Patos Island Lighthouse

by Edrie Vinson, Terri Vinson

Overview

Since 1893, a light has been shining from Patos Island, the northernmost island in Puget Sound. Built to guide ships through treacherous waters, the lighthouse was also a happy home for many, including Edward Durgan and his family in the early 1900s. Boundary waters smugglers and rumrunners once visited the island to stash their contraband, and it was a front—line guard for the nation during World War II. Manned for eighty—one years by the U.S. government, the light was automated in 1974 and is now maintained by the Coast Guard. Join authors Edrie Vinson and Terri Vinson, members of the Keepers of the Patos Light, as they explore the history of this unique Washington landmark.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781467145060
Publisher:	Arcadia Publishing SC
Publication date:	03/29/2021
Series:	Landmarks
Pages:	144
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Edrie Lee Vinson holds a BA in history and English from Carroll College and an MA in history and archaeology from Montana State University. She has worked in historic preservation and environmental sciences. Since retirement, she has volunteered at the Orcas Island Historical Museum as first vice—president of the board of directors and museum archivist. Currently, she serves as president of the Keepers of the Patos Light, an all—volunteer organization. Terri Vinson holds a degree in Asian studies from The Evergreen State College. She attended graduate studies at the University of Hawaii. Her interest in local history was inspired by her grandmother, Edrie. She began volunteering at the Orcas Island Historical Museum doing archival organization and research, and she eventually became the program director for the oral history program. Terri now serves as the secretary for the Keepers of the Patos Light.

Table of Contents

Preface 7

Acknowledgements 11

1 The First Peoples: The Coast Salish and the-Early Explorers 13

2 The First Keepers: Mahler, Morgan, Durgan and Lonholt 21

3 The Nineteen Twenties and Thirties: Patos Visitation and the Great Depression 55

4 The Nineteen Forties: World War II 64

5 The Nineteen Fifties: The Revitalization of Patos light Station 81

6 The Nineteen Sixties and Early Seventies: Modern Amenities, Old-Time Storms and Automation 102

7 Keepers of the Patos light: Thresher's Vision of Hope 111

Appendix. Patos Island Lighthouse Keepers, Assistants and Officers-in-Charge, 1893-1974 117

Notes 127

Bibliography 131

Index 137

About the Authors 143