Behind the Sign

Among the lush greenery and rugged terrain of the Skagit Valley, a utopian concept once flowered in the early 20th century. The settlement known as Equality Colony — located on what is today the eponymous Colony Road — was a bold experiment in the creation of a self-reliant socialist and cooperative community. During the decade in which it existed between 1897 and 1907, Equality Colony was a community in which idealists, reformers, and those searching for a better society came together from around the country to forge a new community model based on cooperation, equality, and shared labor. While barely a trace of the colony exists today, its brief success and history created a legacy that is simultaneously intriguing yet also informative.

Long time residents of the Skagit Valley with an interest in local history are most likely familiar with the name "Dick Fallis." As the creator of Tales of the Magic Skagit, Dick's story is an inspiration to me, and one that I've long wanted to share. Thanks to Dan Royal, historian of the Skagit County Pioneer Association, for making this tribute possible.

Of the many immigrant stories associated with the Skagit Valley, one of the most amazing has to be that of Legson Kayira. Born in the African country of Malawi during the Second World War, Kayira embarked on an incredible journey across Africa, by foot, with the goal of attending Skagit Valley College -- a goal that took him two years and thousands of miles to fulfill. Meyer Sign's Skagit Valley Youth History Project intern Morgan White tells his story in this Tales of the Magic Skagit episode.

“The city of Mount Vernon now boasts a park of its own, Hillcrest Park, ideally located in a grove of virgin timber that covers a thirty-acre tract. The land was purchased five years ago from J. C. McGinnitie at a cost of $6,000… with the final payment of $1,200 made just a few days ago, interest in the park has been revived…This week the water company offered to build a water main for a distance of 150 feet if the city will build the remaining 500 feet necessary to reach the park. With only a small expenditure, the park may be one of the finest and most picturesque in the Northwest.”

The current Skagit County Historical Museum exhibit, "A Little Off the Top," showcases the history of barber shops in Skagit County, highlighting their important role in the area. It takes visitors through the evolution of barber shops from the Valley’s pioneer era to the present day, emphasizing their impact on the community. The exhibit features a fascinating collection of artifacts from old to modern-day barber shops, which is impressive given the fact that according to the museum’s executive director, Jo Wolfe, “this is the first time such an exhibit has been created.” The exhibit ends on March 10th, so visit La Conner Hill soon and explore the rich history of barber shops in Skagit County!

Unfortunately, like most treaties signed between the United States of America and Native American tribes, the written promises typically did not hold up in practice — and this was the case as well with the Treaty of Point Elliott. In this second part of our Tales of the Magic Skagit series, “Treaty Day,” we look at the reasons the signatory tribes signed a document written in a language they did not understand, and the consequences of their doing so. Finally, we consider the counter-intuitive reasons why Coast Salish tribes would celebrate the event that took place in Mukilteo 169 years ago that forever changed their way of life.

On January 22, 1855 more than 2,000 natives of the Puget Sound area, represented by a dozen acknowledged tribal leaders, met with representative of the federal government of the United States at a place in Mukilteo, Washington known as Point Elliott to reach a “lands settlement agreement.” The resulting “Treaty of Point Elliott” effectively ceded more than 5 million acres of native land in exchange for retaining inherent rights to self-governance and self determination, as well as the right to fish in all “usual and accustomed places and to hunt and gather on all open and unclaimed land.” Additionally, the native peoples represented at Point Elliott were promised education, healthcare, and housing as well as "payment" for their ceded lands and abandoned homes. This is the first of three Tales of the Magic Skagit episodes that I’ll be devoting to the history of the Treaty of Point Elliott and its legacy. As one of the “New People” to the Skagit Valley, this is not a story I feel especially qualified to tell, so I’m relying on the excellent work that has been done by the Hibulb Cultural Center and Natural History Preserve, which is located on the Tulalip Reservation near Marysville.

Fifty miles from Mount Vernon along Hwy. 20, and about as many minutes driving time, you’ll find yourself at a pullout at Mile Marker 100 and deep in the heart of the Skagit Wild and Scenic River System. Near the confluence of three major rivers, prime eagle watching, abundant fisheries, and outstanding scenic beauty are the hallmarks of this remarkable landscape.

Ramon Rivera is a man who has dedicated his life to music and teaching. His passion for music started at a young age when his mother bought him a trumpet from a yard sale and said, "You're gonna be a mariachi someday." And she was right. Since then, Ramon's love for music has only grown. So has Mount Vernon's mariachi and folklorico program.

I recently had the honor of addressing the graduating class of Leadership Skagit 2023. I was proud to represent Meyer Sign in reflecting on the theme of "Sense of Place" from the perspective of host and producer of Meyer Sign's Tales of the Magic Skagit series. As we head into our fifth year in the series, my remarks to the Class of '23 reflect on the personal heroes I've acquired along the way.

One of my Magic Skagit heroes is Vi Hilbert (taqwšəblu), the subject of an earlier Tales of the Magic Skagit podcast series about her work in furthering the Lushootseed language, and in bridging the cultural divides between the First People and New People of the Skagit Valley. In the process of telling that story I was privileged to meet Vi's daughter, Lois Dodson. Lois passed away on November 16. The following is a remembrance of a remarkable person I wish I could have spent more time with.

If you like a good ghost story, Valerie Stafford has more than a few to tell you. We’re not talking about your run-of-the-mill, sit-around-the-campfire-eating-s’mores-giving-each-other-the-shivers genre of creep outs and urban legend gore. Oh, no, my friends. We’re talking real ghost stories here.