The following is an undated letter from Gladys Wieder Reddy Mortensen (also known as “Gramma”) that was in the possession of Joan Eble. Gladys was a neighbor of Joan’s and resided at a home that no longer exists at 15413 Larch Way.
“I was born in Kalispell, Montana on May 12th, 1904. This is my story.”
“At the age of 7 years my family moved from Seattle, by oxteam in a covered wagon, to a homestead in the wilderness of central Alberta, Canada. My brother Bill was a baby and my sister Lila was born on the homestead in our log cabin. There were no children my age so I played with frogs and dressed them like dolls.
After a year of homesteading we returned to the city of Edmonton, Alberts. There my father took a job as a meat cutter. I attended my first school at the age of 9. My mother made me many lovely clothes for school. One of my favorite subjects was to memorize poems and songs. The following year we moved to Kalispell, Montana.
We then moved back to Seattle, Washington, where my father built a home in Madison Park. I enjoyed riding one of the three Seattle cable cars to the end of the line where you could take a foot ferry to Kirkland. I have fond memories of the sounds and sites of Seattle where the rag man would call out “any rags and bags any bottles today.”
After attending Broadway High School and Metropolitan Business College, I met my husband Charlie Reddy. We were married in 1922 and lived in Rainier Valley were our two daughters and Marguerite were born. In 1929 we purchased our first home in North Seattle.
We enjoyed raising our girls and were very active in the American Legion University Post 11. The fall of 1932 we fell in love with a little cabin and property on Martha Lake. We spent most of our spare times swimming, fishing, and socializing with family and friends.
Upon Charlie’s retirement in 1947 we invested in a grocery store and gas station in the area now known as Mill Creek. We were in business for 12 years until our final retirement. Our permanent home was then built on the Martha Lake property.
In September on 1969 my husband of 47 years past away. My life then took another direction when I remarried a dear family friend Bill Mortensen. He and I had 21 wonderful years living on Martha Lake. We were active on the dance circuit at the senior centers, traveled the US and enjoyed gardening. I celebrate my longevity to a happy youth, good marriages and a loving family.”
Recollections of Carlin Otto about her great-grandfather’s response to the advertisements of the Puget Mill Company and his subsequent settlement in the Martha Lake area. Information provided on January 31, 2020.
Around May 1918, my great-grandfather Hans Hinrich Otto saw the Puget Mill Co. presentations for land sales in Alderwood Manor and purchased two 5-acre lots. One of the lots, for sure, was Lot 1 in Block/Tract 6 of Alderwood Manor Plat #3. This lot today is located on the south-east corner of Ash Way and 164th Street SW (just west of Hwy 5). The original 4.931-acre lot has been split into two parcels and some of it was taken for construction of Hwy 5. The other lot (we think) is Lot 1 of Block/Tract 1 of Alderwood Manor Plat #3. This 5+ acre lot was adjacent and west of the first lot.
The family consisted of Hans Hinrich Otto [1866-1947], his wife Wilhelmina Seeman Otto [1861-1945], their two adult children — Hans Paul Otto [1894-1986] and Irmgaard Kate Emmy Otto van Hees [1892-1980]– and their son-in-law, Johannus van Hees [1892-1982] and the “aunt” Emma Seeman [1865-?], Wilhelmina’s sister. All of the Ottos and Emma Seeman had been born in Germany and immigrated to the USA together in 1910. The son-in-law was from Holland and immigrated to the USA in 1914.
This family had been farming in Vera (Spokane Valley) Washington before moving to Alderwood Manor. They sold their properties in Vera and moved to Alderwood Manor in Aug/Sept 1918. They left Vera due to water issues. The Vera Land Company was sued over water rights. Almost immediately (in Oct 1918) the van Hees couple returned to Spokane Valley.
The Ottos raised mostly chickens and eggs at Alderwood Manor. Their son married in May 1921 and brought his wife (Gudrun Marie Kilian [1899-1977]) to live and work at this farm.
We are researching all the rest ! We know that their chicken farm went broke and foreclosed sometime between 1925 and Feb 1929. Wilhelmina and Emma returned to Germany permanently. Hinrich went to live with his daughter in Spokane Valley. Hans Paul and Gudrun purchased a lot and built a house 10 miles southwest in Shoreline.
From Susan Mullen on 1/23/2020:
Dorothy Terry lived at the north end of Martha Lake. For 25 years her family raised chickens. Every time they fed the chickens they noticed some hungry crows nearby enjoyed eating along with the chickens. Over the years the family made an important observation. As long as they fed the crows, the crows protected their chickens from the bald eagles and hawks that loved to hunt their chickens. In 25 years they only lost one chicken!
The crows and other birds were their friends even when they moved across the street closer to the lake. As Dorothy’s health declined, Susan Mullen, her daughter became her primary caregiver. In fact, the family added on an extra room for Dorothy and Debbie who helped with Dorothy’s round the clock care. Dorothy continued to feed the crows and other birds every day around 8AM. The birds feasted on everything from birdseeds to warmed up kitty food.
On August 10, 2019 Dorothy’s last day, the birds showed up in force. All species of birds came to say goodbye; Crows, Kingfishers, Northern Flickers, Pigeons, Finches, Juncos, Chickadees, Hummingbirds, and Bushtits. Dozens of birds landed on the cement arch-shaped patio in front of the window where Dorothy was resting. The birds had never gathered like this before. As Dorothy took her last breath, the family heard a long low caw from the crows and all of the birds all took off up towards the sky in a group. It was an unforgettable and powerful experience to behold. The birds showed that they loved Dorothy more than anyone could imagine. Amazingly all different species showed up on the same day, at the sametime.
Later that rainy dark cloudy day Sacred Heart sent a white van for Dorothy. It was like her white chariot. Although the day had been overcast all of a sudden the sun came out and shined on Dorothy. The driver asked what kind of music did Dorothy like. Dorothy and the driver took off down Larch Way with Country Music playing for her final journey.
The crows and other birds still come back every morning around 8am to be fed. Scruffy does a fly over to check out the place. Susan told me about Scruffy who has a white scruffy patch on her forehead. Scruffy swoops right over her head to be fed. There are 10 or 11 crows from the original batch that protected the chickens. Routy, Susan’s little white dog barks, but doesn’t mind the crows. Routy walks around the group and seems to enjoy their company. Everyone misses Dorothy.
From Frances Hill on 1/11/2015: My parents bought the property where we live in 1958. Things have changed around here since then! I don’t have many big historical items to add, but lots of bits and vignettes. Not sure if that is what you are after, but here are a few memories of “coming out to the lake”. These are in order of how they come to mind. In 1958, there were lots of “summer cabins” around the lake, as this was “out in the country” if you lived in Seattle. It was pre-I-5. 164th was called The Martha Lake Road – it was two lanes and there wasn’t one stop light from 99 to the Bothell Everett Highway. My sister remembers East Shore Drive as being a gravel road. I don’t know the year when the widening of 164th began, but it happened over and over again. Sometime in the 70’s. There was a push to make 180th street an East West corridor, but that was defeated. The proprietor of the Martha Lake Foods, Jim Welk, had the funniest comments posted on his store sign. Speaking of Martha Lake Foods – when we moved here in the 50’s that was the only store around. It was a treat stopping there because he had funny little signs all over the store. My dad got a big kick out of that. I think the next closest shopping was The IGA in Alderwood and Everybody’s Dept. store in Lynnwood where Trader Joe’s is now. The Martha Lake Airport County Park was the Martha Lake Airport. It was owned by Dorothy and Ed Hauter. They had horses. I was a horse lover. They allowed me to ride the horses in exchange for cleaning the barn. Eventually, I got my own horse, and boarded him there. The red barn still stands. The local 4-H horse club was called Pegasus Patrol. A couple times a week, my horse friends and I would ride the interurban trail to the Alderwood Youth Club for practice. The Alderwood Youth club is still there, although it has been upgraded. I don’t know if the riding ring is still there. Alderwood “town center” was where the freeway exchange is on 196th. There was Wicker’s IGA and a cafe. The cafe even had a hitching rail! (Sure sounds like the olden days!)
Frances
P.S. A slight correction. I was involved in the 4H club, Pegasus Patrol. Some of the members rode in parades, but I was not one of them. Once a week, though, 4 or 5 of us would ride our horses on the interurban trail to the Alderwood Youth Club for drill practice. I believe the youth club is still there. The Alderwood Manor Main Street and “town center” was where the 196th street I5 interchange is now. More precisely, it was at the freeway that is on the south side of the convention center. There was a little cafe with a hitching rail (no fooling!) outside, and Wicker’s IGA.
Scott Svendsen’s sister, Christine belonged to Pegasus Patrol and their mom was a wonderful lady and quite involved in the club. Some of our favorite places to ride were in the trails and woods along North Creek on either side of 164th roughly where the Presbyterian Church is now. By the way – whatever happened to Alderwood Manor? Our address used to be Alderwood Manor, WA. Now it is Lynnwood. huh??? I remember having an exhilarating gallop with my friend on what is now I-5 during its construction. When we first came out to the lake, before gas motors were banned, people would water ski on the south end of the lake. Mr. Tutmark had a float plane that he would land on the lake from time to time. Small planes would come quite low as they approached the runway just north of the lake. Sometimes it would seem they would brush the trees. There have been a few airplane crashes in and around the lake (during the era of the Martha Lake airport). Fishing Season Opening Day was a sight to behold. There were so many fishermen, one could practically walk across the lake from boat to boat. It was a festive atmosphere. That’s all I can think of now…. more later. Thank you for getting this started. So happy you are in the neighborhood!
Recollections from Bruce Helm:
My folks and my grandmother owned property on the lake long before my parents and I moved here permenantly in 1953. Sonja’s folks built a cabin on the lake about 1956 and later sold it to us in 1965. We have lived here ever since. Our boys grew up here. Now Brent and Troy also live on the lake.
In the 1950’s there was an old filbert orchard at the north end of the lake where I believe a saw mill had been. The lake bottom at that end was soft and mushy with logging residue and, of course, there was no canal there originally.. E Shore drive was a gravel road and the phone system was a shared party line. There was school bus service with the stop down at 164th to the south. The lakefront, permanent residences at the north end of East Shore Drive were (north to south) Art and Helen Ruth, Tony and Martha Christofero, Harry and Alice Pripp, my grandmother Nellie Finn, the Art Olsens ,then my folks, Ken and Manettia and finally the Petersons. That would cover from the then wet lands at the new canal and cul de sac to where Bob and Judy Greg live now.
In the 50’s the Martha Lake Tavern (resort) was a popular spot for kids to swim in the summer with it’s floating raft featuring a 16′ high diving board. As I recall it cost a dime to use the beach.
I have I talked to an old schoolmate of mine, Edith Campbell Clarke who predated me by a few years as to living on East Shore Drive. She would love to talk with you and give her input. Her phone number is 425-743-0686. Her e-mail is edith.clarke@hotmail.com
Hope this helps.
Bruce Helm
The following emails were provided by Marc Goetz:
1/20/2015: Hi, I have been here 37 years… and listened to many stories from “old timers” years ago. Elmer Smith was in his 90’s and was one of the first full time residents on the lake. Art Creek also was in his 90’s… a few are still around to help confirm the details of what I have heard and it would be fun to help with some tidbits. We had a Martha Lake homeowners association for many years.
1/21/2015: One of the early property owners, I believe in the 1930’s, who owned the property near the boat launch and outflow, dug the outflow creek deeper to lower the lake level and add to his “dry” land area. There were complaints and a court established a “minimum” lake water level and had a concrete dam built so that the natural level could not go below the established level. The concrete dam is still there in the outflow ditch. It is possible for natural dryspells to lower the lake further below the top of the dam, but not allowable to lower the water level by draining more. It would be fun to find this court statement. I am told that in 1920 an army general, captain, ?? from Fort Lewis, purchased the Larch way side of the lake from the timber company. He marched his troops to the lake as an “exercise” and built Larch way road bed and planted the fir trees along the edge of the road, improving his property and training tropps at the same time! Many of these trees are now gone but many are still there, again it would be fun to research this story a bit deeper. The owner of my property, before the owner I purchased from, dug in two “lagoons”, for lack of a better term, inland from the shoreline, fenced them in and raised bullfrogs. Somewhere I have written notes I found during remodel work with records of how many frogs he was selling and to whom. I know he was delivering them to the Olympic hotel, again I believe this was in the 1930’s but would need to look more closely at the facts before it would be history and not just “lore”. I was told he was ordered to shut down as commercial fishing on Martha Lake was banned, possibly by the same court order as the dam. One of the lagoons still exists, the other I filled in when it was legal (?) but the frogs are still with us. The lily pads on the west side of the lake are not native to the lake, a property owner thought they would be beautiful and planted them, and they spread. There is one great story, and the people in the know are still alive to get the real facts, The log cabin on Larch about the 16200 block was owned by Soldier Woods, a European world champion prize fighter, he lost most of his wealth during the depression and lived in the cabin. Story goes he had much money hidden on the property and when he died the cabin was ransacked, probably looking for it. To pay for his burial, the current property owner Mr. Nienau (sp?) took the cabin in exchange for the burial. He worked at Evergreen Washeli. Sometime later, a relative of Soldier Woods, traveled here and was looking for information on his gravesite and history, they met Mr. Nienau , working still at the cemetary, and it finally came out that they had a letter telling them if he died to look in the well to find his gold stash. By this time they were building the I-5 freeway and Mr. Nienau received free dirt from the project to raise the land level, and filled in the original well, and now a house is built over the site… What is not known is did the ransackers find his gold, or is it still in the well under the house! Mr. Nienau deeded the property to his children, but has since outlived them, and has the property back, he just built a new home on it in the past few years and has kept the cabin in place, but he is still with us and can for sure turn this legend into facts! When I first moved here, the tavern had burger baskets and a beer for $1.25, I ate there several times a week! The owner had two beautiful daughters who worked there and attracted lots of attention also. The resort had a party almost every weekend day during the summers, live music and large events were a regular event. One of the party goers drowned, and for insurance reasons the resort was sold and turned into a park. But the history of the resort and bootlegging and such would be fun to explore. I do not know if the former owner are alive and well but, this would be fun to dig deeper into also. Got to go, but I will be back…. Marc
1/22/2015: There is a guy, Dave Bocken, (sp?) in his 60’s now, whose grandparents purchased property many years ago, one block north of 164 on Larch, he spent much time his whole life, at martha lake camping , fishing, building a cabin eventually inheriting the property and built a new home for himself several years ago, now he has moved away, but i believe I know someone who keeps in touch with him, he has pictures of the years gone by from his family albums, there was a rollar coaster set up on the property just south of Ed Gordon I believe on Tom DeGrazios property, he has pics of it. When I moved here, in 1978, 164th was a two lane road with stop signs at the end of larch. One could go either direction except it was just getting to be busy during the rush hour.. The trailer park has a very interesting history as well, they had issues with septics not working so in the middle of the night so to speak they dug an “overflow” line into the lake and dumped raw sewage for several years till they got caught. Then for a long time they had tanker trucks pump and haul it away until the sewer lift station was installed and they connected.
From Troy Helm on 1/21/2015: This draft is a great read–thank you!
Today I heard a segment on KUOW that at first I thought was based on this document, since it describes the Alderwood Manor development that was sold to people in the East who came out to raise chickens and sell eggs, etc. Then it branched off in a different direction to talk about the new Spring District development. In any case, the transcript of that radio segment is here:
It has some additional details about Alderwood Manor and the Interurban line. It would be interesting to know what else the woman who was interviewed remembers about growing up in this area in the 1930’s.
From Gregory Olson on 1/21/2015: I belong to the Alderwood Manor Heritage Association that has the largest collection of info on this area including some really old members of the pioneers to this area. The Heritage Center is across from the Jaguar dealer just off 196th.
Edith Campbell Clarke’s Memories of Martha Lake on 8/19/2015
To reach Martha Lake from Seattle in the 1940’s the Campbell family traveled Highway 99 to Keeler’s Corner then drove on Martha Lake road (now 164th). The Campbell’s drove thru trees and meadows to reach North Trunk Road (now 35th). At the intersection of N.T.R. and Martha Lake Road sat Manor Market (not the current market). The next establishment coming east was Martha Lake Resort and Tavern on the left, and one more block to Martha Lake Foods on the right , plus a Real Estate Office. (Ruth Family)
Keeler’s Corner, Highway 99 and 164th, 1927
Edith’s family bought a lot for $650 on the east side of Martha Lake in 1946. Edith and her twin sister (now deceased) were 6 years old and Edith remembered that on the east side of the lake it was all trees! The family had to walk on a trail to locate a lot for purchase then had to clear the lot by hand with axes and saws. Ever hear of a stump pile?
In the 1940’s Martha Lake was a bedroom community for Seattle. West and South of 164th were some mink farms (One farm belonged to the Verrill family). There were occasional mink seen swimming in Martha Lake. Also, someone raised bull frogs. The woods were filled with the holes of mountain beaver burrows. Coyotes, horses, and sheep were also found in the area.
In the 1950’s a pair of white paynereer dogs walked E. Shore and the next road east “loop patrolling. In the summer of 1957 Edith and her twin sister Penny worked at the Martha Lake Resort Snack Bar. Bruce Helm took admissions (10-15 cents), Art Ruth rented row boats.
During the summers of 1953-57 the Campbell twins used to swim at the resort 4 days per week. There were 2 floating docks-the farther out had a low board and high board. Kids liked to play “King of the Mountain” on the closer unstable raft. There were usually 4-5 girls and then guys would show up and tease the girls.
In the winter of 1954-55 there was heavy snowfall and ice on Martha Lake. Schools were closed for 2 weeks. Edith remembered ice skating some, but the ice was pretty rough. Mia Mudge (Class of ’57) skated across the lake with a pole so that if she fell in, the pole would help support her and help her get out.
Hay Rides from the Martha Lake Community Center (just east of the current I-5) were fun around Halloween and Christmas. Youth groups sponsored these rides on a flat bed truck with straw around the lake area. Edith and Penny enjoyed cider and donuts around Halloween participated in caroling at Christmas.
In the 1950’s there was a “Pegasus Patrol” precision drill team with palomino horses. Kids rode on the old inner urban trail from Martha Lake to Alderwood. The Pegasus Patrol entered parades in the local area.
1940-50 Students went to Alderwood Manor School
1953 Martha Lake Elementary School started.
1954 Alderwood Jr. High in Lynnwood
Edith graduated in 1958 then attended the University of Washington.
Her family lived on Martha Lake 1947-1996 until her mother died in 1996
From Susan Kaperson on 8?15/2015:
Think back to 1974. I was a single school teacher looking for a change from living in Ballard. My friend and mentor, Dona Severson– school counselor, told me about her dear friend, Manetta Helm who lived on Martha Lake. They referred me to Bruce and Sonja Helm, who had a charming rental at 15916. That sweet 700 sq feet cabin was just perfect for me. I rented for two years and bought it in 1976. Thank you to Sonja and Bruce !!!! Here are some of my special memories: 1978- rowing to the Martha Lake Tavern for broasted chicken and fries on Thursdays.. 1979-80- ice skating on the frozen Lake with Marta Cristofera.
1982- a sea plane landing on the Lake 1980- 1990 — major remodeling…on going today…. Walking to the EAT Cafe- a smoke filled greasy spoon. – just East of Martha Lake Foods…. 1995- marrying Dick Kasperson—- a terrific move on my part !! Yippee… 1995- huge winter flood that floated the dock off the pilings into neighbors yard-Dick rebuilt it History: neighbors to the North of me were Kaare and Marta Nostwick in 1974. The story goes that Marta and her brother built our cabins in the ’40’s. They were sort of identical. They planted two majestic Norwegian Spruce trees, keeping with their heritage. They are truly majestic. I cherish also the Contessa Camelia that just keeps blooming spectacular multi colored flowers. David Kruth purchased the house in the ’80’s and now rents to long term people. The house to the South of me was owned by Lonnie and Ralph Reed ..40 years there. Lonnie would garden and tweak the yard all year long . She moved away four years ago and is 94 years young and living in Edmonds. The house sold to Lyn Lessley and is currently being built into a grand estate. Son, Wyn is creating a wonderful home for his Mom. Congratulations ! That’s my report and I just can’t get enough of watching the Lake, morning , noon, and night. I savor the tranquility and pinch myself for being so fortunate. Notes from Joan Eble:
Recollections from Joan Eble about the three generations of her family that have resided on the northwest portion of Martha Lake.
Our Memories that Navigate Seven Decades at the Lake:
What a gift Sabo and Hazel gave us all
Generation after generation, six to be exact, have enjoyed Martha Lake. Family and friends in the hundreds have spent time at the lake.
July 15, 1938, Carole, Helen and Joan
The property with two cabins was purchased by Hazel Rendleman Poolman and Sabo Poolman in August of 1934, for $870.00 and an earnest money of $25.00. The Lake in Snohomish County was north of Seattle and five miles east of Highway 99. You made the turn east at Keeler’s Korner, a “ FLYING A” gas station that sold pop and beer.
Great Grandpa, Ed Rendleman, (1868-1949) was our oldest relative to spend time here. However Hazel, his daughter, lived on the lake until she was 85. Hazel’s daughter Helen then lived at the lake until her death at 88 in 2003.
In the thirties there were no houses on the east side, just trees. And a log end that we swam to. There were very few cabins on our side of the lake…
Joan Eble and cousins in 1939. Joan Kalyk Eble (left front),
Carole Rydeen Neil (right center), and Patricia Gallafent Higgens (right front).
The Fourth of July has been one consistent gathering time. Of the original adults only Gale Rendleman Ware now 94 at this time (summer 2010) is alive. Their children and grandchildren still gather and are welcome to stay over. Since most of the family lives away, just once were most of us here at one time. However, in 1999 a grand total were celebrating on the 4th. See the pictures.
Many cousins learned to swim, fish and collect pollywogs and frogs here. Swimming to “the log” was a goal to be accomplished at some point in our young lives. Mostly it was the PARTY PLACE. Our aunt, uncle, moms and dads, and grandparents had some wild times. Such a party place that the neighbors on the North planted thick bushes and trees and complained often. One year they called the sheriff and hauled Sabo and Hazel away. Granddaughter, Joan, then 10 years old, cried and cried.
1948, Joan, Mick and Grandpa Sabo.
1950, Mike Kalyk and Lois Corey.
In 2009, this same neighbor lady, age 104, relayed to great grand daughter, Jill, the story of their annoyance with the late night party noise. Her husband, Mr. Reddy, would get up early and mow his lawn to get even. Charley and Gladys Reddy bought their cabin on the lake in 1922. They built their permanent home in 1959. Their grandchildren now own the next three lots and three lots across the street. (All sold in 2007.)
The Lake through the Years
The original cabin was a one bedroom, one bath, with a large living room, and a kitchen eating space that faced the lake. A garage was on the north side. A wood stove served for cooking and heating. Most of the cousins remember the curtain covered cupboard that held jelly, pimento cheese glasses and jam next to the door to the porch. There was a one-room cabin, with a sink, up near the road.
The most interesting area of the cabin was the dirt cellar that served as “The Bar”. Beer posters decorated the walls and there were beer kegs for stools at the bar and around the walls. As kids we all investigated the cool dark place. Really, the most fun was swimming, boating, or fishing. We often had bonfires if we were overnighters and sing alongs were in order.
The cabin and dock were remodeled three times out of necessity. Jack Stavig added a sleeping porch to the upper cabin. At some point the garage fell apart as did the front porch facing the lake. The original dock was two huge floating logs with a diving board. As one log began to sink the dock took on a major slope. Mr. Walter Wicks our eighty year old neighbor to the south, helped Darrow and Joan take it apart. Mr. Wicks cut up all the wood and dismantled the falling down cabin up by the road. Piece by piece, he cut up and reused the wood or burned it in his wood stove and fireplace. Many friends helped rebuild the dock.
1969
Mr. Wicks lived next door for twenty years. He was writing a book about his early life in Northern Canada. We have a copy of his published book, Memories of the Skeena, 1976.
In 1965 Hazel and Sabo lived at the lake. After Sabo passed, Grandma Hazel was there alone and wanted to stay but major repairs were needed. With about $2,000, which the daughters and their husbands provided, the repairs started. Darrow and Joan with the help of many family members replumbed, rewired, removed the sinking kitchen to make the original living space into a great room that included the new kitchen cupboards and used appliances. We saved the original kitchen sink.
Hazel lived with Joan and Darrow. Jill was eighteen months old and Garret was two and a half. Though she was nearly blind, Granma was great with the kids. All our spare time was spent working at the lake. One work party included most of the local family. Jack had provided some reclaimed siding. We all helped stapling black tar paper on the existing siding. At one point we stapled Aunt Doris under the paper. Hard work and many laughs always led to a great picnic.
The 1969 remodel existed of second hand kitchen cupboards, Grandma Kalyk’s refrigerator, Lois Anderson’s drapes, new paneling and a new roof Jo Dee’s husband Billy put on. There were new windows and a sliding door onto a new deck.
Hazel moved into the cabin, and though she had very poor eyesight managed to live there for ten years. Her daughters and their husbands kept the place up, took her shopping and to her appointments. She enjoyed visiting on the phone. She wrote Carole Neal, her granddaughter, a letter about her feelings. See the copy on the back page.
Sailboat “Hazel” in 1971
1978 Joan Eble’s son Garret
1978 North End of Martha Lake; (General area where Gary and Sherry Moore live now.)
Grandma Hazel enjoyed ten years in the new cabin. She passed in 1979 leaving the property to her three daughters. They cared for the place for several years but were pleased when Helen wanted to purchase the property.
Helen moved in after selling her home in south Seattle in 1983. After three years she decided to remodel. The foundation proved to be impossible to fix so the cabin came down as did the huge maple tree on the lake side. Also the holly tree we all disliked in the side yard was removed. As much as we raked there were always some stickers on the bare feet. Helen moved in with her daughter Joan while the new house was built.
1988, during remodel.
A new rockery and dock were built and the lower level was eventually finished by Ken Stevenson, as an apartment for any visiting family. Cousins and friends have enjoyed staying in the “LAKE SUITE” over the years.
View from the Eble House in 1990.
Joan and her husband Tom Eble moved in the apartment and were there for Helen 2002-2005.
Tom and Joan Eble, 1990
They added 160 square feet to the great room, moved the fireplace and added hardwood floors and new kitchen cabinets and appliances. Helen’s son Michael Kalyk has had a home on the east side of the lake since 1983. Michael and Roni lived and worked in Singapore and Hong Kong for 26 years, coming home to the Lake twice a year. Retirement now has them living across the Lake and in Sonoma, CA.
There was a private resort at the south end of the Martha Lake. The public paid to have picnics and enjoy swimming. Row boats were available to rent. On week-ends there may even be a band and dancing was available on a covered outdoor dance floor.
As teens we often could dance or buy ice cream, candy or pop. Finally the building became a restaurant, tavern and pool hall in the 70’s and 80’s. Mom, my brother Mick, Roni, Tom and I enjoyed it.
The owners tried to sell the park to business and apartments, but the homeowners on the lake, managed to discourage everything but a public park. Seems like a lovely park and is extremely well used in the summer.
The Martha Lake airfield at the north end of the Lake was also sold to the country and became a park by 2010.
Thirty-seven years ago, (1973) Bev Stavig and Len Overton were married on the third of July. On the 4th of July, Bev brought Len out to the Lake for his first 4th and to meet this family. He has been a very dear member of this family and spends many 4ths at the Lake.
There are many more personal memories that should be added to our story of the Lake. Hope you all add your personal memories. Please send them to Joan and she will copy and forward to all.
Dick Kasperson, Feb. 28, 2017:
Crash at Martha Lake Airport Circa 1977 I used to live on Cascadian Way and146th, the street on the northern edge of Martha Lake Airport. I would routinely take my two children for walks up to the airport. One day I noticed a guy installing pontoons on a Cessna. This, of course, piqued my curiosity since the airport is land locked and the floats were not amphibious (lacking wheels). So I asked the gentleman how he intended on getting the plane to it’s next destination. He told me that they were going to load the plane on a flatbed trailer hooked to a pickup truck. The truck would tow trailer and plane north on the runway and the pilot would take off from the trailer. It sounded a little “iffy” to me, but he assured me that he had done it before. “No problem”! I did not witness the “event”, however, I found out later that things did not go as planned. Apparently, the driver of the pickup slowed prematurely. Consequently, the plane did not develop sufficient airspeed for a successful takeoff. They might have be able to avoid the subsequent crash had they thought to remove the canopy from the pickup! Luckily nobody died!
Arthur and Helen Cullins Ruth Family Story
As told by Cathy Ruth
Arthur Ruth Sr. and Helen Cullins Ruth purchased Tract 29 of Block 4 in Alderwood Manor #10, Snohomish County, Washington and tract 29, Alderwood Manor #20, Snohomish County, Washington from the Puget Mill Company on October 25th, 1926, for a total price of $2,400.00. They paid a down payment of $240.00 with the balance carried at 7% interest.
Sales contract from Puget Mill Company to Arthur Ruth.
This property was located at the northeast end of Martha Lake and at the time, was not accessible by road. The property is now occupied by numerous homes, with the southern-most house being nicknamed “The Turret House” for obvious reasons. Art’s co-workers on the docks of Seattle gave him a bad time for purchasing property in such a remote area. However, Art held on to the property and in 1946 started construction on a house on the property. Art’s sister Grace purchased property next door, and sister Pauline rented 3 acres at the south end of the lake near 164th. Art and Helen Ruth became parents when they were in their 50’s to Art Jr., whose was born on November 25, 1940. Art Jr. grew up on the lake and was an avid fisherman.
Grace on Ruth Property.
Picnic, early 1950’s.
Entrance to Ruth Property.
Helen Ruth worked at the Martha Lake Resort and as a young teenager, Art, Jr. worked there as well, handling the rowboat rentals in the early 1950’s.. Art Jr. attended Edmonds High School and graduated in its last graduating class in 1959, before the school was closed.
Looking west from Ruth Property.
Art Ruth, Jr. in new house.
Ruth Family and others at Martha Lake.
Art Ruth Sr. played minor league baseball, about the same time as Babe Ruth. Had one story where he had to get to a game in Bellingham but didn’t have enough money for a seat, so he rode to Bellingham on the roof of the train with the bootleggers and other low-lifes.
1960, Art Ruth Jr. and Sr.
1959, Art Ruth, Jr.
1960, Cathy Rice and Helen Ruth.
In 1960, Art Sr. and Helen decided to sell and move into Lynnwood. Art Jr., being just out of high school was not in a position to purchase the property. A local builder offered a duplex in exchange for the Ruth property, which Art Sr. and Helen accepted.
On August 29, 1964, Art Jr. married Cathy Rice.
Art Sr. and Helen told Cathy that they remembered seeing the lake full of logs prior to 1920, when the area was clearcut.
Helen Ruth at Martha Lake House, 1960.
View of Ruth home from west side of lake.
Martha Lake Birthday Club at the Martha Lake Resort during the 1950’s.
Pictures provided by Yvonne and Bob Bowen:
View from Bowen’s place looking west at Svenson’s, Williams’s, McStott’s (now Healy’s) and Eble’s homes in 1988.
From Bowen’s place looking slightly further south than prior picture in 1988.
From Bowen’s place looking towards south end of Martha Lake in 1988.
Photo from Bowen’s looking to the northwest in 1988.
Susan Mullen Remembers:
Pegasus Patrol
Back in 1958-1960 we would take the horses and ride down to the Martha Lake Foods Store and tie the horses out on the old hitching post. Martha Lake Foods had put up a hitching post so that we could bring our horses. We could get off our horses, tie them up and give them treats, then the horses could roam in a little corral. My horse was named Freckles ( part Arabian) and I belonged to the Pegasus Patrol. Another member, Christine Svendsen who lived a few houses south of us on Martha Lake, had horses named Tucson and Donde. There were many stories of how Tucson , Christine’s palomino would jump over the Svendsen 8’ tall fence and had to be brought back home.
At Pegasus Patrol we would ride our horses down the Interurban tracks to the Alderwood Youth Center (around 196th street in Lynnwood) where we practiced our drill team maneuvers . We would ride in formation 2 abreast, 4 abreast, 6 abreast. We probably did that during the summer 3 or 4 days a week. Dorothy Terry (my mother) was one of our drill teachers as was Becky Engle(?). I also helped. There were about 20 kids that would ride in the drill team. Pegasus Patrol went to a lot of horse shows where we did maneuvers. We would do 10-12 shows during the summer and also performed in parades in the area. We would parade down the street and do a little drill pattern and then continue on. Because our club wasn’t a rich club we used macramé to decorate our harnesses, breastplates, bridle and halter so the horses in our club looked the same. We cut out blue fabric to put under our saddles for color. Pegasus Patrol included boys and girls.
Once a year the Pegasus Patrol would go up to the Mason’s campsite at Granite Falls. We took our horses and big huge tents. We would ride our horses in the stream and ride on the trails around the area. We stayed there for about a week. We’d cook our own food and enjoy singing camp songs at night around the big fire.
My brothers and I owned 5 horses during those years. We rode around Martha Lake and where I-5 is now. One horse pulled a carriage as you can see from the photograph. We dressed up for some special events. We learned a lot about taking care of horses and riding around the neighborhood.
Susan , Al and Mike Mullin.
My mother Dorothy Terry raised pigs during the 1950’s. The pigs were always getting out. The neighbors would call and complain. My mother would call out, “Here Suee! Here Suee!” That is how I got my nick-name, Sue Pig! (Susan Mullen), much to my chagrine. We raised 200 rabbits and skinned and sold them. We also raised chickens. Shep and Shaw (our dogs) helped round them up. Shep held them til Dorothy got them. In addition to the five horses, we also raised sheep.
Then there was Mrs. Dion the neighbor lady who lived across the street from Martha Lake who would lure ducks into her shed and chop off their heads. It was a clever ploy to allowed her to have ducks for dinner.
Eva Weider, Mrs. Dion and Lila Edgar.
In 1958 Al Terry (my 14 year old brother) built a hydroplane (8 ft. long) with his Grandpa Charles Reddy. The boys built it together. With a gas outboard Elgin engine the hydroplane went pretty fast. In fact one day after Al had raced 2-3 times around Martha Lake making lots of noise, the local sheriff gave him a ticket for going over 8 mph. Grandpa Charley helped Al pay for it. G’pa always said, ”We don’t break the law. We follow the rules.” Charles Reddy and Gladys Reddy owned a store at Dumas Road and Everett Bothell Hwy.
Susan Mullen as well as Marc Geotz remembered a roller coaster belonging to Jan Syltebo around 1955. The cars were made of wood and possibly had come from Playland, (near Sky Nursery) a local attraction, until it closed down. The roller coaster was located on the property at 15629 Larch Way. The roller coaster ride was set up so it took you all the way into Martha Lake. Two cars then had to be pulled back onto Jan Syllable’s property. It was a regular roller coaster with tracks and wheels. (See entry below from Jan Syltebo Tilton regarding the roller coaster, complete with photo.)
My grandparents Gladys Reddy and Charly Reddy were the original land owners of property near Martha Lake. They purchased the land from Puget Mill Company around the year 1931.
Kathy (Lewis) Shaw cousin of Susan Mullen used to spend a month each summer out here at the cabin where Susan’s house is now located. Susan Mullen’s new home replaced her grandparent’s cabin . Susan’s parents came out on the Interurban from Seattle to stay at the cabin. Kathy’s mother was Marguerite Reddy and Susan’ mother was Dorothy Terry.
Kathy Lewis’ and Susan Mullen’s stories of Martha Lake:
Doug Lewis, Kathy Lewis’ brother, was required to wear a life jacket on Martha Lake. One day the life jacket was lying on the dock and got kicked into the water –the life jacket went straight to the bottom- no wonder Doug was always swimming underwater.
Recollection from Jan Sylebo Tilton:
I am Jan Syltebo and my dad built the roller coaster at our place on Martha Lake at 15633 Larch Way. I don’t recollect that there were 2 of them but my brother and sister recall that one was torn down because it was too dangerous. A cousin came up with a picture of a side view of it but not showing how far it went into the lake. We rode down the roller coaster on small wooden sleds with roller skate wheels that fit between wood slats on the platform extending out into the lake.
Football at Stan and Leah’s, Tom as QB
Susan’s Story:
Gladys and Charly Reddy were just driving around looking for a place on a lake with clean water. Martha Lake is very pure with 1% cedar oil. This was the lake for them.
They hosted a big breakfast opening day of fishing on Martha Lake.
Kathy Shaw watched a plane crash into Martha Lake in 1970 (middle of the lake) the pilot didn’t make it.
In another story a pilot went between two houses and then hit the Lake Shore Dr. and wrapped around a telephone pole. The pilot lived.
Bill Mortenson built a motorized sled and roared around the lake when it was frozen. It was like a snowmobile. Bill would sprinkle the lake with water when it was frozen until it was smooth so he could ice skate. Bill was-originally from Denmark and had been a gymnast.
Susan went to Martha Lake Elementary School in 1953, where the new Middle School is going in now. Then Lynnwood Jr. High School was near Wight’s Nursery. The school is still there. Susan was entered high school at Meadowdale High School when it first opened.
Gladys Reddy had a habit of buying up properties in the area and then giving a good deal to her offspring to keep them in the area. Gladys had a thing for land and eventually 10+ acres including Vistante 2, Ewen McCauley’s lot, Susan Mullin’s lot and Al Terry’s (Susan’s brother) property.
Kathy and Susan’s Great Grandfather Scott Weider owned a butcher shop on 196th near Kinko’s, on a board walk in the late 1940’s.
Airplane Landings on or near Martha Lake
One Father’s Day in the 1970’s we witnessed a plane land on Martha Lake. By the time help arrived to pull the plane out, the pilot died. The plane was pulled out from Martha Lake two days later.
Another plane went down (near Ewen McCauley’s old home on the canal) (year?) The plane touched down , then ground louped sideways between two houses.
Miraculously the pilot lived.
From Yvonne Bowen:
Yvonne and Bob Bowen moved to Martha Lake April 15, 1986.
Yvonne Bowen stated that in the 1980’s there was no public access to Martha Lake . During the summer people (not on the lake) wanted a place for their children to swim and would stop and ask about accessing the lake. The Martha Lake Resort had public access, but you had to pay.
A lady who owned the old Martha Lake Resort property at the south end of the lake wanted to sell the property. There was talk that a business office wanted the property. It was known that the state made available funds for parks and since many of the local residents around the lake didn’t want the land used for business a group was formed to take action. “Diane, Lina and Yvonne Bowen just went to Olympia to ask that the state fund the purchase and asked Snohomish County Council also help with the purchase, which they ultimately did.”
After approval was granted and the property purchased by the county, there were many more meetings at the Community Center to plan the park facilities, parking and to take steps to clean up the lake by insuring that sewers and septic drain field did not dump into the lake. There were grants available for this purpose and Snohomish County Health was contacted to assist. As part of “Snohomish County’s Lake Management Program”, County staff and volunteers monitors have been tracking the health of area lakes since 1992. The water is sampled and tested at various levels and locations and the findings for Martha Lake are compiled in the annual in-depth lake health report and summarized in the lake report card. You may also view the raw water quality data .
From Bob Green on September 3, 2018
By accident I came across your website. …. and I am glad I found it.
Thank you for your History of the Martha Lake Area Recollections . It brought back many good memories of growing up on the Martha Lake . I remember people like Art Ruth and Bruce Helm , who were slightly older than I was in high school.
Our family lived at 16215 Larch Way North from 1955 – 1968… when Martha Lake was just country . My name is Bob Green , EHS 1960 graduate.
I enjoyed reading Frances Hill’s Recollections about Pegasus Patrol and Martha Lake Foods . My sister, Susan , had a horse and was in Pegasus Patrol , just like Frances , where she rode the same trails . I worked at Martha Lake Foods in the mid 1960’s. Frances was right on when describing Jim Welk , the owner. He was a fun person. He cared about his customers and had a quick wit . His produce signs were humorous and legendary. I wish I could remember them . I talked with his wife , Yvonne Welk , a few years ago and we both laughed about the fun signs in the store. She wished she would have kept the produce signs created by Jim Welk.
I also enjoyed reading the postings from Bruce Helm and Marc Goetz. I can still see Art Ruth walking through the woods at the end of the lake to catch the school bus.
On an email posting 1/ 21/ 15 , Marc mentions the Nienau family who owned the lake property on Larch Way with the old log cabin with the possible hidden treasure in a cave. He spelled the Nienau name correctly. It was Al Nienau who worked at Evergreen- Washelli . He acquired the property about 1960? His son , Bill and his wife , built a large home on that property recently. My dad worked with Al Nienau at EW in the 1950’s.
I believe that it was Marc Goetz ‘s 1 / 22/ 2015 email where he mentions a Dave Bocken who lived on the lake . He was a baby in 1955. His parent’s , Elmer and Bernice Bakken, had the property at 16211 and next door to our home . Later , they had a small home moved from Seattle to their property . David later remodeled and added to the small home. A few years ago , David Bakken was kind enough to let my old a high school friend and me borrow his rowboat for a ride around the lake to bring back old memories of beautiful Martha Lake.
Yes , I do remember ice skating on the lake near our dock in the 50’s ? I remember a girl (Lang) riding her horse out on the lake on top of the ice . She safely returned to shore at the public access.
I also remember fishing on the lake . Oh , and the annual ( May ) test run down the lake and back to our home in our water ski boat. Yes, the Sheriff would come and tell us not to do that.
I had lunch with and old Edmonds High School friend , Barbo Kulle , this summer. He also has many memories of growing up on Martha Lake and the people who live on the lake.
As you can see , your website on The History of the Martha Lake Area brought back many good memories.
Thank you for all your work on the Martha Lake history.
1950, Mike Kalyk and Lois Corey.
Sales contract from Puget Mill Company to Arthur Ruth.
Helen Ruth at Martha Lake House, 1960. 
Martha Lake Birthday Club at the Martha Lake Resort during the 1950’s.
From Bowen’s place looking towards south end of Martha Lake in 1988.
Susan , Al and Mike Mullin.
