Pigs , Plants , and Pickett : A Peek into San Juan Islands History
I T I N E R A R Y | S H O R T H O P S
Pigs , Plants , and Pickett : A Peek into San Juan Islands History
“ History Lives Here ” brings island stories to life in May .
If walls could talk — sometimes they do in the Whale Museum — you ’ d hear echoes of the events held in this former Oddfellow ’ s Hall .
WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT A trespassing pig could start a war ? Only in Washington ’ s San Juan Islands . Discover this and other colorful stories during History Lives Here – National Historic Preservation Month in the San Juan Islands .
During the month of May , the Town of Friday Harbor — in partnership with the Lopez , Orcas and San Juan Island Historical Museums and the San Juan Island National Historical Park and other community organizations — will tell the stories of the people and places of the San Juans by celebrating National Historic Preservation Month as “ History Lives Here .” Guided walking tours , local history talks and other special events will attract visitors and residents alike , and portray the past as long-time islanders lived and remember it .
You can also experience San Juan Islands history on a self-guided walking tour or partake in a variety of events . Below is a brief snapshot of what is awaiting history buffs in May .
If you have your sea legs take advantage of a cruise aboard the 52-foot Orcas Express as it sails past iconic lighthouses and other navigational aids used by
merchants and smugglers alike .
On Lopez Island , visit Hummel Lake and enjoy a presentation and foraging party about traditional Coast Salish food plants such as native crabapples , gooseberries , Indian carrots and Indian celery .
If walls could talk — sometimes they do in The Whale Museum — you ’ d hear echoes of the events held in this former Oddfellow ’ s Hall . Stories both historical and supernatural have originated in this iconic old building high on the bluff . Join local historian , Robin Jacobson , to journey through a timeline of the building ’ s community uses in Friday Harbor from 1892 through today . Hear the story of the infamous 1895 murder trial of teacher Richard Straub and the 1910 Prohibitionist fervor of Billy Sunday , followed by tales of its modern-day evolution into a Salish Sea-focused stewardship museum .
Hear the story of the Wooly Dogs and how Native people raised flocks of fluffy white dogs and sheared them like sheep and later spun the fur to create the unique Salish Sea textile tradition or colorful clothing and blankets . Join widely published ecologist and historian Russel Barsh and botanist and spinner Madrona Murphy for a slideshow presentation , demonstration , and refreshments celebrating the Coast Salish “ wooly dog ” and the first peoples of the islands .
One can visit several buildings including the Officers ’ Quarters at the American Camp unit of the San Juan Island National Historical Park . This recently restored building once housed the infamous Captain George Pickett , who commanded the garrison at American Camp before later gaining fame for the disastrous Pickett ’ s Charge at Gettysburg . In the 1940s a house was moved from American Camp to Mulno Cove . Legend has it the cottage was once the sleeping quarters of Pickett ’ s . Today it ’ s a cozy waterfront vacation cottage with a private beach 100 feet from the front door .
With three historical museums and the San Juan Island National Historical Park , visitors can experience San Juan Islands history all year . Check out the interactive Museum of History and Industry in Friday Harbor and Encampment at the National Historical Park . Take a self-guided tour of Friday Harbor which has more than 150 historic sites within its walkable one-mile radius . Twenty-six of these are described in the Historic Friday Harbor on Foot Tour .
For a complete list of events check out visitsanjuans . com .
BARBARA MARRETT
ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD PUZZLE ON PAGE 28 .
24 explore : NW | The Official Magazine for kenmore air | Spring 2017