Who remembers the Bubbleator?
Columbia Basin Herald, May 12, 1976
Eric LaFontaine photo Event: The annual Columbia Basin Herald Christmas party. Date: Dec. 2. Place: Lake Bowl. Fun bowling and great food. Result: The 2016 CBH bowling champs, determined by the average of two games, left to right, Dana Moreno, Marlea Moreno, Cortney Moreno, Dennis Clay and Garnet Wilson. Down front is five-year-old Angel Ramirez. He was the star of the night. Although he became extremely tired as the evening progressed, he was up and willing to take his turn each time. He picked up a couple of spares and at least one strike, all without help. Garnet and I were about ready to…
Do you remember the Bubbleator? Now explain to your children and grandchildren about the Bubbleator. A search of the Internet indicates this unique item was put in storage in 1984 to make way for the Seattle Children’s Museum and later sold to a private owner in Des Moines, Wash.
This new owner recycled the upper part of the dome into a greenhouse. An additional search indicates after the stint as a greenhouse, the Bubbleator became a recording studio for a rock-‘n’-roll band.
Yes, I was on the Bubbleator more than once. Read on.
E-mail from Cheryl
Facts from the past gleaned from the Moses Lake Herald, Columbia Basin Herald and The Neppel Record by Cheryl (Driggs) Elkins:
From the CBH on Sept. 29, 1980:
Bubbleator ‘sick’
The bulbous Bubbleator, which has raised millions at the Seattle Center to new heights since the 1962 World’s Fair, apparently is going to the hospital instead of the junkyard.
City bureaucrats decided earlier this year to junk the odd, plastic elevator, but Precon Enterprises, a Bothell firm which is redesigning the Center House, had donated the Bubbleator to the Children’s Orthopedic Hospital.
Jim Grassley, the hospital’s development coordinator, says he isn’t sure just how the hospital will use the see-through people lifter, but if safety codes permit, he hopes to use the Bubbleator “in some unique way,” perhaps as a play area for its young patients.
Moses Lake youth wins 4-H contest
Deena Hansen, 17, of Moses Lake, is one of three girls who’ll represent Washington at the North American International Livestock Exposition at Louisville, Ky.
This will be first year Washington has been represented.
Joining Hansen will be Monica Stevens, 14 of Mount Vernon and Betsy Brison, 17, of Bothell.
They were selected on their ability to judge pens of sheep, swine and livestock at eh State 4-H Fair held at Puyallup. A similar test of their skills will be held when they reach Louisville.
Valley Road job forces closure
Valley Road will be closed to through traffic until Wednesday past Grape Drive as construction crews begin to widen and repave the street.
Street construction will be performed from Grape and Valley to Paxson Drive and Valley. The two-lane Valley Road from Grape to Paxson will be improved to four lanes.
The road closure may cause some inconvenience for Cascade Valley residents, who’ll have to travel other routes.
Frontier plans parents’ program
The Frontier Junior High School staff and Parent-Teacher-Student Association will sponsor its 1980 Back-to-School program at the school Tuesday night. Parents and students are invited to attend the 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. session.
PTSA officers for 1980 at frontier are Jim Evans, president; Jim Spidell, vice president; Mrs. Karen Thern, secretary; and Mrs. Carol Smith, treasurer. Two student representatives to the PTSA board will be selected this week.
From the CBH on Feb. 3, 1982:
Purchased OKed
Grand County Five District Five commissioners have approved the purchase of a used 1,500-gallon per minute rated pumper and truck for $32,251.
Commissioners authorized modification of the rig to replace the 600-gallon tank with a 1,000-gallon tank.
Commissioners also met in executive session Monday night to discuss a personnel matter.
From the CBH on April 10, 1979:
Theater meet set
Moses Lake Little Theater will meet 7:30 p.m. at Frontier Junior High School in the theater room. All interested persons are invited to attend, said Jan Summit, member.
Nisei election
Nisei Women’s Club recently elected officers with Kiyo Osumi named president.
Other officers for the year are: Michi Kawauchi, vice-president; Grayce Hatori, secretary; Aki Kataoka, treasurer; Fumi Hara, sergeant-at-arms; Sue Matsumura, social chairman; Midori Osumi, courtesy chairman and Lillian Tokunaga, program chairman.
Members voted to present cash gifts from the proceeds of the annual Sukiyaki Dinner to Samaritan Hospital, Moses Lake Fire Department, Beach Court Apartments, Othello Community Hospital and Warden Fire Department.
Easter egg hunt slated Saturday
A community Easter egg hunt for children is slated 11:30 a.m. Saturday at McCosh Park near the tennis courts.
Moses Lake Newcomer’s Club is sponsoring the public event with a potluck family picnic slated after the egg hunt. Those attending are asked to bring their own table service, sandwiches or salad. Coffee and punch will be provided.
Persons planning to attend the egg hunt are to bring six colored eggs per child to Kathy Booth, 914 E. Hill Street, on Friday. Prizes will be awarded and the hunt will start on time.
Committee members for the event are Phyllis Schwartz, 1104 Dahlia, and Karen Mittelstaedt, 16 Albert Way. Call 765-5288 for further information.
Discussions for mothers
Weekly discussion groups for mothers with infants up to 12 months of age will be held 10-11:30 a.m. starting Monday, April 23, at the First Presbyterian Church, 1142 Ivy St.
The Grant County Health District is sponsoring the informal sessions. Topics for discussion will including feeding your baby, what to do with an ill baby and normal growth and development.