Here is a chronology of major events during the Issaquah Historical
Society’s first five years, as recorded by Harriet Fish (note: the group was
called the historical commission at that time and the Gilman Town Hall Museum
was known as the History Center) :
1972
May 21 - First meeting for forming the Issaquah Historical Society. Plans
made for P.R. through exhibits throughout the year in the local bank, etc.
winding up at Salmon Days (in October)
Sept. 12 - At the request of Mayor Keith Hansen, a project to document the
Issaquah Mayors by photographs (at that time 17 mayors had held office) was
completed by Harriet Fish and presented to the city.
Sept. 21 - Old Gilman Town Hall becomes available.
Oct. 19 - Letters sent to prospective members for building the society.
Nov. 15 - City Council voted to purchase property at 165 SE Andrews St.
Nov. 20 - Historical Commission appointed.
November - During this fall, Andy Wold died.
Dec. 19 - City forwards earnest money on purchase of Old Gilman Town Hall
property.
1973
Jan. 8 - Realtor (Robert Catteral) conducted sale of property to city as
"a service to the city and to the Historical Society with no
commission."
Feb. 14 - City Historian appointed by Mayor Hansen - Harriet Fish.
March 13 - Issaquah Historical Society met in the History Center for the
first time, heat and lights now being available. (City had rewired some of
the building.)
April 15 - Fire proof file drawers requested for vertical file materials
which had been acquired and collected by Ed and Harriet Fish during the
years of book research. Also requested alarm system.
May 22 - Items ... were moved from the Bergsman Barn to the History
Center.
July 10 - Cabinets of shelves were removed from the Public Library to the
History Center. (two made of birch with glass sliding fronts).
July 19 - Chemical Fire truck and hose cart defined as belonging to
Issaquah Historical Society were to be returned by the Washington State
Historical Fire Museum. (Whether these ever arrived is questionable)
Sept. 25 - Police Docket book of early years received from city. Brochure
published giving historical background of Old Gilman Town Hall and Jail.
Four drawer file cabinet purchased, (used) for $62.00.
November - Bud Settem died; Felicity Lowe appointed to fill spot on
Historical Commission; Joanne Berry was appointed to fill another vacancy on
Commission.
1974
Newsletters being printed, possibly started in 1973.
Historical Commission expenditures 1/1/1973 to 3/18/1974: $7,488.77.
Influenced the saving of the large maple tree in the Safeway parking lot.
Started to produce a 200 slide P.R. show of history of Issaquah. (some
funds came from Fred Glandon in March) Oct. Antique Sale and Show in Junior
High Building, Dick Matilla in charge.
Bessie Wilson Craine manuscript, which had been secured by Ed Fish before
he died, is completed by typing in office practices classes at the Issaquah
High School.
Drive Yourself tour plans started, Joanne Berry and husband in charge.
1975
Anita Page appointed to Historical Commission.
City installed new furnace in center. (oil).
By-laws of Society amended for I.R.S. purposes.
Drive Yourself Tour being developed for use over Salmon Days.
June 9 - $500 grant from Seattle Arts Commission to be used for Tour
Brochure.
Monthly rather than bi-monthly meetings scheduled.
Notified of bequest by Bernice Wold Estate; ultimately received $4,614.
1976
Dick Matilla appointed to Historical Commission.
Non-profit status received from I.R. S. through Cushman & Holt.
Drive Around Tour brochure completed and in use.
Talk of printing the Bessie Wilson Craine manuscript into book to be
called "Squak Valley."
May - Directional signs to be installed for finding museum.
June - $2,400 received from Wold Estate; kitchen renovation at center
being planned.
Aug. 6 - First talk with Burlington Northern about saving Depot.
Aug. 24 - $600 budget from city to paint exterior of center. Plans for
remodeling front of center are considered.
