Rust Granddaughter Visits

Ruston's founder, William R. Rust, is long since gone. But a few of his family remain. Today one of his two living granddaughters paid a visit from southern California. Helen Rust Watts and her nephew came by town center to view the new bust of her grandfather. Ms. Watts and her sister, along with a great-granddaughter helped make the statue a reality by giving generously to the fund raising efforts.

To honor her visit, several local dignitaries joined Ms. Watts. Pictured are Ms. Watts and her nephew, Bill Baarsma, former mayor of Tacoma and current leader in the Tacoma Historical Society, Ruston council members Jim Hedrick, Jane Hunt, Lyle Hardin and his wife Patti, Ruston-Point Defiance Business District president John Trueman, Cliff Kendall of Wren & Willow who donated the labor for the base,  Loren Cohen of Point Ruston who also contributed to the fund raising, artist Paul Michael and Shari Hart with City of Tacoma. 

The business district is selling bricks to help off-set costs. They will be added to a plaza around the statue. You can purchase your own piece of history via this link.