STARS IN THE SKY VALLEY: Continuing a Sky Valley tradition

By Valeria Rae

It seems that each generation holds the opinion that theirs is the most innovative, effective and brilliant. This view is understandable in today's technological world of cellphones, remote controls, blue teeth and computers so small they can be worn on the wrist like a watch. A watch, what is that? The youth of tomorrow will be asking that question.

And indeed, these marvelous creations are the result of cutting-edge thought and come with amazing new capacities that are reshaping our everyday experience. However, it is worth reflecting on the fact that we humans have been coming up with tools since we were living in caves. Our grandparents and their parents lived through a revolution in innovation necessitated by settling a new country. The 1800s was a time of self-reliance and inspired the development of tools and machines that made tools. These intrepid pioneers invented and used the technology of the day to plow fields, grind wheat, separate the cream from the milk, cut gigantic trees and excavate the precious ores from the earth. What they didn't have, they invented and made on the spot.

The farmers, loggers, ranchers and miners who settled the Skykomish Valley were a proud people whose courage and tenacity forged a legacy that is carried on in the mission and dedication of the founder and supporters of the Western Heritage Museum of Monroe.

Located on the east side of the Evergreen State Fairgrounds, the museum holds an astounding collection of historical documents and artifacts ranging from saws, to wood stoves, to antique furniture, a huge drill press, and an array of vintage tractors. Exhibits displaying a mineshaft, a country kitchen, a smithy, a loom and an early switch board provide an in-depth education on the lifestyle of our forbearers. Steve Rizzo, a longtime museum docent, provides demonstrations of rope making and encourages visitors to twine a bit to take home.

Although the visionary and founder, Jerry Senner, passed on last year, his mantle has been taken up by his wife, Nancy, who was his cheerleader for decades. Nancy continues to manage the museum and has dedicated the next two years to maintaining its integrity and accessibility to the public.

In 1982, Jerry began collecting old tractors and farm implements in order to give his sons projects to rebuild. As the collection grew, he and Nancy looked for a space where they could display the heritage of valley life. In 2006, the Evergreen State Fair offered them an empty building where they set up their collection. It was open during the fair that year and again the next. By that time, the museum was well stocked, primarily with the Senners' collection. The Western Heritage Museum was opened that September.

This museum is unique in that the public is encouraged to touch and explore many of the exhibits. Jerry's vision was for it to be a fun hands-on learning opportunity that would provide "realGÇ¥ versus virtual experience and be a memorable history lesson. Open Wednesdays through Sundays, visitors come from far afield to wonder at the ingenuity of the past. School tours also take advantage of this local treasure.

The Senners acquired nonprofit status in 1996, and so the Museum has a board of directors who, along with her son, Chris, assist Nancy in a number of ways, including creating the website and establishing a Go Pay account to assist in fundraising.

Some changes are in the works for the museum. When it opens again after the fair on Sept. 14, a $5 per adult and $3 for children entrance fee will be asked. This income will be used for a variety of needs, including laying tracks and building five road crossings for the rails that will carry the train that was recently acquired from an amusement park in Everett. The train is powered by a 1947 Desoto engine and will take visitors for rides around the back parking lot. This addition is expected to be a fair favorite and raise awareness about the museum.

Nancy reflects on her husband's passion to bring the past alive for future generations. She values the museum's success at sparking memories and engendering appreciation for those who came before. As director, docent and teacher, Nancy knows their efforts have made a difference. She shares one anecdote of a man who wanted to know, in all earnestness, if chocolate milk came from brown cows!

So come visit the museum and travel back in time. Volunteers are needed for three-hour shifts during the fair; no experience necessary. And if you are attending the fair, you might catch the ceremony honoring Jerry Senner on Friday, Aug. 26.-á Jerry is greatly missed, but his legacy continues.

Western Heritage Museum can be reached at 360-282-2614. The Evergreen State Fairgrounds is at 14405 179th Ave. S.E., Monroe.