About the event:
From Wilderness to the Space Age: The 150+ Year Making of Redmond
Before it was a global epicenter of technology and space exploration, Redmond was a dense, rugged frontier shaped by the flow of the Squak River, booming sawmills and the sweat of early logging pioneers. How exactly did a small 1870s settlement transform into one of America’s most innovative and desirable cities? Join local historian and longtime Redmond resident John Oftebro for a fascinating journey through more than 150 years of remarkable people, unexpected stories, and pivotal moments that shaped the city we know today. Along the way, you'll uncover hidden history, rediscover familiar landmarks, and see Redmond through an entirely new lens.
Featured Stories Along the Way:
🌲 From Forest to Frontier: Step back to Redmond's earliest days and discover how pioneers, loggers, and timber barons transformed a dense wilderness into the thriving community we know today.
🔔Bells, Bricks & Byways: Travel back to the days of the Old Red Brick Road, navigate the historic Yellowstone Trail, and uncover the decades-long saga of the missing Schoolhouse Bell.
🌊 The River That Shaped a City: Follow the story of the Squak River—from its ancient formation and changing names to its role in transportation, industry, recreation, and the growth of Redmond itself.
🎉 A Century of Community: Trace the roots of Redmond’s incorporation, early civic leaders, population boom, and the festive, colorful history of our beloved Derby Days celebration.
🚀 To Infinity and Beyond: Fast-forward to the future as we explore Redmond's meteoric rise into a world-renowned technology hub and premier Space District.Whether you've lived in Redmond for decades or just arrived, you'll leave with a deeper appreciation for the stories hidden behind its streets, parks, and neighborhoods.
Bring your curiosity, your burning questions, and your own personal memories of Redmond to share during our community Q&A!
Learn More at the Redmond Historical Society
About the featured reader:
John Oftebro is a Washington native, retired pharmacist, longtime Redmond resident, and President of the Redmond Historical Society. A Redmond resident since 1974, John has dedicated himself to preserving and sharing the city's rich history through engaging stories, rare photographs, and a deep appreciation for the people and events that shaped the community we know today.
After a distinguished career in pharmacy, John continued his lifelong commitment to public service through leadership roles with the Washington State Pharmacy Foundation and Washington State University. Today, he brings Redmond's past to life with the knowledge, enthusiasm, and local perspective that only decades of community involvement can provide.
What to Expect at PPN Gatherings
We gather at Centro Cultural Mexicano in Redmond, WA on the last Friday of each month from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Free & Open to All: Every gathering features a main reader and an open mic.
Open-Mic Format: Open to poetry or prose (typically 3–4 minutes per reader). S
After-Event Socializing: We often head to a nearby restaurant afterward to continue connecting and enjoying great conversation.