For the Reporter
As a great grandson of Ole and Anna Oie, Norwegian pioneers who settled on the East Hill of Kent in 1890, author Morris Willard Skagen’s dream of publishing the “History of the Soos Creek Plateau from 1860-1960” has been achieved.
The book, about 450 pages, includes maps and early photographs of the area. All aspects of the development of the plateau are included, with major emphasis on farming, which was the main means of livelihood for plateau residents.
A major focus of the book is on the settlers and families who lived on the plateau. Between 1860 and 1960, most of the plateau, which covers an area of approximately 70 square miles, was served by the Kent Post Office, including Covington and most of Lea Hill.
Skagen grew up on the 70-square-mile area above Kent called the Soos Creek Plateau and graduated from Kent-Meridian High School in 1955. Combining that with an occupation as an accomplished librarian, his exhaustive research, together with scores of anecdotal stories and oral histories weave an appealing account of the rugged men and women who settled The Plateau.
Morris’s love of the area and his encyclopedic knowledge of its places and hard-working ancestors is reflected in his writing. His historic collection of artifacts, photographs and ephemera residing in the Heritage Center at Soos Creek Botanical Garden has served to inform this fabulous compilation depicting the rich history of the pioneers of Soos Creek Plateau.
“The History of the Soos Creek Plateau” is published by the University of Washington Bookstore Press. The cost of researching, writing and printing of the book has been underwritten by 4Culture, the King County organization that provides grants for a variety of art and history projects.
The book preserves the rich history of the Soos Creek Plateau and provides residents a connection to its past. “The History of the Soos Creek Plateau” offers a readily available source of local historical information compiled into one cohesive book.
The book costs $25. Sales proceeds support the Soos Creek Botanical Garden and Heritage Center.
For more information and to order a copy of the book, email info@sooscreekbotanicalgarden.org or call the Soos Creek Botanical Garden and Heritage Center at 253-639-0949.
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