The interior of Robert Moran's White Beach home

The interior of Robert Moran's White Beach home

Museum Fundraiser to feature Moran Historic House Tour and Celebration

In celebration of the Moran Family moving into the Moran Mansion at Rosario on June 21, 1909, a fundraiser benefiting the Orcas Island Historical Society and Museum will be held  Sunday, June 21, 2009. The “Moran Centennial House Tour” will feature four Robert Moran built homes, including Robert Moran’s White Beach home, built after Moran sold Rosario in 1938.  Deer Harbor Charters will provide an optional boat shuttle to transport tour guests from Rosario’s dock to the Moran White Beach home. Culminating the day will be a Centennial Celebration featuring refreshments at 4 p.m. in the Moran Mansion at Rosario.

Other homes on the self-guided tour will be a recently restored Moran Bungalow, one of several Rosario area homes built by Moran for family and staff, the Roundhouse at Rosario, built by Moran as a playhouse for his children, and the historic Moran Mansion, housing the nautical Moran Museum which features new exhibits for this Centennial year.  The Orcas Island Historical Museum will also be open for guests to view a special Moran exhibit.

The Rosario Roundhouse will also be on tour June 21

The Rosario Roundhouse will also be on tour June 21

“The Barto Family, the new owners of Rosario, will be here and are looking forward to meeting the community,” states Rosario General Manager Christopher Peacock.  “This will be a nice, low key event to honor Moran’s legacy and enjoy the beauty and architecture of Orcas Island.”  Peacock says guests will be invited to sign a new Rosario guest registry, which will be located next to the original Rosario guest registry dated June 21, 1909.

Tickets are on sale at Darvill’s, the Orcas Island Historical Museum, and Rosario Resort’s front desk. Cost for the tickets $20 adult, $10 student, and children under 12 are free with an adult.  Tickets will also allow guests entrance to the 4 p.m. Centennial Celebration at Rosario, as well as meal discounts the day of the event at the Cascade Bay Grill.

**If you are reading theOrcasonian for free, thank your fellow islanders. If you would like to support theOrcasonian CLICK HERE to set your modestly-priced, voluntary subscription. Otherwise, no worries; we’re happy to share with you.**