A Great Time at Historical Society Annual Meeting

— by Margie Doyle, all photos by Margot Shaw —

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Indeed, “Orcas History Lives Here” as the lively annual meeting demonstrated last Saturday, Jan. 23. The Orcas Ilsand Historical Society celebrated its 65th year and its 60th anniversary of the pioneer cabin buildings relocation to Eastsound.

Museum Curator Clark McAbee said afterwards, “The event went extremely well, with upward of 80 guests. We had many favorable comments, and we’re looking forward to a great 2016!”

Tickets were kept to a low $15 per person with the entree choice of salmon or prime rib. In time-honored island fashion, the tables were groaning with potluck salads, side dishes and desserts provided by the guests. The only thing they ran out of was coffee, just as the meeting was closing.

Anita Orne, Gordon Koenig and Melinda Milligan from the Olga Symphony played some tunes and narrated a slide show that gave the 30-year historic perspective of the Olga Symphony.

Terri Vinson, left, and her grandmother Edrie Vinson, confer at the Orcas Historical Museum’s Annual event. Photo courtesy Margot Shaw

Museum Curator Clark McAbee gave highlights of 2015, notably the installation of a heating system, and the prospects for 2016. The museum is scheduled to re-open in early February; and the first exhibit will be “Wings Over Orcas,” showing Orcas’ aviation history. The “Saving Orcas Voices” oral history project continues and expands.

Save the date of May 14, 2016, when the Historical Society celebrates the establishment of the Log Cabin museum in 1956. And on May 15, the Smuggler’s Cruise Into History will travel the Salish Sea (route to be determined by the weather). Limited tickets are available for the cruise; contact Denise Wilk of Eclipse Charters at www.orcasislandwhales.com/contact-us/ or at 376-6566

Jim Biddick, President of the Historical Society Board, shared emcee duties with McAbee. They announced the year’s award winners:

• Business Sponsor Award to the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community. For the second year, the Swinomish tribe has given $2,500 in appreciation for the historical research they conduct at the Orcas Museum;
• Jane Barfoot Hodde Historian Award to Orcas Island Pioneer Virginia Jenson, who is now convalescing in Friday Harbor. (Cards and notes may be sent to her at
  Lifecare Center
  660 Spring Street
  Friday Harbor, WA 98250
• Volunteer of the Year Award went to longtime volunteer Edrie Vinson’s granddaughter, Terri Vinson, who worked “tirelessly” organizing the museum’s subject and genealogy files.