O Pioneers! …
Coupeville settlers such as Col. Isaac Ebey, the Territory’s foremost statesman and leader, Samuel Libbey, Capt. Thomas Coupe, John Crockett, John Alexander (known for building Alexander’s Blockhouse in 1885 next to his family’s cabin), W.B. Engle, Dr. Kellogg, Captain Robertson, John Kineth and Rev. J.S. Smith were among those who took advantage of the Donation Claim Land Law.
Taming the land was back-breaking work, and many settlers died in their early 30s from tuberculosis, except for Ebey, who was beheaded by Northern Haidah Indians one August night in 1857 to settle a score.
I’ll leave the rest of the story to ROGER SHERMAN, fourth generation Whidbey Islander, when he conducts another of the Island County Historical Society Museum’s educational tours of historic Sunnyside Cemetery at 1 p.m. sharp on Sunday, Sept. 5. Local historian and author, Sherman will take you back in time, sharing colorful stories of these pioneer families and others who occupy the grassy knoll overlooking Ebey’s Landing.
Sherman’s family has worked for the cemetery for more than 75 years, and Roger expressed concern about the decaying slate stones that will one day need to be replaced.
A $5 donation will be collected at the museum at 908 Alexander Street in Coupeville or at the blockhouse in the cemetery located at on Cemetery Road. Take Highway 20 to Sherman Road.
Food, Fun and Friends …
It’s a tradition in August for the PBY Memorial Foundation to convene its monthly luncheon at the home of ADOLPH and DOLORES MEISCH off Arnold Road. Folks came in from the rain on Aug. 24 to settle on comfy chairs and sofas adorned with thick double-sided afghans created by Dolores. Adolph loves to build model aircraft and you should see the birdhouse that is a detailed replica of St. Mary’s Church in Coupeville. Adolph came to the Seaplane Base in the 1940s as a PBY-5A Catalina plane captain; Dolores graduated from Anacortes High School in 1945.
The next regular PBY luncheon is Sept. 28 at 11:30 a.m. at the CPO Club.
Plein Air, Mon Cher? …
I am assured by RANDY EMMONS of the Coupeville Arts Center that even someone like me with limited skills can learn to paint. A Plein Air (painting outside) Oils or Water Soluble Oils painting class is just one of the offerings on their September schedule. Classes run from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and prices vary.
Robert Stahl, whose photography is featured in National Geographic magazine and several Kodak books, will host “Developing a Poetic Eye” Sept. 7-9.
Check out what’s new at their Web site at www.coupevillearts.org.
Most Important Job …
HAL PICARD was a cigar chomping command master chief at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station from 1981-85. Retirement has mellowed him a bit, but he still serves at the retired affairs office on the Seaplane Base. He and DUANE KEMP, a former executive officer at the air station who has given 18 years to the RA office, perform an essential but little-advertised service.
“This office has been here since 1981 and since then, we have served over 950 new widows in the Whidbey area. So far this year, we have served 38 widows from all branches of service,” Picard said, calling what they do “our most important and rewarding job.”
Picard urges all military retirees to attend a free Retiree Seminar Thursday, Sept. 9, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Base Chapel to learn about survivor benefits, pay and what organizations to contact upon a death.
Tasters’ Choice …
Former Navymen FRED SESSIONS and MIKE GARCIA know their barbecue. They have what it takes to become qualified as judges in the Kansas City Barbecue Society. Training was held at Sand Point at a recent Low and Slow Barbecue State Championship.
In his smooth Georgia drawl, Sessions assured me this is serious business. Judges can consume about 2 1?2 pounds of meat at one judging, and must do so with discrimination.
Correction …
Sorry for passing along incorrect information on the closing of some SAFE after-school programs.
Cynthia Fletcher reassures parents that SAFE programs will be held at all elementary schools in Oak Harbor and Coupeville. They are accepting registrations, so call 675-0889 as soon as possible.
Send news to lifeonwhidbey@
yahoo.com or bring it to the Whidbey News-Times. See you next week!
