Membership at the Greater Bonney Lake Historical Society (GBLHS) is at a critical low. If the society folds, the disposition of its assets is unclear. Right now, there are volumes of books, family records, and files with histories of Bonney Lake residents and landmarks, stored in the Public Resource Center in Bonney Lake. This includes Alfred and Alma Milotte items (successful Disney cinematographers who lived in the Sky Island Drive area they named.)

The Historical Society has struggled as many of the board members have moved out of the area without being replaced. The society depends solely on volunteers – no financial backing from the city – which means it is difficult to keep the doors open on a regular basis.

“What we need are people who are interested in capturing and sharing the tales of the area,” said Glenn Taylor, member and volunteer (who recently moved from the area). “If we can build our membership, we can bring our ideas and programs to life. Members don’t have to be from Bonney Lake, they should join to help keep the area’s history going. There are a lot of stories to unearth.”

“New people will bring new ideas and new opportunities,” said Joann Taylor, the Society’s President. “It would be nice to have a bookkeeper, a teacher, a salesman to bring a more professional spin to what we have going on. But most people will find that whatever their background, we’ll welcome their help and whatever they can contribute: time, effort, talent, resources.”

The request seems simple: Join the Historical Society. GBLHS.org offers membership at $25 per year, students $15 per year, a family and corporate rate.

“It would be nice to have students get involved and help us with capturing some of the local stories, too,” said Glenn. “Students bring a whole new dynamic. It can be a beneficial relationship if they need or want to volunteer, because there are other projects they can help with throughout the year as well.”

The objectives of the Society are to discover, preserve, and disseminate knowledge about the history of the Greater Bonney Lake area and the State of Washington.

“This is a great organization for anyone interested in trying something new,” said Joann. “There are limitless opportunities for people to support the Society’s Mission as little or as much as they want! We just need more people to help keep us from ‘closing shop.’”

The Greater Bonney Lake Historical Society is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that relies upon its members and the generosity of individuals, corporations, and foundations to provide needed support for any programs and archival operations. Please join us in preserving and sharing our area’s rich past by joining or making a contribution today at GBLHS.org

Linda Wagner

Bonney Lake