Small Island — Big History

Discover Local History in May

The Town of Friday Harbor lost several historic buildings this year, and may lose several others in the months ahead. Though sometimes inevitable, each building demolished or relocated reduces the visual and physical evidence of San Juan Island’s rich history and sense of place.

The Town’s historic preservation program aims to support preservation through building design guidelines in the historic district and through on-going public outreach events.

May is National Historic Preservation Month, an annual event celebrated by the Town, local organizations and private property owners. This year’s calendar of events includes many first-time activities along with annual guided tours throughout the island.

A home tour of lower Argyle Avenue historic sites kicks off the month on May 1st, 1-4pm. The public is invited to visit seven historic residential buildings currently housing Acanthus Antiques, Etta’s Place vacation rental, the offices of the Land Bank and the Preservation Trust, Gentry Aesthetics (both housed in Argyle Historic Homes Suites), Argyle B&B, and the residence of Christopher and Cynthia Burke. Volunteers will be on hand to discuss the history, architectural features and stories unique to each house on the tour. Look for the open-house signs posted at each site.

Marilyn Gresseth of the Garden Path Restaurant is opening her doors for a breakfast talk on the history of the Kirgy Carter House. Several local islanders will share their stories about first resident, Lycergus Cornelius “Kirgy” Carter, and the lives and times of those who followed. Breakfast reservations are required for this 9am May 4th event.

Another first-time event is a film and community discussion on post-war architecture, and the influence of a group of regional architects known as the “Northwest School” from 1945 to 1965. This event explores the value of “recent past” architecture and the quest to identify local buildings that embodied pieces of this iconic style within the island “vernacular”. The San Juan Island Library is hosting this event on Sunday, May 15th, 7pm.

On May 28th, 10am, Islander Dean Kinnamon will discuss the long and colorful history of the Fribor Theatre, today known as The Palace. Early Friday Harbor entrepreneur Alfred Middleton built the theatre in 1915. Mrs. Middleton accompanied the films on piano during the silent movie era. Later, Lee and Milt Bave purchased and renovated the building, giving it new life and its current look. Kinnaman’s father, Ray Kinnaman managed the theatre for many years, linking the Kinnaman’s, Middletons and Baves to the illustrious history of one of Friday Harbor’s most beloved historic buildings.

Other Historic Preservation Month events include guided walking tours of Friday Harbor’s historic district on Saturday mornings throughout May; tours of the Historical Museum’s King House and Jim Crook exhibit, as well as guided tours of Roche Harbor Village and the San Juan County Courthouse—both listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Town’s historic preservation program was created to promote preservation and on-going appreciation of our rich heritage and valuable historic buildings and sites. For a complete listing of Preservation Month events, visit www.historicfridayharbor.org or call Sandy at 360.378.2810.

For more information about historic Friday Harbor and local history events in and around Friday Harbor, visit Historic Friday Harbor.