ K �.. 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W> A ' A . �er .•L'alWl W R Q 4':M y. � �'.�.41 m r E iu�� S Y o 9- ,',:!4::E 4 ti,. ..:.• •"•41.,:-.„ —:•• :•,.. ,.agtiiii*VP,:c.s',.G4:;,!4. '.; ' '': i ,-4iltiAti'.:;! •:ittli nt,•%"i:::;lif ,', :At'''.:'''..; 1! : ,' Vital4: i::H ,, ::::;:f.3 ..; ilicot,;,,r;„:::„:,;:,1,,,e1 ::,„:2,....... ,, ,:::,.;f4: :,i,:i...;04..y41...:44,14::::;,.,,:,,.„,, ,L4040810001.44.A.I.:..:,.4;,: ::,::.,,:.<., :„.14:aut4::::.., .. „..',..,,q„,,, ,,..oi z,Pr:: 4t,'" s r • j� .�. • a._ c s h� -� c x w: S "'"_ .'iz -, ! 'a6 '7N• a a a_. At.,4,;a y <?`v1`Y lliiig. k. ,5 - 4 rit ) ^r t1e .fir xy q a ' �+.f, . fi..a z` YX' Y 3,.;} H YAti �`�. ,�.� � ., i Asa „� . a, 'i.,4e4 ftitakaseao This is a view of Renton Hill taken before 1905. Interstate 405 curves around this hillside now. HISTORY continued from page 4 "At the peak of operations, there were 29 miles of track Tobin's sawmill was burned during unrest with the Native underground that stretched almost to Kent. Mules pulled coal Americans in the mid-1800s.Tobin died during that time,but no one wagons in the bottom part of the mine, and a noisy steam-powered knows when or why, according to Slauson. hoist pulled loaded coal cars over a mile up a 12 degree incline.Rats Tobin's widow soon met and married Smithers,who added an- down in the,mine were looked on with favor.As long as there were other 160 acres to her property,and thus the little town saw its be- rats the miners felt relatively safe. If the rats left,it was considered ginnings on 453 acres of land. a sign that the miners should also run. A tunnel could cave in or Capt.William Renton,came to the Puget Sound area on a trade there could be dangerous gases,"wrote Paul Rowe and Jack Evans voyage in 1852 to inspect timber that he wanted to take to California, in the book"Little History of Renton,Washington. which apparently was in need of an unlimited amount of building The town was heavily dependent on the Renton Coal Mine for supplies,according to Slauson. its economic health,but Renton was not considered a company town Renton started a sawmill at what is now Port Blakely,where as was Newcastle where there was another coal mine. The people, he also built a home,and eventually came to the south end of Lake who came to the area from Wales,Italy,Austria,Scotland and many Washington looking for timber.Here,he found big trees everywhere, other European nations, owned their own homes. and used them for lumber, but another natural resource Renton At the time of the platting of the town in the fall of 1875,there learned about while he was here was to greatly affect the city's fu- were about 50 people living in the area and in five years the popula- ture. tion had doubled to 100. In 1873, Renton learned about a large vein of coal, and he The town was incorporated on Sept. 6, 1901,and the city of- soon set up a mining business known as the Renton Coal Company. fices were located in Tonkin's store, located in a little triangle now Smithers, T.B. Morris and C.B. Shattuck also were members of the known as Tonkin Park, between Williams and Burnett on Fourth venture. Street.The city bought property on Wells between Second and Third, "Since Capt. Renton had just helped to finance the first in- where offices stayed for 50 years until the municipal park was dustry in town which was giving employment to the majority of its opened in November 1968. male citizens, they decided to honor him by using his name," "Renton at the turn of the century was still a wild west frontier Slauson wrote. town. It had mud streets, two blocks of wooden sidewalk,and nine Renton-area mines had produced nearly 60,000 tons of coal saloons. For light at night citizens carried their own lanterns. by 1879,and railroad lines that connected with the Seattle and Walla Shootings were not unusual and the marshal was busy handling Walla line that had come to Renton in 1876. Some of the coal com- week-end drunks. At this time there was still no wagon road along panies produced as much as 600 tons a day. continued on page 6 Renton Reporter, 4 5 HISTORY continued "t A�m ;.4 ��<:`, ' �_�� ;.:�:<���..;�_:.��:r�"��� �<-,x-� �,R N����- >..��x < # � � duced as energy from page 5 m * j * o; <,; ,. fir ; �; sources and bitter :,:•+i,o.^,a i E";$' k,,ai i`: # 'sa3 5.; .k,.>,:�.:, ;a, E�»'" 0..,0Asr'e4,:K�.': 1,, 4:�.,.; "'3 Lake Washington to <,,' �,�>°'':4 k s:41 !o , 01 a� . Q I labor troubles sur- Seattle. To drive to ild 744 :< Ih 4'•'" ':f" , : ° �' ;"fE..�>, i.4 1,C , will, roundingthe mines q 8= !d k S � E x:E' �.88. Seattle you went over ; ;$ t #OAS.:. Vn,.+ El: .:.•ti.4Mo.M �' r Q==W� A also contributed Esc� .«.„`����:, <. ..^< ..�M c.Ru", �.�ra;y<;;r.� �' �� �y`rx� �. � , Beacon Hill on the =.1'' '- T �., � -s). `w"`� g5 z� s, , to their demise. old Military Road," hr; w.`. ';`. �. . . & 5, t r , One strike, for Rowe and Evans '£.j. •••-' s ..=f°:°4, ? e,',ice • r,> `° f 'j '., ;ye° 10 hour days instead ' '. x r` ' ;,,,.,�„ ,. :`` of 12 16 hours,lasted wrote. < : lit5zs , , A The city's first E `" '. a:sh W ;- a=4 .` ` three years and four mayor was Dr. Abijah :; ;.. - :'� y °> .' :`," � << �. fM ;,..s �� �� ,, ,4 SE; $ months. In that strike Ives Beach, an Ohio •R b _4 ... .: f'':�• .-„ , ,, replacement workers native who studied 44 S; �'' F �:�.:��x �. � ��'� -, r; � were brought in, 'Q� aa.1's�' w�,. `fir$.,}' ii. ; _ � g medicine there and in 4<.., -` '•`4��-' 1< ,f i. �n �:�„ „ which caused ten- , $r yj:..S'?.��.'�^'��lGxf'rw„, f - p .::.. , Paris. He began his i "`• $32 '9 'it,..., E''=xR {{ ' - , / :'.6., >'4 `4 sions to rise even fur- Paris. f',� t a ther. In fact, some practice in Kansas � .k:;� � � � and also served as a � a, ... `' ,� ors �� "�-�' •F ��. �`' ' workers shot surgeon with the 9th ., the replacement Kansas Cavalry. He 14 1 ..w ,. V< ":`, workers from Renton came to Washington a ar ir r "4 Hill with shotguns, it in 1878, working at h� a ' * was reported. the Tulah Indian :fix.:: , w `r �. "lltHA L'G` . ', !M Some of the Reservation for two William 7bnkin in the bookkee ers office ofthe Renton Coal Co. in May 1909. k other early industries years. He came to p y in Renton included Renton and worked the Renton Clay as the company doc- I Works, a twine fac- tor for the Renton Coal Company, as well as other official medical tory and the Seattle Car Works. capacities in the area. Pacific Car and Foundry Company was started by William The first council meeting was Sept. 11, 1901,and the council Piggott in 1905. It produced refrigerated rail cars,winches,hoists included some now-famous historic names. They were Harold and Sherman Tanks in World War II. Evans,Thomas Dobson,John Adams,Josiah Tonkin,Roger Jenkins, World War II was a big changing point in Renton's history.The and George W. Custer who served as town clerk. Boeing Airplane Company,which was started by William Boeing in In a recent interview,Custer's great nephew,Don,who served 1916 as Pacific Aero Products, located a new plant here in 1940. as mayor Of Renton in the early 1960s, said he believes his great The company had originally planned to manufacture U.S. Navy sea uncle got that job because he "knew how to write," a skill many planes,was thrust into the war effort for the manufacture of B=29 people didn't have in those days. and the B-29 Superfortress. The first school in Renton opened in 1853.It was a small 14 by Production of B-29's during the war reached 85 planes a 16 foot shack made of rough lumber and cedar shakes on Christian month.In 1943,the runway at the Renton Airport was constructed Clymer's homestead a short distance north of the Black River. to allow the big planes to take off. More than 1,100 B-29s were "A rude mud and stone fireplace in one end provided heat flown from here. and rough board desks served the few children. Mats of cat-tails, In 1940, the city's population was around 4,500. By 1950, made by the Indians, lined the walls and helped to keep out the those numbers had grown to more than 16,000.Today,Renton has damp southwest winds,"Slauson wrote. a population nearing 46,000. Because the settlement's population grew slowly in its first two With the tremendous growth during the war came challenges, decades, another school wasn't needed until 1871. At that time a such as creating housing for all of the workers needed at Boeing. one-room school house was built at the foot of Renton Hill on the Many houses were built in the Renton Highlands area for Boeing northeast corner of Fourth and Main streets. In 1876,the number workers.Those homes are still being used today. of children between the ages of four and 21 jumped suddenly to 82, Renton now is moving toward its centennial celebration in so another building was constructed on Renton Hill.Then,in 1892 2001.Much of its economy is still dependent on the large industries, the Central School was built on Fifth between Wells and Main, and but city officials have worked diligently during the 1990s to diver- boasted 110 children on its first day of classes. sift'the field of businesses in the city. Once the lifeblood of Renton's economy, coal mining began (Information for this article was gleaned from several to wane in the 1920s. Cheaper electricity and oil had been intro- sources, including"Renton—From Coal to Jets.') 6 + Renton Reporter ' • . .- , i.', ;..;', •, . --.-.s,•,; ,:.•:..,' . .. k:, • . ,,,..,,,„,.,:,..:.,:::,,• 4iir , E 0 „...„,,,.._,. .,...,....„:„,,,,,,i , ,...:.,,,, , ,,.,,,,,,,T4.L.0.1„44.,,,,,...kw.,1„4,,i Tgi5 .,:',',ff f fpR7 +fil �.,mo w,NC. 041,00_ *',,z � �> rz: itit` p0 0s 4 yr a K 4? W t .. < .'43. WE STARTED ,...:10.4.„ , , k�' ‘.,:-1-.. _� . IN KENTON , f v � ;vs AND NOW HAVE . . �_ ,...,: „ Mike Forte with the winner of the Weed Eater at this years Renton,Chamber Trade,$how. 1 3 STORES! In June of 1967, Rodney Ducken joined the company c40' Rentals began on January 13, as a partner. Two months later Rocco retired due to illness. 1962 under the franchise with United Rent- All.Rocco and Virginia Forte opened the With Ron and Rodney as managers,business current Renton Store at 100 Bronson Way increased steadily. Further expansion was made in North. They employed one other full time January 1976 when`40'Rentals took over Rental • employee.Ron Forte,their son, worked part Machinery 12 18211.East Valley, which has since time as a mechanic fixing equipment, while moved to its current location on 17700 West Valley working full time for the airlines. Highway in Tukwila. The party goods division was In April 1963 the firm incorporated under the enlarged with the opening of`Party Line'. name of Forte, inc.At this time Ron Forte Upon the retirement of Virginia.Forte in August of was working full time with Rocco and 1991, Ron and his wife, Jacqueline,have resumed Virginia Forte. the full management of`40' Rentals with the assistance of Gina,Lee, Rhonda,Mike,Paul, and In 1965, the original franchise expired, Ron Joe Forte. Forte became a partner and manager of the Renton Store and from then on the company The growth of`40' Rentals has been evident as has been operating under the name of Forte, branches of homeowners stores have been opened Inc. d/b/a/`40'Rentals, Forte Rentals. in Auburn, Burien, Bonney Lake, Covington, Federal Way South, Federal Way North, Gig < ,;�;:;;':..:.r,....,. ;, �: South Hill Puyallup and Harbor, Kent, Kirkland, :x1 5., ,..t2 :ca:.: te '40' A')Cx aith ful 2 f '::>'��� over 2 0 has now ^::s,< Rent als a.Tac om N ,rx, w ;: :: : '°:' a:x:: `� ^wXza hardworking employees consisting of Store Managers, Salespersons, Customer Service g�4 2 , �" Personnel, Truck Divers,Mechanics,Administrative ,� t Personnel, and Service Technicians. Y .'` is <' �s�" :ems y g .'r.: :;�k"`.�uzJ%i`�?w<d��':.uea^:3s.;,ws:x.i:.'. ^F (425) 226 41 4 wi.. g.. Lt Photo from 1979 1100 Bronson Way N. • Renton • Renton Reporter ♦ 7 � � t Families built Renton, �. : _ � ..„. f.ti*,,:f.;:kii..„::: : ' yfiand descendantsits.Yol:,..i.:,. ..vos:1.4, M 'ik Of „.. the pioneers ;, ,,,,,,, iyn. � p�'. tt M t . remain here todayx Q�k 4 .x : ,gib By ELIZABETH PARKER a a • •, 4F'� a Editor ''' A %4, ,.; M I.e 1,x z., enton's early families built this town. You see their Y t R names on parks and on street signs downtown, and , bigt . ;; y x ...•$: � � x pictures showing glimpses of their lives can be seen v ,, 43e:. :: throughout town in today's businesses. ���t;•��; •, :; , z Unlike other cities in the Puget Sound area,many of Renton s , , ' • early settlers came here directly from Europe and other countries in- 1 :1,.. .: stead of from the East Coast, said Steve Anderson, supervisor of the s * ;;. Renton Historical 1 ,.,::..,...:.;_:.�.; .::::. :... ::. .. ; ,� ;''°N�.�>�-:'' Society and Museum. ,,,.,:.rt.Fri • tr t Theycame from Wales, Scotland, Italy, eastern Europe anda Y, p ��t � ���$�, � ....t, Scandinavia to work in the coal mines.They brought with them the tli �f .' hope ofgettingtheir ownpiece of land toprovide families : =x":: ?:; :>: ' P their fatmhes with 5 °�, .: a better life than they had left behind. a{ ,u gay at Many were forced to leave their young families in their moth : - .,1 4,z , , .�, erlands, and they sent for them a year or two later after they had saved enough money for their passage.They worked hard,built busi- This is Ernie 7onda's mother, Carolina, when she was eight years old in 1908. nesses and added to their families.They created a community, one in-and-of itself,not a bedroom community of Seattle,Anderson said. tied,and he proposed,but my mother told him she wanted a home The many descendants of the pioneers left here today were part of the early life of the city and have watched it evolve from a to'live in,not a rental,"Ethel recalled. small town to a bustling,significant urban center,one that has cele- Blase went to Montana to try and earn the money needed to brated and maintained its working-class roots. buy land and build a house,but soon returned. The following pieces are some short recollections of life in After he got back, the two learned about a house for sale on' Renton over the years and also a little information on the importance Cedar Street. The owner's wife had left him because"all he wanted their families played in the city's development.There are many more to do was fish," Ethel said. So for$1,600, the couple purchased a pioneer descendants living in Renton,but time and space consider- house on an acre of land,and the owner threw in a cow,a pig,some ations kept us from including everyone. chickens and a big garden. Blase worked in the Renton Coal Mine for a time as an oilier THE TELBANS for the mine machinery,but he didn't like the dirty work,and Amelia didn't want him in the mines.He moved to another job at the Denny- Like many pioneers,Blase Telban,came from Europe to find Renton Clay and Coal Co.,where they made bricks and tiles that were work.Ile left Austria in the late 1800s and stopped in Idaho, used to build Seattle cobblestone streets. From there, Blase moved Wyoming and Montana to work. He arrived in America and eventu- . onto Pacific Car and Foundry where he ran an electric crane and ally tried his luck in the Alaska gold fields. worked as a flask carpenter. "He didn't strike it rich,"said his daughter,Ethel,now 84."In At all of those jobs,Blase worked six days a week,as did most fact he nearly starved to death. In order to come back here he had people in those days. to load lumber onto steamer ships." Ethel and her two sisters all went to school,and all graduated Blase met his wife,Amelia,also an Austrian/Hungarian immi- from high school. grant,in Seattle.The two were married in 1905. "They actually had met a couple years before they were mar- continued on page 10 8 + Renton Reporter r A iii e K nn a e Realty Specializing in Kennydale, Greater Renton and the Eastside. C History of our location: 1958 to 1971 Porkys'Richfield Gas Station Previously The Miller Family Property (Early Kennydale Pioneers) Presently Owners Glenn & Linda Knowle have lived and worked in Renton for 55 years J Call (425) 277-1717 c Assisting a ` Renton a.. Homeowners �5 and Buyers with all of : :i:p. R£'b. their -���r RealEstate a , .. : . : Glenn Knowle Needs Linda Knowle 1302 North 30th Street, Kennydale Hill (Next to 7-11) \,. J ' Renton Reporter 41 9 ;$a •::%;; �E m(�:.wb' i :..a'::..: ,x.....' s..[.;k;;5.... YS.F.•. .,.,?.:w,... :.:a.Y.::,.r.'Y >:i'. ,,,,:or,'*,,,: ,....•.. .:..•..:•r'�..:".: ">i;`�''ate :i:_:i�, _`t;� . • 'v ..,,v.c>�) .;•.)5fr:.::....:k:...... � "..:rr4N�, .m.N,."F'xFY�:it ..:' '4,'�%''C"'..Jh>..- ...:.. .......,e'a':.t..,.. [. .t::r..:.o.<.S:[,:r.:.;xc" Sw_�. i�o<.. '4h.H:v'�s,.,' n..•...z+. �:C`>. .;,:..s......:.•.>.. s.::a. �,:,:.;:' ,..tom^'' :,�> . t•.....R[i,... r......,,Y .s.,.,:r'w`:'m„' .w^.. 'bF ..w8. ;:: ,.t t?n.....•"�';..',„' M .t...�..w>...;.:a::'4A`x. :i^:;�;::>:.,.::::.:a?:t:x;:"S'.::'rC." :�%.C.�"'.. .".ct. s •;.:�..:':� , z ,,:.;`.�.....�..'>: w.w..r l<„;>� .[..?""ems" �:g a .�. '�:? �°`':'^,•. r . • .. ..: tM....,:' M'a.Li1i . . ic.;fr......>;•r:4' [c..?." r..':. .#.�', �'fr, ::? i'::r..:...?5¢R . ,; °..:a1���x;;° rs:-sri>�as.rt�b�.., "r.. .'.. ..'.,..,�;.h:3E. ... ;k.,n.. .. .,:....s :rtt` s^3,?F' y, ^;,•iy�a .`yia.WW..>4"e'e:;' .. a..w R'.�%:.i :.:;:: ^^. y:.Y;;4.r„': '' x�Fwf.�a•i >.�-""' � r:'-, . -<,ixi:.�. `� •. , F € _ ; ,?7 x, r, I .. :t�"�n'wOR `S a '"^v„R' ie YtfP` < terra g' "4 t ? E � .t. RBJ � a E l' a'', g 'a 4 ;: • & D 3 "'"' . '1 4;> �:w�-t y S [. gvi;,»�•..xf'.'3 .._.... : p_ ^y +iit7 �,8/ is" f t�, tfi��;17 ^si`.� 5 ` t?�a; �. 3 t i < a �4 7-�-... S*�(� l�t, 'i'7'���fi,� E �'E �'�5 E ':. £ ; �'� >.u.t .. q ) ..: .`� .- . , �[ 1.7 4 R � t�� aim",, ;.,, 01 ill . !. • .. s E '�' x 4 ,...[a-..=s%ro 3 !tri''�v4 ;}@[ a €,. 3. 3� �a t, • ..qt �, .r i,5 cr ), `4�',",*:k, ?i 4.,....447 SS 11 .i 4-Fl .n % l"r t yet �, i0.; ;s< [,..'� ,,, `R i 7'` �, a , : 'I +1 �' x r= ' • ' ^�y f 4: w,1 i I� ti ly ° . k .:' 4kit Cis, gy, ,1n �2i e, h i 1"' ' : < s. QY ,... qr :r5 asM :.,t -rt 1M f ie i� d k A � �.. �' i t i €. i� F.' i � i .� ;t'3r, �sq �£ x , 1��� J�. �` 4 4.1z s v�[ .:. Y" s 1 » ;; �' {N ;, ,y�a a to1i 4s €} 3 : 7 4 .��,.. °� �' .:. .K' t litip asl.Ii� lei R. ir,. V' i4' <. •,':t. ° >#ESY<�..'A" .....: x..t...s...i..',..�w,15ae*.} This is the Telban Home in 1907 with Mr. and Mrs. Blase Telban on the left. FAMILIES continued from page 8 family made it west to the Puget Sound area after an extensive trip "My parents believed strongly in education,"Ethel said,adding through Illinois, Colorado and California when he was five or six many children were only able to go to school until the eighth grade years old,settling on a homestead near Issaquah. because they needed to go to work to help their families. John and his boys,Thomas,Robert,John,William and George Ethel and her two sisters,Mary and Amelia,loved to go to the worked in a coal mine in Newcastle. George was killed in the mine city's Carnegie Library on Saturdays. She said she read just about in 1894. every book in the place,and was a page when she was in ninth grade. Tom left the mine after that,and soon opened The Eagle,a sa- That experience influenced her-decision .to become a librarian, loon where the Whistle Stop Ale House is located today at Burnett and which she was for the Renton School District in:the 1950s and 60's. Walla Walla.He also purchased a lot a short distance away to build She also was a teacher for many years with.the Renton district and a house. in Thorp,Wash.after graduating from Central Washington Teacher's When Prohibition came along in the 1920s, the saloon was College in Ellensburg,which is now Central Washington University made into a grocery/variety store. The street the Telban's lived on was full of many different na- Tom married.Grace Clark, whose family had homesteaded tionalities,"and everyone got along,"she said.Kids loved to play on near the Dobsons. the double swing their father, who loved carpentry work and tin- Thomas was very active in the community,and was a mayor of kering,had made for them. Renton in 1914, and also served two terms as a King County com- "It was the most wonderful thing he ever built,"Ethel said. missioner and a term in the state legislature. After attending the University of Washington, Thomas' sons, THE DOBSONS John,opened a law office in Renton in 1931.In about the mid-1940s, one of this friends,Paul Houser Jr.joined the firm, and later David Thomas Dobson, one of five sons and two daughters of John came in as well. That law firm, Dobson Houser&Dobson, is still and Jessie Dobson, was born in Nova Scotia, Canada in 1866. His around today,and although the location has changed over the years, 10 + Renton Reporter the offices are now located at 229 Williams Ave. S. 1971 and became an appliance store. They also had a store in the The Dobson family has always been active in the community. Highlands,which opened in 1962. In the early days,the store sold Recently three generations of Dobson men were honored for their horse collars,wash boards,butter churns,milk buckets and similar work with the Lions Clubs.All three are past presidents. items. As a kid,John,now 90,remembers the boys in his neighbor- Don Custer Jr., 63, who was mayor of Renton from 1964 to hood playing marbles for fun and trying to gather enough kids up 1969 and a member of the city, remembers that Renton was once for a baseball team. When they were a little older, John and his fertile farmland.Until the 1940s,there was a thriving truck farming brother David caddied at the Earlington Golf Club, and they were industry here, and lettuce, broccoli, strawberries, string beans, able to play there on Tuesday mornings. He also remembers his radishes and many other produce was grown here,he said. mom's quilting room,and her working on her beautiful quilts. As a boy,Don remembers when the Green River would flood. He'd help ferry people back and forth to their homes during the THE OUSTERS periods of high water. He said the Howard Hansen Dam curtailed the yearly flooding events. The Custer family came to the Renton area in 1875 with the Don Jr.'s great uncle,George Washington Custer,who got his arrival of Charles Sumner Custer, who moved here from name because he was born on July 4 in 1879,was the city's first city Pennsylvania. He worked in Newcastle at the mine where he was a clerk.Don believes he got the job because he knew how to write,a bookkeeper and timekeeper. skill few people had back then. After moving to Seattle and then to Renton,Charles S. Custer Speaking of writing,Don Jr.'s mother,Dorothy Grabner,was a decided to open a hardware store, known as Custer Hardware and 'columnist for a local paper called the Renton Chronicle,which was later became Renton Hardware,which burned down in 1968. purchased by the Fournier family in 1962 and the name was In 1940, Charles' sons, Donald and William started a new changed to the Record-Chronicle. hardware store at 230 Wells, which moved to Rainier Avenue in continued on page 12 y'.YnY.c w.ag,• ..,... Y :.!:r v::g:,. ;i<f'..:. „a `> . f ita fl rY'•h*'4', 4�,. ;ll _ �'r'9C �.ai i�'�tyY,R:^L�,:' ;ate .. '�. �`'..::t`.«'. '� r' T +4 �,�'i#� ',r s t z�` $ ...:-^°.' �.., Y": -s 1 ." ;' ` i:' .,#'"',>- '��"t. tt r `, :Aftg. '#c :-xr 4 l ear i• I s W_. ,',...-<t,-.!f .17,,ii,i ! ,. - : x s9� Irl ►s . c r A z R ;fi e` �. z r', 5 till'< i .2 lad y>F ., x r ,^ x:x !1W, ',, 'r WWII .: ; '� o fi at dire i ' E t <x �' �'; G< x�,:x .� CRBI>rR1�10��6�t z°. 4 i :. ¢ r 'Y�' 4 {: { x ,;F. .A s, ,,.',: - , t� tige t r "' „. a� zx�,-� �Ka" rC.'s y�3 4. 's e F j .. s .- W. l+...w. W ,, - M7'[ 5 'a`�' S 'M'4t Yf fi# • ♦''. ..: �w+ q s ' �NR "' < .�. u.3 �"BE.f * 4 a. OF �% x 3 ,� ,, f e;. ` Manager John Roark(Renton ti f •. ; x � ;i �({ igilf`i ;�f Highlands)celebrates his 30th t anniversary with A&H p / 1 '. Congratulations John! •".y� SERVING NEIGHBORING __,'':.ri ,,:'°.r.. '':..?'.: ::',&:':.: ,..:;:',!!:;!':.•'''..r.40.:,:''.5 ,''''' A c.:. 3 bYvfawv4�uo'i - COMMUNITIES First opened as Austin-Hendrickson Pharmacy corner of 3rd and Shattuck May 4,1946.Pictured founders John Austin FOR OVER 52 YEARS! and Bob Hendrickson(not pictured wives,June Austin and Jean Hendrickson). (425) 255-3425 LA&H'l DRUG STORES Renton Highlands 2820 N.E. Sunset Blvd. Renton Reporter + 11 .. .,. ,.>.,.<...,..a.x:.:.>:..... ........., Y. . . .:.. .i,....:.....:.. ............,� .:»<; ..c;c>zc£ ac"' "cs' :#,.ii^�°E"::M.. ...:. . :.... : .:...,. « ,:.a..,....t..>F::,J;:a:ga":`. :3�')'%Y' ,.�.�.... .,:. :°�`" :':¢ .,k.^, <%fd:::i�e:2.!i.':,<'. ...5.,....¢,:t, ...,!#9 .....a. n F .<°,�_ae ... <.>. ....`..,..,..:..>.....,^ 2.. .6. �+��,`. `<.':X' �:Yi2.. �xpA ..9,a^ .. ..... .` ,Y.'Y.: s. ...?�:a^`:.«<9s..I,.rv� ... °ro .. :..«:..:......:. .C.:"i 4'c: '?'�:`:' ...� V.. .1i<vn'`°'.�5:1^Y:c.:°:. #...f.:..;,. ..A:.�,,.. n :n. -.`. .;k.:,. .,....°.:.,. .: .::h,: .6. R wf:.2.;.G:„`:. ..':�,' < u-,v :;n>.ro.<>..,:: ry Y:^'0` YC 9. Y :.. .,..«<„ 'eS'¢¢ .,3. «,.. ..'.. ...`.,._.> [;il: ^',`s3»' Yw::�. ...w.„•.«,iYi. ..,...n.s^. 'in...�.K., ..>. «...,..k.,...; ..::...::...:.:� :'� x.<�:§.�"� :.ter... :r<vro:: n . ....... ..w:.: .'¢J.,Y., !",f.. 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Ate, ,� A 2 - „ '.s Yi A' vs /G '' :,« :R';'.... u1'5 R ra Ift rF' �w aos s g3-:<,«, R�. `' ' 'Rk ;..t.,.. ��J:`:r3 ;c5,...a' t,-, b '� a v s a, v; tr446T 4 `i. ,�,i, 'R Y fie. Ren,1,,A �°, "` £ E ya.. ,e ,74,7 . . e �. >>k y T:',�F #$"s"A < '"tD ¢y�'r.¢f':-i.! �' e°k<r' ..< s £ '` g'�. ' tifF 3'° .a„ i °a'�';�" ao � �`. �� � ':�, �.. ▪ � ��t��.� r�'z »> ,N„i'��` s' k°n- P £�""a.; <.3� �. Y, 3 " s_.x;: �<. § a 'a"S?'P l.H i,",,,'Yc <d., <1Dfi:.<°,. . t ie? �Y. Y ,„' '', may,,:, ,. 9k �_ .� 1 .. '0d�.Tf, .vti� f ;� x ..n This wedding photo from 1929 includes a young Rose Turner,first woman on the left, who was a dedicated member of the Renton Hospital Service Guild This photo was probably taken in England where Turner's family originated FAMILIES continued from page 11 who understood their customs,he said. THE DELAURENTIS In his neighborhood,Louie recalls the fabulous picnics on the weekends where people would gather to eat and drink. The kids Italian families have been prominent throughout Renton's his- would play with a baseball made of string, which usually fell apart tory. They too came to work in the mines, and many started busi- after it was hit.They also liked to play hockey with tin cans,he said. nesses. When Louie was 11, he began working as a caddie at the One of those businesses was the Piemonte Grocery located on Earlington golf Club, which was located near where Fred Meyer is Third Avenue,between Williams and Wells. today.He continued that work all the way through high school. Louis Delaurenti opened the store after working in the mines "At one time I wanted to take it up as a profession,"he said, for a few years.Coming to America directly from a northern province adding that he won the Seattle Caddie Championship of 1927-28. in Italy,Louis had a little bit of everything in his store,including im- One of Louie's favorite memories surrounds food. His family ported items such as olive oil,anchovies,cheeses and tuna. would slaughter a pig and make delicious salami from it that would Louis Jr.,known as Louie,and who's now 87,remembers that take the family through the entire winter. his father was a kind man,allowing the miners to charge their gro- "Every time I think about it,my mouth waters,"he said. ceries when times were tough during summer months. Coal pro- Louie met his wife Mary at a birthday party, and it was love at duction was higher in the winter,because cool weather and shorter first sight—at least for him anyway. days caused more of a demand,he said. "She wasn't too impressed with me,"he said. Louis Sr. took on a partner a few years later named Henry But the relationship persevered,and they've been married for Businello. Louie remembers helping his father make his two daily 64 years. deliveries in a horse and wagon, and filling between 15 and 20 or- "A lot of people said'that marriage won't last,"Louie recalled. ders each day. Of course the Delaurenti family also was active in the com- Louie said the neighborhoods in Renton were a little clannish munity, and included the much-loved Charles,who was a one-term at times because many were separated by nationality. It wasn't that mayor of the city in the 1970s,a member of the Renton City Council people'didn't get along, but more because so many different Ian- for decades and a hospital board member for many years. guages were spoken,and people were more comfortable with people continued on page 13 12 + Renton Reporter :.......... '°."°!: "-�x ' :r x,t„, across the Atlantic from France.The family had immigrated there from �k •R �- ,i ',_ 4 Italy.Josephine arrived in 1904 with her mother,and her infant sister " ; ,' 1 and toddler brother. i '- „' a Wx , It was cold when they arrived in Canada, and Josephine told �" i 1 her family in later years that she remembers going down a freezing s > z , river all bundled in blankets on the trip to Washington state where fi ' ' +44.11 s; w her father was waiting for his family in Renton, where he was 1 },t l'''-e* working in the coal mines. �4 '4'� j i I ' After World War I,Alex Cugini came to America from Italy to 41�«'s, 0,'1s, �� work with his cousins in the mines. It was here that he met • ;i a" .. A L�,� ' Josephine, and the two married. He worked the mines until he had Y f 4 - £ saved enough money to buy a horse. When he had the money, he ——1 ." 'Veli 1`,:4'v' i' • `.-<, '' t's,i Ttt- ,.. .. ' 1:',",, er.,.:‘,,\W4.-,,, 1-,.e:, :t walked to Auburn and bought a horse from his great-uncle Jim 4 ' v a � ? Cugini He brought the horse back to Renton and began a job 4 � ae$ . -. ,_ 1 , „ k,, �'� ,.,:.,. : cutting lagging (timbers) for the mines. This 1927 firetruck painstakingly restored by Ernie Tonda, a "He just couldn't stand working in the mines," recalled Renton firefighter hter for more than three decades, can be seen at Norma Cugini,Alex sdaughter-in law. fHe soon began making enough money to quit the mine the Renton Historical Museum located at 235 Mill Ave. S. entirely and started Cugini Logging and Timber,which Norma said supplied the timbers for the I-90 pilings over the Mercer Slough in Seattle. THE TONDAS Alex Jr. came along in 1927, and was the only child of the couple. He attended St. Anthony's School and graduated from Ernie Tonda's parents,Carolina and Henry,met in Newcastle,but Renton High School in 1945. He went into the U.S.Navy to become had lived in nearly the same area in Italy before coming to America. a naval aviator, but when the war ended he was released from duty Henry,a blacksmith,made tools that were used in the coal mines, before completing his training. He decided to finish his college such as hammers,picks and shovels.He learned his trade in Italy,and education at the University of Washington, where he received a came with his brothers to find work in the American west. bachelor's degree in economics. Ernie was born in Black Diamond in 1922,and the family moved After graduating,he was drafted into the Navy for the Korean War. to Renton when he was three years old and lived on Renton Hill.The In the meantime, Alex Sr. had purchased the Barbee Mill in house is still there,and his brother,Mario still lives there. 1945, which is still operating today, although the two shifts have "Many of the old houses are still here,"Tonda said. been cut back to one. Barbee sells a majority of its cut dimension As a kid,he and his friends would play a lot at liberty Park,often lumber to Japan, and since that country's financial woes began, staying late into the evening.They also swam in the Cedar River. demand for lumber has decreased,Norma said. 'We weren't afraid of getting lost or anyone harming us,"he said. Norma and Alex Jr.met in high school,but didn't marry until "Your parents never had to worry about you staying late in the park." he returned from Korea in 1955. The mill burned down two years Ernie graduated in 1940 from Renton High,worked at Renton later, and the family was forced to rebuild it. Hardware store in town for four years and joined the volunteer fire de- Norma's family has quite a history as well. She is a partment.Four years later,he was hired as a full-time fire fighter when member of the Daughters of the American Revolution because it was decided by the city council to have a"paid"department.There an ancestor of her came to America with pilgrims on the were seven men hired at that time.Ernie worked for the department for Mayflower, and another may have fought in the American 35 years. Revolution, she said. Even now after retirement,Tonda is still very fond of the fire de- Norma's grandfather, Frederick, worked later as a news partment and its work in fact,he spent years restoring the old Howard- reporter in Oregon. He corresponded with her grandmother, Cooper fire truck that the department used from 1927 to 1960. Florence, who lived in Denver and worked as a housekeeper . The shiny red truck is now in the museum,and is a favorite of vis- Frederick proposed in a letter, and Florence accepted and the two itors. moved to the northwest,and Norma's father James Denzer was born in Everett in 1903. He met her mother, Ethel McDonald, through THE CUGINIS friends in high school. Norma said she and Alex loved to go to the Triple X Barrel Another important Italian family in Renton was the Cugini family. as teens, which was the hangout back in the late 40's and 50's. It traces its Renton roots to the Belmondos, Josephine and They also went after school to The Creamery, where Armondo's Elglio.Josephine was but four years old when she came with her mother is today, to listen to the juke box and hang out with the crowd. Renton Reporter ♦ 13 • '�`�'*� i 4" �.�t q °t:, -. ,: .; . _" ., ', �'�ryw ,�.e,,wY`i"_e�<, �"3 ci:" x..,:.S «�F'��%� ' g triniNt 3' :< #� ., `, " n E� �,•,,,.',�k" a dmaK ' � ,.,:,;t, °: :;:`:t<:t �' ;'sGsx; = 7s �<'„� e` �:js:^ , ' " • �°' x ^�*. .y Y: „-�'_�`, �wai,.. ,,,i C y;>�zzim Mk.fi t` �a tolktlywi s?''"�y.�' '. Q mar t,5:y.:, i�.:.,1,4,0FR� £:N�. Eb: lt.:Y:11.1,"iY. =t",;' :,,., W..`> 1 3 ., f b 'y � d�=q.��," 1`' a Ra*� vk f„t � i�3` t�u4�. .�'�: �. �;;� � °'°faC_'3Y R,,a .. v EE '> R` r,. y,c " `'a.y_ , K-,.v `^,14 aSb Lif 4,7 k �a'»s. a-�E.^P °: bc_.: :1.. .,t e ,�y�a,. '`.3`. A`-..;.4f^4i1. e,' jj,, %• 5 ` <^ ;'. &� v.»s. i ! e3 �r y '.:':.! `� �.V• jam. „a '�' �:*�<�'�s e v;:4ri y§. � a �, .& ��Ji'?� e a`� h8''a�k ;X F�-s � �L' ;y,>'Y'�F`Y".&K'a..w,M..tii. ..y: rr s 4 E f. a ;1tS)1if � ,�F v'`c a `�� �'f sa x''gx a�S ,r�,= 4�� `? . <� :3;° 3/ '„f�fii. � ,w .. �. era. �,Ly � . �s -q 3"4�YgR '�t;: ii' t �' :1�.�' ,f+ 1,gy . 4 , aT ;,� u:13.. .'4aw �3F ,.- .�`c..:,4 ..,:::�,Y 3'� .� dR ' " mk� y w d C i 4y'\°++nm. .. .4 V 7::... ' ?' 8'F ,� ,'gyp^ +,ry a.'',., ` rOu` �`' Rey gx.. Y.,'. '' 5, a''1 '` a �' ; :4 g :tip gif 0 ".: as . .''w u �a;' : k �' , `. :�: .. w ° '40q. .'''''%".w'.'" ��v3n"e...8":' .tb:�,..p 9£�t , :. '•�,. `,,.k.°k k� g."{ d, g 3'.,.,3 `<,° "" .'py..'w`S..g ,.. R7 `v E:.a :; c°"£ � �.. N' :fY x §.§ R�♦&R' .� 44114, .q ...?„°- E ' :'; . 'yG=:' .5 � A > 11�n'1v+�Yn� ,'G < Y' l�•, 'Y o�'1Ov6 b5 y ' is " E. yy • ,..- ,. I ,...c ,; .v..,.�. fit, , £ 4 -'.;w.� < ,,<,; " • t, a`Ff yea x t 4. IA ''.' -'i..,.&.4$4."... "-J.:; :.,,,,... ...... kr .".:, ° ,a • :: x ^c":x � � p.; X�+ sfs tag a 1 �, r' U: Js t �"<...:°`:v'�w`,'�.'.��¢ if:.B<a k ` y'! �,� t ,�,� ��r .£'. '�k i 'q� ��� .aA,� :tati'� ,� � e. .... . . t YY '�ekw' .„:..,.. . ��5 .♦ A „' .. .;' �, �>�y �. Qti :/".. .H. �w.O.ziRw. .,;,!...,,,L.,' `:.`lw.:u, The Pistoresi and Tessandore Grocery and Market was typical of grocery stores in early Renton. Businesses springy up around coal mines, vorkin class roots remain even today he first businesses in the area surrounded trade.• Washington.He found acre-. . . ' . upon-acre of large trees,but he was told T Hudson's Bay Company explorers set up stations around about a large vein located in a hill on the southeast part of town.The the Puget Sound area,and traded glass beads,liquor and mine was organized by Smithers,T.B. Morris and C.B. Shattuck. other goods to the natives in exchange for dried salmon and furs. The first stores were opened around 1876 by George Tibbetts • Today,Renton has grown from those humble roots to be an in- and H.H.Snow,and they were departments stores that carried items dustrial center din this region,but also nationally and internationally needed by the miners and their families. Inside there was food, with PACCAR and Boeing. clothing,furniture,feed and hay for farm animals and hardware to Coal was the lifeblood in Renton's early days,.and many busi- build homes. nesses that supported the miners sprung up. Grocery stores, hard Some of the• early'.department, grocery and.hardware stores ware stores,.saloons and others took their places on the streets of were owned by the Pistoresis, Ousters, Tonkins, Delau>entis and the tiny frontier town. Businellos,Dobsot s, Coveys and the Harries: . . While many say the Indians knew about the coal deposits here All of the stores had delivery services by horse and wagon at and told early white settlers like Erasmus Smithers about it,the first first, and then by truck as streets and automotive technology im- person to actually start digging it out of the ground was Capt.William proved. Many of the stores offered their items by credit during the • Renton,for who the city is named. Renton had the money to set up lean times at the coal mine,which was a great help to the coal mining a mine. families. On an expedition to this area to look for big trees for his Matey of those who came also built hotels such as the Melrose, sawm• ill in Port Blakely, Renton came to the south end of Lake continued on page IG 14 ♦ Renton Reporter A • "Come And ExperIence : ,: , .... . . . WhyWe Have Been -. , . . , MOundj%j1Theseyears" . . : . , . . The .. No•rt.. . . . , hwest,, 's Only2-Fer. Dealer • . • , , • , ••• .,.. „, . , : ... „ . . • ., . „.• . . . . . .. . . , . . , , . ... . . , . .. .„ . . . . • .. .. ..., ...... : . •• ......,.... . . . , . . :. .. . . : . • •.. ,..:._ .• . . • • , . . . . , , ,SK F 9 .S'.... ♦ x'y :6..b ... Y� 3 m�t:: ;a :,V 5..,:.d. (:..j�^ 6 Ste' 1 .. :.11�:'Et::•.WW:^ .�Tfi;"i 4 4 .;giw a.y;ax�,eS W, L�` :J. l'.,<.' . .. ` '''. `i-',.. £y .b yh •g:'y&j Ft. f ,i�k* .yam -. s . ki ! • • ': Y , r ' ;£ <..! y,a 1.z "§ '3Q1F >ask 5 ''.I,;' .I:},Y- '.' ... & .3 V 6 ' .: ?.ie s .14 k74f : to: Kxx'L�' ..,.. „, .. ,�E i x,.� 5.. • ' ,, /'i,..g3x4 9'b 3 '�f°l :- 55 1x, `�`: yGq. ',:* u''A g� :.. '.. ,, ,-.wi -.N---.i Y&L':£.£Ii A S§'Y ` 5..'. '3;%a 0J $,-:i%e ,?^; 5`. ;� o:' ," * ..:,t v�` r;. ;,� moo�4 , ', ,'^;'',;•H`�3 '°'k s:'°S;r a AY b^y a x�x 9 e s E y ,�'xr'�i i' '"�..�L�,sYE.''k3 `irkwAA'..:+ • Sales • Leasing • Service • Parts TRADITION TO DEPEND ON SINCE 1949 Proud to be a member of Prime Alliance • �,Home jp • YOUNKER N SAN . 'NISSAN 3820 Ea V H South Rentonst , Washingtonalleyighway 98055 • "Enjoy the Ride" it. (425) 251-8100 . Flit Northwest PRIMTALLIANCE. WWW.YOUNKERNISSAN.COM o ; L lamest . . F Pantnn Reborter + 15' • m..., ;::. ,F:ry.. ..' .:; �....: . continued from page 14 ., • � :: ,, �` : and saloonswere also a large part of early Renton's business scene - •., x � such as the Melrose and Eagle taverns.The Melrose had a pool hall .. �� :`>:-_`,m:;:':o <�� '� :£��„F: p':;.. , ; which was a popular past time for residents k :.e. k Along with the coal mining industry, there was the Renton & ,�x • r• : ,„e , Glass Factory,J.C. Penney Co., the Renton Livery and even a cereal ; T„ ° ,,. - - company called Vitomen Cereal Co. ' 1' yam: Stokes.Mortuary, now called Faull-Stokes Mortuary, began in a gY � , 4• A °f0 ,:4 xr 1921 at 4th and Williams, and it moved eight years later to Third. i=- v �` =�"-gX � McLendon's Hardware,which is still around today,even after a dev- t: x 1 I astating fire in the 1970s, started in 1927. It'had the distinction of �� _ � being the largest independently owned hardware store.west of the 4� 4 + x Mississippi,and may be the oldest firm that is still owned and oper- .: 44.44' ;' A ni to,; 4'. s3" ated by the original family,according to Paul Rowe and Jack Evans, ' ' a6R who wrote"Little Histories,Renton Washington." FrAK, . One of the oldest businesses still.remaining today is First 5 . - e Savings Bank of Renton.It incorporated in 1923 under the name of - 4 � � ilsii Renton Savings &.Loan, which was an offspring of the Wilson & R q;x Marlowe real estate firm.In 1935,the bank's name was changed to ' 61 4 �r; 4 First Federal Savings&Loan Association of Renton when it became federally chartered.It was reorganized again in 1941,and in January Johnny Pritchard stands with an ore car in the Denny Renton Coal 1961, Harry Blencoe was named president of the association. He Mine on the banks of the Cedar River in 1906 continued on page 18 S UCCESS Since 1941, Renton Technical College ' has provided opportunities for people looking to succeed in the workplace. Today, RTC provides pre-employment_ training, _LEADS _ i"cj worker retraining/upgrading;:apprenticeship related - instruction and basic skills remediation to over y .- 14• ,000 students annually. :..ii j e , . ' ' �.{ We offer: ' '— ' S U MlM 46 Full-time career training programs i �!�tu''1i ,,. 22 Associate of Applied Science M�9ili degree options. 3 Evening Degrees :� t. RENTON TECHNICAL COLLEGE For more information; call (425) 235 2352';` 3000 N.E. Fourth Street For an appointment with a counselor, • &. '�,'�)''''' Renton,WA 98056. call[425)235-5840 tx �,? £,` ;??'f ,`»` . www.renton-tc.ctc.edu . 16 .♦ Renton Reporter ''.. :9;(4:11'..•:,. ' "'''liii,or,E1;',,,:i:]•,:.:•• � w 4 t ,. ,,,Y,.� CAI ` ,... 2 t ' s :•.- • . r,, , ,,. .._., p;•. ,,,'.,, s.::, 1„:„. .„..........,„....„„ „,,...„.,.,,,, _ ., • u, „ ... . „. , . ...: ,..,:„..„.:::,......,..,....,,,.....„,..: . . ,. ,. . . ...,,.,. ,. : ._ . . . , ........ ____-,-,--,:...,.--7,-,,,,,,,,,,,,.,„.. . .:„..:. ... ,,..._ . ,,.. , ; ,, . . , :„....„.., „::,.. ........,....„.,„:„...„..„,„„,,,..„,„,,,.::::,...:.:„.„::::,, ...., ii,..•.•i.„. „.,,,•, --:,,, ••••,,,:,::,, ,, Renton Hospital in the early 1900s. . ,.. ,v....,.-7,- -IT!'*".0";" 1A1P, -.1. , -::,..l, si--11-‘i , - ,. . „...,,,,,,,,,,,,.,,,,,, ,, , .:,.,.., A.,---,,, , 4 .i ,.`,4 . ,,. ON -' -- ' • ' '.• ''.-•.- ,ire , ., Experience the nostalgia of a bygone era as we travel alon ` xP Yg g the shores of Lake Washington to the beautiful Columbia 1 al_ , Winery.Enjoy gourmet Northwest cuisine and world- :',''':•.:','•'''''',',''','.":•.'1'...'''''''.':',','•''',....''' / class v�roes as you dine in comfort aboard our w'{ luxurious,vintage rail cars.Departing year ., '�t 1pl r k<• round from the Renton Depot. '_x,ti [ . PF;."a F:F[YRiT C.74S !j REKtU/F7F Ei A a • 1 • .. ., '' :...,:,',',., ''*,....T.,-,A,7,11.. A e----- , 4„..,,,, ., • , , . ,.-_ _.� —__ Renton Reporter + 17 • 9 3 -,".- � , •• ', •-• -•.'.:,•:' •"•::H::'":.i'E'!'''i''':!!'"'..'''''"''N''•:.i.!."':1.1alitl.IIil:iIlllial.11IllIl!1111. ,„:,,,v#,,.,$.6.• ;,•.*:,,,:4''''':'''''''''''''.. ''''''''''''''.1::•:...:::••:•• - G 1 x t ° san " °y. „., •€Sl t a . x 71i!.i... ,t:; • •••••t Ip, ,2 4 .k..'i . ��6�FAC� ,.'yam R"Y y. ::: T g 33 3�'j�. F N M'# J ..:,..H.:„...H....,.......::.. awl '�+'£ : d ¢ ..,yam,{ 6 E ;. �Sr D A yz` > '"" y ire' ......„ .V... '....". . .. . ...:. ••••• ' • — ' 144:01'1N.:.:-:,,';•-••:-,::••• ...;•:, ,':, —4:':..-,...:,:. A Ya _ • • �,e.eta' • i • ii i;,. •'.. A doctor at Renton Hospital prepares for an operation during the 1940s. BUSINESSES continued from page 16 operate entirely with electricity.It also was the first steel mill to put serves in that capacity to this day. its employees on an eight hour day.Another unusual aspect of these The first hospital in town was the Bronson Hospital, built by early years was the presence on the payroll of a number of Russian a doctor of the same name,Dr.Adolph Bronson who came to Renton noblemen who had been obliged to leave their country. In spite of around 1905. Because accidents in the mines and logging camps their heritage of wealth and much education,they had to be taught were plentiful, Dr. Bronson was kept very busy. In 1911, Bronson how to take care of themselves and how to work.For a time the com- needed more room,and built a two-story, 15-room hospital at Main pany kept an interpreter busy looking after them," wrote Morda and Second streets.This hospital,known for many years as Bronson continued on page 20 Memorial Hospital, soon became too small for the growing com- munity. The Valley Hospital Foundation,Inc.was formed in 1944 and ., l � . 11 was able to lease the new, 100 bed Renton Hospital for$1 a year.In _ 1948, Public Hospital District 1 was created and voters approved 1 "� E ', $225,000 in bonds to buy the hospital for the district. • In 1965,$7 million in bonds were approved by voters to build r > a new facility,because Renton Hospital was beginning to fail since itirn \`� "z was only designed to be a temporary war facility. The new hospital, ,- •g ` ' ... Valley General Hospital, was designed by Edward Stone, a world ° .I t :!'`41.04„...... ....- „..,..,rm 8"Otrenowned architect.A spoke-shaped structure,it was located on the k spot where K-Mart is today. " rlott . PACCAR began as Seattle Car Manufacturing Company in 1905, "Iiz. f ., 'l" and was renamed Pacific Car & Foundry in 1917 when it merged - . with the Portland based Towhy Car Shops. PACCAR got its current „,,,,'.,.., ..... ,,,:..., :,,..,,,,....,",::,.::::::, !,:,. ;;:.,.:.:....i!ii,),,,,,,,,:,:,,, ,:t7e,..iii .,;.ileiii name in 1972,and now has plants all over America. ; � u Seattle Car manufacturing was started by William Pigott in '' 1905, and it burned down in 1907, but was rebuilt. These men worked for the McCrea and Storey Service Station at "The early factory was one of the first in the United States to the corner of Park and Bronson Way in 1921. 18 + Renton Reporter V yn., IP -7 — Our prices will take you back! Aorr-risa, Igratr Ilinneer 0 FRAJE • LTD . INE�� „;. Clothing & Gift Warehouse Outlet q'4' 1 1 1: \: f i Serving the greater Renton area .:�.,a.: s� : a for over 10 years with great deals on fashion basics•• Quality • Service • Experience • I E. 7th (206) 726-4475 :. canto's,' gistsivei,Sitor. ___ 24 Hour Recorded Hot Line of Bargains 410 3rd St. • (425) 255-8693 Downtown Renton ,k 820 Thomas Ave. SW, Renton • " I\ ►� On Thomas Between SW 7th and SW 10th .0 • We cater to cowards ;`0iP."...: " ` FAMILY 4. M om . 7• C3. DENTI9TRYY. :,,,, ,, aE ,t..1,!:;„;,,,, Warm family atmosphere . NEW PATIENTS WELCOME r.' ' n. COSMETIC AND GENERAL DENTISTRY 0 Gentle care a. priority g. Nitrous oxide We'II pamper 'you 0 Stereo headphones and your teeth! Philip N. Hodge, D.D.S. Located on Benson Hwy. Celebrating 20 years in dentistry 19221 108th Ave. 5E, Suite 4 (253) 852-4746 • 1-800-797=GRIM Renton/Kent Easthill - • Renton Reporter + 19 i>,:'d':. ..,.3w..zx.:..... ...:......... •.. � .:.b:::.3. .;..�>:::.,. 'h.. 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T�? •!'_ !.: F `. ; t�« S 1 • E<� �3f i3 ,� d � .Y& �y �4t fir i'.;: •::!'' ,:•'',..,'' :':::'!c.::Vt;Ts0:t 'III Witl,, t4;— :;.,,'..'''', '10,4ii.ii'44 Nkii .YS`k �<•4��w:i`w�Ye ' "t.if l ,. ..:_.•.�>... 4.t ._ �'.... • v . .,...`. pW ,..T<.s "f a3�,'�33' This is a brick press at the Denny Renton Brick Company in 1914. • • • Proud ....•• to Serve Ren.-„...-.ton-., • . . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . . , . . . .••. • • „.‘„, ..,.........,....,.:.,.,:f,... . P', < F�"E �t,� a'" >o�'°: z3h; - ''l•.' �• R ' e k Y6._:>y3,4.. a's �v.8.,.. '.:el.a - w .. . F ¢ 2 £;., max,.,,.. i.iA.,"s::i.i,::r'F"r,. rr;3 c:.: s ASS;:,kJL • . ....: :.. ::...:. .:. .. ..C' .. ., , ..n...:n....:.. ..<.::..,n ,a.... c...:�.. .Ylwa':aob:.lE.'� Ei::.. m,,. Y.. .,_. z: n..;< <> : � � �n : cS..no::::>: >:;::.t: .,,. ::a?++^>..g''e`vr^."°'.:.a' ., 5�„ i3..w�n.R 2 u......;:.:: .<. ..: y .•.:5,..> ...kr ' ,�.:+c. '.,,;y,tb :...9.,FCw • ,%..'at. x' `v�,,c.� .c= `>c�'4i: 'v, xr g.• W"aj� �Eao �,2.S.v. �S is MY[.F 3 , ,,..:. . ).;.;.:.%. ,:'yam.. ' K. 4. .:... .. : .. ,,, .,,.;. :: '' .. „..H..<+.,..n,,, f ..:$..�,.:.?,+.. ..t..3i.� :3 ..'�, "°;Y _C< 555555'''':.ki)fi�5:,: .,.. . :. • .. . .McLE . ' pys. „ V t� max; }. • Crafts, Gifts and Much More! w ', 7210 S. 180th St • 35 3•� . ° Tukwila `"uc``>.'.:..'`':i':^ :.:t ➢ k, z With otherocast 'en:. 's` „ „ 'lu Scanner.• ➢ r 425-656 5959 !tl p V{t�pe. eite 1+trDaYaaava e • Renton Reporter + 21 t"`! '"+M '�F `� A 3 1 S. ..��1. 4 i Z :1 - Y i Y.' .A ,, 9 • w. ... i„ ,.'^^++'.S�w—19#. .a �N,M "S4• Yya .., hr :: ' . . ." s... r •....444. eaW eF '• ..: t, r..�. ' «"wF p u,, ye =r ^`. .k / "r .p. +�"'„. .,.vsys ! „,yR' .Q,•4TwY+ s0006 �Y, s3 �`�,,yy <3� °, � ;;.:.-A, fib.,1...;.::: .v�'� 14 S• 3... 'a�'tf, Yam, '. r s s�. . t-'. _ �? ,>'r y)`ma x £ iV`yr �' r :y 7 �� o7a ��. �� r�r' l �n 'i�:.i;:s'}:::��ifl :.111 �+ z ;. jib `'.>. *p t pt I.: I tqa r ` s+ a xru ` .1' 9� g:rZ N a .44*1404 r 1rx ra Na s � �;; 'Le=.�`'h't1„:,;&tCs'Y�`^�...?:s°b`>z�., >::4� .: :a,� `.'�.�a".�'�;1w. .. • ,�.;rw, .f;C`„'���,. This is a 1932 aerial photo of Renton Junior and Senior High Schools and the athletic field. Schools in Renton had humble beginning The first school in the Renton area was a small 14-by-16 room structure at the foot of Renton Hill at Fourth and Main streets. foot shack on the Christian Clymer homestead a little way When the population of school-aged children suddenly jumped to 82 north of the Black River in 1853. It may have been the in 1876,another building on Renton Hill was constructed,with Miss very first schoolhouse in all of King County,in fact. Ada Smithers as the teacher. The school was built on the wrong side of the river,and chil- Miss Smithers was a student in the very first school building, dren had to cross the river on the poles of fish traps and weirs that and began teaching in her early teens. had been set in the river by the native Indians,Morda Slauson wrote The'Central School was built on Fifth between Wells and Main in her book"Renton From Coal.to Jets." Avenues South.It was a two-story structure.The first year,more than "Apparently they did this with the dexterity of pioneer children, 110 pupils attended despite predictions that the building was far too accustomed to taking care of themselves under all conditions,"she large. wrote. The first graduating class in Renton was in 1904. Nine stu- The next school here was built in 1871, and was also a one- dents,six girls and three boys, received certificates for completing -..,44'v.—`4/-44) ? HEARINGAID FITTING&HEARINGTESTING Celed rating our third year }� ie bA ,eflAEIENDA JLe 1l'l . ami! 9bf an estaurant SERVICES LOWER PRICES •BIGGER PORTIONS•BEST FOOD Open Mon.10 a.m.6 p.m.T .-Frites :9 a.m.-5 p.m. Ara. gamily owned and run 17800 Talbot Rd.S. Sun.-2Tiurs.11 a.m. 10 p.m Fri.eh Sat.11 a.m.-11 p.m: Across the street from Valley Medical Center 7 811 S 3rd St. • Renton (425)228-0882 228-8880(Voicef DD) 1,SOQ251 HEAR 99 ♦ Rantnn Rahnrler tvis-- , -13.1Fg, - V. LE ,.,..._.,„1,41 the two-year course. George Conklin, who was a grammar school /f vas ��pm, . tis G., teacher in Renton,became principal of the high school,and is cred- ..t. ited with starting the first high school in the city. - es The growth of Renton made it necessary to build more schools r cc Renton's Best" in the early 1900s,and'in 1907 the Sartori School was constructed on North Garden Street. Serving South King County Since 1923 "L.M. Dimmitt says he and his family arrived in Renton on a hot August day in 1910,and he was hired to be principal of the new Full Service Florist Sartori school at a salary of$88 a month,"Slauson wrote. ` Dail Deliveries By 1911,the high school was not large enough for all of the ° y students who wanted to keep going to school rather than go work in Unique Gifts the mines.In fact,the seventh and eighth grades were meeting in two different buildings other than the Central School. Cards Balloons The Renton School District purchased two acres of property Foliage&Blooming Plants for$7,000 near where the east wing of Renton High School stands today.The new high school was constructed for $65,000, and was Custom Weddings three stories with a clock tower that could be heard all over town, Slauson wrote. ( Silk Bouquets The main part of the high school now standing was built in t"Z 1932,with the original school torn down in 1941.An addition was VI Cu ini Florists ). ? rbuilt on,and in 1955 the physical education building was added. b. The district became the current District 403 in 1941, and 413, 3rd St. • Renton "V /JKennydale, Hazelwood, Honeydew, Orillia, Elliott, Bryn Mawr, (425) 255.3900 L, S4 ) . Campbell Hill all were'added to the new district. IV `�� t g b Renton Technical College 1.11. t», Y s.Lt RTC came into existence in 1941 as a World War II war pro- duction school for Boeing and PACCAR employees. Known for most of its years as Renton Vocational-Technical College,the school was run for many years by the Renton School District. located lo Renton Since 19081 After the war ended,the college became a state-funded voca- tional school to help veterans learn skills. It remained in that ca- pacity for the next 20 years. P `Y '.one h: .,oaJ�S ,.:y� In the mid-1960s,,the college moved to a new central campus iy b,<. : ` that had three buildings, and when current president Dr. Robert C. w : ,t- � :5 :<<�,: .e_,_; ., rt Roberts came on board in. 1971,he helped the college grow from r . e e, ;:r s¢ , " . <',��- four to 12 buildings,10 portables and a horticulture complex.Today ;>' ,z. y' —�3•4 F t 172 k *. it has more than 353,500 square feet,and it also operates more than i• r ,} a*. ; x.... '` 200 off-campus sites. p `1 St. Anthony School 3 This school was established by Father William Carey,who was y .f,, ,,,,,i,,,,,4s,s4114,0%40,„,,:l.,.• V 4 44,•.i.,.., ,,,,vet,,:tioi,I,..._ at the St.Anthony parish from 1919 to 1948. r ,:, ' The groundbreaking for the school was in April 1927,and the ,t'—' b 1` t=;: ',-" . e ms six-room school opened six months later for fall classes. The building was made larger in the late 1940s,and was completely torn down about ten years later when the new school was constructed,at the same time Father Thomas Lane came to the parish in mid-1949. i �; Alpine. Nursery, Inc. At that time there was rapid growth in the community because v. of the Boeing and PACCAR war efforts, so the school needed to be 425-255-1598 expanded. A second story was added, which cost about $90,000, Slauson wrote. 16023 S.E. 144th St. • Renton WA 98059 Renton Reporter + 23 7. „.„ '.::.: ,., .: . .. . ., . ' , ,...2.:,;::„.—.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.. : ..., ' :. : : .: ...; .,,,,.?„.„::,:,.....,.: ...,.. .....„ :...,....„. .,. . 'M M .s..,.,,,,,,„-. ,' . ' .. • ' .:.:,:,....,.....,...'•,-,.: .. .' , ..„ ..,,,,,, , ::: ,..,.. ., : ::: ..: •,,.." ...,,.. .. , , .,.,- .. . :: . , - . 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'a,=€, 'xz z ` i "rs may . ;$n' ,dl k •' . r, '.f g"x.':v ::'';' " , '''�r}<g",1 'I:;`'`; � 1 a . r...> , .n., ' .:y 'z € '91'. � :; ' „s':z` "itn .v'M,M: zr r ^`si'.S' f,:z' ' ���.:✓ 'k e' ,�4 w, ,r „,Mw�gt y 'Br II. � o'^'.s,a [ } .A.3+ A.xtf ,, +� �,� u �:��;' <:F,s` &��,4 ti,4i?.f„r�,'�s�.�,..'� 'Y.+` 6i• 9 e._' f_..."+t�y a�&.i�s�`d l;,M "� ��';^ . a.`,� 'i'>� ' > :: . V. X' S „�w< '&� i �x xt Y . L < ,.k. ,i,,d„S `SG:`,V44 XXt' S, � x �� � 3?'xw. �ru'4 y +zF ���+�Y r ,�5> q� ��� ;,mSb � S �«^>",y!»k >w' ''bY..'r3 '� i r _ � ,y,w.,� D�,r� n ' xM F. 'y ) ur +fix. i >« :> ;+E,� .r°e �axa ` *� � � it 4^� �;�� �`fir _fit'�� .'€�haa•a`�„"'.'p,,, " ��; r y., rf,a,�3 , aa,. ,� ;tin ' Y Pa,L 2 ':r:''°. `"i " a sir �" e4 c f 3 ^.�$°1� .sy .. '3:>u ism .ik.: a ,Fac >,. �'hw^ � „'�,'�; 'tx.'`>f � „� +�'x°3'e w ��. .q <� .�a"w,r,,•'> The Renton Historical Museum is located in the old Art Deco style fire station downtown, near city hall. Museum offers unlimited educational 0 ortunities and fun exhibits as well pp 9 More than 1,000 third grade students from the Renton The skills and dedication of two Renton librarians got the School District learned about Renton's past in May. Renton Historical Society and Museum started in the mid-1960s. The youngsters toured the Renton Historical Museum Renton City Librarian Marcella Hillgen had been collecting historic almost daily, with volunteer docents explaining what piece the photos for many years and had hoped to some day have a place to numerous exhibits at the museum play in the city's past. display and store them.Along with Hillgen's photos,several donated The kids especially enjoyed the bright, shiny red fire truck artifacts were sitting in attics and basements of area homes and in painstakingly restored by dedicated historical society member Ernie city buildings. Tonda. They also liked the display of the old-time kitchen with the When the city library was dedicated in 1966, a history com- wood stove. In another room at the museum, they got to play with mittee was formed,which then resulted in the formation of the his replicas of toys kids played with the early 1900s. torical society, first headed by another Renton librarian, longtime This program is but one of many offered by the museum to Renton resident Ethel Telban,who was working for the school dis- king educate people about the Renton area's rich history The his- trict as its top librarian. torical society hopes to some day soon have a new facility, one that The society began with six members who had been members is larger so more of the available artifacts can be used in displays, of King County Pioneers,a group of area pioneer descendants who and so more people can have such educational experiences. met once a year. That group disbanded and donated it's funds and 24 + Renton Reporter • records to the newly formed society. provide educational experiences to the public, but they hope to do In 1969, the city also allowed the society to use two small that in a bigger way, such as expanding the archives to possibly rooms in the Highlands Community Center for museum purposes, include some municipal records. He also hopes to digitize the and then in 1974 it was allowed to move to a bigger space when the immense bank of photos the museum has so that people can come city's branch library opened at that site. into the museum and download any picture in the archives. It was four years later that the city agreed to lease the old fire Anderson and others also have been working to get oral histories station on Mill Avenue South to the society, and a they were able to from the old timers here so that their memories can be preserved do major renovation thanks to city and county block grants. for future generations. The fire station is on the state historic register,and was the last The museum has been gaining more and more financial sup- federal Works Project Administration building constructed in this port from donations, recently reaching and surpassing Anderson's area. Society members say the 1942 building is over 50 years old, city centennial goal of$100,000 three years early. so they can begin the process of having it placed on the National "The endowment fund has just been roaring along.Maybe by Historic Register. then (2001)we can get up to a quarter million,"he said enthusias- Since the historical society formed, its membership has tically,adding that donations are tax deductible. steadily increased,and it now boasts more than 800 members,many Anderson also is preparing to take some of the museum's ar- of whom are relatives of Renton's early pioneers. Museum tifacts on the road.He's building some traveling exhibits that will be Supervisor Steve Anderson,who's been at the museum for nearly five placed in various businesses around the city like First Savings Bank years,said he hopes to begin drawing more people into the society of Renton. to get a better range of age groups represented. He also has some To join the historical society,or to make a tax-deductible con- other big plans. tribution to the museum's endowment fund, call the museum at Over the next five to ten years,the list of goals the society has (425) 255-2330.The museum is located at 235 Mill Avenue South, for the museum is impressive. The main goal is to continue to Renton,98055. "A thriving studio zx TowneBank where you can watch S may., s'C 41 T Y f i , f . glass blown daily" Come in and visit our "` unique building with a glass gallery COMMUNITY BUSINESS BANKING i} • r and antique showcase. RENTON 1^,. See us make our own pieces I "------` ,-A,R-A6 'V right here in the studio or take our 54 Rainier Avenue S.,Renton,WA 55- 80 2004 classes 9 and do it yourself. (425) 254-9934 Uptown Glassworks Q BELLEVUE' • REDMOND • WOODINVILLE N Hours:9-5 Mon.-Wed.,9-8 Thurs.&Fri.,9-6 Sat.,10-4:30 Sun. 230 Main Ave.S.•425-228-1849 % 1 w u "�_'v Ican CRAFTER'S =� `"' Representing over "Rentons Rentons Unique Gift :�^I 50 Local Crafters R ��� and Antique Shoppe" - fii, Since 1995 N cr E Creative Treasures . R HOURS:Mon.-Fri.10 a.m.-7 p.m.• Sat.10 a.m.-6 p.m. 'emu 920 S.3rd St. • Renton,WA 98055• (425)271-3882 2806-B Sunset Blvd.N.E.•Hi Lands Shopping Center VA Hours:Mon.-Sat.•11 am-6 pm "adtq 235-9881 Lit _X- Renton Reporter + 25 • .. • s " �'�•�'n<s•�� a' Y' >�i � x �-fan 5;. F �3 � • x h._. fit w a< 4"c:' . 3 3 14,) «� g 3� n. `g�@ b , . 4D9"` i,Xtu ' F afr,, > >»° t ,4s.'f. r 3 .< tK s yax :x g.,,,-,. .' F�,., ham,.`J.k':—,:;,,,.;o g ..-,::s":�.` .,,, .@�a '' ah9S 6Q 5M x .. - 0>k'r` .t�_[.:.9a, .... t.c..,.n... ....: .................>::.:,. 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Sul' - ag: E 'r['a! o ffi, This is the congregation of a Kennydale church in the late 189Os Churches brings irituality to frontier town p 1885 a handful of people met in the home of Mr. and Mr. and Mrs. enton was a rough and tumble frontier town near the end David Parker to discuss the formation of a Presbyterian Church, of the 19th Century. It was reported that there were a wrote Morda Slauson,author of"Renton—From Coal to Jets." dozen or R so saloons,while the closest church was in Seattle. According to Slauson,five people signed a covenant forming Rev. George Whitworth discovered this lack of spirituality in the church,and the first church in Renton was started.It was a tiny the Renton area during his travels around the territory, and in late white building,with"conventional New England steeple was built on 26 + Renton Reporter the first slope of Mill Avenue above the little town,"she wrote. started in March 1905,with Kent Rev. Rodney Arney as rector. The The First Presbyterian Church was dedicated on Jan.24, 1886. first recorded baptism at the church was George Robert Dobson,the son of Robert and Lizzie Dobson,according to Slauson. By 1924,that church was not big enough for all of the mem- A new church was constructed at a cost of$15,000, and was bets, so a new brick one was constructed at 111 Main Ave. for dedicated at the end of December 1928. Rev.John Pritchard came $21,000—with furnishings. out of retirement to help start the building fund for the church. In 1949, the church needed to expand once again, and four The first Baptist church in Renton was started in 1901. acres on Benson Road near 164th were bought.It wasn't until 1960 that the new church was dedicated, and it was much larger to ac- It began with a meeting of 18 people in Odd Fellows Hall. commodate the growing congregation. ' The church was incorporated in June 1902,and a lot on Smithers St. Luke's Episcopal Church celebrated its centennial year in Street became the church's first home. 1997. Members decided to call the church"Welch Baptist Church" The first Episcopal church here was built and dedicated in because many,but not all,members were Welsh,according to 1897, but services started as early as 1882, according to Renton Slauson. Historical Museum documents. Rev. Cecil Wakelam was pastor from 1937 to 1950,and A group of Renton residents gathered together some modest came back as interim pastor in 1960. funds and purchased two lots on Burnett Avenue from Erasmus First United Methodist Church of Renton began with a tent Smithers, the town's'founder. Enough money was raised over the meeting in the late summer of 1902,with a circuit-riding minister next few years to build a small church. The first regular services continued on page 28 A Y r ,..., �S���S��y�Sy����S�S�����S�r 4/ � � ���, Kofeetak Sr. Charles Place li � , Antiques and Restoration y-1,,,, ; THREE FLOORS OF QUALITY ANTIQUES __ _ ,, Buy • Sell • Consign �'.' tl � �� 50's Memorabilia Custom Restoration . Repairs t -�" r Buy, Sell, Trade E Consign Mae Clemenson inre 807 S.3rd.St.Renton,WA Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9:30-6 =x' a Owner (425) 235-9171 230 Wells Ave. S. • Renton • (425) 235-6516 f • 1,1 • • •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • �_J_I _ - _ L� • ZCedar River ; MBMROCZEK • lc• Antique Mall : A BROTHERS • • AUCTIONEERS&ASSOCIATES • 0 0 Quality Antiques& • • I Collectibles I ANTIQUES&ART WANTED!! • Under new ownership Over 34 Dealers • 425-235-6345 • Bill and Joan Borland • • • Daily Sales•Purchase or Consignments•Estate • • We Buy Antiques/Estates ' Mon.-Sat.10-5/Sun.11-4 •; Liquidation Specialist • 255-4900 ••'900 S.3rd St. • I 717 South 3rd St.••Downtown Renton ram. • • • • • • • •,S. • • • • • • • •_• • •, • • • • • �I�TJI Renton Reporter + 27 .. ..,.....< ..,.. ^... ..,.....E ...... .. ...: "'.':SS;::::.::�::.:�:5'.:' '.S:>u:5;>;i'; N. :::!.''''.:..r..' :.".1.7'...;!:::',':,,:::'.,,..:.•.::::!,i.,..,E!:.. .:;iit;I:.igiilfif.1:'',...,..:,.::::.,:ili,:t: o ,.. a i :: .......... .-:: ..g.. os:c.^. 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S 'fi . 1r1.x%O"r> 3 ,�'�'b:i, i>i°e;. b,..i9:J;%:"::^:.'7?:..•.':.. 'xkx.H`�y$ 's's .K .� ����� «�t w: '�� �� T�x's.3x' £ s 4 7. i:::�%.e>."`'. > �, t ` <.a ,4 cal.:";..:> e " °v"qr, 5 �' ;,x .,sp,'e- > ,.. w�: e ." ,.'.,,:.. u i � � <R : . ss.." 4. ''''''''''''''',)6,, ���� a axe �y'< / 4^:t yrk�. Y�!$�xh � x,.4 �¢� • 4s t bs£{!w,�',`:^' g, y ?'". S,' 4 .: Sao$ ��w : Father William Carey was x � �� x� • a priest for 30 years at St. _ f Anthon s Catholic 3� M ry k p x Church, and helped start $ R a St.Anthony School. He oci:��,,,€ ; . xt g£ y e m # e =W 3 Y`i "¢� °, came to Renton in 1919. who held two weeks worth of services on the vacant lot downtown. larger parishes in the Puget Sound region, saw its beginnings People were apparently interested in starting a Methodist church as a Catholic mission in the early 1900s. in Renton,and regular services began at the Odd Fellows Hall, The first church was constructed in 1906,but before that Slauson wrote priests would come from Issaquah,Newcastle and Kennydale toper In 1903 a lot at 209 Williams was purchased for $300, form masses in people's homes,Slauson wrote.From there services and was dedicated about a year later. A larger church was were moved to a hall above a store at Third and Wells. needed about seven years later, and property at Second and As membership grew, a new church building was needed. Mill was bought, and that's where the church stayed until The first Catholic bazaar raised nearly $4,000, which made it a 1958, when members moved into their new quarters in the huge success, Slauson wrote. Highlands that overlooked the city and Lake Washington. A lot was purchased, and the church on Morris Avenue St. Anthony's Catholic Church, which is today one of the South was constructed. The cost for the building was $3,000. 28 ♦ Renton Reporter Participating In Renton's. . . . . . . .. Future 300 ire‹.. .. :.: ...,:. :.: .1 , , V .,, __.....7....T7,:r.:.7..::',::A,:-.. -.:::::-.;.7.:', 4.'=:::, 4.irlortk4 r.K.r::.=„.•:',...4.4:41::k 1040001 1. ir riti 1 hill 1,3 ;11111:1•:Y2 'f-L,,':i I Amp*,.:, "."7: f it m.ii 7> xi": b' `4t°415,',Z.:A'..1*,.. jj S Sh 3 + .N s.w. z.4 • x 7 ro.kft$44;,0.k:,.•:-..,':..,:t:IM,':-/i., ,I, .x-ON.....: t lx k Citizens Federal Savings Ban Cedar River Brewing Company Fr:: o _� I, , ' `�tF„ 4 # wY 3 lit 7 ig gg ' .F.w.;` roye. ,:.M.r r.- n'z<J..:"':3.:.: t'^`Yar:RL,;. >,. ` ' . ' .#b.A orVN yv:-;.:t..s w o' Chevron Station • Being held for development at a later date ..... .....: . re F , %,::.:44.,,,.•_ , .... Custer Hardware Store 212 Wells Office Buildings .::.:.;.::. .sue r y e „..... ..t: r::, FA ..,?:.,.:,L..,.,.,4,,„........................... f :it.-. Y. a';t:xe "g:i^� i .:r: �. Y- m..0,..,:,.:44 Ta' r5 ti; ��� of � � �„ = 1 ,' ..13 : x ffi 6 "t. 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(425) 255-2424 REALTOR .t Commercial Brokerage Land Development 212 Wells Ave.So.Suite A•Renton WA 98055 Renton Reporter + 29 sw.r. sue• .+ 3 `a.,`.y:':5"".�..'r z>:.^..^.t.s,'':^.> .�..,�,.;,cv,j"�?Szp:y�.Q ao',•cr:n.�;':Y`'rM:'>':r s Lrri Err...^�,a:.e L::3;^; �,• *�� • • • • • . 0.. �^` .V.,3 L 6' N°' • ... ?,':; .:^.k. n .. 4 ::" 7... ..::. ,;y w:x";LY6.; . , >.".,P ,,,. :. ^:.,{..<, "�yrr F.F,...> ,.4r", n :E.,. ,. . .,... : . ..... ,.,... ,,,,,:?g .:... , t � e. ., ... ," z ..,g. m<x....... . ....k > �„ . .. :......a.,K..,w . . , � $ , §g � �. . ?r. ? : S:rE%'<.: i <.aar ' .. .�� ;")' �:: ..a•T , „ ..,f ...:': . ..!• .. : ".<.0 . .. . -; ',i,.4`./ ,,• ,.°k�� ` � • y '^_ ::. t . . t " �,'';(: 1 4 m �" • £ x 11 , .„ j� jqk • 44, • • • • j„ ' , , @ ,�� Y''�C�l : � Tr ' r1 . �'" x " ..^t" �t �'+tQ ' "' r .,� '¢ :: � y�'s 3" '_. . ':ty� T . ^;s . y r �` .%a,r ,: iii " s f : , l... g ", , ,',� � ''�'1sti...r. r.�n . £ ':' sr>:�L �E ' ` �.� {� � . � ? ' r <� mayv3y�� 3y�r4 � CSe, � ': :, 5.: r. ;.gxi " ' *':r'�gv'A, h':'',3:..' .�.j,'�nH ` �� �:ar . �< F 1,� � ;p' . , : F. < ,,rv>Fi .� a:¢ < , ? "h" HHww' .. }�?»�^'. . ` . 2y fi[. � .IIl...'Sn..5:; x.jjM' fi,'e . . 2 �'„ £ �Ar^. , V. • • v / * ;- ' - � M;L; ' .:�XLYr• ,.x. .a_r ' C� ^ e " .,,."` :^'xyo,:� ::s ww "k<y,...Y � ' .. x Nx rt..'t ., .Y, :, Z`" W o >. , - r \eo� ,x;r;`,<�:,e • • ,„ ..:b . ': ,'; Kk ��i_• F,.<,;l,Y<rrx'" s,: � Y�Wv° ..r:•F:•� :..:^`..:�s 'tN.i.:,, ^wxnr"Y'QTWk,s5 kq:?,,+ L4.. •::„,'.:.. `s,?,sbn . W.".;s;:rz:in.::x,.r, w.. t:ia":?:� [ w.n > . 3. 7- , ,^ s:ux'.Jw...;H ,' < :µ-r:A,., N:.:.,: ,r°,ro:„ KK.,,:"..,;,,,,.. r ...' �w � . :':s: ",.; "&:: 2:.:.1 r ... ,. .Fi: ... t,,.. Fourth of July parade in the early 1900s in downtown Renton. ..,.. ...<yr<.. .. ., xd .... ... 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Y.� o.' . .� .. `.:ei5�� Y car. ;,<')!nr�`rsg'"t&'�/4�'sG.j"�''��;. 4>:a::;' _°;��'� ...''P4�"r:�%` 'aY'��r�"FS� :,sa° F:-1 o, .f,io;::�;'''',Igi, ,.@SF°.w,;rd,a,rox':.f`ii)_ ii,•:,, Lr qs :' .y,,. ° °' 3 k' r'rthe 1 21 Renton High School championship football team. . �;s.> This is9 g p p ` = �u yr ^ � .a,r ,�3 f, I. , >r,Rr a ., .f....'.-.A, ' " -.:.•`4 ,, :::x.' :f.• ;`„' :�.>iiz::'.':%:i;,;.`,;..y:: ..,.,. ,u.� r .,a ., ' -. s , < `.P3 N .3 ^.. < n, AVM v % , w. ,. �.. t'.,. .. ..� ✓..:..., n ....'4;g,..,.; '.. r[ [^.,,rf. 3,Y'� Y[, ?". , r { .r ,. r :.... .> ,',.,' ..,...r:`�..iy.>Y' r;�'.: �`r .'W>5';�y,r$�< �r ,$r. x. � - w''rF., `G A.,. , ....,b,! ., z<.'..,,, Y.t �,"<�'"'<y<;.,..'.' / :.. .. i '•„! ej ,✓v';: i� ` 'i&•'`'♦ 3 ''#' > + .e, ..r rs..f <r'„� :3:'�'........h, ... .�'..: !.:' �'.. 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M`k'/^:;�„gfi.C'i� 'db;3 �,, !'�� of°�, i�� ..d¢�:, ., �y�;?s, ::r.�• '.,9,r]r'9. .,: t $iY" �f 3 w '}:a ,r. r: . �.� $r.. Cam. :: m.,.� . , . g'r .. �z�' d. .> • ;<;.> ;� 1r r ..r... . u" . .. .. .. w.,. .. .fir?: ...... ....... .':,�`.. 4.Y .r :,'r .3, .R...!., ,,.,<.. .: . x ...'j. r'^".., "['»!r,r M. .♦xaP� ,s . .. , .. s ;,a res<>4„���; „z�'°, x �sa- , , Fir ' ., . .. Tom Faull(L)and a friend rest on a table at the Melrose pool This is Renton's first mayor, Dr IA. Beach. room. The date of this photo is unknown. 30 + Renton Reporter i *7;N::....;,:t .',.....>*,‘,,i....ii*A....:,-, ::•-•44w•':$4 'itig'.••i44'...-.•,:.i...'i..4.kw,4. Ak9k,_.' ".4.::•:."..:•••••—.... .:...":"..,4••7:',4!'t4-n...",f:•.,4.4,' .:,•.',' -'.: "; ' r, .. ,.,,,,.. . ,.,..:... ,..„:„. ....:, ..,.„.....:z%4.',4.,--,-. .v.raig.,:•.:": 13, :::: :;"„:"f'.:i,:•::•:,:':',,r•*'•4•, -„,„-•...k4,,k%:.g44:,.:•:,..,..• •,. ..0.,.. ' ••:a4;4J..:-;:gif.'•:.•,•:". ..--.:::.::„.....,::•...,•••• .01 .,.;.V4• :w , e ram. tY. %". x, . 7. • • x {.... xe .' .g • "s .aF t 1'., .r . ,.2.. ;3 y. e•^„. Y .IM , y. 4H,,,,,,,,..... R '.. „ .o. y a '.�,.::; ' , fi.£: .a �+ . ...' _:, � �� � r ,r • • • " ^� .: :s. . ,.... ..s� ' "' 1"" '�8 Il,."<Y " .' 'a A'• ;�:' `"F :F;erf "i p :'z . « • • 's.,n.=` a &-... .^+7 v f Y,: '4' i.. ;-,. ~ . �l�'!M_ `' -'... ;° `,n a « e+s•w, x.: n ''``''aeon .FAY*. p .Y 3 v "F 4174 ': � Via: J.s't'''� Mz q • 4. • �,.,� axe.. �, •f> ": ,�r _ '� ?q.a'a.;. :' ♦, " ..z .,. :ban •m:.aYar .. x,.g • „,;:'.,`_ fo.. aY" "," ...' .o„fit�".,.. "' .?». ".•l.a'<s.. :��a'�� :°„ a "' �4..��! max .. , 3�'" . .> •'*,.v,w % :,::.a^.. Q < '`..,,;:'� » `:^...•:.<. <. >,.x, .<t.•.2",�r„"�„^¢gv .x'm«i�� *d,",, .islet „„ 'w. , • ` • a • • .r,,,,..ra 4" . i.:;: a�;'a c�: • • w' .gt s �' < This was typical of logging operation in the early 1800s and 1900s. This one was located near Spring Glen on Benson Highway. A 0. Fr :.:':?.. � a� �:; `. , :; :.. �k:•< _ahny '!` Fi ;. < „ " . � R r o. a:. .:k e • $ yy ', ^ b :h • • �i' ..,. ., .. u3''. Y . xARM" .:.•>,.'sa «< Customers of a Renton boarding house took time out for a photo. While the date of this photo is unknown, it probably was taken in the late 1800s. Renton Reporter + 31 It ,s, , . About , t, .. ,. , : Li. e ..f. . . , , fit 4, , . .... ., ,. N . . ,.Via,. And Making Healthy Ch There's nothing quite like the freedom to do whatever you like.At Valley Medical Center, we believe the choices are yours. If you're already healthy,our wide range of wellness programs can help keep you that way. And when you're sick or hurt,our top-quality staff and facilities can help get you back into action.Valley's community health network offers: 4' • ER services with level-III • Wellness programs for trauma designation people of all ages • Complete maternity care • Free 24-hour consulting- Valley • Neighborhood primary nurse service and much Medical care clinics more. . . Center • Mental health and chemical dependency services Give us a call (425) 228-3450