Chautauqua Assembly
by Anneli Fogt, Vashon Beachcomber More than 100 years ago, Puget Sound residents converged regularly at Ellisport for Chautauqua assemblies — guests would hear from authors, musicians and intellectuals and learn surrounded by Vashon’s forests and beaches. Now, a group of islanders is bringing the classic event back for one
Buttons! Buttons! Buttons!
by Laurie Tucker, Collections Committee A large and interesting collection of buttons was donated to the museum, thanks to Jane Schuelein, a volunteer with the Fox Island Historical Society and Museum. Jane bought a box of buttons years ago, and was told that they had belonged to a woman on
Vashon Island Newspapers
By Bruce Haulman Vashon has a rich history of newspapers beginning with Oliver Van Olinda’s first monthly newspaper Island Home in 1892. The first weekly newspaper, The Vashon Island Press was published from June 4, 1895 until May 1897 when the owner-editor Oliver Van Olinda moved to Stanwood and then
Descriptions of Early Town
Compiled by Brian Brenno . The Gorsuch store was on the corner opposite to Master’s blacksmith shop; Livesley’s and Gorsuch homes in cherry, apple and pear orchards; along with a small telephone office, run by the McGuire’s; composed the town of Vashon. Sarah Eernisse sold a 210 foot lot to
Feline Visitors on the Island
By Maria MetlerWhen Van Olinda arrived on Vashon in 1891, he landed from the steamer Lola at Langill's on Colvos Passage and walked up to Center. Later he recorded his reaction: "I came from the great prairies of Nebraska and, as I walked up to Center in the gathering dusk
Portage Store
By Bruce Haulman and Terry Donnelly Portage has long been an important and interesting part of Vashon-Maury Island, providing the link between the two (or is it one) islands. The S’Homamish First People used Portage as a major gathering and hunting place, and shared hunting rights at the site with
A Gift of Baskets
VMIHA has received a very special gift from islanders Terry Welch and Steve Shanaman. Thirteen baskets made by Native Americans from the Coast Salish area were recently donated, after two of them were borrowed for the museum’s 2014-15 exhibit, “Vashon’s Native People: Navigating Seas of Change.” Terry and Steve presented
109 Years Later…
A New Foundation Beneath Our Building Vashon Maury Island Heritage Association asked Ellisport Engineering to report on the 1907 stacked stone foundation under the museum building in October of 2014. Based on their recommendations the museum board decided to replace the foundation. Fundraising for the project included grant writing, participation