Special to the Reporter

The First Annual Redmond Historical Society Dinner & Auction Fundraiser is now history.

More than 100 members and friends enjoyed a festive evening at the Redmond Senior Center on Jan. 13, kicked off with a local trivia contest and an optional costume contest that brought “get ups” from generations from the 1890s to the present.

Silent auction items included several historical paintings including Theno’s Dairy and the T & D Feed Store, and plenty of themed baskets and service items. Emcee John Oftebro, vice present director of finance, aka an early Norwegian Redmond logger, introduced special guests: former mayors Christine Himes and Rosemarie Ives, former Redmond City Council member John Stilin, and recently elected council member Steve Fields. Oftebro also introduced Diana Gardner Morelli, who is the great granddaughter of Katie and Luke McRedmond, the town’s namesake founder. Diana’s mother, Martha, was raised in the Justice White House, one of Redmond’s most treasured historical buildings.

Society president Joe Townsend, aka Adile (Adi) Lampaert, an early 1900s rancher whose property spread from Redmond Way to what is now Redmond City Hall, related his own story. He then introduced the Society’s newest Lifetime Member, Suzanne Hall. Later in the evening, Louise Barnes also joined that esteemed group of Society supporters.

Next up was a visit by John Couch, Redmond’s first parks director, aka John Way, MD, who told stories about his medical practice beginning in Redmond in 1946, where he delivered more than 1,000 babies over his 56 years of practice. His fees were often bartered for chickens and other farm products. Dr. Way implored the guests to help preserve Redmond’s rich history by continuing to share family stories, which the Society has been capturing over the years. “Dr. Way” then introduced the real Dr. Way’s son, Bill Way, and spouse, Nancy, author of “Our Town Redmond.” He gave the guests a “shot in the arm” speech to stimulate the live auction bidding.

Auctioneer Troy McVicker led the attendees through a number of items, and a successful Paddle Raise to Fund a Need for the Society. The big surprise came next when Sherry Stilin asked to speak, and read a story of the first generation of Morelli brothers and their tunneling work in Montana before settling in Redmond to begin one of the largest of 100 poultry farms in the immediate Redmond area. The second generation of Morelli brothers, Dante, Robert, Panfilo and his wife Diana, then took the stage and received a standing ovation to Diana’s emotional historical speech and their gift of a five-year sustaining donation totaling $25,000.

When the live auction was completed, the trivia and costume winners were announced and the evening concluded. Two other major highlights were the food catered by Off the Vine Catering, and the numerous reunions of many long-time Redmond residents who had not seen each other in years.

Bidding at the live auction (Debra Pelletier in white). Courtesy of Patsy Rosenbach

Emcee John Oftebro, Sherry Stilin, Diana Morelli, Panfilo Morelli, Robert Morelli, Dante Morelli and Society President Joe Townsend. The Morelli brothers presented a check for a $5,000 donation, part of a five-year pledge of $25,000. Courtesy of Patsy Rosenbach