Don Girard, island-raised, returned home in 1993
Sunday, July 15 at 3 p.m. at the Orcas Senior Center
From the Orcas Island Historical Museum
In a continuing series of monthly gatherings sponsored by the Orcas Island Historical Museum, island native Don Gerard will tell stories and answer questions about the old days this Sunday, July 15.
Don’s grandparents ran dry goods stores in Eastsound at the old Benson Hall (which was then called the Sunny Shore Building) and in Westsound during the ’40s and ’50s. Don’s parents, May and Chuck Gerard, lived at the house on Crescent Beach now owned by Joan Rorabaugh.
They were involved as owners of West Beach Resort, built the building which now houses Pawki’s Pet Store, and Don’s father was involved in establishing OPALCO in 1937.
Don left Orcas to attend University of Washington and had a career in highway construction before returning to the island as a retiree in 1993. History Matinee takes place on the third Sunday of each month in the Lundeen Room of the Orcas Senior Center at 3 pm. Admission is by donation at the door to support the Orcas Island Historical Museum.
Don should have a lot of great stories to share — I remember how Donny and the Odell boys would all cut through our house and use a shortcut path to school in the 50’s — { across what is now the church property} usually grabbing a donut or maple bar to munch on the last few blocks on Madrona St.!