History Lives Here in May

Roche Harbor Maypole, circa 1910 – SJ Historical Society photo

SJI Historical Museum shares their History Column for May…

This month’s photograph from the San Juan Historical Museum archives features little girls in fancy white frocks, dancing around a circa 1910 maypole at Roche Harbor. You may have seen this scene before. It’s in the Images of America: San Juan Island book by Mike and Julia Vouri. You can purchase signed copies of this book and its companion book on Friday Harbor when the Vouris present “A Photographic History of San Juan Island” on May 17, 7:00 p.m., at the San Juan Island Library. The event is free and the book signing is a fundraiser for the San Juan Historical Society & Museum.

Another free event at the Library is on May 19 at 7:00 p.m. when Robin Jacobson presents “From Odd Fellows to Orcas” and shares an illustrated timeline of Friday Harbor community news intertwined with the history of the Odd Fellows Hall, now home to The Whale Museum. Come hear some of the more interesting stories, historical and supernatural, originating from this iconic building towering high on the bluff.

On May 27 it’s another Know Your Island Walk, this time with a visit to the St. Francis and Valley Cemeteries, led by Boyd Pratt and Robin Jacobson. Join the walkers, starting from Skagit Valley College at 1:00 p.m. or meet at the cemeteries at 1:30 p.m. for the biographical tour of the cemeteries, featuring some of the more well-known island pioneers.

For these History Lives Here events and others in May, see the special section of the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau website at www.visitsanjuans.com/history.

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