L U M M I I S L A N D N E W S L E T T E R
0 F T H E C 0 M M U N I T Y C L U B
August – September 1969
NEXT MEETING ‑ WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 ‑ 6:45 P.M.
‑ GRANGE HALL
‑ POT LUCK DINNER ‑ EVERYONE WELCOME
A representative from the National Park Service will show and tell of the plans for the North Cascades National Park ‑ ‑ Via a slide lecture,
The annual invasion of the summer types has about dwindled to the occasional few who still linger on the Island hoping that their affliction ‑ commonly known as “Lummiitis” will become permanent, but eventually the desire to eat, regularly, sort of banishes the thought.
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This past summer has brought a bit of a change to the Island scene ‑ people wise ‑and in a few instances sudden events of a real estate promotional nature jolted the natives into realizing the real value of this former prehistoric mountain top originally called a “pearl” by the early explorers. Numerous properties have changed hands and the neophyte lot buyer brigade has been busy establishing their respective teepees and such in which they hope soon to tell their tallest tales of the rugged life.
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Along with the people change, the exodus of various Island personalities leaves a rather empty feeling to those of us who were their neighbors. The George Johnsons were one of these departing families we all will miss. They had been more or less of an institution for some 40 years in Island life and were affectionately known as “Pa” and “Ma” Johnson. Actually they earned the title in a more conventional way too as they have 3 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. The ravages of time and creaky joints has made it necessary for them to sell their home on Legoe Bay to Marcia and Monte Bianchi and their two children (Mr. Bianchi teaches school at Bow, Wash. and reefnets during the summer). The Johnsons wanted us to thank their many many friends for the wonderful life, and feel that Lummi Island must be the pattern that heaven is fashioned after and they thoroughly regret having to leave it. Both of them were avid fishermen and apparently had a personal acquaintance with every piscatorial denizen in the area. Mr. Johnson spent his 79 years in various endeavors (since his birth in Eve Clair, Wisconsin) such as three working trips to South America, but has mainly been an asbestos worker and has earned his 25‑year gold pin from the union. Mrs. Johnson was born in New Mexico some 78 years ago and apparently spent most of her years teaching pappy how to fish while being a dang good neighbor to a great many people. They are now living at 1412 Humbolt St. in Bellingham and would appreciate a call now and then from some of their former protegies.
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After some five or more years of dialogue and a considerable ‘run around’ the club finally has succeeded in securing the erection of a few directional signs on Interstate 5 and elsewhere pointing out where at Lummi Island is. Guess we will have to be a bit more careful where we go visitin’ not to use that old cliché “come see us sometime” for they just might do that ‑ now that they can find it.
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The following note was contributed in reference to the recent gastronomical fiesta which drew some 400 or so willing participants.
As chairman of the P.T.A. and Firemens’ Auxiliary Salmon Barbecue, I would like to thank everyone who contributed in any way to make our 1969 Barbecue very successful.
Claire Hawley
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Understand our ebullient and arty Flo Konecke has been touring the artistic and craft circuits this past season ‑ at the request of the promoters ‑ to do her thing of silhouette clipping. More and more of the art world is becoming aware of her special talents and demanding of her time. Guess at one show she demonstrated (her work ‑ that is) as a feature on a TV program ‑ thereafter being recognized throughout the area as a TV personality. We are all happy for you, Flo ‑ your one in a million.
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Guess the friendly little ‘ole “Fish picker”, anchor dipper”, “cow dealer” and “erstwhile nursery man” ‑ Marion Tuttle has become a grandpappy again since his, son Joe and wife Terry produced a baby boy recently. They are now residing in Bellingham. Haven’t heard of any special celebration going on ‑ ‑ ‑ Hmmmmm
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Most of the Islanders remained on the reasonably healthy side recently with the exception of Lucille Miller who apparently developed a thyroid condition that impaired her speech a bit ‑ guess Jack was rather reluctant to get her repaired?? But all kidding aside, tho, they had a few anxious sessions when the exact cause of the malady was thought to be more serious. Having Lucille incapacitated would sure foul up the coiffures and enticing techniques of a great many Island matrons as she is the one and only beauty operator on the Island ‑ of course there are other `operators”?? here tho.
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Ricky Granger’s recovery therapy has been shifted to a clinic in Bellingham where it is hoped a more concentrated effort will be forthcoming.
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Jim Miller reports from Phy Bie, Viet Nam that all is going well but that the activity in the photo lab remains as usual in spite of the slow down. Apparently reconnaissance photos are still being taken round the clock. Guess most of the fellows in his area feel that the so‑called pull out is not as it is reported to be.
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Buddy Granger ‑ after most of the summer spent here at his home ‑ is back in Annapolis for his 4th and final year. Guess next year by this time it will be Lieutenant Granger or perhaps Admiral?? Hope he steers clear of any Australian ships.
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Bob McFarland is out of the military and trying to get himself oriented to civilian life – which isn’t easy ‑ even for the rest of us.
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There seems to be some question among the summer residents about just who should use the garbage cans that the community club provided throughout the Island. For everyone’s enlightenment, they were intended for the transients only in order to keep them from littering the roads and private property with their trash. If you are a temporary or permanent resident of the Island we all fully expect you to have the same responsibility of garbage disposal that the rest of us have and like the rest of us either take it home when you leave the Island or pay to have it hauled away once a week.
For everyone’s information there are no garbage or trash dumps on this Island at the present time. Continued us of private property for such will only bring repercussions to those so doing.
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The Fire Department was able to keep the equipment from rusting by making several runs to conflagrations of variety but mainly grass and brush fires ‑ at least that is one outfit that still values house calls. Don’t believe that there was a need for the ambulance recently tho! Thank gosh!
The Fire Commissioners and the chief wanted us to remind the Islanders that they appreciate the ordinary citizen helping out when the regular volunteers are not available but that a very real technical and legal problem develops when this is done. Since the department is a legal entity, they, are responsible for accidents and injury only to authorized personnel and conversely their members’ actions are the responsibility of the department. Therefore should others get involved they do so at their own risk and leave themselves open to law suits, etc. It was suggested that anyone wishing to help contact the acting chief or captain at any fire and he will in turn assign a job that he feels will not jeopardize the effectiveness of the individual’s operations. However, the department wants it understood that this, request is not to be misconstrued by anyone going under the assumption that additional help is not wanted or needed upon occasion. For example the department would have been hard pressed containing the Owens fire it others had not helped. They are just trying to keep all you willing fire buffs from running afoul of serious trouble.
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Well, back to the festive board come next Wednesday evening for a sampling of all the gourmet delights – lovingly prepared by your neighbors – old and new.
We will see you in the chow Lines‑
Ye Ed ‑ for ‑
Gus Johnson, President