Sky & Sno Adventure Guide Winter 2023-2024

LAKE STEVENS | SNOHOMISH | MONROE | SKY VALLEY

COMPLIMENTARY

Adventure Guide

Take a trip back in time

in the Skykomish and Snohomish River Valleys

WINTER 2023–2024

Made possible in part by assistance from the Snohomish County Hotel-Motel Tax Fund The Sky & Sno Adventure Guide is published by Colibri Northwest for the City of Lake Stevens, the City of Snohomish, the City of Monroe, and the Sky Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Welcome

T

he fall and winter season in the Skykomish and Snohomish River

Table of Contents

Valleys is something you don’t

Lake Stevens

Monroe

want to miss. While we focus on

4 Lake Stevens has

24 Come along as we

reimagined itself

highlight the founders of

through the ages.

Monroe and the parts of

today’s growth, we take a moment to look back at the foundations of our communities and how we got to today.

Lake Stevens captures the history of the mill

10 City of Lake Stevens

history still standing today.

honors water tower

28 Take a look back in time

history with new

at two historical houses that

installation.

still call Monroe home.

11 The history of

29 Follow along as we

the Grimm House

take you through the

transports you back to

historical art locations

roads connected communities both in past

simpler times.

around Monroe.

and present.

Snohomish

Sky Valley

Be sure to check out our Photo Road Trip

14 The spirit of

32 Discover the rich history

community is alive and

through the evolution of

well at the Snohomish

transportation that shaped

Carnegie Building,

the Skykomish River Valley

a beloved gathering

and the surrounding areas.

production area, to the current residential growth of today. Snohomish features the Carnegie and the group that pulled forces together to keep it alive. Monroe introduces their community founders. The Upper Sky Valley highlights how rivers, railroads, and

locations for some amazing views and attractions. Our Restaurants with Roots points to different local favorites, while we also capture the Dive Bars that have been around for decades, and stay up to date with our calendar of events.

space that was given a new lease on life after

36 Learn how the tiny roadside attraction built

No matter where you look—from the shores

extensive renovations.

of our rivers to the peaks of our mountains—

18 Send a shiver down

Chapel, was restored to its

your spine with some of

former glory.

communities gather and celebrate in the Skykomish and Snohomish River Valleys.

the most famous ghost

in the 1960s, the Wayside

38 Bank to commerce,

Welcome,

stories of Snohomish.

Mayor Steven Yarbrough, Gold Bar

20 Sweater weather is

mercantile, telegraphs to

Mayor Norm Johnson, Index

here! Traditions old and

moonshine, and pharmacy

Mayor Brett Gailey, Lake Stevens

new set the stage for fall

to natural health. Take a

Mayor Geoffrey Thomas, Monroe

and winter festivities in

peek at the progression of

Mayor Henry Sladek, Skykomish

Snohomish.

Main Street in Sultan.

brothel to books, meat to

Mayor Linda Redmon, Snohomish Mayor Russell Wiita, Sultan

WINTER 2023–2024

3

I

magine historical Lake Stevens.

Lake Stevens: From the Mill to Resorts, and Beyond

Close your eyes and, for a moment, just forget about the city as it is today. Forget about Frontier Village, set

aside the two major highways, and disregard the housing that surrounds the deepest lake in Snohomish County.

Sometimes we can forget that the world looked very different before the advent of automobiles and pavement.

“Lake Stevens” of the early days... well, wasn’t really Lake Stevens as we know it today.

In the late 1800s, the Northern Pacific Railway line to the east of the lake generated a city called Hartford. This

By Richard Porter Photos provided by Lake Stevens Historical Society

was the first large outpost in the area. Hartford, at the intersection of two key rail lines, was so prominent in the region that it warranted several mentions in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. (You may recognize the paved Northern Pacific track bed today as the Centennial Trail).

Lake Stevens, the city, didn’t appear on maps until the 1910s, several decades after Hartford was well established.

The giant glacial lake is reportedly named after Governor Isaac Stevens. Stevens was a highly controversial leader of the Territory of Washington.

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SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

Hartford seems to have been a

something of a craze at the time. (As

town and investors started building

rough-and-tumble frontier town.

a bicyclist myself, I can testify that the

resort housing tracts on the shores

It was the terminus for the rail line

ride from Lake Stevens to Everett is

of the lake.

that ran out to the mining town of

hilly and arduous -- how much more

Monte Cristo, deep in the Cascade

so when folks were zipping around

Mountains. An early map of Hartford

on single-speed bicycles in Victorian

shows town establishments such as

skirts and wool trousers?)

a “saloon owned by Billie and Mattie Jones. Girlie room above & behind.”

The settlement was balanced out by more genteel community assets like a blacksmith, a bicycle shop, churches,

Anyone who’s casually familiar with Snohomish County history has surely heard the Rucker name. Besides founding and platting the city of

The Lake Stevens area, proper, came

Everett -- where they built Rucker

to prominence in the late 1800s and

Mansion on top of Rucker Hill for their

the early 1900s with two fateful

mother -- the enterprising brothers

events: the Rucker Brothers came to

built banks, the Monte Cristo Hotel,

and a grocer. On a leisurely Sunday, Hartford folk would often take a milelong stroll along the boardwalk that led to Lake Stevens.

The Seattle Post-Intelligencer ran an article in 1898 about a new bike path that led from Hartford to Everett.

Hartford bicyclists were elated to finally access the “big city” on two

DO DONATE GOODS GOOD

wheels. Bicycling was experiencing WINTER 2023–2024

5

the Big Four Inn, and amassed timber

Hulbert Lumber Co., operating out

own bank nearby and trains ran milled

holdings. They were barons of industry,

of Machias. The mill spawned its own

lumber to Everett for shipping.

former pharmacists from Ohio, who

company town, a cluster of buildings

came to the Pacific Northwest with an

built in part on pilings above Kokanee

eye to make a fortune.

Creek. The company town (still not

One facet of that fortune was the

consisted of 250 employees who lived

Rucker Mill, located on the shores of

referred to as Lake Stevens, per se) within walking distance of the mill. The

For years there was a local legend that one of these trains lay submerged at the bottom of Lake Stevens. In 1995 a team of Navy Seal divers confirmed that it actually existed in the deep.

Lake Stevens. The mill processed over

mill also spawned a micro-economy

The Rucker Mill suffered two fires in

six million board feet of logs annually,

of its own, as company towns can do.

the early twentieth century. After

a haul that came courtesy of the

The Rucker Brothers opened their

the second fire in 1925, the Rucker Brothers decided not to rebuild.

The mill closed and most of the millworkers left town. The northern part of Lake Stevens, post-mill, was described by a resident of that era as a “wide spot in the road” -- relatively remote with no adjoining industry to drive the local economy.

Yet during the 1920s, on other shores of Lake Stevens, a new sort of business began to thrive. Lakeside vacation homes began to spring up and resorts drew crowds of summertime vacationers from the nearby cities of Everett and Snohomish.

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SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

Recreation spots with color ful

When the Lundeen family regu-

recreationists admission to their

names flourished. There were the

larly found folks lounging on their

property. From there, the family’s

Kansas Campground, William’s Park,

beach, they saw a business oppor-

resort business plan spiraled out into

Chautauqua Campground, Basslers

tunity. They began to charge these

something epic.

Cove, Perso’s Resort, and the Ramble Inn Resort, among others. Tourists looking for a nip of illicit whiskey could visit the Bullfrog Inn, which sold bootleg booze... if you knew who to talk to.

Some of these resorts left a lasting mark on the city. Purple Pennant Road still runs perpendicular to the eastern shore of the lake. Purple Pennant Resort offered a roller skating rink, a baseball field, a two-person toboggan water slide, cabins, and boat storage on the lake.

But perhaps the greatest Lake Stevens resort was Lundeen Park. The Lundeen homestead on the north shore included a naturally-occurring 300-foot sandy beach next to a full orchard. Some sources indicate that Native Americans favored this part of the lake for catching and drying trout on racks.

WINTER 2023–2024

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The Lundeen Resort at its zenith

swimming area stocked with pool toys,

steak, Spanish” (50 cents). Wash it

boasted a dance pavilion built on

and a regulation-size baseball field

down with a 10-cent cup of coffee

piers over the lake with capacity for

with covered bleachers.

and you’ve got yourself a fine meal.

The resort also featured a tavern

An existing menu from the Lundeen

the 1920s, Lundeen Park was the

with a 60-foot bar and a dance floor,

Resort lists delicacies such as “raw

social place to be on a Friday or

a 40,000-square-foot enclosed

oysters” (30 cents) and “Hamburg

Saturday night.

a thousand dancers. Gatsbyesque!

At the height of its popularity in

Today, you can drive along Lundeen Parkway, and still swim at Lundeen Park, which remains a popular play spot.

Finally, in the 1960s, Lake Stevens came to be a bona fide city. The incorporation of the city coincided with the advent of Frontier Village, a modern shopping complex next to Highway 9.

Lake Stevens developed over the next half century as a family-friendly bedroom community, a place that produced all-star athletes; savvy students; and world-famous action hero and comedian, actor Chris Pratt.

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SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

Today, Lake Stevens continues to develop but with a renewed interest in the old downtown on the northeast shore of the lake. The city places great effort into making downtown Lake Stevens walkable with easy public access to the waterfront and the seasonal farmers market.

Lake Stevens will always be a place where people want to stop, linger, and play awhile. Sometimes the best things never change. __ Further reading: “ L ake S te vens: M y Town” b y Jim Mitchell Lake Stevens -- Thumbnail History on Historylink.org “Reminiscing... Lake Stevens The Early Years”, published by the Lake Stevens History Committee

CONTACTLESS MENU AVAILABLE Look at me through your smart phone camera!

Visit the Lake Stevens Historical Museum. 12301 North Lakeshore Drive. Operating hours are 1:00-4:00 p.m. on Thursdays.

CRAFT. COMMUNITY. COLLABORATION.

You can also visit penncovebrewing.com/events

THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF OUR TEAM AND GUESTS IS OUR TOP PRIORITY EVERY DAY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! WINTER 2023–2024 9 Made with

by Popmenu

made to appear as it would have in the late 1920s or early 1930s.

Bob Grimm, Gayle Whitsell, and Ken Williams traveled to Olympia early in 1995 and worked to get the house placed on the State Register of Historic Places. State Historic Preser vation Of ficer, Mar y M. Thompson, informed then-mayor, Diana Hale, in February of 1995 that the report on the house had been reviewed and sent to the National

Travel Back in Time at the Grimm House

T

he Grimm House, one of the

and waited patiently for the Society

oldest structures in Lake

to raise the funds needed to move

Stevens, was built around

the building.

1903 as one of several homes for the Rucker Mill’s middle management group. One of these was Paul Grimm, a master mechanic and millwright superintendent at the Mill.

Even though it had been vacant for a number of years, in 1988 Gayle and Anne Whitsell saw the run-down house as a unique opportunity to preserve a part of our past, providing present and future community members a tangible reminder of the

On June 19, 1996, the move occurred.

With people cheering along the two-block route to the house’s new location, the mover eased the house

Register Branch of the National Park Service in Washington, D.C., with a recommendation that it be listed in the National Register of Historic Places, which it was a short while later.

25 years after its first move, the Grimm House was on the move again to accommodate the new civic center and upgraded North Cove Park.

The Grimm House was placed in its current location across from the Lake Stevens War Memorial, and adjacent to the plot that is slated to become a

from its 93-year-old place atop a knoll

new Lake Stevens Historical Museum.

and headed south down Main Street;

The Grimm House provides an

the move came off without a hitch.

opportunity for the Lake Stevens

The move cost the Historical Society

Historical Society to showcase the

about $6,000.

history and many artifacts from

One of those on hand was Bob Grimm, who was born in the house in 1917, was

Lake Steven’s past while they await the new museum. It is typically open when special events and the Farmers

town’s historic beginnings. The house,

raised there, and graduated from Lake

which was owned at that point by the

Stevens High School in 1935. He was

town’s first mayor Bill Hawkins, was

very pleased that the home would be

This article is edited and adapted from

donated to the Lake Stevens Historical

preserved and was able to relay many

postings by the Lake Stevens Historical

Society. Frank and Gary McDaniel

details about the house that helped

Society. Please visit their Facebook

bought the land next to the Historical

in its restoration, such as floor plan,

page at https://www.facebook.com/

Museum that was under construction

color, and type of furnishings. It was

Lakestevenshistoricalmuseum.

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SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

Market happen in North Cove Park.

Lake Stevens Historical Society

Lake Stevens Water Tower: Recalling the Past with a Modern Twist

L

ake Stevens’ original water

the City of Lake Stevens put out

tower was built in 1907 at the

the call for a sculpture designer.

Rucker Brothers Mill. The

Powers was awarded the project

Rucker Brothers Mill was once

and created the new art piece to

central to the town’s industry.

celebrate the original tower that is a

The original tower provided water

big part of Lake Stevens’ history. The

necessary to run the stream-

25-foot-tall water tower art piece

powered mill and to help with fire suppression, not for drinking.

The water tower was torn down in 1947 by private landowners to make room for homesites and a post office.

is Powers’ take on the historic landmark, but with a modern twist.

At night, the sky-blue panels at the top will light up from the inside.

Lights will also shine down the tower’s silver-gray legs. After two

The Lake Stevens Water Tower

years of hard work, a ribbon cutting

replica was designed and built

was held in July 2023 at North Cove

by metal sculptor, Joe Powers, a

Park, the final home of the Lake

local artist from Machias. In 2021,

Stevens Water Tower.

WINTER 2023–2024

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K

EVENS

LA

E

ST

The Mill on Lake Stevens is a multi-use building located in the heart of Old Town Lake Stevens, at North Cove Park. As you walk around the beautiful building you will see many of these historical pieces built into the landscape.

STOP #1

The Lake Stevens Fire Ball In 1994, an aerator was installed in the middle of Lake Stevens to improve lake quality. After removing the aerator system in 2016 and 2017, two city employees turned one of the leftover steel buoys into this work of art. You may see the Fire Ball lit during events and festivals at the Mill in downtown Lake Stevens.

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SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

STOP #2

Crescent Band Saw a gameIn 1905, this Crescent band saw was a Ford flat by ered pow be to d fitte changer, retro ber Mill Lum in head engine and used at the Nord lumber the of e som , in Lake Stevens. Around 1920 build to used was saw band the that was cut with d today. stan still that ens Stev Lake nd arou homes

STOP #3

Vaughan Drag Saw Manufactured by the Harsch Machine Works of Portland, Oregon, the Vaughan drag saw came to the market in 1909. The Vaughan drag saw was the earliest of the relatively lightweight two-stroke cycle units to be marketed for use in the timber industry.

STOP #4

G & R Mill Pump Since 1933, the GormanRupp Company has be en in operation, and create d what they called, “the most simple self-priming pump ever developed”.

This model is a heavy du ty 40M, with a 25-30 horsepower Hercules 4-c ylinder engine, weighing in at 1080 lbs. The pump was shipped from Mansfield, Ohio to Seattle , Washington in 1944.

STOP #5

Wagon Wheel Lastly, stop at this wagon wheel replica which is a tribute to the past ways of travel.

WINTER 2023–2024

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T

here once was a steel baron.

Born into poverty in Dunfermline,

Snohomish Carnegie Volunteers Reach an “Uncommon Goal”

Scotland, a boy named Andrew

Carnegie came to America at age twelve.

He worked hard and made money. Andrew was a bootstrapper, the self-made American archetype. By the time he sold his steel company for $250,000 in 1901 (over $9 billion in today’s money) he was the wealthiest man in the world.

Having amassed a fortune, Andrew Carnegie wanted to give back to society. A lifelong literary enthusiast, the once-poor Scottish

By Richard Porter Photos provided by Joanna Monger Photography

boy gave away his wealth, funding the construction of libraries worldwide. His libraries weren’t only for metropolitan cities either; they benefited small towns.

The steel baron had a few demands: all Carnegie libraries must have a stairway leading upward from street level to the main floor. This was symbolic, he insisted.

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SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

It was to represent the elevation of

sought after during the American Arts

self-education, the ascendance of

and Crafts Movement at the turn of

enlightenment.

the twentieth century. These hand painted tiles now fetch about $2,500

Furthermore, the books in his libraries

apiece at auctions.

had to be accessible by the public in an open forum. In most libraries of

Oversized printer’s marks stand out

the time, patrons would have to ask

boldly on the facade. These pictorial

a librarian to fetch a book on their

trademarks were once printed inside

behalf. This was not in keeping with

of books to identify publishing

Carnegie’s philosophy. He wanted

houses. The Snohomish Carnegie

his public buildings to be truly public,

is emblazoned with printer’s marks

with access to knowledge for all.

that represent St. Albans Press (English), Gerard Leen (Dutch), Denys

By the time Carnegie died in 1919 he

Janot (French) and William Caxton

had given away his fortune, having

and attractive architectural features.

bankrolled 2,500 libraries worldwide,

The building is Prairie Style, a style

spending over $1.3 billion in today’s

popularized by Frank Lloyd Wright,

dollars. Over 800 of these buildings

and considered by some experts to

once in vogue in architectural and

still stand today.

be the first truly American style of

textile motifs, as well as in wallpaper

architecture.

patterns as a sign of culture and

One of them is in Snohomish. _ There once was a book club.

The Athenaeum Club of Snohomish, Washington was an all-female civic organization dedicated to reading

Van Briggle tiles encircle the building

(English). Though not well-recognized today, these printer’s marks were

cultivated literacy.

underneath the eaves. Van Briggle

The Snohomish Carnegie was an

Pottery of Colorado Springs was the

elegant library with soft wood floors.

enterprise of Artus Van Briggle and

Upon initial opening, its shelves

his wife Anne. Their Art Nouveau-

were lined with books donated by

style pottery and tile became highly

the citizens of Snohomish. It was a

and discussing academic matters. The Athenaeum Club read about Carnegie library grants and decided to apply for one. Members gathered their private book collection and worked in conjunction with the city to provide the land and staff needed to bring a Carnegie library to the small timber town by the river. The City secured a $10,000 grant and construction began.

While most Carnegie libraries are immediately identifiable from their distinct “bones,” the Snohomish Carnegie Library sports some unique WINTER 2023–2024

15

Council appointed a group of these concerned citizens to the Snohomish Carnegie Preservation Committee.

Their mandate was to find out if the old library could be restored for use as a public space.

In 2005, the committee formed a nonprofit called the Snohomish Carnegie Foundation (SCF). They worked for fifteen years to restore the building, raising capital for the project via two large grants from the Washington State Legislature and City funds. They even secured a FEMA grant to seismically retrofit the building, upgrade water and sewer lines, and add a new tiled roof.

Melody and the SCF volunteers contracted a Seattle-based vendor for the restoration work. BOLA Architects & Preservation worked to strip the facade, revealing the old tiles and printer’s marks. They rebuilt the grand entryway and brought the building up to code by adding another exit, bathrooms, and an ADA lift. They temple of literacy and democracy.

The Carnegie library wasn’t as elegant

pulled up the carpet to reveal the

And it looked, well... pretty darn good.

as it had once been. The soft fir was

old fir floors, sanded them down,

covered in carpet. Population growth

and stained them an attractive dark

prompted the addition of a library

walnut color.

annex in 1968. The annex was hastily

And that old annex? It was demolished

_ There once was a volunteer.

Melody Clemons stood outside the Carnegie library in 2002 as the city held a public forum to discuss the future of the old building. The city’s

built to meet demand for more space but was aesthetically unpleasing at best. By 2002 the structure was leaking from the ceiling.

in about six hours.

Through truly random and benevolent circumstances, the SCF also received a donated vintage crystal chandelier

new library was about to open and

Melody and other citizen activists

that originally hung in the Everett

now the fate of the century-old

lobbied the City to preserve the

Carnegie Library. During the Covid

edifice at the corner of Cedar Avenue

original library. After a series of

era, SCF volunteers masked up

and Pearl Street hung in the balance.

meetings, the Snohomish City

and had an all-day work party to

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SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

who believed in societal edification through democratic access to information. It branded its stately institution with printer’s marks; making a declaration of their shared literary values.

Over a hundred years later, that same community came together to restore a public asset so that all would benefit from a common, aesthetically pleasing and historical place.

That’s a story worth telling. painstakingly clean the cr ystal

from weddings to wine tastings,

“Teamwork is the ability to work

European chandelier, valued at an

book launches and art galleries, and

toward a common vision. It is the

estimated $45,000.

cultural celebrations like Holi.

fuel that allows people to attain

By 2020, the Carnegie Building was

M e l o d y C l e m o ns , S n o h o m is h

completely restored to the tune of

Carnegie Foundation president, is

__

over $2 million. The structure was now

proud of her work. “There never was

retrofitted with wifi, a big screen tv,

A big thanks to volunteers Melody

a moment when I thought it wouldn’t

and fresh paint. It was durable enough

Clemons, Mac Bates, and Terry

get done,” she says. Her eyes mist up

Lippincot t for their time and

a bit and she continues, “Every time

knowledge. Seasonal tours of the

In May 2021 the restored Snohomish

I walk by, it’s an inspiration.”

Snohomish Carnegie are hosted by

Carnegie was again opened to the

_

to last at least another 100 years.

public for tours and event rentals.

That year the building won the Valerie Sivinski Award, which honors outstanding restoration projects in

uncommon goals.” - Andrew Carnegie

the Snohomish Carnegie Foundation on Thursdays between 3:00-7:00 p.m.

There once was a community that

105 Cedar Avenue. Learn more about

banded together to collect books

renting the Carnegie on the City of

to create a library. It was a people

Snohomish website.

Washington State.

The story of the Snohomish Carnegie

Body Therapeutic Healing Center

is one of a city government partnering

117 W. Main Street, Monroe WA

with a nonprof it organization

Hellerwork Structural Integration Bodywork Injury Treatment / Lymphatic Drainage Occupational Therapy / Insurance Accepted

to restore a civic asset for the community. Today, the Snohomish

Also Featuring

Carnegie can be rented for events

Massage Therapy by Michelle Taylor, LMP, Wellness Rising Within Colleen Barker - Energy Healing

at a reasonable rate, and even

Janaki Rose. OTR/L

offers discounts for nonprofit organizations. It’s once again a hub for the community, hosting everything

Stress & Tension

Relaxed Balance

360-863-2701 or 206-799-6771 Monroe, Index and Seattle

WINTER 2023–2024

17

Spooky Snohomish

W

hether you’re a diehard

visit to the Oxford by the Washington

within the walls of this historic home.

ghost chaser or just

State Ghost Society, ghost hunters

Today, the building is home to the

intrigued by historic

said they sensed a male entity on the

Snohomish Historical Society, which

haunts, the fall and winter seasons

main floor and in a basement storage

is worth a visit even if you don’t

are a great time to check out some

room. The back of the menu provides

encounter any spirits.

of Snohomish’s more notable

a brief history of the establishment

haunted places.

and the area.

One of the most famous haunted

Another eerie spot is the Blackman

Carnegie Building (105 Cedar Avenue)

locations in Snohomish is the Oxford

House Museum (118 Avenue B), a

is one of 32 Carnegie libraries left in

Saloon (913 First Street). Built in 1900,

Victorian mansion built in 1878.

the state. Residents, former library

this former brothel turned bar is

Visitors have claimed to hear

patrons, and some city staff report

rumored to be haunted by the ghosts

disembodied voices, footsteps,

hearing footsteps or seeing someone

of its past inhabitants. Patrons have

and have felt a ghostly presence in

peering through the windows. It is

reported strange occurrences, such

certain rooms. Some believe that

believed that the building is haunted

as unexplained whispers and objects

the spirits of the Blackman family,

by Catherine McMurchy, who served

moving on their own. During a 2007

who once resided there, still linger

as a librarian there from 1923 to

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SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

Built in 1909 and lovingly restored from 2020-2021, the Snohomish

1939. Some believed she haunted the library because she was buried without a tombstone, an error later corrected when a tombstone that reads “Cherished Snohomish Librarian” was erected at her burial site. Despite those efforts, mysterious sounds and unpredictable issues with modern amenities – such as the elevator and technology systems – continue to plague the Snohomish Carnegie Building.

So, next time you’re in Snohomish, take a stroll through historic downtown. These haunted places are sure to send shivers down your spine on a chilly evening.

WINTER 2023–2024

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Sweater Weather Fun in Snohomish

S

nohomish makes magic out of

FALL IN LOVE WITH SNOHOMISH

Family Farm (www.baileyveg.com)

every season! Fall and winter

Agritourism is big in the Snohomish

through October. The pumpkin patch

are perfect for cozying up

River Valley. Farms, some of which

at Craven Farm (www.cravenfarm.

with friends and family, whether in

have been in the same family for

com ) was named the best of

the afternoon glow of the valley or

generations, have been repurposed

Snohomish County in 2022 by Daily

nighttime twinkle of downtown. With

for all kinds of events. Pick your own

Herald readers, but that’s not all for

a lively events scene, Snohomish has

produce – corn, apples, fall squash,

you to enjoy – fire pits and barn rooms

a little something for everyone.

pumpkins, and gourds – at Bailey

are available for rent as well. At Swans Trail Farms (www.swanstrailfarms.

com), get lost in Washington history – literally! The Washington State Corn Maze is fun and educational.

Bob’s Corn & Pumpkin Farm (www.

bobscorn.com) boasts a wide variety of activities during their fall festival, such as hayrides, corn mazes, and gem mining. Looking for something a little more low-key? Check out the country store, open every day through October. Fall is also a busy time for Thomas Family Farm (www.

thomasfamilyfarm.com), which has 20

SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

something for everyone – watch live sports in the barn, chill out in the beer garden, or try your luck at zombie paintball. You can also get plenty of scares in at Stocker Farms (www.

stockerfarms.com), which goes from quaint to terrifying as soon as the sun goes down. They don’t call it “Stalker Farms” for nothing!

Hours, activities, and prices vary – so check online before planning your perfect fall day in Snohomish.

SNOHOMISH SPARKLES THIS WINTER Sure, it’s cliché, but we’ll say it: Snohomish is like something out of a Christmas movie. The Space 802 Holiday Festival (802 First Street,

Snohomish Sparkles – the annual tree

tree lights up for the first time and be

lighting. Snohomish is at its best when

there when Santa arrives for pictures.

the community comes together, and

The weather may be cold, but your

what better time than the holidays?

heart will warm right up after a cheery

Watch in awe as the city’s Christmas

night in Snohomish.

December 1 – 2), is the newest holiday event in town. Grab seasonal favorites like roasted chestnuts or hot cocoa and peruse the makers market in search of the perfect gift for that special someone. Beer and spirits served out of a vintage trailer add that antique touch Snohomish is so well-known for.

Winterfest 2023: Miracle on First Street (305 Cedar Avenue, December 8 – 10) is fun for the whole family.

Get in the holiday spirit by checking out the igloo village or singing along with carolers. A wine walk through historic downtown Snohomish is another great opportunity to get some shopping done.

In town for Thanksgiving? Join us at the Snohomish Carnegie (305 Cedar Avenue) on Friday, November 24 for WINTER 2023–2024

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SN

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HO

MISH

See Snohomish in a new light as you wander our historic downtown in search of public art and historic landmarks. This walk, about a half a mile in length, is a great way to stretch your legs.

Grab some good coffee and some good company and see what makes downtown so special.

STOP #2:

American Legion Mural 1201 First Street Painted by Monroe artist David Hose, this 10-foot-tall, 30-foot-long war memorial mural includes six scenes dating from World War I to Iraq and Afghanistan.

STOP #1:

“Cadyville” viewer to transport the 1411 First Street uses perspective r rte Po l nie y.

Da dr This mural by xt to the iron foun omish Railroad ne down the old Snoh

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SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

STOP #3:

Avenue C Mural 1200 First Street The Avenue C Mural is maintained by the Historic Downtown Snohomish Association and changes every year. What’s next for the mural? You’ll have to stop by to find out!

STOP #5:

“Construction of a Skid Road in the 80s” 116 Union Avenue Swing by Snohomish City Hall on Tuesday or Wednesday to check out this 1940 mural depicting early logging in Snohomish. The mural was created by Lance Wood Hart, an accomplished landscape and portrait artist, when the building was a post office.

STOP #4:

Rolling Pin Woman 101 Union Avenue Designed and crafted by local artist Jesse Purdom of Pacific Metal Arts, she’s 12 feet of solid metal woman – and kinetic! Watch her roll her pin across the table.

STOP #6:

The Log 205 Cedar Avenue from a Douglas fir felled in 1940. The This 12-foot, 5-inch diameter log is s old when it was cut down. tree was estimated to be 620 year

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T

he town of Monroe, Washington has always been home to resourceful, community-minded folk.

Monroe: The Spirit of a Community

It began with the native Snohomish tribes who

stewarded this river valley. They cultivated the prairie by setting strategic fires and cutting wood. This cultivation opened up the land, creating space in the forest so that hazelnuts and assorted berries could thrive for easy foraging.

This river valley was special to the tribes. They called the area at the confluence of the Skykomish and Snoqualmie “squa’lxo” or “the meeting of two rivers.” Early immigrants

Preface: The City of Monroe comprises two former

heard this name as Tualco, which remains the name of the

settlements of Park Place and Tye City. In 1902 they

lush farmland on the south side of town.

unified under the moniker of “Monroe” (population 325) in a nod to the fifth president of the United States. When

Monroe is a town that’s exceptional among other towns in

I talk about Monroe in this article, I’m referring to the

the Skykomish Valley in that its existence wasn’t the result

modern municipal area as a whole.

of a wild speculative boom. The growth of the city has been a gradual transition from logging and homesteading to a

By Richard Porter Photos provided by Monroe Historical Society

farming economy, then from agriculture to a bedroom community. The history books don’t tell of money grabs, but rather networks of mutual aid among its residents.

The following are historical examples of the mutual aid support in Monroe.

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SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

THE LEWIS STREET BRIDGE In the beginning, the Tualco Valley was separated from Tye City, cut off by the Snohomish River. The Pattinson Ferry connected the southern part of the city to the northern part, hence

grand opening took the form of a

The party was complete with several

community gala. Workers laid fine

barrels of beer and boxing matches.

lumber over the planks of the main span and waxed the wood. They hung

They say that many hands make

evergreen garlands and lanterns from

light work. But when it came to early

the superstructure. A dancefloor!

infrastructure, even large labor crews

the name for the current Ferry Street downtown. This was an inconvenient solution at best for farmers and many complained about paying a high fare for basic transportation.

In 1893 the city signed a contract to build a bridge across the Skykomish.

This was hard work -- men broke up stone from the hillside near High Rock and hauled it across the valley in sleds.

Throughout two years of hard labor and the Panic of 1893, crews toiled over the rolling waters, often without pay and despite a weak economy.

These workers banded together, contributing communal meals to their fellow workmen. All ate, and all worked. Together, the workmen finished the first Lewis Street Bridge in 1895: a wood and steel structure 300 feet long and 20 feet high. The WINTER 2023–2024

25

had their work cut out for them. Only through a unified vision and dedication was the first of several Lewis Street Bridges built.

COUNTY FARM AND HOSPITAL In 1893 the Snohomish County government established the County Farm and Hospital. Locally known as the Poor Farm, this beacon of social aid was built on the western edge of town, just south of where the Evergreen State Fairgrounds now stands. During an economic depression, the property provided land for people to cultivate crops to feed themselves and others in exchange for room and board. Today the EvergreenHealth Hospital stands in its

Lyrics by Tim Rice Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber

place, still providing aid for community members.

ABOUT THAT SMOKESTACK...

In 1908 the Monroe Commercial Club saw an opportunity to take advantage of Monroe’s lush farmlands in order to benefit the town.

November

The Commercial Club united local dairy farmers and

3,4,10,11 7:30pm 4,5,11,12 2:00pm

raised six thousand dollars to buy land. They built the Carnation Condensery, and a two-story factory 110 feet wide and 220 feet long. The plant processed milk from 5,000 local cows, shipping 26 carloads of condensed milk Tickets online or at the door Skyperformingarts.org

every month by rail.

A towering concrete smokestack went up in 1919. It was

Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of The Really Useful Group www.concordtheatricals.com Made possible in part by assistance from the City of Monroe Hotel-Motel Tax Fund: https://www.monroewa.gov/

150 feet tall and 11 feet in diameter. The smokestack remains the only standing part of the factory after the plant spontaneously combusted in 1944.

Today the smokestack towers as a city icon, catching the eyes of motorists on State Route 2.

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SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

THE UNIVERSITY OF ANOTHER CHANCE In 1907 construction began on the Washington State Reformatory. Inmates literally built a prison of their own, made out of locally harvested timber. They used mud from the nearby river to turn out 15,000 bricks a day. It took them three years to complete the sprawling hilltop complex and a stately superintendent’s mansion.

The reformatory was intended as a place for inmates to be literally reformed through hard labor, including work on the “Honor Farm” in Tualco Valley. Prison officials dubbed the facility “The University of Another Chance,” and the community wanted to provide the prisoners with positive social interaction. Community members joined inmates to enjoy musicals, dramas, and sports. Baseball games played between free community members and inmates were a common Sunday occurrence.

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Johnny Cash visited the reformatory

crates of iced lettuce annually. These

on June 25, 1971. He dedicated the

were sent by rail to markets as far east

song “Man in Black” to the inmates.

as New York and Boston.

Monroe’s own “Folsom Prison Blues.”

Completed in 1910, the reformatory is the second oldest prison in the state.

TURNING LETTUCE INTO PUBLIC ART

drained, leveled and seeded a 300-

Federal Writers’ Project (FWP). The

acre tract just west of Monroe. He built

guidebook is a rare and out of print

a $65,000 ice plant that produced

gem: a snapshot of Washington State

neighborhood with cul-de-sacs and

Charles Frye wasn’t without a kindly

tract housing. The area is named after

streak himself. When he died in 1940,

Charles Frye, who operated a large

he bequeathed his private collection

lettuce farm on the land.

aid comes from the Washington State Guidebook, courtesy of the

worked to expand his business.

the Fr yela nds as a suburba n

One final story of historic mutual

Charles Frye and company trenched,

50 tons of ice a day. Frye continually

Modern Monroe residents know

“ABUNDANCE, NOT SCARCITY.”

of 252 paintings to the public. The

Over 100 years ago, field hands planted

Frye Art Museum opened to all with

and harvested 110 acres of produce

free admission in 1952 on Seattle’s

here, cultivating and shipping 45,000

First Hill. It’s still open today.

in granular detail, as produced by federally-employed writers during the Great Depression.

The entry for Monroe mentions the Self-Help Co-operative of Monroe.

During lean times, co-op owners banded together to run a cannery, a woodyard, and distributing agency.

These allied workers labored for the benefit of all under the following principles: “The present depression is one of abundance, not scarcity” and “God created the natural wealth of the earth for all men, not of a few.”

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a place of Kiwanis car washes, church carols at the nursing home, and little league fundraisers.

This resourcefulness and cooperation is the natural outcome of living on the edge of what was once a frontier.

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SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

This is the through-line that sustained the town for over a century and a half, from homesteaders to lettuce pickers and from workers on the poor farm to community-minded suburbanites.

This is the very essence of Monroe. __ Further reading: “Early Monroe” by Dexter Taylor, “The Fr ye Lettuce Farm” and “Early Park Place 1890-1935” by Bill Wojciechowski Visit the Monroe Historical Society & Museum on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 12:00-3:00 p.m.

207 East Main Street.

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Preserving Part of Monroe’s History

T

wo historical homes

veteran named Siralpha Abel Buck,

known as the “Buck

who had one of the first saw and

Houses” have been part

shingle mills on the Skykomish River.

of the community for more

Buck Island is named after him, and

than 120 years. These historical

he started one of the first water

houses were built by a Civil War

systems in Monroe. These houses currently reside on Ann Street and are some of the oldest houses still standing in Monroe.

Fun Fact: The land on Ann Street is owned by a developer who is willing to let these houses go for free, to anyone able to move the houses to another location. Contact the Historical Society if you, or anyone you know, is interested in this rare opportunity.

30

SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

Other sculptures and monuments within the city include: • American Legion Memorial Beneath the flagpole at Lake Tye Park • Guardian of the Mountain Pass

By Milo White and Jay Bowen SE corner of Main and Lewis Streets, Monroe, WA • Kaci at the Bat NE Corner of Synthetic Turf Field at Lake Tye Park • Storm Patterns

By Gloria Bornstein Lake Tye Park, Monroe WA • Wagner Swifts

By Kevin Edwin Pettelle NW corner of Main and Lewis Streets, Monroe WA

Honoring Art Throughout Monroe

M

onroe boasts unique art

who tasked the students with creating

and sculptures throughout

art that captured the elements of the

the city. In one particular

area’s rural landscape.

instance, you will quite literally see engraved history on the tiles scaling the museum wall located at the Historical Society Museum.

Students handmade the clay tiles during the 1993 – 1994 school year and Fairfax personally fired them in a kiln. Then, Fairfax and other members

Aimed at beautifying Monroe’s

of the Sky Valley Artists Guild, an art

downtown business district in a

advocacy nonprofit that operated in

unique way, the Tile Project used

Monroe at the time, used buckets of

original art created by 5th grade

grout and affixed nearly 400 6-inch

students from the Monroe School

by 6-inch clay tiles to the lower wall

District and was funded with

of the museum, which also happens

sponsorships and donations from

to be the original Monroe City Hall.

local families and businesses. The

The project was completed in time

effort was spearheaded by Sky Valley

for the Monroe Fair Days Parade on

Artists Guild member Bob Fairfax,

August 27, 1994.

WINTER 2023–2024

31

M

O

NR

OE

Step into the past on Historic Main Street, where we compare current to historical views. For a more extensive tour, stop by the Monroe Historical Society to pick up a Self-Guided Historic Walking Tour flyer.

STOP #1:

207 East Main Street Then: This two-story brick building built in 1908 was the original City Hall and home to the town’s Police and Fire Department. Now: Monroe Historical Society & Museum calls this historical building home.

STOP #2:

West Main Street ety & Museum, As you leave Monroe Historical Soci ole. flagp the rds towa pause and look West et Stre Main Then: 1920

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SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

STOP #3:

Main Street Main Street looking Eas t. Check out the conde nsery smokestack still standing in the background. The n: 1910 with a parade marching down the center of the street .

STOP #4:

rsection East Main Street & Lewis Street Inte e, and look East. paus As you safely cross Lewis Street, Main was once a dirt road. and is Lew of Then: The cross section

STOP #5:

West Main Street As you are walking East on Main Street pause before crossing Blakeley Street to compare the view. Then: 1920

STOP #6:

126 West Main Street Then: This historical photo shows the original Stephens Hospital built in 1903. It served as a hospital until 1939 when it was converted to apartment s by Dr. Allison. Now: Today, the building is known as the Allison Apartments.

STOP #8:

STOP #7:

West Main Street, West Fremont Street & South Blakeley Street Then: This 1925 view showcases the unique, triangle shaped Hallan Building. Now: Still actively used today by retailers and shoppers.

Main Street Flag Pole As you come to the end of Main Street stop and look East for a closeup of the flagpole in the center of Main Street looking East.

Then: In 1918 the 155’ tall flagpole was installed at the West end of downtown Monroe in the center of Main Street.

WINTER 2023–2024

33

University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections, WAS0998 UW1520, UW8825

A

s we delve into the history of this Pacific

Rivers, Rail, & Roads: The Shaping of the Sky Valley Acknowledging Our Roots, Embracing the Future

Northwest River valley, it’s essential to begin by acknowledging the land and the Snohomish and

Skykomish Peoples, who have stewarded this valley for generations. Their deep and intimate cultivation of the terrain and sustainable practices have helped maintain the landscape and waterways we love and appreciate today.

We pay homage to their legacy and their vital role in shaping the history of the Upper Sky Valley.

NAVIGATING THE WATERS - THE ROLE OF RIVERS IN SHAPING THE VALLEY’S HISTORY For centuries, the Skykomish and Sultan rivers served as a lifeline and a transportation thruway for native communities. It sustained their way of life by providing salmon and facilitated tribal trade and communication.

By Richard Porter

However, as the Skykomish River Valley began to fill with modern settlement and industry, the area’s relative isolation posed challenges for residents seeking to connect with the broader world.

34

SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

Trail along the Sultan River and envision what it might have been like all those years ago.

FORGING AHEAD - THE IRON GOAT ERA AND THE ARRIVAL OF RAILROADS Then, the Iron Goat came to town. In the late 1800s, the Great Northern Railroad was a powerful agent of change in this once-remote valley. The University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections, PIC1652 Pickett 5289

name “Iron Goat” refers to the insignia of the Great Northern: a sturdy-

The landscape of the 1800s was

from kayaking, fishing, and outdoor

impressive in its raw grandeur. In early

adventures. The riverway yields

looking mountain goat symbolic of

Sultan, the evergreen trees were so

peace as you experience the Osprey,

the power and mountainside agility of

thick and tall that residents had to

Eagles, Fish, and wildlife thriving

the locomotives that charged through

light lamps at 3 p.m. every evening.

along the riverways. Follow Susie’s

the forests.

The Sultan River had yet to be dammed for a reservoir. It roared with water during the rainy months. Early accounts tell us that salmon runs so thick that residents could practically walk across the river on the backs of fish. Nature provided ample food; it

Sultan-Sky Valley Information Center Cascade Loop Visitor Information Stop and Experts On All Things Sky Valley!

was a wild land of abundance.

A turning point came with the i n n ova ti ve h a r n e s s i n g o f th e river’s power for transportation.

S te a m b o a t s fe r r i e d b u i l d i n g supplies and food to Sultan from Snohomish through the Snohomish and Skykomish Rivers. This riversas-roadways development marked a pivotal moment in the valley’s history, driving settlement, economic growth, and cultural exchange.

The salmon and waterways today play an integral part in the recreation and beauty surrounding the area,

p Pick U ee r Your F g Hi k i n Guide

skyvalleychamber.com/visit 320 Main Street, Sultan • (360) 793-0983 WINTER 2023–2024

35

the remote outpost of Wellington, Washington, was the site of a lethal avalanche. Today, visitors can walk among the snow sheds, which are all left of the now-vanished Great Northern railroad line in this neck of the woods.

University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections, PIC0259 Pickett 1755

The railways brought in workers,

of the railroad era through guided

both as track layers and in the form

tours of the depot and a ride on a

of the loggers and millers needed to

functional model train.

generate raw building materials. Sultan and Gold Bar became basecamps for the men who built the railways, transforming these communities into self-sustaining economies. Pool halls, grocers, schools, and railway depots sprung up from these riverside encampments. Some of this historic infrastructure exists today, inviting visitors to glimpse old timber buildings constructed of lath and plaster, handhewn floorboards, and brick facades.

With the advent of railroads, these pioneers of progress carved through the forests and mountains, physically

PAVING PATHWAYS - THE EVOLUTION OF SKY VALLEY ROADS Modern roads were the last form of connective transportation in the

Train-curious tourists can also walk

Skykomish River Valley. Today, State

the Iron Goat Trail. The trailhead is

Route 2 acts as the region’s backbone,

located off State Route 2, right before

ushering motorists on a smooth path

Stevens Pass. The gentle 5.5-mile path

that gently winds between the blue-

guides hikers through the history of

green Skykomish River and towering

the local railway system. Signage tells

peaks shrouded in snow and mist.

the story of the locomotives and the

Drivers can also glimpse rusted, river-

rugged men who worked them, and a

spanning railroad trestles -- some

vintage caboose in pristine condition

abandoned, some still in use. Cruising

gives viewers a clear vision of the

along 60 miles per hour on smooth

transportation of yesteryear.

asphalt, it’s easy to appreciate easy

The Iron Goat Trail also reveals

access to the valley’s treasures.

the tragic past of the Wellington

The evolution of local byways has

train disaster. Now a ghost town,

been a testament to human ingenuity.

connecting the Skykomish River Valley to the outside world, especially to the markets of the eastern U.S. This era brought about an industrial and agricultural boom, permanently reshaping the region.

The historic train depot in Skykomish remains an architectural memorial to this age of the rails, telling its tale of the past. Today, visitors to the Great Northern and Cascade Railroad Museum in Skykomish (101 5th St N, Skykomish, WA 98288)​​can step back in time, experiencing the excitement 36

SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections, PIC0842 Pickett 1567

State Route 2 began as little more

the forest to a pristine waterfall, a

than mucky road segments between

historic fire lookout, or a glacial lake

nascent municipalities. Deforested

that offers an inspiring glimpse into

Pacific Northwest soil quickly turned

the natural beauty of the Skykomish

to mud, making traveling hard for

River Valley.

motor vehicles. George Startup (for whom the town of Startup is named) formed a coalition in the early 20th

THIS IS OUR STORY - THE VALUE OF CULTURAL CONTINUITY

century to improve these road

The journey of this Pacific Northwest

segments. His advocacy resulted in a

river valley from historical isolation

smoother, well-maintained roadway

to modern integration is a story of

that prefigured the modern interstate.

resilience, innovation, and growth.

Overcoming multiple river crossings

We gain valuable insights into

and a mountain pass, State Route

building a sustainable future by

2 bridged gaps and facilitated

commemorating the Snohomish

movement between Sultan, Startup,

people and learning from their

University of Washington Libraries,

Gold Bar, and beyond. Today, the

relationship with the rivers and land.

Special Collections, PIC0178, Pickett 1419

Heritage tourist destinations like the

Visit to touch, see, and learn about

Great Northern & Cascade Railway

remnants of our past and appreciate

Museum in Skykomish or the logging

the beauty of this region’s history.

highway runs over 2,000 miles east to St. Ignace, Michigan, providing a route for interstate commerce and sightseeing.

contests at the Sultan Shindig act as a

Touch the Index Town Wall. Watch

State Route 2 played a vital role in

bridge between the past and present.

shaping the modern Sky Valley society

They allow us to celebrate our

and economy we know today. Tourists

collective history of logging, fishing,

now have the opportunity to embark

and railroads while discovering how

on a historical road trip, tracing past

these values and rituals translate

pathways and discovering the charm

into the modern world, creating

One thing remains the same: the

of local towns along the way.

the cultural continuity that is the

Skykomish River Valley is always

cornerstone of our community.

inspiring to explore.

Enjoy a road trip! Experience roadside attractions like Espresso Chalet (home of Bigfoot), farm stands, the Reptile Zoo, Wayside Chapel, and

salmon in the shallows. Photograph the iconic river trestles. Breath in the air and listen to the rush of the waters.

This is our story.

Foxtrot Fencing

Bridal Veil Falls. Or pull off at one of many trailheads or forest roads for hiking opportunities. Take Reiter Road to experience a piece of the old highway winding its way along the Reiter Foothills Forest, Skykomish River, and coming to the base of the Index Town wall. Take a trek through

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Bringing History Forward— The Wayside Chapel

T

he tiny Wayside Chapel on

with a stop by the Chapel to ask for

the building. None of them knew about

highway 2 was built and “Safe Journeys”. Everyone is welcome!

the other plans. Many say that it was all

dedicated on October 12, 1962

part of a divine plan they were destined

by New Hope Fellowship on land

donated by Mrs. Hilkeline, the same year that Seattle was hosting the

The little chapel was definitely showing age and wear when local folks stepped up to give it a facelift.

to play a role in. One thing was for sure, they were determined to do what they could to complete the renovation of

World’s Fair. Since that time weary

It all began when an elder from the

travelers have taken advantage

New Hope Fellowship Church decided

of the invitation to “Pause, Rest

to remove and restore the pews and

At first, the renovation only included

and Worship.” It’s been the center

pulpit. Then an Eagle Scout candidate

new paint, windows and a sign repair.

of various impor tant moments

named Michael Durkee designed an

Over time, through the support of

including weddings, vow renewals,

improvement plan at the exact same

several local businesses, over 100

and proposals. Many families have

time Gold Bar resident Curtis Kimble

donations were received and several

begun their annual summer road trip

began a fundraising campaign to save

other locals offered labor and expertise.

38

SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

this regional landmark.

Some of the repairs included a new concrete foundation, new flooring, electrical upgrades, refinished pews, paint inside and out, trimming of a 125’ tree, a new asphalt parking lot will be put in, new highway sign, gutters installed, the door restored and even a birdhouse repainted! One by-chance opportunity was when the old steeple, thought to be lost several years ago, was found by a passer-by who said he had been saving it since it blew off in a storm. It has since been repaired and reattached to the building once again.

The Wayside Chapel stands proudly waiting to welcome you and to wish you Health, Happiness and Safe Journeys.

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WINTER 2023–2024

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University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections, PIC0710, Pickett 1826

Shifts in Time – Main Street in Sultan

M

any of the towns along the

to this. When John Nailor arrived in

Many buildings from that initial boom

Stevens Pass Greenway have

the Native American fishing village

town from 1892-1910 are long gone,

reminders of the years when

along the Sultan River at the end of

but a few remain on Main Street in

the first prospectors arrived along

the 19th century, he quickly realized

Sultan, reminding locals and visitors

the rivers in search of gold and iron

that the lumber and mining trades

of our town’s history.

ore seams. Sultan was no exception

would be established in the area.

The oldest of these is 401 Main Street; this two-story building was built in 1892, originally possibly a house of ill repute, with a saloon downstairs and ladies in the small apartments upstairs, moved to its current location and had one-story additions added in 1896 by Wagner. The building became a mercantile, general store, and meat market. Wagner boasted a covered walkway and passages between the stores to keep you from getting wet and walking in the mud when shopping—an early version of a

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SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

hotels, and schools came with the river steamboats and the establishment of roads. In 1905, Sultan became a city named after a local native leader, “Chief T’sulted,” nicknamed by the locals as Sultan John.

The Sky Valley Chamber offices and Visitor Information Center, at 320 Main Street, was the first bank in the Sky Valley. Operating University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections, PIC0651 Pickett 3908

shopping complex or megastore. The

days during the holidays and become

additional buildings are now part of

holiday central for the Sky Valley.

the live music stage at Kiss the Sky Books and the Flat Iron Gallery (403406 Main Street). During the building renovation, Jim Tinney, the owner of

as a bank until the late 1980s, the bank had some history of note. In 1927, it was the site of the only law enforcement officer ever killed in

The village and town grew from the

the line of duty in Sultan. Marshal

turn of the 19th century to the 20th

Percy Brewster had apprehended

century. The bank, telegraph office,

Edward Sickles on suspicion of bank

Kiss the Sky Books, took the structure to its bones, finding reminders of its origins. From stage coach schedules, a five-dollar gold coin, one-inch thick rough-sawn douglas fir under the lathe and plaster, evidence of speakeasy, secret passageways, and the original floors with the pocking from the cork boots commonly worn by loggers then. Now, a book, coffee, and live music venue, murals cover the walls, and the paint doesn’t stay on the 120-year-old siding. If you catch him on the right day, Jim will happily share images of the treasures and restoration process.

Next door, The Flat Iron Gallery is a beloved gift shop owned by Susan Greene, a local icon. The shop has everything from towels, furniture, gifts, baby blankets, hats, and gloves.

Flame-Grilled Burgers 100% sustainably-sourced beef patties Cooked fresh when you order them

Old Fashion Hand-Scooped Milk Shakes Choose from dozens of flavors Create your own favorite combination

Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Smoked for 24 hours over real hardwood Delicious with or without our house-made sauces Our Double Bacon Cheeseburger

31724 US 2, SULTAN WA 98294

They host customer appreciation WINTER 2023–2024

41

University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections, PIC0909, Pickett 3958

robbery when a shootout on Main

the Sky Valley Chamber and the

the construction of a ramp and an

Street broke out, killing Marshal

City of Sultan established the

accessible restroom. The scars of

Brewster. The bank became a local

Visitor Information Center.

where the vault had been removed

cooperative bank during the great

Renovations began on the building

depression, keeping farms and

by filling the dirt-floored back room

locals from losing all. Eventually,

initially used for parking the horse-

it became a Seafirst bank. In 2005,

drawn fire wagon. That allowed

years prior are visible in the brick painted over, windows were redone, and hundreds of hours of work poured into creating the space you see today. One of the renovation’s highlights was the installation of a model railroad that runs around the ceiling, crossing the trestle over the porch and back inside.

The Visitor Information Center welcomes hundreds of guests annually and features information from all over Washington State. Stop by to hear local historical stories, pick up a free hiking guide and other information about all the fantastic Sky Valley’s excellent outdoor recreational

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opportunities, and learn about the nationally recognized Cascade Loop Scenic Byway.

Two doors west at 310 Main Street, the old brick telegraph building has been lovingly restored to brick and iron. It boasts the tasting room of Curtson Distillery, a small-batch distiller of whiskey-style specialty spirits. This telegraph office once was the lifeblood of communication for the Sky Valley; even when phones were established in the area, the only one in town was at the doctor’s office. Outside, Curtson honors the original ironwork with its fencing and offers more seating on the patio for guests and whiskey

University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections, PIC1442, Pickett 4849

aficionados. Robert and Malinda are excellent hosts. Robert will happily talk about his unique patented process for his Umbers.

ADVENTURES from MILD TO WILD

The building at 309 Main Street was built in 1909 to house the drugstore.

It has returned to its original medical roots and is the current home of the Cascade Health Clinic. Still boasting its beautiful architectural details, the current building owners brought the exterior back to its original glory with shingles, scallops, and an awning reminiscent of the originals. The second story features apartments that have been updated but restored honoring the past.

Downtown Sultan is one of the many stops along the Stevens Pass Greenway to get off the Highway to explore. We look forward to welcoming you!

RAFTING, KAYAKING, CLASSES, CAMPS We’re Ready for Your Next Adventure! www.OutdoorAdventureCenter .com WINTER 2023–2024

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SK

Y

VA

LLEY

STOP #1

Sultan Rail Stop Mural rican Light Studio, This mural by David Hose of the Ame s that cross the Sky train the by created in 2005, is inspired the Sky Valley of side et Stre 4th the on Valley. Located Visitor Center.

STOP #2

Freedom Rock Nestled in Travelers Park, the mural “Freedom Rock” pictures a local logger and veteran, Sam Wold, that lived in Sultan. His saw shop at the bottom of Sultan-Basin Road hosted many patriotic murals. At the time of the painting of the mural, Sam was the most highly decorated member of the Tulalip Tribe. He served in the U.S. Army with the 70th Infantry Division Trail Blazers.”

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Photo Credit: Annette

STOP #3

Pitts

Spada Lake Spada Lake. s off of the still water of The late fall light sparkle early in the t bu w, sno get road does Later in the season the fall it’s a must-see spot.

STOP #4

Photo Credit: Ma

rk Klein

Rail Bridge in Inde x Capture the cont rast of nature versu s manmade beau the blue Skykomish ty over River in Index.

Photo Credit: Mark Kle

in

STOP #5

Skykomish River, Index light and water ter, watch the pools of Listen to the rush of wa ins along the past the houses and cab as they work their way . and fish along the shores river. Watch the eagles

Photo Credit: Mark Kle

in

STOP #6

Train Cars Skykomish valleys as horns echo through the The sound of the train Railways ern rth y long the Great No the Trains make their wa o views bo eka pe of nty There are ple crossing the mountains. s ven Pass rial engines along the Ste to capture these indust greenway.

STOP #7

Photo Credit: Chris Hendricks

Deception Falls After a fall rain the water rushes through the Deception Falls area, splashing on the catwalks. This humble stop off of the highway outside of Skykomish is a real hidden gem.

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Restaurants with Roots LAKE STEVENS

Francisco’s • 1915 Hartford Drive, Lake Stevens Francisco’s offers Mexican-style Northwest fare in an upscale casual dining environment.

The current building is where the post office, a meat market, drug store, and barbershop used to reside, over the top of the lake outflow creek, which you can view through the glass floor.

SNOHOMISH

Andy’s Fish House • 1229 1st Street, Snohomish A Snohomish staple, Andy’s Fish House is the first thing you see on your way into town across the Avenue D bridge spanning the Snohomish River. Andy took over the family business from his father and continued their tradition of serving up the freshest seafood around. Keep an eye out for Andy, who you might catch fishing on the Snohomish River with his grandfather’s fishing rod.

MONROE

Jeno’s Restaurant & Lounge • 123 East Main Street, Monroe Established in 1970, this Italian Cuisine is not only a long-time staple in Monroe, it is a true throwback. Filled with regulars and locals, it keeps busy for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

For the longest time, it remained a cash-only establishment. Only recently have they started accepting card payment.

UPPER SKY VALLEY

Whistling Post Saloon • 116 East Railroad Ave, Skykomish Whistling Post in Skykomish is a landmark stop. It was initially named the Olympia when it opened in 1897. The Whistling Post is a phoenix rising from the ashes of fires, rebuilt after being damaged in 1904, 1970 and again in 2013. Much of the original building is gone, but the spirit of the place is strong. It was known as the Maple Leaf Confectionery, a card room, and a dance hall during prohibition. It reverted to a saloon in 1933 and was renamed the Whistling Post, aptly named for the train whistles that echo through the station.

UPPER SKY VALLEY

Zeke’s Drive In • 43918 U.S. Rte 2, Gold Bar Zeke’s Drive In opened in 1968 just East of Gold Bar on Highway 2. For the past 55 years, their family has provided a treasured stop for delicious food and arguably the best milkshakes in the region! The original owner, Earl B. Wells “Zeke”, sold to his Great Niece, Dawnell Cashman, and her husband, Michael, in 1987. Michael and Dawnell sold to their daughter, Jennifer Cashman, in 2014, keeping it all in the family.

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Dive Bars LAKE STEVENS

Doc’s Riverside Taphouse • 1423 South Machias Road, Lake Stevens Originally opened in the 1920’s as Young’s Place, Doc’s Riverside Taphouse has operated under various names including the Pilchuck Yacht Club. This dive bar features over 20 taps and rotating food trucks on site. It is located on the bank of the Pilchuck River in the Machias area, just east of Lake Stevens.

SNOHOMISH

The Old Inn Tavern • 502 3rd Street, Snohomish Downtown isn’t the only historic part of Snohomish! The Old Inn Tavern is the oldest bar in town, having been built in 1898 at the end of the Union Pacific Railroad to serve railroad workers. This classic American dive bar is a favorite among locals, including – purportedly – a ghost by the name of Theodore Joseph.

MONROE

Keg-N-Cue • 202 South Lewis Street, Monroe A rooted establishment since 1972, this fun and friendly tavern may be called a ‘Dive Bar’, but it has it all. A full food menu of bar food classics, karaoke, live music, fun themed days such as Wing Wednesday, Taco Tuesday and more! No shortage of entertainment here: take your pick at arcade games, pool, shuffleboard, or pull tabs.

UPPER SKY VALLEY

Loggers Bar & Grill • 215 Main Street, Sultan The Loggers Bar boasts one-half of the “oldest bar in the West”. Legend has it that the bar made its way up the West Coast in the late 1800s. This gorgeous historic wood and glass bar is undoubtedly a conversation starter. The current owner, Kevin Walker, and his team spent much of the last winter cleaning and revamping the historic bar and bringing it back to its former glory. It reopened in February 2023, starting a new chapter to this local bar. Loggers Bar and Grill is a 21+ establishment serving drinks, live music, and entertainment year-round.

UPPER SKY VALLEY

Bubba’s Road House • 31702 U.S. Rte 2, Sultan 20 years of larger-than-life food and beverage, Bubbas features BBQ, burgers, and sandwiches. The dinner bell brings steaks, homemade fried chicken, seafood, and more.

Check out the daily specials! Evening festivities with drinks flowing, live music, and karaoke. Bubba and Shelley, the proprietors, support many local causes through the SOS MC, hosting fundraisers for kids in the Sky Valley area.

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Lodging LAKE STEVENS

MONROE continued

The Mansion Inn Lake Stevens 1513 Mitchell Road, Lake Stevens, WA (425) 610-4746 info@mansioninnlakestevens.com www.mansioninnlakestevens.com

Mountain Views Treehouse Joint 14308 Reiner Road, Monroe, WA Tracy@mountainviewsbb.com

SNOHOMISH Treehouse Place at Deer Ridge 19922 4th Street SE, Snohomish, WA (425) 224-3033 Joek97006@yahoo.com Snohomish Inn 323 2nd Street, Snohomish, WA (360) 568-2208

Thunderbird RV & Camping Resort 26702 Ben Howard Road, Monroe, WA (360) 794-4030

SKY VALLEY A Cabin on the Sky 800 Ave A, Index, WA (360) 793-0100 david@acabinonthesky.com

MONROE

Cascadia Inn 210 E Railroad Ave, Skykomish, WA (360) 677-2030

Evergreen Inn & Suites 19103 U.S. Rte 2, Monroe, WA (360) 863-1901 monroeguesthouse@gmail.com

Bush House Inn 308 5th Street, Index WA (425) 298-7642

Best Western Sky Valley Inn 19233 U.S. Rte 2, Monroe, WA (360) 794-3111

The Wallace Falls Lodge 14424 Wallace Lake Road, Gold Bar, WA (206) 408-8170

Fairgrounds Inn 18950 U.S. Rte 2, Monroe, WA (360) 794-5401

Dutch Cup Motel 101 Dutch Cup Lane, Sultan WA, (800) 844-0488

The Grayson B&B 20302 N High Rock Road, Monroe, WA (360) 330-9491 info@graysonlife.com

Nighthawk Cottage 7621 Rustic Way, Sultan, WA (360) 793-2777

Evergreen RV Park 14390 Cascade View Drive SE, Monroe, WA (360) 805-6700 or (360) 388-6600

Treeline Vacation Rentals Multiple Properties throughout Sky Valley (206) 735-3231

Falling Water Gardens Glamping 17516 U.S. Rte 2, Monroe, WA (360) 863-1400 info@fallingwatergardens.com

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The Mansion Inn, Lake Stevens

The Grayson B&B, Monroe

Treehouse Place at Deer Ridge, Snohomish

Events

Scan the QR codes to find full event calendars & more!

Monroe

Snohomish

Lake Stevens

Sky Valley

Evergreen Fair Park

THIRD WEEKEND IN NOVEMBER – MONROE

Monroe’s Mistletoe Market Shop 45+ vendors with both handmade and direct sales items. Shop local and sip/eat from local food trucks and a coffee cart. This event is a fundraiser for SonShine Preschool and offers special raffles for Friday night only fun! Located at 17922 149 Street SE, this event runs Friday 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. www.fbcmonroe.org

SATURDAYS IN OCTOBER – MONROE

Miracle League Join the YMCA at Rotary Field in Monroe for Miracle League baseball 9:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. This program is adapted to be inclusive, stress free, and non-competitive, designed for individuals that require additional assistance to play. Everyone hits, everyone runs the bases, and everyone gets home! www.snoco-ymca.org

EARLY TO MID-OCTOBER – UPPER SKY

Sky Valley Farm Festival Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to visit the local farms and farmers in the Sky Valley. Visit with the farmers at the different locations and learn about what it takes to farm flowers, veggies, harvest honey, make wine, and raise animals. This free-entry family event offers some unique activities: ride the hay wagons between the farms, pet a calf, use an apple slingshot, u-pick pumpkins off the vine, walk the 1/2acre mini corn maze, and so much more! www.skyvalleychamber.com

THIRD SATURDAY IN OCTOBER – LAKE STEVENS Harvest Market Shop small, eat local, and support your farmers at the Lake Stevens Harvest Market from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at North Cove Park. www.lakestevensfarmersmarket.org

THIRD SUNDAY IN OCTOBER – SNOHOMISH

Snohomish River Run An annual tradition put on by the Snohomish Running Company, the Snohomish River Run features a full day of races – a 5k, 10k, half and full marathon – along the scenic Snohomish River. www.snohomishriverrun.com

LAST SATURDAY IN OCTOBER – SNOHOMISH

Fall Into Snohomish New for 2023, this fall festival in historic downtown Snohomish offers marketplacestyle events and activities for the whole family and concludes with the 10th annual zombie walk. www.historicdowntownsnohomish.org

FIRST WEEKEND IN NOVEMBER – MONROE

The Great Junk Hunt One of the top markets in Washington and voted top traveling vintage market in the USA, you won’t want to miss this hunt!

The venue will be packed full of vendors selling farmhouse, industrial, re-purposed, handmade, and home décor, vintage items, and more. Grab a cocktail and enjoy live music as you browse the aisles. www.thegreatjunkhunt.com

SECOND WEEKEND IN NOVEMBER

Oddmall: Emporium of the Weird Craft Show The best of the Pacific Northwest Artists, Crafters, Authors, Illustrators, and purveyors of unusual things – open to all with free admission! www.oddmall.co

MID-NOVEMBER – SKY VALLEY

Skykomish Holiday Market Located in the Maloney General Store in historic Skykomish, come browse and shop the handcrafted wares by local artisans. www.skyartworks.org

SATURDAY AFTER THANKSGIVING – SNOHOMISH Snohomish Sparkles The City of Snohomish’s annual tree lighting takes place at the Snohomish Carnegie, which also welcomes Santa Claus for free photos. www.snohomishwa.gov

SUNDAY AFTER THANKSGIVING – MONROE

Light Up Monroe Ring in the season at the city’s annual tree lighting. Santa & Mrs. Claus will be joining the community for a lighted car parade, cocoa, cookies, carols and more! www.choosemonroe.com

DECEMBER – LAKE STEVENS

The Lights of Lake Stevens The Greater Lake Stevens Chamber of Commerce organizes the annual Lights of Lake Stevens Holiday Lights & Display Contest. Residents enter the contest in November, a map is produced, and the public is invited to view the displays and vote for their favorite. www.lakestevenschamber.com

FIRST WEEKEND IN DECEMBER – SKY VALLEY Ho-Ho-Holiday Market Tour Gather your shopping buddies and join us for the Ho-Ho-Holiday Market Tour.

This two-day event winds through the picturesque Sky Valley, exploring our 7+ tour locations and 70+ artists, craftsmen, and local businesses. www.skyvalleychamber.com WINTER 2023–2024

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Events continued FIRST WEEKEND IN DECEMBER – SULTAN

Tree Lighting & Lighted Parade Join the Lighted Parade! Deck out your truck and trailer, tractors, side-bysides, golfcarts, or your commuter car.

Participation is free and we welcome all floats, choirs, groups, and clubs to participate. Staging at the High School, the parade kicks off at 5:00 p.m. and wraps through the streets of Downtown Sultan, ending at the gazebo at the River Park Pavilion for the tree lighting. Santa will be at the pavilion handing out goodie bags and taking photos. www.ci.sultan.wa.us

SECOND WEEKEND IN DECEMBER – MONROE

Artisans Holiday Fair Shop this free event for locally made and curated products from over 150 vendors.

Grab some food and drinks and listen to live entertainment as you shop. www.artisansholidayfair.com

SECOND WEEKEND IN DECEMBER –SNOHOMISH

Winterfest: Miracle on First Street Holiday weekends hit different in Snohomish.

Winterfest features a variety of events, including a wine walk, caroling, and igloo village. www.historicdowntownsnohomish.org

FIRST WEEKEND IN DECEMBER – MONROE Pickin’ @ The Barn Holiday Vintage & Artisan Market Find one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your holiday list. Unique vintage, artisan, and boutique goods curated by handpicked vendors. Delicious sips, bites, and live music. www.pickinatthebarn.com

FIRST WEEKEND IN DECEMBER – SNOHOMISH

Space 802 Holiday Festival New for 2023, this event is a one-stop shop for your favorite winter activities.

Warm up with some hot cocoa (or beer, or spirits) and get some holiday shopping in at the Makers Market. www.space802.com

FIRST SATURDAY IN DECEMBER – LAKE STEVENS

Holiday Maker Fair The Annual Holiday Maker Fair put on by the Lake Stevens School District is located at Cavalero MidHigh from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Admission to the fair is a can of food or monetary donation to the Lake Stevens Community Food Bank. All proceeds from the fair support the district’s volunteer and employee recognition programs. www.lkstevens.wednet.edu

FIRST SATURDAY IN DECEMBER – LAKE STEVENS

WinterFest City of Lake Stevens annual Winterfest will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at North Cove Park. Join the community for the annual tree-lighting, live holiday music, and more. Plus, get your hands on the limited-edition City ornament. www.lakestevenswa.gov 50

SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE

THIRD THURSDAY IN DECEMBER – SNOHOMISH Winter Solstice Walk Enjoy a festive stroll along the Snohomish River Trail, lit up with lanterns for the shortest day of the year. www.historicdowntownsnohomish.org

FIRST SATURDAY IN MARCH – SNOHOMISH

The Sky & Sno Adventure Guide is published by Colibri Northwest for the City of Lake Stevens, the City of Snohomish, the City of Monroe, and the Sky Valley Chamber of Commerce.

SATURDAY BEFORE EASTER – SNOHOMISH

Publisher Peter Philips, Colibri Northwest (206) 284-8285 peter@colibrinw.com

Snohomish Wine Festival Celebrate the Snohomish wine scene at this rapidly growing event. Do some tastings and take some wine home with you, but don’t delay – some varieties sell out fast! www.snohomishchamber.org

Snohomish Easter Parade Did you know that Snohomish is home to the only Easter Parade in the state?

Families flock to historic downtown Snohomish to see the floats and participate in the bonnet contest. www.snohomishchamber.org

SATURDAYS APRIL-JUNE – MONROE

Miracle League Join the YMCA at Rotary Field in Monroe for Miracle League baseball 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. This program is adapted to be inclusive, stress free, and non-competitive, designed for individuals that require additional assistance to play. Everyone hits, everyone runs the bases, and everyone gets home! www.snoco-ymca.org

Advertising Sales Katie Higgins, Colibri Northwest (206) 914-4248 katie@colibrinw.com Writer Richard Porter Contributing Photographers Jake Campbell, Nichole Gaertner, Chris Hendricks, Mark Klein, Annette Pitts

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