The book Ravensdale Reflections was originally printed in 2004 and has been out
of print for a number of years. Recently, the author, Barbara Nilson, had 10 revised
editions printed with a new spiral binding.
The revised edition includes the correct naming of the three Miller boys on the
introductory page: they are Bob, John and Walt. The boys are sitting on a log fishing
with bare feet reflected in the lake, thus the name for the book. The mining section
has been refined and a new photo of the miners at the McKay Mine circa 1940 has
had numbers attached to them so they are easier to identify.
With 272-pages, the book covers three years of research and interviews with the
locals in Ravensdale or wherever they could be located. In addition to 49 personal
interviews, there are historic sketches of additional pioneers gleaned from their
ancestors. Families included are: Shimmels, Boos, Collins, Donnellys, Dziedzic,
Pauscheck, Floberg, Garrett, Gauthiers, Habenichts, Holly, Collecchi, Johnson, Ridenour,
Lapinski, Goldsbary, Litras, Pichinini, Markus, Mattioda, Mola, Morgan, Nanavich,
Butcher, Parolini, Preedy, Primozich, Radtke, Rose, Saftich, Stephanovich, Olson,
Hamerly, Toman, Trueblood, Kobe, Urabeck, Dickman, Willis and Miller, etc.
The book also has sections on: “Baseball Every Sunday,” the Cemetery, 1911-12 Polk
Directory, 1920 United States Census, Community Club and Gracie Hansen building,
the Sewing Club, United Ancient Order of Druids, Logging, Charming Lake Retreat,
McKay/Ravensdale Mines and Miners, Post Offices, School buildings, Taverns/Saloons,
Telegrapher Trueblood Eckes, and Ravensdale Today.
The copies are for sale for $30 and there are two copies each at the Black Diamond
Book Store, the Ravensdale Grocery Store, and the Ravensdale Reunion, Sept. 17,
at Melby’s Museum of Mechanical Art. The author has three for sale by calling 425-228-5903.
