San Juan Historical Society raising funds for Fairgrounds Pioneer Cabin

Contributed photo

The Historical Society shares details about the multi-phase rehabilitation project of the Pioneer Cabin located at the San Juan County Fairgrounds.

In the early 1920s, when the San Juan County Fairgrounds were being developed, it was proposed that a log cabin be built to commemorate the role of early Euro-American families in the settlement of the islands.

The call went out for individuals and families to contribute a peeled log to the project and response was enthusiastic. Logs were contributed for early settlers who were no longer living including Edward Warbass, Charles McKay and Stephen Boyce. A plaque was placed in the cabin listing those who were being memorialized. The 59 names on the plaque represented a broad swath of settler families: Boyce, Chevalier, Douglas, Guard, Jensen, King, Madden, Lawson, Rosler, Sandwith, and many others. The cabin was completed in time for the opening of the fair and dedicated on Oct. 9, 1924.

Over the years, the cabin has been used for exhibits and a variety of activities. Today, the cabin needs major restoration, beginning with the replacement of the roof. Our initial fundraising goal is $5,000 for roof replacement. This is part of a multi-phase rehabilitation project intended to be completed in time for its centennial in 2024. The San Juan Historical Society is dedicated to assuring that the cabin will continue as a historic venue where island residents and visitors can explore San Juan County lore and enjoy a variety of exhibits and activities for decades to come.

The San Juan Historical Society is raising money to replace the roof as part of the San Juan Island Community Foundation’s 2022 County Fair Giving Campaign. Through this program, the first $1,000 in donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Community Foundation. The Historical Society is also eligible for up to $2,500 in bonus grants awarded throughout the fair.

To be eligible for matching funds, donations to the San Juan Historical Society must be made during the 2022 County Fair, August 17-20. Donors can contribute online, in person at the Community Foundation fair booth, or by mailing a check payable to SJICF, dated between August 17-20 with San Juan Historical Society in the memo line, to P.O. Box 1352, Friday Harbor, WA 98250.

Please join us in our efforts to restore the cabin and please visit us in the cabin during the fair to learn more about the project.

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.