Open-Closed-Open Briefly-Closed-Again
In six words, that pretty much sums up our year. Who knew what the year 2020 would be bringing to citizens of the world? At the time of this writing we remain thankful for Point Roberts being Covid free as far as we know.
There are some parallels in history compared with today. The Spanish Flu pandemic 100 years ago does not appear to have claimed any lives at Point Roberts. The twice-weekly ferry service to Bellingham is reminiscent of the days when ships called in to the Township dock.
The Lady Of The Lake would have been in service around the time when townfolk had to travel to Seattle to register their homestead rights in 1908. There are many other names that called in to port including the Star fleet, sailing vessels that brought supplies to the A.P.A. Cannery at Blaine and Lily Point.
The most memorable and long lasting run was started by the Waters brothers who ran the Tulip, calling in to Bellingham, Blaine and Point Roberts on a weekly basis bringing store goods, passengers and the weekly mail.
Local produce such as berries, eggs and cream were sent back to grace Whatcom County tables. When a reliable overland route through Canada was established in 1934, John Solomon started a trucking route called Point Roberts Auto Freight. Still running today!
The prolonged closed border with Canada is a new issue. Also new is the tradition of visiting friends and loved ones across the invisible line at Monument Park or even on the sandbars at Boundary Bay!
The Point has seen more than its share of news articles and TV clips around the nation and around the world. Those of us here are living a history which future generations on the Point will tell with wonder.
Stay well, stay safe everyone. We will get through this.
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