Manette Pioneering

This issue of Manette Pioneering is a reprint of the 1988 gem of local history. Manette is a neighborhood of Bremerton in Kitsap County, Washington-fourteen miles across Puget Sound from Seattle. Its story begins with the local Suquamish tribe and continues with the explorations of Capt. George Vancouver in 1792 and Lt. Charles Wilkes in 1841. Manette Pioneering provides a compelling picture of life in the first half of the 20th century.

Manette grew out of the early Puget Sound lumber industry. Detailed chapters cover local clubs, utilities, businesses, churches, and other aspects of small-town life. You will find pictures and stories from the famous Puget Sound mosquito fleet, including the little car ferry "Pioneer." Discover the tale of the iconic Manette Bridge which was financed partially by subscriptions from Manette residents.

The Manette History Club began in 1983 when a dedicated group of volunteers, led by Estelle Meredith and Gideon Hermanson, met to discuss a way to keep the stories of the area's pioneers from being lost. The book committee used media and word-of-mouth to solicit stories and photographs to include as many families as possible. Over 130 families are represented in total.

Erv Jensen, a professional journalist and the son of early pioneers himself, was the editor, with his assistant Maryjayne Hladky.

To contact the Manette History Club, write to manettehistory@gmail.com