INSIDE

2009 in Review - PR Historical Society

By Kitty Doyle

2009 was a busy year for the Point Roberts Historical Society.

• At the AGM in February, Jim Julius shared his slide collection, providing us a look back in time at life on the Point in the ’50s and ’60s.

• A collection of photographs from the society’s archives was hung in the conference room at the community center. This had been a dream of past president Irene Waters, and the initial showing “Early School Days” was dedicated to her. The second display was put up in August (Summer on the Point). Look for the next series “Early Families” in the spring.

• In addition to the photo display and the glass display case in the hall, two additional glass cases were added in the conference room to hold memorabilia related to the photo display.

• New t-shirts and hoodies are available for purchase. The new clothing is navy blue and displays the Jolly Boy label from the George and Barker Cannery which was located at the foot of Gulf Road.

• An aerial photograph of the Point, taken in the 1960s, was enlarged into a black and white poster and these are available for purchase.

• The Historical Society was a participant in the Arts and Music Festival and again had a wonderful crowd-pleasing photo display of early days on the Point.

• The Reunion Lunch was held in September at Trinity Lutheran Church. Virginia Wampler shared her scrapbooks and Anne Murray gave a presentation on her two books, Tracing Our Past – A Heritage Guide to Boundary Bay and A Nature Guide to Boundary Bay. Anne has graciously permitted the Historical Society to purchase her books and sell them as a fundraiser.

• The Historical Society hosted a community meeting in June with Mike McFarlane, Whatcom County parks director, to discuss a proposal to remove pilings and slag from the APA Cannery at Lily Point. Feedback from our community helped prevent the removal of artifacts from this historical site.

• A new brochure “A Thumbnail History of the Point” provides visitors with many historical facts from the early settlers to recent events, including how some of the main roads got their names.

• The Historical Society participated in the Christmas Craft Fair, by manning our booth and helping to sell over $1000 in raffle tickets to benefit the art program at the primary school.

Anyone can join and become a part of the history of our unique community. Monthly meetings are at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month in the community center. Donations are always welcome.