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The Monroe Historical Society will present a program open to the public at 6:30, Thursday, June 23 at the Monroe Library. Howard M. Voland will discuss the history of the newspaper, with an emphasis on his family’s involvement from 1951 to 1990. Howard M. moved to Monroe in 1951 at the age of two when his father, Howard W. Voland, was hired as editor. Howard M. began hanging around and working on the newspaper from an early age and continued to do so through high school and afterward, when he was on leave from the army. After his father’s death in 1978, Howard M. became editor and in 1982 owner of the Monitor. In 1990, he sold the paper to Ken and Debbie Robinson. Chris Hendrickson, current reporter for the Monitor, will touch briefly on current doings at the paper. One of the oldest newspapers in the state, The Monitor has been continuously published since January of 1899. Digitized copies of the paper are available for viewing through the Resources tab above. The Monroe Library is located at 1070 Village Way. All are very welcome. Admission is free; donations very much appreciated.

March Program: Historic Properties of Snohomish County, Tuesday, March 22. Historic preservation specialist Cara Bertron and Wendy Poischbeg, Economic and Cultural Development Manager for Snohomish County, present an engaging discussion on the process and outcomes of a historic resource inventory completed last year in unincorporated Snohomish County. Close to 8,000 homes, barns and other structures, some in the Monroe area, were field surveyed for historic integrity and architectural character. Possible next steps in the process will also be discussed. A Q&A session will follow their presentation. In addition Fred Cruger, historic mapper extraordinaire, will give a brief talk on mapping historic properties in the county and historic properties in Monroe. Those interested in a preservation program in Monroe are especially encouraged to attend. There will be a brief annual membership meeting at 6:00 pm prior to the program which all members are encouraged to attend. The program starts at 6:30 pm at the Monroe Library, 1070 Village Way, Monroe, WA. This is an all-ages program open to the public. Hope to see you there!

Winner of the 2014 historic quilt, Sharon Howard, is shown at left holding her prize. Longtime member and historical society supporter, Sharon was thrilled with her win. Congratulations Sharon!

Holiday Open House!

Members and the public are invited to the annual Monroe Historical Society Holiday Open House. Come see friends, visit the museum and enjoy warm drinks and cookies. Saturday, December 5, 1:00 to 3:00pm at the Monroe Historical Museum, 207 E.Main St., Monroe, WA.

Fourth, Fifth and Sixth grade students from Sky Valley Education Center in Monroe visited the Monroe Historical Museum October 8. Students participated in chores and other activities of a century ago, a walking tour of downtown and time in the museum itself, including a visit to the still intact jail cell. A fine time was had by all. This is one of the many activities available for volunteers. If you would like to help, contact the museum or drop by during open hours.

‘Gone But Not Forgotten’ program June 3 at Park Place Middle School a huge success

Park Place Middle School 8th graders presented their research and efforts to refurbish and complete a WWII monument and honor the eighteen young men who lost their lives fighting in the war. The monument, originally installed at Monroe’s Memorial Field on Kelsey Street in 1951, has largely been forgotten. Some of the money needed to improve the monument was raised during the program, which was well attended by the public and city officials.  A panel, consisting of veterans Merv Boyes, Tom Parry and Russ Dean, talked and answered questions after the students’ presentation. Donations to complete the memorial, which can be sent to the Monroe Historical Society, are much appreciated.

The Public is invited to join the Monroe Historical Society at its Fall Program, Thursday, Oct. 30 at the Monroe Library, 818 Village Way. In conjunction with the recent painting of the landmark smokestack, Bob Kosters, archivist for the Carnation-Nestle Company, will present the history of the Carnation milk brand in the area and the history of the Carnation Condensery that was at the site of the stack in Monroe from 1908 to 1929. Doors open at 6:30pm for light refreshments and visiting, with the program beginning at 7:00.

On Saturday, February 1, 177 enthusiastic Monroe School District students packed into Monroe High School to participate in the beginning round of the National History Day contest. The event, sponsored by the History Channel and coordinated  by historical society volunteer Gail Dillaway, displayed some amazing talent on the part of the students. Categories included displays, websites, dramatic presentations, documentaries (these young people really know how to work with technology), and written material. With much effort the judges narrowed the field to those who may now move on to the regional contest to be held mid-March at Western Washington University in Bellingham. Congratulations to all who entered!