History Matinee to Feature Barfoot-Hodde, Welch

Sunday, April 15, 3–5 p.m., Senior Center Lundeen Room

Updated April 12 at 3 p.m.

In a continuing monthly series sponsored by the Orcas Island Historical Museum, two of the island’s most seasoned historians will share the stage this Sunday.

Jane Barfoot-Hodde

Jane (Willis) Barfoot-Hodde was born on the Willis family homestead near Obstruction Pass in 1913. Her grandparents were among the first white families to settle on the east side in the 1880’s. She and her first husband, Jack Barfoot, lived for a time in Colorado but moved back to Orcas to raise their three children.

Jane is a founding member of the Orcas Grange and was recently honored for 80 years of service to that organization. In 1986 she married a fellow Grange member, well-known Washington State Representative and self-proclaimed ‘dirt farmer’, Charles Hodde, and lived in Olympia until Mr. Hodde’s death in 1999.

Jane has since lived in her home in Olga and welcomes any chance to recall and discuss the finer details of island history.

Tom Welch

Tom Welch was raised on Shaw Island and retired to Orcas Island after a career in business. He has served on the boards of several community organizations, including the Orcas Museum, and compiled all the historical information for the book Images of America: Orcas Island, published by Arcadia.

He continues his lifelong interest in history and antiquities by collecting rare books and is well-known as a speaker on the history of the Pacific Northwest.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to discourse with Jane and Tom from 3 to 5pm this Sunday afternoon. Donations gladly accepted at the door. Call the Museum at 376-4849 on any weekday for more information.