A pair of Disney Legends lived in this Pierce County city. That history is at risk

Bonney Lake’s history could be lost if a local historical society does not get a museum soon.

Items from and photos of historical residents, such as Alfred and Elma Milotte, could end up in other cities that already have museums. The Milottes produced multiple award-winning films for Walt Disney. They also used to live in the Sky Island area in 1959.

The Greater Bonney Lake Historical Society (GBLHS) has about 65 boxes filled with items from the Milottes. Among the items is a medium-sized drum made from animal skin. The drum came from Africa, where the couple filmed “The African Lion.”

The film showcases a family of lions going through changing seasons on the plains of Africa. The couple spent about three years there. The Milottes produced nature documentaries for Disney. They retired in Bonney Lake, and they both passed away in 1989. Both were honored posthumously with the Disney Legends Award, which recognizes those who have made a significant impact on the company.

On March 26, the historical society presented in front of the Bonney Lake City Council, asking for the city’s help to establish a museum.

GBLHS member Winona Jacobsen told The News Tribune that the group has been advocating for a museum for nearly 20 years.

“We have things that have been donated and collected over the years,” Jacobsen said. “It would be nice to have that available to the public.”

All the council members who spoke up at the March 26 meeting expressed support for the group.

The city is in the process of creating a lease agreement, city administrator assistant Leslie Harris said. She said the city values its partnership with the historical society, and that the city wants to help the group.

The city plans to demolish the old city hall by the end of 2024 and turn it into boat trailer parking for Allan Yorke Park users. Because of this, the historical society wants to relocate to a vacant city-owned building nearby.

Harris said the vacant building, which is on the same property as the old city hall, used to be the city’s public works office. When asked what it would cost the historical society to use, she said costs have not yet been determined because the city is still developing the lease agreement.

The vacant building would be three times the size of the old city hall, Jacobsen said. The building has one floor, and it has an accessible ramp. The historical society would display items, invite speakers and host events if the group gets the building.

5,550 pieces of Bonney Lake history

The historical society was formed in 2001. It is volunteer-run and has about 10 members. The group meets 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Wednesday in the old city hall at 19306 Bonney Lake Blvd. E.

The historical society has many boxes, several computers and some large items, such as a piano, bird cage and couch, at the old city hall. The group has about 5,500 items cataloged in their archiving software.

GBLHS president JoAnn Taylor said it would be difficult for the public to see any of the items now because the items are stored in boxes.

“We would be hard-pressed to have the public come in to see any of the items until we have a location suitable for displays,” Taylor wrote in an email.

Taylor said the historical society moved to the old city hall in 2012. Previously, the group met at the Bonney Lake Justice & Municipal Center. Before that, they met at the library.

The historical society used to have some items showcased at the Municipal Center. The group’s space at the old city hall does not look like a museum, but the public can visit if they want to.

In addition to the Milotte collection, the historical society also has items from long-standing families in the area such as the Vandermark family. The family engaged in logging and farming on the plateau. The family gave the group plates with intricate designs, among other things.

If the historical society does not get a museum, the group would donate its collection to other museums, Jacobsen said.

“It would be a loss to the city of Bonney Lake and its residents,” Jacobsen said.

Taylor said she believes the city will work with the historical society to get a suitable building.

“One never knows until I sign the dotted line,” she said.

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