Previous Historical Photographs of the Month

The Almar was built on Puget Island in the Columbia River. It was built for Elmer Danielson to replace the Tourist I in 1947. Elmer Danielson also owned Puget Island Telephone company, and he used money from the phone company to help run the ferry. It has hauled cattle standing on the deck from Clifton, Oregon to Tenasillahe Island in the Columbia River. It has also been used to pull up underwater telephone cable for repair.The Almar came to Guemes Island in 1960 to replace the Guemes I ferry.

Note that the vehicles (including the school bus) are facing backwards.That is because the Almar was not double-ended and had to turn around and back into the dock at the Anacortes side. It was a 12-car ferry that served the run from 1960 to 1979. Due to the posts supporting the passenger cabin and pilothouse, it could not carry large trucks, including cement trucks.

It is still afloat in Alaska.

Allison family. Her grandmother, mother, "an unknown man" and "the boys are Wilbur and Orville"

Claudia and Lovell in Naval uniform. Claudia was a contemporary of Alice Brooks.

Fourth of July parade on North Beach. 1943-1944.

Late 1950 - early 1960s. Work party at the church to remove bees. Removed the bees and got the honey as well. Used the wax for candles.

Women's Club.

A picnic on South Beach near the ferry dock.

Photo donated by Irene Allison. "This is something that went on at the Community Hall ...Here's mom (Hattie, second from the left) getting ready to can chickens. The lady on the right may be Mary Merchant."

Backrow: Herman Blackington, Dick Smith, Willie Krider, Charlie Woods (Captain). Front row: Jack Matthews, George Kingston, Larry O'Bryant.