Enjoying local history | Letter

Published 12:49 pm Tuesday, March 3, 2015

I want to share the enjoyment I’ve had of being part of the Orcas Historical Society’s book group.  What a great way to be motivated to dig into our local history.  The group first read “The James Tulloch Diary, 1875-1910.” Next was David Richardson’s “Pig War Islands.” Coming up is Karen Jones-Lamb’s “Native American Wives of San Juan Settlers.” It’s interesting to compare various “true” facts as stated by these authors. Makes you wish you were there to really know what happened.

Did you know that James Tulloch stepped ashore on Orcas 140 years ago? Or that Orcas was “settled” by white, mostly hard working, God-fearing people, while San Juan had to live down its boozy reputation as well as deal with what country really owned these islands?

The next meeting will be March 18 at 1 p.m. at the museum. It has a few books to loan, and the library has some. Check with Maggie at 376-4849 for info. Anyone is invited to join the discussion, and if you’re there, you can help decide the next read.

Margot Shaw

West Sound