The town of Ronald, named after Northwest Improvement Company Superintendent Alexander Ronald, came into being when the Old Number 3 mine opened up in the late 1880s.

The mining economy created a boom town and at one point Ronald supported 11 businesses and there were a grand total of six teachers employed at the local school.

Ronald's dubious claim to fame is the Great Still Explosion of August 17, 1928. The still, which had a 250 gallon capacity and was considered one of the largest in the country, exploded, killing the operator. The immense fire was fanned by strong winds and within a half-hour more than 30 houses had been destroyed . Most of the businesses and 80 acres of forest behind Ronald were consumed in flames as well.

Ronald has been rebuilt, but never to its final glory. The Old Number 3 Tavern and the General Store are the main businesses. The town, located on SR 903, is the gateway to the various campgrounds around Lake Cle Elum.
 

Copyright ©2007 Northern Kittitas County Tribune. Reprinted with permission