George Robert Salisbury Sr, the first-born of the union of George Nelson Salisbury and Lila "Nana" Pearl White, was born on Dec 14, 1904

Though not much is remembered or recorded of his childhood, George grew up in Seattle. One thing that ties him to the city and affected his life markedly is an accident that occurred when he was 13. Visiting Seattle's Smith Tower, George somehow managed to fall down an elevator shaft, shattering his leg. Once healed, that leg was shorter than the other, disqalifying him for the draft, so he was classified IV-F.

George met Eathyl at the United Presbyterian Church on E. Spring Street in Seattle. They first dated when Eathyl was 24 and living on Seattle's Rainier Drive. George's younger sister Alice played "match-maker" by planning and executing a dinner at the Salisbury home on Queen Anne Hill in Seattle.

George was employed as a chemist's apprentice at the time by Laucks Laboratories in Seattle (now owned, since 2008, by Pace Analytical, Minneapolis). Though he wasn't trained past high school, George is reputed to have kept up right well with his professional chemist peers. Working as an analyst and assayist, his work even took him down into the cramped holds of ships — not fun for one who suffered from claustrophobia!

Eathyl claimed she liked him "because he was quiet, studious, and we shared many common interests, such as working with our hands — building our own boat and future home." George said he liked Eathyl "because she liked to do things I did and she wasn't afraid to get her hands dirty." He also said he admired her deep faith in God.

On dates, the couple went on long drives or mountain hikes — also fast water rides on Puget Sound waters in his sea sled or outboard speed boat. They were engaged July 29, 1930 and married June 18, 1932 in the Salisbury home on 7th Ave. They celebrated their wedding day by motoring around the Olympic Peninsula.

Once married, George and Eathyl lived in their DIY home on a bluff above Puget Sound about three miles south of Kingston and west across the water from Edmonds. With their hand-build house nestled amoung tall cedars, the couple enjoyed carving out a landscape to their liking. Eathyl kept house, dug out stumps, and developed landscaping as George continued commuting by boat to work at Lauck's Laboratories in Seattle — about 20 miles one-way by water.

One day about three years after moving into their new home, Eathyl and daughter Margaret were enjoying a rest on the beach when smoke was seen rising from the area of the house on the clifftop overlooking the beach! Eathyl raced up the many steps to the house to find it fully engulfed in flames. She dashed to the window of the room where infant daughter Betty lay napping. Punching a hole in the screen with her fist, Eathyl pulled Betty out literally by the hair!

George R. Salisbury Sr
and Eathyl Hildebrand

Eathyl at about 20

Eathyl ca. 1990

Salisbury/Hildebrand lineage chart

Lloyd Lewellyn Hildebrand (September 29, 1890, Iowa) and Ethyl Beulah Cox (March 20, 1880, Topeka, Kansas), having met as clerks for the Bellingham Bay Furniture store, were married June 27, 1906 in Marietta, WA. Ethyl was the daughter of Rev. William Albert Cox (1842-1921), a circuit-riding church planter for the United Presybyterian Church in northwest Washington, and Clara Belle Stewart. From that union issued

• Eathyl Frances (29 Jul 1907 - 10 Mar 1993 )
• Dorothy Jean (Koons) (7 Nov 1909 - 6 Mar 1997)
• Lloyd Wesley (1912 - 1997)
• Alvin Theodore (28 Nov 1913 - 14 Apr 1971)
• Alma Enid - (died at one month)

Eathyl Frances was named after her mother, Ethyl née Cox. There is a nebulous story of Eathyl's name being re-spelled by her mother who desired a long-E pronunciation. As many records dispute this as not — in many cases differing spellings are rendered for each!

Eathyl's parents were farming in Mount Vernon, WA when they raised their children, so Eathyl grew up with an appreciation for the sanctity of life — of all of God's creatures. Her father instilled that attitude by personally naming their flowers and trees. To this day there survives a variety of Iris known as the "Eathyl Frances!" Eathyl also admired her father's fine bass singing voice.

A strong Christian faith and refined culture were instilled in her by her pious parents, who also loved good books and fine china. Ethyl ("Grandma Dot" to the family) had strong faith, healthy ambition and determination to "accomplish what needed to be done."

Eathyl had a happy childhood with "close classmates and fellow Christians." Her favorite song was"Sweet Hour of Prayer"; her favorite vacation spot: Rosario Beach near Anacortes, WA. Other favorites: spring, Christmas, basketball and field hockey.

As a young girl, Eathyl attended 1st grade through high school in Mount Vernon, WA. She loved her school and her teachers. At home she was expected to obey her parents, love the Lord, respect her elders, and to do her best. Church attendance was a given!

Her first desire was to become a nurse, but was dissuaded by her father, who felt the role would be too rigorous. Consequently, Eathyl chose to attend Bellingham Normal School (now known as Western Washington State University). Upon graduation in August, 1927, she taught primary students for five years in Seattle schools: Seward, Fort Lawton, and Interbay.

Going from rural Mount Vernon and Bellingham to being alone to jump into teaching in metropolitan Seattle was stressful. In fact, it brought on an emotional breakdown, requiring a two-year hiatus.

George and Eathyl had married June 18, 1932 in the Salisbury home on 7th Ave.

Now living in their Kingston home,

• Mary Margaret (1933-2015)
• Elizabeth Anne (1935-)

were born.

After the fire leveled their Kingston home, the family retreated to Seattle, staying for a time with relatives, then securing a house and lot in Alderwood manor (now Lynnwood) along Filbert Way. For a time, Eathyl's father lived with them. The situation was less than ideal, so George and Eathyl bought the structure that had been the hotel of the Demonstration Farm (below Mt Rainier and water tower in the upper middle of drawing below). George Robert Salisbury Jr (1941 - ) joined the family.

George Sr continued his work at Lauck's and Eathyl resumed teaching, now in the Alderwood Elementary School.

George's lifelong hypertension problem struck a blow which required a month in hospital. George was left bedridden at home for six months. He often described "the bubbles" he perceived in his head.

The children were often "hushed." Little Bobby (just two) learned to get whatever he wanted simply by pointing. When Eathyl returned to teaching, Bobby needed daycare. He was driven to the Buxton daycare center, where mom explained that "Bobby doesn't talk." Upon picking him up after school, a surprised mother heard Mrs. Buxton exclaim, "What do you mean he doesn't talk? He jabbered all day!"

The Demonstration Farm was next door to the chicken hatchery.

George Jr was soon dubbed Bobby to reduce the confusion arising from the namesake issue. Dad was delighted to have a son added to his family.
Little is recalled of those early days, as the siblings were small and only two live today. Bobby seems to recall peering at adult eye level into a birdhouse in the yard while riding on Dad's shoulders (which often happened).

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In 1943, tragedy struck again. Dad suffered a heart attack. Following six months of trying to recover, Daddy George lost the battle on May 2, 1943. At 38, he was laid to rest in Evergreen-Washelli Cemetery, Seattle.

His certificate of death is here.

Eathyl tells the
Hildebrand story
here.