TOLD by the PIONEERS - Washington Secretary of State
TOLD by the PIONEERS - Washington Secretary of State
TOLD by the PIONEERS - Washington Secretary of State
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Told <strong>by</strong> <strong>the</strong> Pioneers<br />
I had heard my mo<strong>the</strong>r tell <strong>of</strong> coming to <strong>the</strong> islands and landing at<br />
a place now known as OldTown on San Juan Island. Here she was<br />
carried ashore <strong>by</strong> a man who waded out over <strong>the</strong> tide flats and through<br />
shallow water, <strong>the</strong>n carried his 'load' to <strong>the</strong> dry beach. This man<br />
was prepared for <strong>the</strong> task, as he wore rubber hip boots.<br />
Our sleeping facilities were somewhat different than those <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
present day, at least in our family. \Ve slept five in a bed. The bed<br />
was pushed back to <strong>the</strong> wall during <strong>the</strong> day and out into <strong>the</strong> middle<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> room at night. The cabin was one <strong>of</strong> two rooms. ~Iy mo<strong>the</strong>r<br />
made <strong>the</strong> quilts real long, so that <strong>the</strong>y could be tucked in around <strong>the</strong><br />
sleepers.<br />
I remember also that it was <strong>the</strong> usual thing to celebrate on Christ.<br />
mas Eve. Many neighbors callie to <strong>the</strong> home and from <strong>the</strong> large front<br />
room <strong>the</strong> furniture "'ould be moved out <strong>of</strong> doors in rain or snow. The<br />
folks would dance and make merry until <strong>the</strong> morning hours.<br />
. .<br />
. .<br />
\Ve always made room for compan~·. ~fo<strong>the</strong>r would get out a feath.<br />
er bed. It was placed on <strong>the</strong> floor. There was always room and compan~'<br />
was always ,,·elcome.<br />
ARTHUR RACE<br />
Living Costs Seventy Years Ago<br />
Island County· ..<br />
In 1863 <strong>the</strong>re were hut two stores on <strong>the</strong> island. One was kept <strong>by</strong><br />
John Robertson at Coupeville, <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>by</strong> Barrington & Phillips.<br />
Each store had a saloon in connection, over <strong>the</strong> bars <strong>of</strong> which, it<br />
seemed, as much money passed as was exchanged in trade for merchandise.<br />
The Oak Harbor store carried a much better stock than <strong>the</strong><br />
Coupeville store and consequently did a larger business. At Ebey's<br />
Landing <strong>the</strong>re was a saloon which also carried a few items <strong>of</strong> merchandise<br />
and groceries.<br />
Prices charged for merchandise from <strong>the</strong> year 1863 to 1868 were<br />
about as follows: <strong>the</strong> best flour (Extra) was $1.75 to $2.25 per 49<br />
pound bag; a lower grade, (Superfine) $1.50 to $2.00; tobacco from<br />
1863 to 1865 was $2.00 a pound, but from 1865 to '68 fell to $1.50; common<br />
calico and unbleached muslin, 6 yards for a dollar. The better<br />
grades were 25 cents a yard. Long gum boots, $7.50 a pair, short ones<br />
were $5.00; sugar (No. 2 Sandwich) 7 pounds for a dollar; No. 1 Island<br />
and Golden C, 6 pounds for a dollar; crushed sugar, 20 cents a<br />
Pound and powdered or bar sugar 25 cents.<br />
157