April - Kitsap County Historical Society

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The Kitsap Historian
April 2009
A Special Thank You
IN THIS ISSUE
lived on Oyster Bay. He earned a
degree in education from Washington
State University and was an
international-relations teacher and
then administrator in the Bellevue
School District. At the age of 40, his
open-heart surgery forced retirement.
Thereafter, he retired to Bainbridge
Island to concentrate on real estate
investments and was active in many
organizations.
PAGE
A Special Thank You
1
President’s Message
2
Volunteer Appreciation 2, 3
March First Friday
3
February First Friday
4
Museum Store
5
New Volunteers
5
Volunteer of the
Quarter
6
Eat Your Way Program
7
Calendar
8
Photo courtesy of the Birkenfeld Estate
SAVE THE DATES!!
June 5 - First Friday, KITSAP
KIDS: BASIC FIRST AID
JULY 4 - Old Fashioned 4th of
July
DECEMBER 13 - A MILLTOWN
CHRISTMAS 2009
We hope you enjoy this
Newsletter. Your editors:
Prudence McCabe
And
Eric Dahlberg
When C. Keith Birkenfeld, educator,
world traveler and philanthropist, died
on September 7, 2005, he left the
major part of his self-made 16 million
dollar fortune to The Seattle
Foundation, of which he was a lifetime
member. But, as the son of an eightgeneration Kitsap family, he
remembered Kitsap County and the
Kitsap County Historical Society with
a generous bequest. This edition of
The Kitsap Historian is dedicated to
his memory. Mr. Birkenfeld wanted
his funds used for “brick and mortar”
projects. It is with his gift that we
have finished our Main Street exhibit
and are now making much needed
and long-delayed updates to our basic
building infrastructure, especially the
attic insulation, which will enable us to
reduce the cost of utilities.
The original Keiths and McPhersons,
his mother’s families, both arrived in
the Colby-Manchester areas of Kitsap
County in 1888. Mr. Birkenfeld was
born in Manette and attended
Bremerton schools while his parents
He also took his physician’s advice to
take sea voyages to restore his
health. According to The Kitsap Sun
he took 405 commercial flights and 22
ship cruises to more than 50
countries, and wintered regularly in
Palm Springs. Something wonderful
always happened on these trips,
earning him the nickname “Mr.
Serendipity.” He met and became
friends with movie stars (Bob Hope,
Dinah Shore, Ginger Rogers, Sonny
Bono, among others), royalty (children
of the Shah of Iran, Russian Princess
Paula Melikoff), and many politicians,
including Presidents Eisenhower,
Nixon, and Reagan. According to
George (Nick) Nickum, the Birkenfeld
Estate executor, Mr. Birkenfeld
basically wrote his own obituary. If
you’re really interested in more
“serendipity” stories, you can check
the Seattle Post-Intelligencer’s
archives, or come by the Museum and
read our copy.
Interestingly, Mr. Birkenfeld stipulated
that a plaque be installed to recognize
his gift to the Kitsap County Historical
Society. You can read it at the
entrance to our Main Street! This was
NOT self-aggrandizement; it was to
remind people of the IMPORTANCE
of leaving a legacy for future
generations. Because such legacies
and donations are the life-blood of
non-profits—particularly THIS nonprofit!— we are happy to, again, thank
Mr. Birkenfeld, and trust others will be
inspired to follow his example.
Page 2
T HE K ITS AP H IS TO R I AN
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Mark Williamson
Already one-quarter of 2009 has
passed. There is much to look back
on and lots of fun and hard work in
our immediate future.
Here are some highlights of events
already this year:
The Black History Exhibit was
featured for February’s First Friday
program and was a big hit. Over 150
people were in attendance to hear
presentations by Alyce Eagens and
Dr. John Jackson. We were also
pleased to have Hazel Colvin and
Lillian Walker tell about their life
experiences in the Bremerton of the
1940s and 1950s.
March’s First Friday celebrated the
history of the YWCA in Kitsap County
with a presentation by Executive
Director Linda Joyce.
Volunteer Appreciation night marked
April’s First Friday event. About 90
volunteers were treated to a fashion
show. Period clothing from our
collection was modeled by students
from Bremerton High School, Mt.
View Middle School, and Olympic
College. This was followed with a fine
dinner (see much requested recipes
on page 7). The evening was well
received by all. Nina Hallett and
Janice Williamson coordinated the
Fashion Show, and Susan Daniel and
Libby McKnight provided a sumptuous
repast. Our Board of Trustees is
Our Staff
Prudence McCabe
Executive Manager
Joyce Davison
Administrative Assistant
Advisory Board
Suzanne Callison Dicks
Roger Horne,
RADM, USN (Ret.)
Paul Middents,
CAPT, USN (Ret.)
Ralph Munro
Don Serry
Helen Langer Smith
Ambassador Edward
Wolfe
deeply grateful to our volunteers
(including ourselves).
The development that has meant
most to me is the infusion of youth.
Thanks to Bremerton School
personnel and others, we have
hosted Mt. View Middle School
students and young people from
other schools and organizations.
Their visits resulted in their talented
presence in our Fashion Show and
promises of more to come.
If you have not viewed our revised
web-site, you can go to http://
www.kistaphistory.org. Alan Lowe
and Russell Neyman have labored
long and hard to make it a favorite.
Our exposure to the public, based on
“hits” to the site, has increased
dramatically.
The “Antique Appraisal Faire” was
held at the President’s Hall in the
County Fairgrounds on April 25.
Jointly staffed by KCHS and the
Genealogical Society, this affair has
greatly expanded from previous
years and was a big success. As
usual Anita Williams has put her
creativity and talent to work for us.
Another favorite activity soon to be
upon us is the “Eat Your Way”
program. The first event is on May
21 at Cedar Cove Inn in Port
Orchard. They sell out early, so
reserve you tickets soon.
Board of Directors
Mark Williamson
President
Annetta Butler
Historic Sites Chair
Gary Beanland
Vice President
Virginia McBride
Museum Store Manager
Suzanne Frech
Treasurer
Alyce Eagens
Sara Nell Davis
Secretary
Nina Hallett
Chair, History Book Project
Carolyn McClurkan
Archivist
Alan Lowe
Libby McKnight
Russell Neyman
Jim Portune
Wendy Priest
VOLUNTEER
APPRECIATION
The Kitsap County Historical Society
could not operate the Museum without
the help of its many volunteers. Some
work two or three days each week,
without fail, on specific tasks. Others
come in once a week, equally
faithfully, to do whatever needs to be
done. Some help out for a few hours
each day!! Many more show up when
called for specific projects. The
KCHS Pole Barn at the Fairgrounds
could not have received its wonderful
concrete floor last year without the
help of our Antique Tractor Society,
Habitat For Humanity, and Navy
volunteer crews and a host of
individuals. And, on April 3, 89
volunteers and guests showed up for
Volunteer Appreciation Night. Even
that depended on volunteers and we
gained 10 new enthusiastic
participants from Mt. View Middle
School (MVMS), Bremerton High
School (BHS) and Olympic College
(OC) as Fashion Show models. We
hope to see them again soon.
Volunteers not only keep the Museum
running, but the hours they record
each month are vital in the grantwriting process. Total hours can be
used, at the going rate for volunteer
help, currently $20 per hour, as part of
the matching funds most grants
require. The total hours recorded by
volunteers for 2008 was 7,798. Our
grateful thanks to you all!
Did you know that volunteerism is
contagious? We have several
instances where spouses of
volunteers have been inspired/
frustrated/curious and eager to step in
and help. That’s a fatal step! A
volunteer is someone who gives freely
of their time and skills. And then
there are all the “volunteers” who
have more-or-less been shanghaied
into helping out. After that, there’s no
escape. Many of us will testify that
once you start, it becomes
increasingly difficult to stop and you’re
a full-fledged volunteer before you
know it. And loving it!
Special thanks for their time spent on
the Volunteer Appreciation Night go to
the following volunteers:
Models Marlena Dougherty (BHS), Ali
(Continued on next page)
Page 3
April - May - June 2009
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION (Continued from previous page)
MARCH FIRST FRIDAY
Arthaud (MVMS), Heather Kimball
(MVMS), Emily Fowler (MVMS), Jerry
Gjovaag (shanghaied regular
volunteer), Libby Martin (MVMS),
James O’Connor (BHS), Kayla
Calhoun-Rezo (BHS), Alissa Leach
(BHS), Gary Beanland (shanghaied
board member), Jamie Beck (OC) and
Megan Carlin (OC).
Wardrobe Mistresses Carolyn
LaFountaine (our volunteer
Collections Coordinator and Queen of
Costumes) and Janice Williamson
(the wife of the KCHS President - now
she’s hooked!).
Furniture re-arrangers and putbackers Gary Beanland (board
members have no choice!) and Eric
Dahlberg (Volunteer of the Year,
2008).
Banquet Casserole Queen Susan
Daniel (wife of board member Gary
Beanland - see, another one
hooked!), Angela Rice (sister of
Executive Operations Manager/
etc. Prudence McCabe) and
Libby McKnight (board member).
For our First Friday event March 6,
Linda Joyce, the Kitsap County
YWCA Executive Director, shared the
history of the YWCA and work they do
in this area. Their present focus is on
building community partnerships and
awareness, preventing domestic
violence, and creating a safe haven
for victims.
The board and staff cannot say
“Thank You” enough for what
you do.
Curator Erin O’Brien with Linda Joyce
Mark Williamson introduces Linda Joyce
Page 4
T HE K ITS AP H IS TO R I AN
FEBRUARY FIRST FRIDAY BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION
An overflow crowd of over 150 people
attended the February First Friday
celebration of Black History Month at the
museum. Guest speaker for the
evening was Dr. John Jackson.
The exhibit was on loan from the
Bremerton’s Black Historical Society
Museum. Posters of our black leaders
who were a significant force in Kitsap
County history were provided by the
Honorable Dianne Robinson. Hazel
Colvin and Alyce Eagans, founders of
the Black Historical Society Museum,
brought awards, plaques, and other
items representing their late husbands,
Al Colvin and Loxie Eagans.
After much organizing and strategizing,
our black leaders were able to bring
together changes that made Bremerton
a better place to live. There are
organizations that are still working to
bring about a more livable place to live
and rear families.
Dr. John Jackson spoke of the
challenges of growing up in Bremerton
from kindergarten through high school.
He went on to college and became a
teacher and school principal. Dr.
Jackson and his achievements are a
source of pride in our community.
Photo by Joanne Owen-Jogerst
Alyce Eagans facilitated the program
and told of her experience of moving to
Bremerton from Little Rock, Arkansas in
1946. Alyce and Loxie were married in
1948.
Mrs. Lillian Walker, a long time resident
of Bremerton, spoke of Bremerton of
the 1940’s that grew so quickly that
housing was a real problem, especially
for black residents, who were recruited
from all parts of the country for work at
the shipyard.
Photos by Gary Beanland
Page 5
April - May - June 2009
KITSAP COUNTY: A
HISTORY BOOK UPDATE
We are still working on the reprint of
the book Kitsap County: A History.
As you all know we are reprinting the
book. This means we have to find all
the original photographs or find
suitable replacements. This has
turned out to be an extended project,
far beyond what had been
anticipated. We ask for your
continued patience and
understanding. If you would like to
have a gift certificate as
acknowledgement of your prepublication purchase, let us know. All
monies received from pre-publication
sales are held in an exclusive account
for the sole purpose of supporting
book publication.
MUSEUM STORE
Back by popular demand are two
books, BIRDS of WASHINGTON
STATE and BIRDS of the Puget
Sound Region. Another new item on
the Store’s bookshelves is Great
Adventures for Kitsap Peninsula,
Third edition (2009).
This book is full of
ideas for family fun
in Kitsap County.
Remember
Members receive a
10% discount on all
Store purchases.
MUSEUM ANGELS
As Angels are “looking over us,” our
Museum Angels choose a specific
operating expense, or part of that
expense, to fund. Our very first
Angel was Nina Hallett. There are
two new Angels to acknowledge:
Ellen Middents and Bonnie Chrey
contributed funds to pay for eleven
hours of cleaning services. If you
are one who likes to know exactly
where your donated money is being
used, you could be a KCHS Angel.
Here are some expenses to
consider:
Annual fees for legally required
maintenance and inspections:
Annual backflow test -$160
City water, Fireline - $475
Elevator - $3,300 - quarterly $825
Heating annual maintenance
contract - $2,800; bi-annually $1,400
Puget Sound Energy monthly budget
pay - $450
Cascade Natural Gas monthly
budget pay - $325.
WELCOME NEW
VOLUNTEERS!
Photo by William Slach
Ken and Judy Christopherson recently
answered the call for volunteers.
They respond to our requests for help
with tasks such as folding and
addressing this newsletter and
greeting guests during events. They
have also started a photo diary of
KCHS events. You can see it on the
lobby table. Welcome Ken and Judy!
Copier - annual lease - $2,000;
monthly - $170.
Cleaning - $200 monthly
Photo by Joanne Owen-Jogerst
T H E K IT S A P H I S T O R I A N
Page 6
MEMBERSHIP
To take advantage of the
10% Membership discount
on Museum purchases and
Eat Your Way events, just
send in this form and
become a member
VOLUNTEER OF THE
QUARTER
ELLEN MIDDENTS
Photos by Eric Dahlberg
Ellen Middents has been actively
involved in supporting the Kitsap
County Historical Society since 1984.
Her husband, Paul, was KCHS
president from 2006 to 2007. Ellen
 Individual Senior/
Student
$20.00
BUILDING UPDATES
 Individual
$30.00
 Family
$40.00
 Patron
$100.00
 Sponsor
$250.00
 Sustaining
$500.00
 Benefactor
$1,000.00
Name:
Address:
Phone:
E-mail:
Method of Payment
Check
Visa
faithfully comes in at least once a
week to ask what she can do and is
one of the few volunteers willing to
take on the front desk and museum
store. And, she is an exceptional
docent. Children, in particular, enjoy
her first person historical
presentation in costume. She
portrays Emma Babbitt who started
teaching in the area now known as
Manette in May of 1881.
MasterCard
One of the most
visible changes at
the Museum is the
renovation of the
library/conference
room. These
photographs show
the start and
completion of the
project. Our thanks
to curator Erin
O’Brien for
spearheading this
project.
Another much less
visible project
mentioned in the
last Historian
continues: the
preparation of the
attic and ventilation
system for
additional
insulation. This
project will bring
returns on our
investment with
reduced energy
costs over the
years.
Photos by Eric Dahlberg
Credit Card #:
Exp. date
Summer sale at the Store
T Shirts
Reg. $16.95
Now $9,95
Signature
Photo by Joanne Owen-Jogerst
Page 7
April - May - June 2009
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION DINNER RECIPIES
We had several requests for recipes of the delicious dishes prepared by Susan
Daniel for the Volunteer Appreciation Celebration. Here they are.
Chicken and Rice
Casserole for a Crowd
Please reserve a space for
me for the following:
Crowd Pleasing
Vegetable Casserole
Makes two 9x13 inch casseroles, serves 24
Ingredients:
Ingredients:
1 can (26 ounces) Campbell’s
Condensed Cream of Mushroom
Soup (Regular, 98% Fat Free or 25%
Less Sodium)
R
6 boneless chicken breasts, cooked and
cut into bite size pieces
2/3 cup chopped celery
6 green onions, chopped
1 TBSP lemon zest
1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss Cheese
(6 ounces)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2/3 cup sour cream
1 cup evaporated milk
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
4 cups cooked rice
2 bags (16 ounces each) frozen
vegetables combination (broccoli,
cauliflower, carrots), cooked and
drained
1 can cream of chicken and 2 cans of
mushroom soup
2 cups Pepperidge Farm
mix
YES, I WANT TO GO
R
herb stuffing
1 cup slivered almonds (optional)
2 cans (2.8 ounces each) French’s
Fried Onions (2 2/3 cups)
1 cube butter
Cooking Instructions:
Directions:
Mix first 8 ingredients (all but stuffing,
almonds, and butter). Divide mixture and
place in two 9x13 inch casserole dishes
sprayed with cooking oil. Make topping by
melting butter and adding stuffing mix and
almonds. Sprinkle topping on both
casseroles. Bake at 350 degrees for 30
minutes. Can be made ahead of time and
frozen or refrigerated.
Cedar Cove Inn - Thursday,
May 21st
1
No. of Tickets __ x $30 =
Milky Way Farm - Tuesday,
June 16th
2
No. of Tickets __ x $30 =
Seabold Community Hall
and Seabold United
Methodist Church Thursday. July 23rd
3
No. of Tickets __ x $30 =
R
In a 3-quart shallow baking dish mix
soup, 1 cup cheese, sour cream,
pepper, vegetables, and 1 can of
onions. Bake at 400 degrees for 20
minutes or until hot. Stir. Sprinkle
remaining cheese and remaining
onions over vegetable mixture. Bake
5 minutes more or until onions are
golden.
4
The “Lost Town” of Colby Thursday, August 20th
No. of Tickets ___ x $30
Brownsville United Methodist
Church - Wednesday,
September 23rd
5
No. of Tickets __ x $30 =
Molly Ward GardensThursday, October 22nd
6
No. of Tickets __ x $30 =
2009 EAT YOUR WAY PROGRAM IS UNDERWAY
Subtotal
Kitsap County Historical Society’s “Eat Your Way through Kitsap County
History” committee has come up with another great program for 2009. We will
be visiting a home, a farm, a barn, two churches, and a lost city. And we will
eat well along the way!
Please join us as we collaborate with
Simply Renewed for this 4th of July
celebration
We always sell out but, at this printing, there are spaces left. Be sure to sign
up on the form in the adjacent column
Less 5% for Entire Package
Less 10% KCHS Member
(no refunds)
Total Enclosed
Name
Address
City/St/
Zip
Phone
Payment Method:
Check
Visa
MC
Card #_______________________________
Exp. Date __________________
Kitsap County
Historical Society
Museum & Store
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
280 Fourth Street
Bremerton, WA 98337
Bremerton, WA
Phone: (360) 479-6226 Fax: (360) 415-9294
E-mail: khsinfo@kitsaphistory.org
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MAY
May 1st - First Friday, Exhibit Opening and Speaker, The History of the Red Cross
May 16th - Armed Forces Day Events Downtown Bremerton
May 21st - Eat Your Way, First Course, Cedar Cove Inn, Port Orchard
JUNE
June 2nd - KCHS Board Meeting, 5:15pm
June 5 - First Friday, KITSAP KIDS: BASIC FIRST AID, Speaker, Kelly Finch
June 16th - Eat Your Way, Second Course, Milky Way Farm, Kingston
June 30th - KCHS Board Meeting, 5:15pm
July
July 4th - Old Fashioned 4th of July in coordination with Simply Renewed Antiques
July 23rd - Eat Your Way, Third Course, Seabold Community Hall and Seabold
Methodist Church