From the Journal of Frank Mullis: San Juan Island, September 1905

Frank H. Mullis – Photo Collage Peggy Sue McRae

Have you ever wondered what it was like here over 100 years ago? This excerpt from 19 year old Frank Mullis’s Journal of 1905 reveals that in some ways things remain the same. There is still a lot of fruit to pick and process this time of year. What about his cure for the common cold? 

Sept. 11 1905 – I picked pears in the morning. After dinner I hitched up the rig and mama and I went for a drive. We went to the south end of the island, where Roy and I went last Saturday. I would not have gone all the way if I had not left the halter out there Saturday and so I went all the way and got it back. Mr. Hall came home today, so the rig went back in the evening.

Mama and I had a very enjoyable time. The view was just grand from some places. I never saw such a beautiful view of Mt. Baker as I did today. 

Sept. 12 – I helped do the washing in the morning. After dinner Ella and I picked a few prunes and finished picking the pears.

Sept. 13  – Ella and I finished picking the prunes today. I have got a very bad cold. I took some hot gin and went to bed at 8:30.

Sept. 14 – My cold is better but I am feeling pretty sick and weak. I did not do much today.

Sept. 15 – I picked apples in the morning and helped Mama and Ella put up fruit most of the afternoon. I also made some fine cider.

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