By Alan Billingsley

This year Clover Park Rotary raised money to purchase stoves for an entire village in the jungles of Guatemala. Families there cook on the dirt floors of their very modest dwellings as they have for hundreds of years. Living and breathing the smoke from their cooking all their lives.

The village of Nuevo Santiago could not be any more remote. It takes 14 hours over the worst roads in the world to get to this village high in the mountains. The homes there are about 15’ X 20’ dirt floor; maybe a few wood logs or stools and a few cooking pots with a fire on the floor in the house. Of the 80 families in the village, we were able to give and install each with a new metal stove designed to vent outside the house and consume 10% of the fire wood used in the traditional 3 stone cooking fire.

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===> Posted on July 28, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

A Victoria’s Secret retail store in Steilacoom? No…just the latest featured display in the Steilacoom Historical Museum at the corner of Main and Rainier Streets. Curator Joan Curtis and Jenny Hollister created the display of lady’s lingerie from times past using items from the Museum’s sizable historic clothing collection. In addition to those in the photo, other items of historic lingerie are in display cases on the top floor of the Museum. Buzz Brake assisted the ladies by building stanchions for the display, and, according to him, that is the ONLY thing that inspired him to take the photo and write this article! The lingerie will be on display through September during normal Museum hours (noon – 4:00, Sat and Sun) or otherwise by appointment (253 584-4133).

===> Posted on July 22, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Desperate Times: “I need to make some money... However, I don’t have enough to let you buy these chairs... So, I’ll rent them to you for a little while. I know that they don’t make up a full set. You’ll just have to have that fourth person sit on the floor - BUT! I’ll give you a good deal!! As long as you bring them back when you are done!”

This photo, titled “Desperate Times” is from personal website of Christina Klas. A resident of Tillicum, Christina posts (almost daily) photos from her hometown.

===> Posted on July 22, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Sunset from the deck of Steilacoom’s Mary Lou and Dave Sclair taken Sunday, June 27.

===> Posted on June 30, 2010 by Dave Sclair. One comment.

The huge water storage tower just off Bridgeport on the north side is getting a coat of paint. The painting crew is using high rising cherry pickets to get all the way to the top.

===> Posted on June 23, 2010 by Ben Sclair. One comment.

===> Posted on June 17, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

A Steilacoom sunset. Taken last week by Connie Aboubakr.

===> Posted on June 14, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

By Buzz Brake

Continuing with Steilacoom Historical Museum Association’s (SHMA) historical photo of the week series, this photo shows the Steilacoom Grade School 1926 7th and 8th grade classes. This and many other school photos are available for viewing and downloading (for free) at www.steilacoomhistoricalphotos.com. School photos can be viewed in full size and downloaded free at that web site.

Pictured here are (left to right): front row, James Jack, Raymond Dailey, Russell Wells, William Petrie, Lind Rennord, Cornelius Karman; second row, Ruth Bacon, Edith Curran, Viola Adams, Jewell Morris, Juanita Andrews, Grace Hubbard, Emily Fitch, Margaret Hatcher, and; back row, Beatrice Hatcher, Mary Taylor, Alice Chapman, and Katherine St. Clair.

If you have comments or suggestions concerning the school photos shown here or previously in Suburban Times, or any other SHMA historical photos, please contact the historical photo site webmaster.

===> Posted on June 14, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Anyone driving the DuPont – Steilacoom road has to have noticed the construction going on at the firing range. The firing position shelters are being torn down and a lot of the hillside appears to be being excavated. The sign at the site declares the small arms range is being repaired – recovery. Does that mean the excavated soil will be sifted and lead from bullets recovered?

===> Posted on June 8, 2010 by Dave Sclair. No comments.

By Buzz Brake

The Steilacoom Historical Museum Association (SHMA) historical photo this week is of the Steilacoom Grade School built in 1892, the first substantial school built specifically for that purpose in Steilacoom. Prior classes had met in the courthouse, and before that, in a small one-room structure. In 1916, a new school was built adjacent to the 1892 school. That school building is still in use and is now called Pioneer School.

Visit www.steilacoomhistoricalphotos.com to see other views of the 1892 school, its 1916 replacement, and many more historical photos and documents of interest to Steilacoom and regional citizens. If you have comments or suggestions concerning the school photos or any other SHMA historical photos, please contact the webmaster.

===> Posted on June 7, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Lakewood firefighters and dispatchers gather with Guy’s wife, Wendy (center, in black) and Char Bair (far left)

Lakewood, Wash. – On Thursday, May 27, 2010, Olympic View Elementary students, PTA members, North Thurston School District employees, Lakewood Fire Department firefighters and Fire Comm dispatchers gathered together for one reason: to honor Guy Ploegman.

Guy Ploegman worked at the Lakewood Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter from 1972-1983 and then became a Fire Comm dispatcher in 1983 until he retired as a dispatch supervisor in 2007. Guy retired to spend time with his family; his wife, Wendy, and daughter Amanda. Sadly, Guy’s time was cut short with his girls, as he passed away from ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) on December 7, 2009. Guy has been greatly missed, not only by his family, but his Lakewood Fire family and all who knew him.Read more...

===> Posted on June 2, 2010 by Jenny Sharp. No comments.

The Tacoma Tide FC were 15-0-2 on their home turf from 2007 until the start of 2009. The Tide lost their home dominance at Curtis High School Stadium last year, but after one match at home in 2010, it seems the Tide have regained their home form.

The Tide’s glory years were with players like Spencer Schomaker, Rafael Cox, and company leading the charge. After a season with other pro teams, Schomaker and Cox are both back and they’ve brought wins with them. The goal scoring began in the 18th minute. Xan Nixon, a St. Martins product won the ball in midfield and found Tide veteran, Chase Tangney, on the right wing. Tangney crossed a ball into the box to the on-rushing Schomaker who gave the Tide an early advantage.

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===> Posted on June 1, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

There are “givens” concerning Lakes High School. Colors for the school are burnt orange and royal blue. Lakes teams are called the Lancers. In fact, even before Lakes opened in September 1962, the school colors were selected. But, when classes began in the 1962-1963 school year, there was not a nickname for Lakes teams. Nor was there a fight song or alma mater. For that matter, there was not a senior class either.

Lakes Colors

Lakes 1965 grad Rick Austin, 63, Kansas City, Mo., has first-hand knowledge of selection of the school colors and in the selection of the Lancers nickname, too. His father, the late Gerry Austin, was Lakes’ first athletic director and head football coach after serving as the successful head football coach at Clover Park High. Rick was starting quarterback for his father’s first three Lakes teams – the 1962, 1963 and 1964 seasons – and also played basketball and was a baseball pitcher for the Lancers.

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===> Posted on June 1, 2010 by Ben Sclair. 5 comments.

By Buzz Brake

This week’s SHMA historical photo is of a 1934 class at Steilacoom Grade School on front-door steps of what is now Pioneer School. The students appear to be in the fifth or sixth grade. One of the two teachers is Ms. Dimmick, but the other is unknown. Surnames of students include Evanger, Grosdahl, Hatcher, Johnson, Orr, Pearson, Little, Christianson, Hiamichi, Stratton, McCutcheon, Tollifson, Bair, Russell, Stair, Zurfluh, Scholes, Roe (sp?), Lester, Carlson, Fuller, McPhee, Dyer, Barclay, Rennord, Gove, and Barcart.

To see the above photo and other school photos in full size, download free school photos, and view other photos in SHMA’s archive of 4000+ historical photos, visit www.steilacoomhistoricalphotos.com. If you spot any errors in the SHMA archived photos or their description, please contact the photo site webmaster.

===> Posted on May 31, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

• From Johann Drewitt at Brink & Sadler CPAs: “Colin Ehli, in our office, talked to one of the people handling the moving of the blades. The blades are going to a wind farm in Vantage, Washington. The reason the blades are going through Lakewood is because the Lincoln avenue, train trestl and the Bridgeport overpasses on I-5 are too low.”
• From Tim Lewis: “That is a windmill blade. More than likely en route to a huge waste of tax dollars in Eastern WA. As you drive by them on I-90 you can see that there are many more windmill bases going up. More than likely there is someone in Lakewood manufacturing the blades.”

===> Posted on May 26, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

We’ve seen a number of these windmill blades making their way through Lakewood the past few months. We know the obvious: they are going from somewhere to someplace and will eventually be attached to a windmill on some wind farm. Okay, so our facts are a little light. But we’d sure like to know a little more. Anyone know anything? If so, send us a note to editor@thesubtimes.com, or post your comments below.

===> Posted on May 25, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

By Buzz Brake

The Steilacoom Historical Museum Association photo this week shows the 6th Grade class of what was then Steilacoom Grade School, now Pioneer School. It includes Gary Hagen, Joyce Colbath (sp?), Pat Foster, Jean Attwood, Diane Miles, Tom MacMahon, Ted McFadden, Darrell Cobb, Tom Sevik, Elizabeth Hansen, Jeneane Payson, Joanne Ellison, Elaine Bunce, and Sue Halverson.

Be sure to visit SHMA’s archive of 4000+ historical photos on-line at www.steilacoomhistoricalphotos.com to pair up the names with the students in the photo above. Just click on the “School Classes” choice in the navigation bar of the opening web page. Other photos in the photo archives are of regional scenes, buildings, people, boats, houses, and much more. If you have comments or spot any errors in the SHMA archived photos, please contact the historical photo webmaster.

===> Posted on May 24, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

The Suburban Times reader and University Place resident Russell Kasselman snapped the pictures on his way home on Monday. From his email, “Stopped to take this shot after noticing the whitecaps and the fact that the McNeil Ferry was leaving the dock. It was pretty amazing to watch the spray go over the top of the ferry as it made its way across the sound from Steilacoom. Also took a shot of the whitecaps looking toward the bridge. Crazy wind today.”Read more...

===> Posted on May 3, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

UNUSUAL SIGHT – Monday evening this obviously old ferry boat was tied up parallel to the shore at Ketron Island, just south of the ferry landing. The tug boat and a small powerboat checked it all around and then left. Later that evening the Rhododendron ferry came in and made its regular stop at the island. It remained at the ferry landing for a lot longer than usual before leaving and heading toward Anderson Island. Never previously has two ferry boats been at the island at the same time and the one tied up next to shore showed a Washington DOT logo on its stack but from its dirty appearance it looked as if it had not been in service for some time. Anyone got updated information on this?

===> Posted on April 28, 2010 by Dave Sclair. No comments.

Bridgeport Place welcomed 20 guests to the Spring 2010 AARP Driver Safety Class, which is an eight-hour course spanning two days’ time, and is geared toward drivers who are 50+.  The class was taught by Merrie Sullivan, certified instructor, who is already scheduled to return again September 24 & 25 for another session. The Suburban Times graciously carried the announcement about the Spring 2010 Class.  Drivers who complete the course receive a certificate that can be utilized for a discount on their auto insurance premiums.   The class members were treated to coffee and pastries each morning and a complimentary lunch buffet each of the days.  They expressed not only their appreciation for the use of facility as a meeting place for the class, but were also pleased by the hospitality and warmth of the staff and residents who welcomed them in, and the range of amenities.  Some of the comments they penned included “Kudos to the chef!” … “This is a very warm and friendly facility.  It’s like a country club.  Thank you for the wonderful meals and snacks” … “The two meals broke my diet, but it was worth it” … “What could have been a grind turned into a great experience thanks to your hospitality and generous buffet.  Have talked to some residents and they are so positive and happy here.”  More than half of those who attended the class requested a tour of Bridgeport Place.

===> Posted on April 26, 2010 by Jaynie Jones. No comments.

One of the more ambitious projects at Ft Steilacoom Park during the recent Parks Appreciation Day was building this cinder block wall. Located at Waughop Lake in the park, the wall will keep the road from further deterioration. It will also provide a prime sitting area for those watching the regular radio control boats that run on the lake or folks watching those fishing at the spot on the lake.

===> Posted on April 26, 2010 by Dave Sclair. No comments.

Forty-three members and guests of the Steilacoom Chamber of Commerce enjoyed a “Spring Evening at The Bair” on Thursday, April 22.  Representing the Port of Tacoma, Connie Bacon was the featured guest speaker during the dinner.  She stated that the Port is currently conducting a “nationwide search for a new CEO who is trustworthy, who will tell us the right story in business for the Port of Tacoma, who understands strategic thinking, and is a go-getter.” According to Bacon, the Port of Tacoma is “beginning to see a tiny rise in activity, but anticipates steady growth over the next five years.”  She added that the Port has spent $170M to clean-up Puget Sound and Commencement Bay.  There are ongoing negotiations with the Puyallup Tribe about possibly operating a terminal, as well.  Bus tours of the Port of Tacoma are available to the public and scheduled every couple of months.

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===> Posted on April 25, 2010 by Jaynie Jones. No comments.

A newly emerging Apple Blossom on Steilacoom's ancient Orr Orchard Apple tree. A passing -- or lingering glimpse -- of the blooming beauty each spring is always uplifting. Photo by Nancy Covert.

===> Posted on April 8, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

The heat and humidity, let alone the swamp, has Glen Speith drenched with perspiration.

Glen Speith, Lakewood historian and military aviation enthusiast has been involved for years recovering a B-17 that has been sitting in a swamp in Papua, New Guinea since WW2. Speith got involved in the search and recovery when he started looking for the plane which was flown by a wingman of his father. The airplane is currently on a ship on the way to Los Angeles and is expected to arrive there in mid April. It will then be trucked to Tucson, AZ to the Pima Air Museum.

Speith operates a private museum on Steilacoom Boulevard just east of Bridgeport Way. The link is to a story in the Philadelphia (PA) Daily News, hometown of the individual who is primarily responsible for recovering the airplane. Speith sits on the board of directors of Lakewood Historical Society. For additional background on the story, check out this Philly.com story.

The B-17 was brought to the top of the swamp using air bags and then wings and tail were removed in order to get the plane out.

The virtually intact B-17E sitting atop the swamp after it was raised to the surface.

Glen Speith's Museum Sign off Steilacoom Blvd at Bridgeport.

===> Posted on March 31, 2010 by Dave Sclair. No comments.

The old Regulator Clock in Bonnie Stucker’s home keeps good time. That antique piece of clockwork is the focal point of the saga about the timepiece that once hung in a Steilacoom School classroom. How the clock came into her possession is, as the saying goes, “the rest of the story.”

Mrs. Stucker’s grandson, Troy, sparked renewed interest in the clock when he began searching for something unique to give his grandmother for her upcoming birthday. Although she’s not keen on the milestone date at the end of this month, her family plans to celebrate her centennial.
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===> Posted on March 23, 2010 by Nancy Covert. One comment.

It is still a tad bit too early to ’stop and smell the roses’ but it is impossible to miss the signs of spring, which abound all around University Place including long stretches of daffodil patches along Cirque Drive. Not only is spring here, but Easter is just around the corner. Notably, just around the northeast corner of 24th & Bridgeport where the neatly groomed Williamsburg blue home bordered with a white picket fence is adorned not just with a front yard tree loaded with pink blossoms, but also decorated with colorful, gargantuan Easter eggs. The whimsical tree evokes smiles from passersby and others (like myself) who are compelled to stop and take some pictures.

===> Posted on March 18, 2010 by Jaynie Jones. No comments.

Fort Steilacoom Park was once part of Western State Hospital and for many years patients were buried in unmarked graves located near the red barns and what today is the off-leash dog area. The Graves Concerns Association has made it a goal to properly mark the graves of those previously identified only by number. In 2003 this monument containing the marker was erected in the graveyard.

Fort Steilacoom Park was once part of Western State Hospital and for many years patients were buried in unmarked graves located near the red barns and what today is the off-leash dog area. The Graves Concerns Association has made it a goal to properly mark the graves of those previously identified only by number. In 2003 this monument containing the marker was erected in the graveyard.

===> Posted on March 16, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Don Rehburg (right) and son, Craig, just after they've extinguished the candles on the cake at Don's birthday at the Bair Drug on Saturday, March 13. Photo by Nancy Covert.

Steilacoom’s Bair Drug and Hardware store, known for its “scoops” was the setting for a big one on March 13–a double scoop, in fact. The 1895 structure on Lafayett Street–was the location for the 90th birthday party for “the Colonel.” Col. Don Rehburg, renowned for many wonderful foods from BBQ sauce to Salmon Sauce and lots more, was feted by family and friends that afternoon. The Rehburgs’ eldest son, Craig, also was honored because it was his 67th birthday–born the same day as his dad!

Besides a gathering of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Steilacoom residents from the Chamber of Commerce turned out to mark the occasion and to enjoy being back in the Bair Store.

“When’s the Bair opening? In April,” says Sarah Cannon, new proprietor for the historic eatery, who was among the guests that afternoon. As for Don’s secret for a long life? Keeping busy, he says, adding that he’s got an order for “about 100 cases” of his famous salmon sauce. You’ll have to ask Don, though, to learn the sauce’s secret ingredient. Meanwhile, Happy Birthday, Don. And many more!

===> Posted on March 14, 2010 by Nancy Covert. No comments.

STEILACOOM HISTORICAL MARKER - Near the intersection of Rainier & Balch Streets is this historical marker. It reads: "Site of First Washington Jail built of brick 1858 used for county, state, federal prisoners Razed 1944. Erected 1962 Pierce County Pioneers Historical Ass'n." Photo by Dave Sclair.

===> Posted on March 10, 2010 by Dave Sclair. No comments.

Elizabeth Poinsett with sons Joel and John.

By Becky Huber, President
Lakewood Historical Society

The halls of Thornewood Castle rang with laughter, lively conversation and music on Wednesday night as a host of family and friends celebrated Elizabeth Poinsett’s 99th birthday. I’m sure this was a momentous event for the Lakewood landmark that has hosted countless celebrations in its one hundred year history. Current owners, Wayne and Deanna Robinson, have lovingly restored and decorated the estate to its original condition, operating it as a bed and breakfast and hosting special occasions such as this one.

Generous measures of hugs and kisses were freely dispensed to “Betty” as she greeted her numerous well wishers. She “held court” attired in a royal purple pantsuit and wearing an exotic orchid corsage and a pink flashing “Birthday Girl” tiara. After everyone was assembled a digital photo slide show was presented highlighting her life ending with the singing of “Happy Birthday”. Cake and punch were served by Snuffin’s Catering. Entertainment followed with a lively rendition of the hula to the music of “Pearly Shells” with Elizabeth at the center of the group, reminiscent of her trips to Hawaii.Read more...

===> Posted on February 18, 2010 by Ben Sclair. One comment.