The Guest Book

For nearly 50 years the original guest book at the cabin has sat upon the coffee table.  The first entry was by Jean Miller in August of 1963, followed by Bev and Glen Brewster.  Glen was one of the original builders, along with my father and my grandfather.   Bev wrote later in August of ’63, that she was “happy to know that ‘Aberstone’ can accommodate these large, noisy parties”.

Tom and Hazel Petrich, who were to also retire to the island, commented in September of ’63, that they enjoyed every minute in the ‘nine day wonder’.  The cabin took 9 days to build.  Several years later, the guest cabin took 3 days to build.    Tom also commented favorably on the location of the cabin.  My grandparents knew that the eastern shore of San Juan would appeal to his love of the home in Juneau Alaska where they were neighbors of my grandparents.  Tom and Hazel later purchased a great lot on the point just north and west of the cabin.

Then there was the mysterious entry in June of ’65 from Guy Wilson.  A single, misspelled word.  ‘Underwar’.  Did he mean ‘Wonderful’ in a German spelling?  Or did Aunt Alice and Uncle Guy (as I knew them) have a bit of fun that week? We’ll never know, they passed on years ago. 

Then there was the note left by the Jacks on an unexpected drop in.  I think we were in town, and came back to this note.   They too later bought a place on Pearl Island.

In ’68 dad’s brother and his wife visited.  She must have been pregnant as Dana and Leslie are followed by the initials ‘DS’ (due shortly?) with the words ‘Andrea’ penned in, presumably later.

Later, Tom Harris added his entry and signed it ‘the bilge rat’.  Years later as a naturopath, he trailed dad during a day at the office and possibly helped Tom with his path to become a doctor. 

Robb Flemm added that he’s looking for work on the property (one of two offers for work). 

Tracy, Rob and Ron’s nearly threatening invite for breakfast (note the “we won’t take ‘no’ for an answer”.

Nancy Prescott was one of the more prolific and consistent writers over the years.  Adventures and misadventures are recorded.  Including the time she was trying to maneuver from the speed boat to the dinghy.  Not quite willing to commit she found one foot on one boat, the other foot on the other boat, with a widening gulf between the two vessels.

Here she’s posted an ad for some light work

I remember this weekend clearly.  Rick Ioset, Rich, and myself had planned a 3 day backpacking adventure in the northern cascades.  We spent one drippy night in the tent, then bailed and headed over to the island and crashed the party.  Just after Tracy and the crew on the Daring stopped by.  The folks and the Prescotts took it all in stride as their kids roamed the islands and dropped in unannounced.

Tom Watkins was also a wonderful contributor over the years with his artwork and wry sense of humor. 

Other wonderfully eclectic entries pop up with great artwork, including one picture purporting to be Joann at the helm of one of Dad’s sailboats. 

All in all the guest book is a snapshot into some wonderful times over the years.  The first guest book is my favorite.  Wooden cover and some early views into visits when the folks were in their 40’s.