Sharing Our History
On December 13, 2009 a small gathering of interested Soap Lake fans attended the first in a series of visits honoring our senior citizens through sharing stories. The event was held at Brix and Stone hosted by Linda Bonneville. Linda grew up in Soap Lake and it is her abiding interest in the town that inspired the idea to start a series of Sunday story sharing sessions. Activities start with tea and scones served by hostess truly, Linda. During the interview section of the program, the audience of seven invited guests can ask questions or show photographs and inquire about what life in Soap Lake was like at the turn of or during the last century.
Joyce Pinkerton, born in 1922 was the esteemed guest at the first program. Joyce lived all the years of her young life in Soap Lake. Her father was a butcher and opened a meat market on Main Street in the mid 1920’s. He operated the store until World War II started and he moved to Seattle to help the war effort by working in the shipyards.
Joyce remembers youthful summer days spent at the lake, playing wild haired and barefoot. The winters were colder back then, with snow piled high as a house. The lake would freeze and Mr. Thomas would pull kids on sleds tied to the back of his car across the ice. Apparently not an idea that Joyce’s parents were too fond of. But fun nonetheless and Joyce admits t trying it once.
The beaches were packed with people, and the busy train station at Grant Orchards saw many a hotel proprietor meet new arrivals, twisting and cajoling to get them to come to their place for accommodations. Lucky were those who found a room this way. Often visitors had to rent a tent or have no accommodation at all if they didn’t get a room or a cabin.
The suds that blew off the shores of the lake were big, much bigger than they are today adds Joyce. Based on some of the photos taken in the last few years, it’s clear there is still plenty of suds churned up, just how much compared to the past is open to debate.
There were plenty of businesses on Main Street including Radke’s garage where Don’s restaurant now operates. Jack Radke would let the youngsters’ roller skate on the concrete garage floor during the winter, just to give them something to do. During the summer there was an open-air fruit and sandwich stand right on the spot where the Masquers Theater is today. It was owned and operated by a family by the name of Root. They came back year-after-year and were a popular place with the visitors who came to town.
Joyce remembers when President Roosevelt came through town on his way to Grand Coulee Dam. Many of the business folks in town thought he was going to stop, so lots of effort was invested in food stands and souvenirs. Mr. President rolled through town without stopping. Joyce rode her bike downtown and was able to wave at Mr. Roosevelt who waved right back at her.
She also remembers the dedication ceremony held when McKay Hospital was opened. Dignitaries came from all over the state to open that hospital; it was a really big deal according to Joyce.
There will be at least two Honoring Our Past events at Brix and Stone throughout the winter. The question and answer session is recorded and will be edited and available for future viewing on this site. DVD copies along with copies of historic photographs will also be available at a future time.
If you are interested in attending as a guest at one of the sessions, please end an e-mail to the site contact.
Working the Soap Lake Festival 1959
I was with the Air Police at Larson, AFB in 1959 when the Chief of Police in Soap Lake asked for some APs for crowd control during the festival, four APs were chosen. I was lucky enough to be selected and spent three wonderful days, and somewhat busy nights, assisting local and tribal police patrol the event. We were treated so well that none of us wanted to return to Larson. The people of Soap Lake were wonderful.
CSM Joseph P. Henderson AUS RET
Fair Lawn, New Jersey