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A former reporter for the original Eastside Journal, Jerry is an avid local historian who still gives talks at Chateau, community and senior centers and local libraries. Although her expertise is the Juanita area, she’s no stranger to Bothell history and culture. To meet Jerry is to encounter a bright, lively intelligence. With a twinkle in her eye, she relayed stories of what it was like to grow up in this area during the great depression, when traveling to “remote” Thrasher’s Corner from her childhood home in North Seattle was a bumpy, arduous ride through then densely forested countryside in the back of an old Model T truck. The bumpy old Model T truck was the vehicle by which Jerry’s grandfather prospected for land. Little did he know the land he cleared off the Bothell Everett highway to build a little grocery store and gas station eighty years ago or so would still bear his name and be the busy junction it is today. Jerry fondly remembers her family weekend getaways (with occasional pit stops for fruit at the Yakima Fruit Market—still standing today) to what is now called Thrasher’s Corner. In those days, says Jerry, “Family wasn’t restricted to kin—it involved the community as well.” Folks from all over the area would travel to grandpa’s place for community pot lucks and dances. Mort Thrasher was a square-dance caller, and Jerry learned to dance at a young age at these family events. Her passion for dancing is right up there with her passion for writing, although she admits it’s easier for her to keep up with the later these days. Jerry warmly invites you to stop by Chateau at Bothell Landing for a chat sometime. She can often be found in the front lobby and is always happy to strike up a conversation. She’ll regale you with tales of old Bothell. “What’s wonderful about this area, is that while it has certainly grown, Bothell has preserved its friendly, neighborly vibe that I remember from my childhood.” |
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