History

Part 2 of two parts. In Part 1, the 1900s’ words flivver and gullywasher were defined. Here are the definitions of the remaining 25 words or phrases that were presented in Part 1. Dead Soldier:  an empty beer bottle. It’s said that an empty beer bottle “gave its all,” which might have led to the…

In researching various subjects in the early 1900s, I have come across a number of unique words and phrases that appeared in local newspapers, personal written and oral histories, and other accounts. When encountering them, I have written them down and researched their meaning(s) at the time. Here are a few of them that I…

Under a spreading chestnut-tree The village smithy stands; The smith, a mighty man is he, With large and sinewy hands, And the muscles of his brawny arms Are strong as iron bands His hair is crisp, and black and long; His face is like the tan; His brow is wet with honest sweat, He earns…

Several decades ago, a newlywed couple — fresh from saying their vows — needed a quick room for the night as they were due to fly out the next morning for their honeymoon. This led to a random stop at the Golden West Motel on Aurora Avenue. The young groom parked their car, walked into…

Chicken bones — without any chicken bones? You may be asking, what’s he talking about? If, however, you have eaten a long-time Edmonds’ favorite from the Edmonds Bakery, you definitely know what I am referring to. Originally created by Joe and Carol Erga, the owners of the Edmonds Bakery from 1972 until 1993, the chicken…

Part 2 of 2 parts. You can read Part 1 here. Jane Harris (Cunningham) Continues to Serve Her Country Upon returning to Tucson, Jane realized she wanted to do more for her country. Two months after being deactivated, she joined the American Red Cross. After completing training in Washington, D.C., she was flown back to…

While researching the two-part article on Lt. Colonel “Wild Bill Crump,” who was a long-term Edmonds resident and a World War II fighter pilot, I realized that Bill was only a junior in high school when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on Dec 7, 1941. I wondered what life was like for Bill and the…

The Edmonds Historical Museum Sunday afternoon hosted a rededication ribbon cutting commemorating 50 years since the facility opened its doors in the old Carnegie Library building at 118 5th Ave. N. “For 50 years, the Edmonds Historical Museum has been the local repository for Edmonds and South Snohomish County history,” said Museum Director Katie Kelly….

The Edmonds Historical Museum turns 50 this year, and the museum wants to celebrate its golden birthday with the community Sunday, Aug. 6 from 2-6 p.m. There will be food and music, a historic fire truck, games throughout history, and bringing the past to life with living history. Come meet some famous figures from the…

Part 2 of 2 parts. You can read Part 1 here Bill Crump reenlisted in the Air Force in early 1948, and in May enrolled in Supply Officer School at Lowry Air Force Base, located six miles southeast of Denver. In 1948, tensions in Europe were rising between the Soviet Union and other Allied countries…

Part 1 of 2 parts Imagine, if you can: You have just arrived in England 20 days after your 20th birthday, after completing a year and a half of intense flight training.  Five days later you will be flying combat missions in a P-47 deep into Germany during WWII. If you find that hard to…

The artistic talents of those laid to rest at the Edmonds Memorial Cemetery and Columbarium were celebrated Thursday during the cemetery board’s 33rd annual Walk Back in Time tour. Edmonds Cemetery Board members and friends served as guides on the one-hour tour that celebrated the lives of artist Ann Rutter, singer John William “Zev” Zevenbergen…

When Matthew E. Hyner, his wife Clara and their three children saw Edmonds for the first time on Feb. 21, 1887, Edmonds consisted of only five houses, a small hotel, a one-room schoolhouse, a couple of saloons, a few mills, a muddy road heading up the hill and not much more.  George Brackett also owned…

If you have visited the downtown Edmonds summer or holiday markets, or simply walked by the Edmonds Historical Museum, you may not have realized that you were near an artifact that dates back 133 years to when Edmonds was first incorporated in 1890. Most folks I have talked with say they never noticed the bell…

When I initially researched and wrote the two-part article on the University Colony’s history, I heard stories about one of the original cabins being built primarily out of doors. That piqued my interest, and I decided to see if I could find out more about that cabin and its history. Here is a glimpse back…

Sno-Isle Genealogical Society is offering researchers another opportunity to get help with their “brick wall” problems on Saturday, June 24, at its research library, 19827 Poplar Way, Heritage Park, Lynnwood. To make a reservation, call 425-775-6267 to leave a message. Your call will be returned later to confirm your appointment. Margaret Summitt is an experienced…

Part 2 of 2 parts. You can read part 1 here. Frances Anderson Center at 7th and Main in downtown Edmonds. (Photo by Byron Wilkes) Part 2 of 2 parts. You can read part 1 here. Over the years, while walking up and down Main Street from Edmonds’ town center, I have passed by the…