Born in Montgomery, Alabama in 1860, Bertha C. Dreher became the wife of George Turner in 1878. George, 28, and Bertha,18, were nearly inseparable for the next 54 years. During this time, Mrs. Turner became notable as a gracious hostess of elaborate social affairs and entertained many distinguished statesmen and royalty. Although Mrs. Turner stated that she found her greatest happiness in the accomplishments of her husband, her chronicling of his deeds, were perhaps, just as significant.

Two years after their marriage, Bertha began compiling a scrapbook of Senator Turner’s career and wrote extensively in her personal journals. Her collection of newspaper clippings record the youthful history of Washington as a state and include accounts of the writing of the state constitution. One of her books contains priceless autographs and personal letters from Presidents Grant, Arthur, McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, Wilson and Hoover. Throughout her life, Mrs. Turner was presented to queens, presidents, a number of political dignitaries and at President Roosevelt’s inaugural ball. Noted for dining with presidents, she traveled with Mr. Turner during his political career, documenting their life together. These documents include Senator Turner’s briefs on such internationally famous cases as the Alaskan boundary tribunal in 1903, the Northeastern fisheries arbitration, and his arguments at The Hague in 1910. Invitations, letters of correspondence and numerous personal mementos were also collected by Mrs. Turner. Before her death, she donated her diaries and scrapbooks to Washington State College now held in the WSU Libraries Department of Manuscripts. The death of her husband in 1932 prompted Mrs. Turner to donate Mr. Turner’s personal library (nearly 600 books) to Lewis & Clark High School, in addition to her personal memoirs.

Although the Turners raised no children, they were fond of their animals. They were rarely without two or more Pomeranians. The Turners with their pets were a familiar sight in Spokane and referenced in numerous articles and photographs. After the foreclosure of their home on Seventh Avenue in 1932, Mrs. Turner moved into the home of her niece. Mrs. Turner died at St. Luke’s Hospital on November 18, 1939.  Mrs. Turner was known for her southern hospitality and love for the prominent Turner Gardens.