government » harvey n. stronach
Harvey N. Stronach

A quiet, unpretentious man, Mayor Stronach was serious in his demeanor when dealing with business associates. Only his family and close friends were aware of his sense of humor and infectious laugh.

Harvey Neil Stronach was born in Nova Scotia on December 29, 1978. Both his elementary and college educations were acquired in his native land. At the completion of his studies he worked his way across Canada, entered the U.S. and came to Spokane where he taught for a time in the Northwest College. His next employment was as bursar at the Cheney Normal School, a position he retained from 1910 until his retirement.

"H.N." as he preferred being called, had been in Cheney a year when Lexie Mead was hired to head the Art Department at the Normal. A few months after meeting the young couple became engaged and in 1913 were married in the bride's home town of Greeley, Colorado. They returned to Cheney to make their home. In 1915 the first of their three daughters, Jean, was born followed by Shirley Rae and Barbara within the next six years.

Mayor Stronach was a loving family man and thoughtful neighbor. Holidays were especially happy times when the Stronach and Van Patten families would join to share dinner and the festivities. The dinners always ended with the ceremonious lighting of the men's cigars, a practice not looked upon with favor by Louis Van Patten's wife.

The whole Stronach family was musically gifted, each playing a different instrument. H.N.'s talent was playing the banjo. He was a fine vocalist as well.

Community service was a part of H.N.'s life. His first civic office came in 1915 when he was named Cheney Police Justice. He was on the city council many times and Mayor for six consecutive years.

The Mayor's office was never boring; each council meeting presented some new problem. The question of water quality and quantity must be dealt with periodically. In 1923 the Water Superintendent reported the reservoir had been thoroughly scrubbed and cleaned and that no decayed matter or sediment had been found with the exception of two cans of roofing tar, some nails and blocks of wood which had been dropped when the roof was repaired shortly before the cleaning.

That same year the city jail was improved in September and October. The feasibility of installing a toilet and water in jail room was left to the discretion of the Safety Commission who were authorized to proceed with this added feature if they deemed necessary.

Interesting comparison of costs and wages in the 1920's to those in the 1980's are worthy of note. The City Hall needed some repair in 1923 with the low bid of $25.00 accepted for raising the bell, repairing the roof and using the best materials available for the work. Charles S. Loomer was appointed by the Mayor to act as City Marshal at a salary of $100.00 a month.

A new well was drilled in 1924 to a depth of 524 feet, with 264 feet of water. Testing took place in July pumping out of both old and new wells at once with combined pumping delivering 500 gallons a minute. The Mayor and committee were satisfied this was a sufficient amount for city use and final acceptance of the new well was unanimous. The cost was $10.00 per foot for the drilling with the total price of $4,068.92 paid to the Keystone Drill and Machine Company, contractor. Two years later bills for a special water works fund were recorded as follows:

• Roy Chambers 283 hours labor $113.20
• Cheney Transfer hauling $.90
• S.S. Nance repair of fire plugs $3.50
• Zay's Garage supplies $.50
• Jack Toohy 8 hours labor $3.20
• C.I. Hubbard supplies $2.90
• Garberg Co. supplies $5.07

In the '20s all businesses were closed on Sundays. In 1927 E. Hanson requested permission to operate his movie theater on Sunday afternoons. The Safety Commission investigated and the City officials approved. Shows would run from 1:00 to 5:30 on Sundays as of November 1st through the last of February the remainder of that year, then the issue be placed on the ballot for the March, 1928 election.

Aside from his attention to Bursar and city obligations H.N. took every opportunity to encourage young people to continue their educational pursuits. His interest in Normal School policies earned him the distinction of serving as secretary of the Board of Trustees of that institution at one time.

It had always been his dream to become an attorney, but with family obligations he felt it impossible to quit working to attend school. Instead, every spare hour he could manage was spent studying law in his own home. He perused every book on law he could buy, beg or borrow to become completely self-taught in that profession. In the 1920's he felt prepared to take the next step toward realizing his goal. He went to Olympia, took the examination and passed the bar. Finally he was a full-fledged lawyer! He returned to Cheney a proud man.

Years of service at the Normal School entitled Mr. Stronach to retirement while still able to enter his chosen profession of law. He opened his own law office in the Masonic Building at the corner of First and College in downtown Cheney. His honesty and knowledge of law gained him an enviable reputation and his practice grew. A little known courtesy he extended returning war veterans of the 1950's was his refusal to charge them for legal advise or preparing papers.

Fraternal orders and church found an able and willing helper in H.N. Stronach. He was a loyal member of the Cheney Masonic Lodge and belonged to the Scottish Rite in Spokane. The entire Stronach family attended Congregational Church services each Sunday where both Mr. and Mrs. Stronach sang in the choir.

A happy, full life came to an end when H.N. Stronach died at his home in 1958. He had been a resident and dedicated community leader for over 50 years.

Contributed by Ellen Proctor, 1988.