The Mossyrock Area has been blessed with a true Community Treasure; Memories from Family Albums. Locally know as “The Red Book” for its red cover, this 460 plus page compilation of oral and written history was compiled by the Mossyrock Grange Historical Committee and published in 1976. It was dedicated to the Pioneers of “The Heart of Lewis County”.
Chairperson of the committee was Marjorie Aldrich, assisted by Doris Meyers, Lillie Clowe, and Marilyn Armit. Photos were reproduced by Earl Clowe, and the typist was Joan Budai. We are indebted to these dedicated community members for this extraordinary gift.
The geographic area of the “Red Book” includes Salkum, Silver Creek, Harmony, Mayfield, Winston Creek, Salmon Creek, Mossyrock, Ajlune, Swofford, Green Mountain, Riffe, and Nesika. These pioneer towns, although some now gone all played an important role in the shaping of the history of this area.
Below is an excerpt by Rev. William J. Rule, 1946, 50 years after his arrival to the area from Seattle in 1893.
“It was now New Year`s, 1894 and I had to have a pony. I recall making a bargain for such a conveyance with Brother R.T. Siler, but never recall paying the bill or settling the account. I soon learned to ride, and that real fast I fear. I called on all the families, enjoyed their gracious welcome. I was in a new, strange, delightful world. I was charmed by these hospitable people. My walks through the trails brought surprises at every turn- even skunk cabbage and devil`s clubs had their interest, the enormous stems and great height of the vine maple which hung the massive curtains of moss joined the beds of moss on the ground below. What a retreat for quiet and study as you lounged on these natural couches! I soon found that these new crude homes, were just from the axe,and froe, the plans were supplied with the choicest of books, and the newspapers from the settlers` former homes kept us all in touch with the doings of the world”
1 comment:
I would love to read that Red Book sometime. What a blessing to have so much local history preserved! I have only been in Mossyrock for 7 years, but would have liked to be here all my life. I love the little town, the down-to-earth folks, the hills and valleys, everything! Thank you for posting the excerpt from the Red Book. That was very interesting to read! I can relate exactly to that man, I love the woodlands around here with all of the beautiful vegetation and moss. It’s paradise!!!!
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