Description
FOREWORD
Trying to find information in books about Ronald is almost impossible. Very few stories have been written about this area’s history. The only thing that sticks out in people’s mind is “The Big Fire of 1928- Still Explodes”. But Ronald has so much more to offer history; immigrants who were warm and wonderful people and happy, sad and funny memories. Most of these people came from Europe—Italians, Croatians, Czecks, Slovenians, Scots, Irish, Welsh, English, you name it. All came to make a better life. But times were hard here too. Although the mines in the area had jobs to offer, sometimes the men got very few hours—at low pay. Life was a struggle. These hard-working people made the most of it. All had large families. Here’s from a quote of Julia Wallgren’s: “People didn’t have much but they enjoyed life. They didn’t have to have everything to be happy”.
This book contains stories that were remembered and told by the older residents of Ronald. We almost waited too late. A lot of the stories are lost. Although there has been several books written about the “Upper County”, Ronald seemed to get lost in the background. But Ronald is important! Everyone’s memories are slightly different, so some stories may contradict each other. To our knowledge, these facts are true and as we reminisce about the people who lived in Ronald, we keep our precious memories near and dear to us. There is nothing better than growing up in a small town. In the 1940’s and 1950’s, the population was around 300 and everyone knew everyone else in town. There were no secrets. It was like one big family.
With this in mind, here is
“RONALD REMEMBERED”.
About the Author
Marcia “Marcy” Minerich was born in the small town of Ronald in 1940- when Doctors still delivered babies at home. Then a town of 300 people, she grew up knowing every single one of them. Growing up in a close community, the memories are more precious. After Marcy graduated from Cle Elum High School, she married her high school sweet-heart, Ed Bogachus. Moving only 10 miles away, she was still close enough to keep in touch with her old friends.
On June 21, 2011, they will celebrate their 53rd anniversary. Working and maintaining their hay farm and raising their two daughters, Kimilee and Renee, kept them busy through the years. They also have one grandson, Weslee. “As you get older, the more you think back of your “growing-up” years and the more your heritage means to you,” quotes Marcy. “Remembering Your Heritage has been my motto.” Marcy has also published the book “From Old Country to Coal Country,” written by the individual members of the Roslyn-Ronald-Cle Elum Heritage Club. With this book preserving the history and our rich heritage, RONALD WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED.
FIRST EDITION JULY 2011; SECOND PRINTING MAY 2026
