Marty and Myrtle Rausch became the live-in caretakers at the Stillaguamish Valley Pioneer Museum when it opened in 1997. (Contributed photo)

Marty and Myrtle Rausch became the live-in caretakers at the Stillaguamish Valley Pioneer Museum when it opened in 1997. (Contributed photo)

Live-in caretakers sought for Stillaguamish Valley Pioneer Museum

The couple who’ve filled the roles since it opened are stepping aside.

ARLINGTON — The Stillaguamish Valley Pioneers is looking for someone to call the group’s museum home.

There are antique household and business items on the main level, a model train set of a historic railroad in the basement and taxidermy animals on the second floor. The old farm equipment is out back. There’s an event venue in the front yard.

The Stillaguamish Valley Pioneer Museum at 20722 67th Ave. NE is a large building with exhibits of donated treasures from the valley’s past. It sits on nearly 7 acres with three ponds, a park, the museum and Pioneer Hall.

Marty and Myrtle Rausch have been the live-in caretakers at the museum since it opened in 1997. They recently moved out, though they haven’t gone far. It takes a few minutes for them to drive down the street and take care of the museum while the search for new caretakers continues.

Myrtle Rausch also is president of the Pioneers and expects to stay involved with the group, just not as museum caretaker. The stairs became too much, she said. Marty Rausch is 80, Myrtle 78.

Marty Rausch retired from a telephone company in Colorado. The couple moved to Lake Goodwin in 1986. Myrtle Rausch began teaching computer skills at senior centers. Then Marty stopped by Pioneer Hall and learned the museum being built behind it needed a live-in caretaker.

“He just kind of stumbled into it,” Myrtle Rausch said. “Never gave it a thought to being museum caretakers. Now I’m president and help run the place.”

It’s an ideal job for retirees, she said. There’s no salary or health benefits, but the caretakers don’t have to pay for the two-bedroom apartment on the museum’s second floor. Basic utilities are provided.

The Pioneers are looking for another couple to move in. They’ll manage event rentals of Pioneer Hall, keep up the grounds and mind the lights and alarms, among other day-to-day tasks. There’s also some maintenance involved, such as changing light bulbs or checking the furnace.

“There is quite a bit to do,” Myrtle Rausch said. “I think it takes two people. Sometimes, I think it takes four.”

The most important skill for a caretaker, she said, is being good with the public. Managing Pioneer Hall event rentals means a lot of phone calls and face-to-face conversations.

Meeting people is the best part of the job, too, she said. And it’s fun to learn about the history of the Stillaguamish Valley, including Arlington, Stanwood, Darrington and Granite Falls.

The goal is to have new caretakers by the end of the summer.

Applicants should be able to meet the physical demands of yard work, lifting and carrying supplies, and going up and down stairs. They must be professional, have excellent communication skills, a current driver’s license and no criminal record, according to the job description.

Experience with basic carpentry, electrical and plumbing repairs, woodworking and small engine repair are preferred.

Applications are being accepted until July 1. A resume and cover letter should be emailed to stillypioneers@gmail.com or mailed to SVPA Caretaker Job, 20722 67th Ave. NE, Arlington WA, 98223. For more information, call 360-435-7289.

Kari Bray: 425-339-3439; kbray@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

More in Local News

Dominic Wilson looks at his mother while she addresses the court during his sentencing at the Snohomish County Courthouse on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Grief remains after sentencing of Marysville teen’s killers

Dominic Wilson must serve 17½ years in prison, while his accomplice Morzae Roberts was given a sentence of four years.

The Washington State University Everett campus on Wednesday, July 25, 2018 in Everett, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
WSU ends search to buy land for future branch campus in Everett

The university had $10M to spend. It tried for four years but couldn’t close deals with Everett’s housing authority or the city.

Former Opus Bank/Cascade Bank building in downtown Everett on Thursday, March 16, 2023 in Everett, Washington. It is proposed as the new home of Economic Alliance Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Economic Alliance asks Everett for $300K to move downtown

The countywide chamber of commerce and economic development organization also would reform the Everett chamber.

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Mountlake Terrace in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Mountlake Terrace leaders weighing federal ARPA fund options

Bathrooms, body cameras, generators, radios, roadwork, roof replacement, sidewalks, trails and more loom for the $4.5 million.

Vehicles on Soper Hill Road wait in line to make unprotected left turns onto Highway 9 northbound and southbound during the evening commute Wednesday, March 15, 2023, in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Lake Stevens development prompts Highway 9 signal change soon

Turning left from Soper Hill Road can be a long wait now. Flashing yellow turn signals could help with more traffic.

Defense attorney Natalie Tarantino gives her opening statement in the trial of Richard Rotter at the Snohomish County Courthouse in Everett, Washington on Monday, March 20, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Police give emotional testimony at Rotter trial

On the second day of trial in the slaying of Everett officer Dan Rocha, witnesses described a hectic scene after the shooting.

The Walmart Store on 11400 Highway 99 on March 21, 2023 in in Everett, Washington. The retail giant will close the store on April 21, 2023. (Janice Podsada / The Herald)
Walmart announces Everett store on Highway 99 will close on April 21

The Arkansas-based retail giant said the 20-year-old Walmart location was “underperforming financially.”

Michael Tolley (Northshore School District)
Michael Tolley named new Northshore School District leader

Tolley, interim superintendent since last summer, is expected to inherit the position permanently in July.

The drugs seized from a Clorox box and an air mattress box in the car of a courier in November 2020. (U.S. Attorney's Office)
Relatives of Arlington fentanyl, meth ringleader get federal prison

Jose Arredondo-Valdez, the cousin of Cesar Valdez-Sanudo, got nine years Tuesday. Valdez-Sanudo’s wife got 30 months.

Most Read