Helen Troy Elmore

This Isle of Guemes Helen Troy Elmore

The first printed history of Guemes Island This Isle of Guemes begins with Guemes Island?s original inhabitants?the Samish Indian Tribe. These peaceful people were renowned for their Potlatch celebrations (in the area now known as Potlatch Beach along the west shore). Their now extinct breed of dogs, kept for their fur, gave the island another name? Dog Island. Helen Troy Elmore recounts the discovery of Guemes Island by Captain Vancouver and its naming for the Viceroy of Mexico. She describes the original settlers, most pillars of the Community although one smuggled furs and human cargo. Children trembled at hearing ?Kelly the smuggler will get you if you are not good.? Another, Charlie Gant, a newspaper man and alcoholic poet booster, edited and published the Beachcomber. One pioneer wife, when offered a diamond ring, responded, ?I think I?d as leave you gave me a cow.? A small ferry, Guemes skippered by Bill Bessner, arrived early in the 1900?s. Passengers travelled free and drivers paid 50¢. Bessner?s ferry gave way to another and then to the Almar. Electricity came to the island. Potlucks and dances were held. Telephone service arrived (and ended when the cable was severed by a passing vessel but restored). Bubble built her fantasy lodge with a semblance of birds, animals and nameless illusions created from stones, driftwood and shells. An aluminum smelter was proposed and defeated. Gardens flourished, beach agates found, violin music played on quiet nights?Guemes Island life flourished. Gertrude Howard?s Guemes Gleanings,?an unduplicated continuation of... This Isle of Guemes,? is included here as well.