Plumb, Helen Carson, 1899-1970

Helen Carson Plumb was born August 6, 1899 in Boone County, KY. She graduated from the University of Oregon in 1922. By 1926, she had married Herbert L. Plumb. He had begun his career in forestry after receiving his Bachelor and Master's degree from the University of Michigan. They had moved to Olympia, WA. During this time, she became friends with Kate Stevens Bates and her husband, James. The Plumbs were living on Carlyon St. and would see the Bates almost every day on their walks to the Park and around the area. They would ride to Church with the Plumbs on Sundays. Mrs. Plumb gives a description of the Bates lives during this time in Olympia, WA. Mr. Plumb went on to become the Supervisor of Snoqualmie Forest and manager of the Sparkeel Christmas Tree Farm in Olympia. Mr. Plumb was a private consultant and active in many tree farm associations. Mrs. Plumb passed away in Olympia, WA on 21 December 1970. Mr. Plumb passed away in 1974.

Kate Stevens Bates lived from 1852 to 1941. She was the daughter of Isaac Ingalls Stevens, the first territorial governor of Washington State. She grew up in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. She was married to Edward Wingard Bingham in 1886. At various times during their marriage, they lived in Portland, OR and on the East Coast. While they were in Portland, she was prominent socially and an amateur writer for newspapers and magazines. Mr. Bingham passed away in 1904. In 1913, she married James H.S. Bates. After 1918, the Bates made their home in Olympia, WA. In 1941, she passed away.