Back to Attractions

Brat at helm

Remembering the past

Sue Scott, president of the Lakewood Historical Society, points out artifacts in the Settler’s Cabin exhibit during a recent tour of the Lakewood History Museum. Photo credit: Marguerite Cleveland

Email Article Print Article Share on Facebook Share on Reddit Share on StumbleUpon

Sue Scott assumed the mantle of Lakewood Historical Society president in November 2016.  She is a longtime resident of Lakewood, but prior to moving here, she lived a life of adventure as a military brat.

"When we first moved here September 1959, we lived in the Fort Lewis Lodge for two weeks before moving into quarters.  It was a long journey to get here.  We flew on a military plane from Germany and the seats were facing backwards.  Then we embarked on a trip across country in a station wagon with four kids and nine suitcases. I was going into 8th grade when we moved here.  After two weeks, we moved into the Beechwood housing area and were the first tenants in that house," said Scott.  "That was the last big trip we took," she added.

In her younger years she experienced a bit of history first-hand.  "In 1955, my father was assigned to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama.  It was the first time I ever saw children with no shoes at school," said Scott.  She witnessed segregation and prejudice first-hand. "At that time, the schools were separated.  I can remember being in front of school when the bus carrying black children drove by.  The white children would pick up rocks and throw them at the bus. Sixty years later I still remember it. Thankfully we weren't at that assignment long," Scott said.

Her most memorable trip was riding a troop transport to Germany.  "The entire battalion, my dad was assigned to, traveled together on board plus all the families.  We crossed the North Atlantic in March and it really got rough.  I'll never forget this one soldier who was assigned to patrol the deck.  He would march down to one end of the ship and throw up in the bucket, then turn and march to the other end and proceed to throw up again. I will say one good thing came out of this trip, I met a friend.  We became lifelong friends and still correspond over fifty years later," she said.

Scott's lifelong love of history was fostered by Mr. Peterson, history teacher at Lakes High School. "In 2006, I was driving home one day and I saw the Lakewood History Museum was opened.  Becky Huber (former society president) was the docent and she sucked me right in.  I joined the society right then and six months later I was on the board. Now ten years later, I agreed to a two-year term as president," she said.

"The Lakewood Historical Society has over three hundred members, hosts monthly history lectures and we have an active presence at the Lakewood Farmers Market.  We are hosting a Flapjack Fundraiser and would love the community's support.  You must purchase tickets in advance at the Lakewood History Museum," said Scott. She can often be found at the museum serving as a docent and sharing her love of history and Lakewood.

Lakewood History Museum, noon-4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 6211 Mt. Tacoma Dr. SW, Lakewood, 253.682.3480, lakewoodhistorical.org

Flapjack Fundraiser, 8-10 a.m., Saturday, March 11, Applebee's, 10407 Gravelly Lake Dr., Lakewood, $10, 253.983.8884

Read next close

News

Good fishing and therapy

comments powered by Disqus