A Brief History of Volunteering
1995 Volunteer Photo / Historic Seattle Archives
Historic preservation is only truly realized by people taking action!
Our History …
In 1975 a small number of individuals gathered together to form the Historic Seattle Volunteer Association. The Associations goal was: “The preservation and enhancement of the historic heritage of the City of Seattle for the mutual pride and enjoyment of all citizens and the creation of a more livable environment with the historic areas of the city.” By-Laws were written, individuals were elected to various positions, and projects were defined.
To learn about volunteers from 1998 to the present, check out our Newsletter Archive.
In April 2008 we established a new publication focusing on volunteers. Volunteer News is created with you in mind. Please open it and print yourself a copy, it's just one page front and back. Volunteer News will be published several times a year and contains news and information for Historic Seattle members who also volunteer their time, talents and expertise on behalf of the organization.
Below are snippets about volunteers from old Historic Seattle Newsletters: 1976-1998
VOLUNTEERS: Historic Seattle newsletters
The 1990's
Early Summer 1998 newsletter – Spotlight on out Volunteers. It’s been a busy spring season with many events and projects underway. And we couldn’t have done it without our dedicated volunteers. First of all, kudos to Marissa Natkin, our Web-page designer. Her efforts have been tremendous—she has undertaken the entire Web-site project from start to finish and created a master piece (and has kept smiling throughout). Soon you will see her work for yourself—the Web page will be launched at the Members Meeting on May 5, just in time for Preservation Week.
Also many, many thanks to our hard working Lecture Series Committee Volunteers and Event Volunteers. The series was resounding success thanks to their efforts at each stage of the process. Special thanks to Nancy Graves for her excellent work in coordinating the Residence Waling Tour – no easy feat!
Sincerest thanks also goes out to the Tea & Tour Volunteers. Their gracious hosting talents are always admired and appreciated. Special RECOTGNITION GOES TO Andrea Divoky who has stepped in and magnificently coordinated both our Winter and Spring Tea & Tours (as well as being an integral part of the Lecture Series).
Last but certainly not least, many thanks to Preserving Your Old House and Preservation Education crews. Much thought and effort went into these successful programs. Amy Pfeiffenberger and Rick Sever did an outstanding job as coordinators of the PYOH event as did Ellen Miller-Wolfe and Mimi Sheridan as coordinators of PEF.
Winter 1997 newsletter – Each December volunteers of Historic Seattle gather to be honored by Historic Seattle’s Council and staff. This year’s recognition was held at the Kline-Galland Mansion at 17h & Madison. Historic Seattle’s current group of volunteers numbers over 100. The volunteer portrait is an annual part of the recognition – taken by volunteer photographer Earl Cahail, of course!
Summer 1996 newsletter – Historic Seattle will sponsor a Volunteer Orientation for anyone interested in volunteering for Historic Seattle on Tuesday, September 17… Currently Historic Seattle has 60 volunteers working on various individual and group projects. Some of the opportunities include: Public Relations, Education Committee, Lecture Series Planning Group, Preservation Leadership Forum, Teas & Tours, Klondike Project, and special assignments negotiated with Mollie Tremaine, volunteer coordinator.
Fall 1995 newsletter – Historic Seattle Volunteer Recognition. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, December 5, 6:30-8pm, invitation to volunteer forthcoming.
Winter 1994 newsletter – 20 th Anniversary Honors Historic Seattle Volunteers. The names of 53 volunteers were listed in the newsletter.
October 1993 newsletter – Christmas Tea & Volunteer Recognition scheduled for December 1 at the Stimson Green Mansion. [Also] Thanks to Volunteers…They Make Things Happen. Volunteers who have provided time and talents this month include: Larry Mattson, Mary Kae McCullough, Andrea Divoky, Jean Werner, Isabbelle Franklin, Nancy & Lonnie Plennert, M.J.Broquedis, David Messner, Shelley Odegard, Brian Gregory and David Bates.
February 1992 newsletter – 1991 Volunteer Recognition & Christmas Tea (44 volunteers named) [photo] was held at Frederick Stimson Mansion on Queen Anne.
Missing newsletters 1986 – 1991 (7 years)
The 1980's
1984/1985 Annual Report – Volunteer Advisory Committee: Marion Aronson, Carol Gaffer, Amber Gould, Pauline Hanover, Earl Layman, Mary Ann Mangels, Janice Nichols, Mary Fran Page and Betty Spieth. [Also] The ongoing activities and projects of Historic Seattle are managed by a small professional staff that includes Lawson Elliott, Executive Director, and Cynthia Hughes, Administrative Assistant. Additional staff are employed as necessary for special project assignments. Mary Ann Mangels, Volunteer Coordinator, resigned her position in July, 1984 in order to devote more time to the activities of Historic Seattle’s Council. During the 1984-85 year, Historic Seattle was fortunate to have had the able assistance of Mollie Termaine, Special Events Coordinator.
October 1984 newsletter – Mollie Tremaine has recently been hired as Special Events Coordinator. She will be responsible for volunteer programming, fund raising events and publicizing our activities in order to increase membership.
February 1984 newsletter – Karen Bean (a volunteer since 1983) [was] recognized as Professional Preservationist Volunteer. Gwen Marcus, of Galveston, TX, is Historic Seattle’s newest volunteer.
May 1983 newsletter – Mollie Termaine volunteered to head [the] committee on developing slide show of Seattle’s architecture to primary and middle schools, Elaine Hiden is in charge of Speakers Bureau.
1983 Annual Report – Historic Seattle published three issues of Historic Seattle newsletter in 1983 and was published with the assistance of volunteer Lucille Friedman.
May 1982 newsletter – Mary Ann Mangels taken over as Coordinator, speakers committee and slide show or school children
1980 – Volunteer Association Officers
The 1970's
January 1979 newsletter –The volunteer association of HSPDA, under the chairmanship of Elaine Hilden, met at the Old Ballard Firehouse restaurant on September 11 th. 21 people attended and voted to revitalize the group which is such an integral part of Historic Seattle. A nominating committee consisting of Mick Hamlin, Elizabeth Aspinwall, and Phyllis Boyker was appointed to present a slate of officers. It was also decided to help Phyllis Boyker’s Membership Committee in its drive for new members.
January 1978 newsletter – offering tours of Chelsa apartments on Queen Anne Hill
January 1977 newsletter – Activities undertaken by Historic Seattle Volunteer Association (description) ; tours of the Stimson / Green Mansion; silent auction,. Work party to clean out the interiors of the Pioneer Houses before were moved to Ballard
September 1976 newsletter – a call for interested people to join the Historic Seattle Volunteer Association which evolved from the Stimson/Green Mansion group who conducted tours, organized 2 Carriage House Sales. (The invitation was signed by Jonelle Adams, Chairperson Historic Seattle Volunteer Association.)
