Historical Society’s Great Weekend

— by Pegi Groundwater for the Historical Society —

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Last weekend was a big one for the Orcas Island Historical Society with three different events happening.  On Saturday, May 14, the Society celebrated the Pioneer Museum’s 60^th Birthday with an afternoon of food and festivities and the opening of its new exhibit: Wings Over Orcas Island – An Aviation History.  This was followed Sunday, May 15, by a very successful Cruise Into History aboard the Orcas Express.

Birthday Party.  Members of the Historical Society and island residents turned out for Saturday’s celebration and many visitors drifted over from the adjacent Farmer’s Market for the free cake and ice cream; courtesy of Island Market. They stayed to learn about the island’s history and – perhaps — to make their own mark upon it.

Included in the festivities was a timeline of Orcas, dating all the way back to 14,000 years ago, when Bison antiquus roamed the island. Other noted dates included Eastsound’s settlement in the 1850s by Charles Shattuck, the opening of Union High school, later OIHS, in 1900, and the State of Washington taking over the ferry service in 1951. Residents and visitors with family ties to Orcas were encouraged to add their own settlement dates to the timeline.

One event was particularly satisfying for members of the Museum’s board. In order to celebrate having paid off a 2006 building project loan, museum staff burned a copy of the mortgage. Rounding out the special events were lawn games and free admission to the Museum. The Museum thanks its visitors, volunteers and supporters for the wonderful birthday party and looks forward to another 60 years!

Wings Over Orcas Island – An Aviation History. The aviation exhibit at the Pioneer Museum was enthusiastically received by the many visitors on Saturday when admission was free to celebrate the exhibit’s opening.

Residents and visitors alike enjoyed reading the displays about local aviation pioneers such as Roy Franklin, Bob Schoen and the “Flying Doctor”, Malcolm Heath.  They also learned about islanders who were military aviators including Trudy Erwin, Bill Anders and Harry Patton.  Those angels of mercy who assist islanders needing medical transport are featured in a display about “Mercy Flight” pilots, including Gil Blinn, Beverly Franklin, and Audrey Wells.

The local “magical biplane” owned by Rod Magner is featured in another display.  Rounding out  the exhibit are several cases filled with aviation related memorabilia provided by islanders and a display of aviation themed paintings by local artist, Frank Loudin.

Cruise into History – Smugglers’ Blues.  This year’s cruise was a big hit with the 40 enthusiastic history aficionados who joined intrepid Captain Dan and Denise Wilk and their crew aboard the Orcas Express tour boat Sunday afternoon, May 15th for a trip back in time.

This year’s Cruise in to History to benefit the Orcas island Historical Museums followed in the wake of old time smugglers, rum runners and Customs and revenue cutters. The sailing’s itinerary included smugglers’ haunts and hideaways  in West Sound, Deer Harbor, Waldron Island, Stuart Island and Turn Point Lighthouse, Roche Harbor, Friday Harbor and Shaw Island before returning to the historic Orcas landing.

Clark McAbee, Director of the Historical Museums, narrated the history of smuggling in the San Juans with Captain Dan Wilk pointing out geographic and natural features on the three and half hour cruise. Passengers learned about the infamous smugglers Larry Kelly, Old Man Jamieson, The Flying Dutchman and the determined Revenue Service and Customs collectors like O.H. Culver who hunted them down and brought them to justice while enjoying a delicious lunch and beverages.

The Orcas Island Historical Society extends its special thanks to Dan and Denise Wilk for making this benefit cruise possible.