Oyster Stew, Senator Henry M. Jackson, and LBJ

It’s time for the September edition of the Historical Museum’s History Column…

Click to enlarge

According to San Juan Island Historical Society board minutes from August of 1964, Charles Nash reported “Henry Jackson wants to know if the residents of San Juan Island are interested in the national government proposal for making English Camp a national monument.” The concept received unanimous support from the board and a resolution of endorsement was signed by Historical Society president Etta Egeland. Committees were formed and many meetings ensued.

The following spring, a public hearing was held in the Friday Harbor High School gym, attended by a crowd of about 500 islanders and several U.S. Senators, led by Senator Jackson. By this time, the national park concept included both American and English Camps. Mrs. Egeland’s 1965 annual report on Historical Society activities made note of an elaborate oyster stew luncheon, which had been staged by the San Juan Historical Society for park committee members and visiting dignitaries that day.

The bill moved through Congress and on September 9, 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed legislation that created San Juan Island National Historical Park. The Journal published the story in its next issue (and in another front page article that week, mentioned that the director of the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s was visiting Roche Harbor in his 70 foot yacht, The Tempest.)

This month, as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the San Juan Island National Historical Park, we recognize a unique island history that has been preserved for generations to come.

You can support the San Juan Update by doing business with our loyal advertisers, and by making a one-time contribution or a recurring donation.