History

Lake Margaret:  How the Lake was named
By Tricia West, June 2011

First, I would like to thank Allen Miller, a prominent Duvall and Railroad Historian, who provided most of the copy and all of the pictures for this cache article.

Lake Margaret is now the home for more than 130 families, rich with a clean reservoir that is the sole source of water for its resident’s.  While some know the historical story of its namesake; until now, few have seen these photographs.

“There are several bodies of water in the area named for early pioneers.  One of these is Lake Margaret. In 1909, a group of young people were headed to Lake Hannah, which was a popular hiking and fishing spot.  They hiked to Lake Hanna and subsequently, Lake Margaret via the Cherry Valley Logging railroads.

From the Margaret-Johns Collection 1909

They caught a ride on a logging car to the end of the Cherry Valley Lumber Company tracks and set out on foot for their destination.  Upon their return they stopped to take in some fishing at then unnamed lake.

Lake Margaret: Taken by Margaret-Johns. From the Margaret-Johns Collection 1909

One member of the group, Miss Margaret Johns, a schoolteacher in Cherry valley, decided to step aboard on an old raft she found next to shore.  She stepped one foot onto the raft when it suddenly departed.  The result was that she fell into the water and ever since the lake has been known as Lake Margaret.” December 11, 1980 for Cedarcrest High School, by Duvall Historian, Allen Miller.

Margaret-Johns ringing out skirt after falling in – From the Margaret-Johns Collection 1909

Below, the article dated May 14, 1909 is from the Monroe Reporter.  The article is regarding naming Lake Margaret after Margaret Johns.  Note that there is a typo in the article that says Lake Washington, when clearly the article and all facts are regarding Lake Margaret.