— from Sandy Strehlou —
Several San Juan County writers have just had their essays on local history published on HistoryLink.org. History Link is the on-line encyclopedia of Washington State history and a partner to the “Writing our History” project.
The “Writing our History” project was launched last May. Three essays have already been published; eight more are in progress and slated for release in 2014.
The newly published articles may be found by clicking on the links below. They cover a range of topics and islands, including:
The rise and decline of the town of Richardson on Lopez Island, told by Kathi Ciskowski and Woody Ciskowski of Orcas Island. historylink.org/index10417
Lucinda Boyce, the fascinating account of the first Euro-American woman, midwife and healer to live permanently on San Juan Island, written by Julia Vouri: historylink.org/index10676.
Thank God It’s Still Friday! the late Brenda Pratt’s essay on the Kanaka family, and Hudson’s Bay Company employee that the town is named for: historylink.org/index10671.
The “Writing our History” project brings together writers and researchers from the San Juan Islands to document the unpublished stories of the San Juans. There are thirty-three writer/researchers involved with the project to date; they come from San Juan, Orcas, Lopez, and Shaw islands. Several of the project’s volunteers live on the mainland.
The history of the San Juans is intertwined with the settling of the American West, and the future of this wonderful part of the world. It is worthy of writing, sharing and preserving.
For more information about the Writing our History project, including research and writing opportunities and other essay topics, contact Sandy Strehlou at sstrehlou@fridayharbor.org or call 360.378.2810.
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