Behind the Sign

Tales of the Magic Skagit: Once Upon a Time in Skagit City

In 1869, John Barker opened a trading post at the south fork of the Skagit River on Fir Island in what would eventually become known as Skagit City — the oldest of the Skagit Valley’s river towns. Over the next decade, Skagit City boasted hotels, stores, saloons, a school, church and other public buildings. Today, however, only a single physical reminder of Skagit City remains. The river giveth, and the river taketh away.

October 26, 2021

Tales From the Magic Skagit: “I Ain’t Gonna Work on Maggie’s Stump Farm No More!”

Back in late September, I posted a short video taken along the Padilla Bay trail and asked our Meyer Sign friends and followers to do some history sleuthing. As always, you rose to the occasion...and in the process introduced me to the term "stump farm."

August 26, 2021

Tales From the Magic Skagit: The Music Man of Skagit Valley

Hugo Helmer was a musician, a teacher, a band leader, and a businessman whose retain venue continues to thrive under its fourth generation of family ownership. Not bad for a Swedish immigrant whose American Dream started in the rough and tumble of logging and led to the world's first accordion marching band. Broadway couldn't have scripted this story, but you can read it here.

Tales From the Magic Skagit: The Life and Times of “Honker” McCormick

Bruce McCormick is a living link to the Skagit Valley’s pioneer past — a first hand witness to a bygone era of immigrant settlement. For Bruce, that past is more than a collection of newspaper clippings or museum artifacts — it is remembered oral history learned at the knee of his grandfather, David McCormick. They’ll be more to say about David McCormick…but first, l’d like you to meet his grandson.

Spring Hopes Eternal: Welcome Back, Tulip Festival. We Missed You!

The Tulip Festival is back. The Tulip Festival is back. The Tulip Festival is back. Have I made myself clear on this point?

October 8, 2020

A Corona Moment with Erin Von Fempe: Home Among the Homeless

Erin Von Fempe of the Mount Vernon Police Department thinks of homelessness and the issues that are its causes and consequences in terms of pathology. “I feel like people without homes in our society are shunned,” she says. “I think most people want to play a positive social role in life, and no one on the street wants to be a drug addict, a transient, or homeless.” This is a story about her job.

August 17, 2020

Tales From the Magic Skagit: All in Love is Fair

August is Fair Month, which makes it a cherished four weeks on my calendar. Take the Fair out of August and what you’re left with is parched grass, wilted gardens, dust, grasshoppers, and sticky nights without A/C. Thanks, but no thanks.

What Did You Do During the Great Pandemic, Grandpa?

When your grandchildren ask about your experience of the Great Pandemic of 2020, what will you remember -- and how will you make sense of it?

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