Catalog of British Columbiana and Pacific Northwest Americana

Kin-i-wak, Kenewick, Tehe, Kennewick by Martha Berry Parker is a localized historical compilation primarily focused on the origins and development of Kennewick, Washington, and its surrounding region. The book originated as a series of historical chapters and articles previously published in local columns or regional issues of The Courier. It details the transition of the area from its early indigenous roots through the trials of early settlement, homesteading, local infrastructure challenges, and community milestones.

414 pages : illustrations, maps ; 27 cm

Memory Lanes of Old Everett and Its East Riverside by Helmer Malstrom and David Dilgard is a 1986 local history published by Memory Lane Publishers that captures the working-class heritage and early industrial landscape of this quintessential Puget Sound mill town. The book offers a richly detailed retrospective of early Everett, Washington, focusing heavily on the bustling East Riverside neighborhood where the city's vital lumber and shingle mills were concentrated along the Snohomish River. Blending pioneer anecdotes, grassroots documentation, and regional lore, the authors vividly resurrect the gritty, industrious spirit of the early 20th-century waterfront. Ultimately, it serves as an invaluable and nostalgic community resource for local historians seeking to understand the daily lives, economic roots, and enduring fabric of one of Snohomish County's most significant industrial centers.

xi, 188 pages : color illustrations ; 21 cm

Island Ebb & Flow: A Pioneer's Journal of Life on Waldron Island by Frances K. Lovering is a 1985 autobiographical memoir that intimately chronicles daily life on one of the most remote, non-ferry-served communities in Washington's San Juan archipelago. Spanning from the 1930s through the 1970s, the book offers a deeply personal account of the extreme self-reliance required to survive and thrive on Waldron Island, detailing the author's efforts to build cabins and barns, operate a commercial egg business, and navigate the severe logistical challenges of transportation and medical isolation. Lovering also highlights community efforts, such as maintaining the island's tiny, one-room schoolhouse. Ultimately, it serves as a valuable, grassroots record of mid-20th-century island homesteading and an engaging, humorous tribute to the resilient, independent spirit that defines the secluded pioneer communities of the Pacific Northwest.

x, 211 pages, 6 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations ; 22 cm

Place Names of Washington by Robert Hitchman is a monumental 1985 geographical dictionary published by the Washington State Historical Society that catalogs the origins and historical context of the state's geographic designations. Culminating decades of meticulous research, the encyclopedic volume traces the naming of thousands of cities, rivers, mountains, and coastal features back to Indigenous origins, early Spanish and British maritime exploration, and the influx of pioneer settlers. By documenting the cultural and linguistic roots of diverse locations—from the high peaks of the Cascades to the rugged shorelines of the San Juan Islands—the book captures the layered history embedded in the state's map. Ultimately, it serves as an indispensable and definitive reference for regional historians, genealogists, and geographers seeking to understand the complex colonial, pioneer, and Indigenous heritage that defined the landscape of Washington.

[11], 340 pages : maps, portraits ; 29 cm

The Ships of British Columbia: An Illustrated History of the British Columbia Ferry Corporation by Gary and Patricia Bannerman is a comprehensive 1985 maritime history, published by Hancock House, that chronicles the dramatic political origins and rapid expansion of what became one of the largest coastal ferry systems in the world. The book details the 1960 creation of the provincial fleet by Premier W.A.C. Bennett—initially a bold response to labor strikes in the private shipping sector—and traces its evolution into a vital transportation network connecting Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland, and remote coastal communities. Richly illustrated with archival photographs, individual vessel profiles, and technical specifications, the volume ultimately serves as an authoritative and engaging resource for maritime historians and transportation enthusiasts seeking to understand the infrastructural heritage that bridges the marine highways of the Canadian Pacific Northwest.

176 pages : illustrations (some color) ; 22 x 27 cm

Steamer's Wake: Voyaging Down the Old Marine Highways of Puget Sound, British Columbia, and the Columbia River by Jim Faber, featuring a foreword by noted regional historian Murray Morgan, is a richly illustrated 1985 maritime history published by Enetai Press in Seattle. The book chronicles the romantic and economically vital era of paddle-wheelers and coastal steamers that dominated Pacific Northwest transportation from the mid-19th century through the 1940s. Faber meticulously details the vessels, the rugged captains, and the pivotal inland routes that connected the remote timber camps, pioneer settlements, and boomtowns along Puget Sound, the Fraser and Columbia rivers, and the coastal waters stretching up to the Klondike. Ultimately, packed with vintage photographs and engaging nautical lore, it serves as an indispensable and highly nostalgic visual record for maritime historians and enthusiasts seeking to explore the "mosquito fleet" and the historic marine highways that built the modern Northwest.

257, [8] pages : illustrations, maps ; 29 cm

Van Olinda's History of Vashon-Maury Island by pioneer resident O.S. Van Olinda, compiled and edited by regional historian Roland N. Carey, is a 1985 local history that preserves the foundational settlement narrative of this prominent Puget Sound island community. Based largely on Van Olinda’s early 20th-century writings and personal reminiscences, the volume chronicles the transformation of Vashon and its connected neighbor, Maury Island, from dense, remote timberlands into a thriving agricultural hub. The book meticulously details early logging operations, the booming greenhouse and strawberry farming industries, and the profound reliance on the "Mosquito Fleet" steamers that bridged the geographical isolation between the islanders, Seattle, and Tacoma. Ultimately, it serves as an indispensable, primary-source-driven resource for local historians seeking an intimate, grassroots perspective on the pioneer families, civic development, and resilient maritime culture that shaped the heart of Puget Sound.

84 pages : illustrations ; 22 cm

A Role for Private Citizens in Historic Preservation by Ann Swanson is a 1985 civic guide and technical publication issued by the Idaho State Historical Society that outlines the critical importance of grassroots involvement in heritage conservation. The work provides a practical framework for local individuals, community organizations, and volunteers to actively identify, protect, and advocate for historic sites and architecture within their communities. By demystifying preservation policies and emphasizing collaborative efforts between private citizens and state agencies, Swanson empowers residents to take ownership of their local history rather than relying solely on government intervention. Ultimately, it serves as an invaluable, instructional resource that highlights the indispensable role of local advocacy and community stewardship in safeguarding the unique architectural and cultural legacy of Idaho and the broader Pacific Northwest.

13 pages ; 22 cm

Researching Local History by Mary Reed and Carole Simon-Smolinski is a 1985 methodological guide and technical leaflet published by the Idaho State Historical Society. The book serves as a practical, step-by-step instructional manual designed to equip amateur historians, genealogists, and private citizens with the tools necessary to rigorously investigate their communities. The authors outline essential research techniques for navigating primary sources, emphasizing how to utilize county courthouse records to uncover property histories, track down early plat maps, and decipher business directories or local archives. Ultimately, it functions as a foundational educational resource that democratizes historical methodology, empowering local residents to actively uncover, document, and preserve the grassroots heritage of Idaho and the broader Pacific Northwest.

22 pages : illustrations ; 22 cm

Faith, Food, and Fond Memories 1884-1984 by the Orcas Island Community Church is a 1984 centennial compilation published locally in Eastsound, Washington, that blends community history with a generational cookbook to commemorate the congregation's first century. Beyond a simple collection of regional recipes, the book functions as a unique grassroots historical record, intertwining the culinary heritage of the San Juan Islands with pioneer reminiscences, poetry, and congregational milestones. By documenting the shared meals, local agricultural bounty, and social gatherings that sustained the isolated islanders, the volume ultimately serves as an intimate primary source for regional historians seeking to understand the resilient social fabric, agrarian roots, and enduring fellowship that shaped early community life on Orcas Island.

149 pages : illustrations ; 22 cm

Account of the activities, chronology, mapping and botanical and zoological collections of the United States Exploring Expedition of 1838-1842, which mapped 1500 miles of the Antarctic coast and proved that the continent exists. Published in connection with the exhibition 'Magnificent Voyagers' organized by the National Museum of Natural History and circulated by the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C

303, [1] pages : illustrations (some color), maps, portraits ; 28 cm

The Evergreen Islands: A History of the Islands of the Inside Passage by Doris Andersen is a comprehensive 1984 regional history that surveys the rugged, heavily forested archipelagos stretching along the British Columbia coast from the Strait of Georgia up toward Prince Rupert. The book chronicles the deep ancestral heritage of the region's First Nations peoples, the dramatic era of late-18th-century European maritime exploration, and the subsequent waves of coastal settlement driven by the fur trade, commercial fishing, and timber industries. By detailing the unique logistical challenges and fierce self-reliance required to inhabit these remote outposts, Andersen captures the distinct maritime culture of the communities dotting this famous waterway. Ultimately, it serves as an engaging and valuable resource for maritime historians and regional enthusiasts seeking to understand the economic forces and frontier resilience that shaped Canada's spectacular Pacific coastline.

224 pages : illustrations ; 18 cm

History of Hansen, Idaho, 1904-1984 by Frances Harris is a detailed 1984 local history, published locally in southern Idaho, that captures the foundational settlement and grassroots development of this small Twin Falls County community. The book chronicles the dramatic transformation of the arid Magic Valley region following the massive early 20th-century Snake River irrigation projects—sparked by the Carey Act and the completion of the nearby Milner Dam—which successfully converted the high desert sagebrush plains into a highly productive agricultural hub. By meticulously compiling pioneer reminiscences, family genealogies, and the civic records of early schools, churches, and businesses, Harris preserves the grit and resilience of the town's founders. Ultimately, it serves as an invaluable, community-focused resource for genealogists and regional historians seeking an intimate look at the agricultural heritage and rural settlement patterns that defined the early 20th-century pioneer experience in southern Idaho.

100 pages : illustrations, map, portraits ; 23 cm

A History of the Deschutes Country in Oregon by the Deschutes County Historical Society is a comprehensive 1985 regional history published locally in Bend, Oregon, to preserve the pioneer heritage of the state's central high desert. The volume chronicles the region's dramatic transformation from early Indigenous presence and rugged frontier exploration into a booming 20th-century timber and agricultural hub. It meticulously details the fierce "railroad wars" along the Deschutes River gorge, the establishment of massive ponderosa pine sawmills that drove the local economy, and the civic growth of communities like Bend, Redmond, and Sisters. Ultimately, featuring extensive family genealogies, pioneer reminiscences, and archival photographs, it serves as an indispensable, community-driven resource for regional historians seeking to understand the industrial, civic, and cultural foundation of Central Oregon.

530 pages : illustrations ; 29 cm

Railroading in Southern Oregon and the Founding of Medford by regional historians Bert and Margie Webber is a 1985 transportation and local history book published by Ye Galleon Press in Fairfield, Washington. The volume extensively chronicles the profound economic and geographical impact the arrival of the Oregon and California Railroad had on the Rogue River Valley in the late 19th century. The authors detail how the railroad bypass of the established pioneer town of Jacksonville directly catalyzed the establishment and rapid boom of Medford, shifting the political and commercial center of gravity in Jackson County. Heavily illustrated with archival photographs and historical rail data, the book ultimately serves as an authoritative and highly specific resource for understanding how early railroad expansion dictated the civic landscape, settlement patterns, and industrial growth of southern Oregon.

255 pages : illustrations, map, portraits ; 26 cm

Historic Houses of the Pacific Northwest by Daphne Reece is a comprehensive 1985 architectural and regional history guide published by Chronicle Books. The volume serves as an expansive directory of preserved pioneer cabins, opulent Victorian mansions, and early commercial estates that are open to the public across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, British Columbia, and Alaska. By meticulously detailing the distinct architectural styles, family genealogies, and localized settlement lore associated with each property, Reece provides a tangible, room-by-room link to the domestic realities and economic ambitions of the region's early frontier leaders. Ultimately, it functions as both an engaging travelogue and a valuable educational resource for preservationists and regional historians seeking to physically explore the diverse, built heritage of the Pacific Northwest.

vii, 170 pages : illustrations, maps ; 21 cm

In its rich detail, this book provides the first comprehensive history of the agricultural development of the Oregon Country. Based on extensive research in Hudsons's Bay Company documents, missionary records, and military and private papers, this book traces the crucial transition of the Pacific Northwest from a fur-trading outpost to an agricultural settlement -- a process which also saw the shift from British to American jurisdiction in the area.

265 pages : illustrations, maps ; 24 cm

Towns are begun. Immigrants and pioneers gouge a living from pristine Whidbey forests. Roads are built, and civilization creates a unified society

volumes : illustrations ; 26 cm

The authors interest spread to Whitman County as she uncovered information and felt others might be intrigued by the number of places that had at one time been named and have since disappeared. In order to make this book accurate, she used a variety of sources ranging from postal records to interviews with people who at tented some of the small and now consolidated schools. Contains bibliography and maps

[2], xxiii, 140 pages : illustrations, maps ; 28 cm

The Indians of Puget Sound: The Notebooks of Myron Eells by late 19th-century missionary Myron Eells, edited and contextualized by anthropologist George Pierre Castile, is a major 1985 ethnographic and historical volume published by the University of Washington Press in cooperation with Whitman College. The book rescues from obscurity the massive, previously unpublished manuscripts compiled by Eells during his three decades (1874–1907) living and working on the Skokomish Reservation. It provides an exhaustive record of the material culture, social organization, folklore, and daily realities of the Coast Salish peoples, particularly the Twana (Skokomish) and Klallam tribes. While the original observations are inevitably colored by Eells's paternalistic and assimilationist worldview, Castile's careful editing frames the work as a vital historical artifact. Ultimately, it serves as an indispensable, primary-source resource for anthropologists, regional historians, and tribal descendants seeking a deeply detailed window into Puget Sound Indigenous life during an era of profound cultural disruption and transition.

xix, 470 pages : illustrations, portraits ; 27 cm

The Island Halkomelem Indian people live on the southeastern part of Vancouver Island and on some of the southern Gulf Islands in British Columbia. A total of three hundred two (302) place-names are known to these people today, in their Coast Salish language. Each of these names is transcribed in a practical writing system, corresponding to the pronunciation of the Indian words by some of the thirteen elderly Island Halkomelem people who collaborated on this study. For each geographical name, information regarding its traditional and present utilization by the Indians is given. This data is derived from interviews with the Indian people conducted by the author over a ten year period and also includes all the available information on each place-name from the pertinent ethnographic, linguistic and historical literature. After the information on the place-names is presented a brief analysis of the Indian names is attempted, focusing on a preliminary typology of the names derived from the use, English translations and etymologies of each name. A complete and detailed series of maps is included. The study concludes with some statements about how the Indian geographical toponymy reflects Island Halkomelem culture

The intention of this work is to compile a work which contains bibliographical references to all county histories of any consequence up to 1984. The author has attempted to give full bibliographical information as accurate as possible on each title

xiv, 449 pages ; 24 cm

This small booklet details the disastrous fire that destroyed Bandon, Oregon on September 26, 1936. Includes several black and white photographs of the town before and after the fire.

45 pages : photographs ; 22 cm

Rosario Yesterdays: A Pictorial History by Christopher M. Peacock is a 1985 architectural and local history volume, published by Rosario Productions in Eastsound, Washington, that chronicles the creation and legacy of the legendary Rosario estate on Orcas Island. The book extensively documents the vision of Robert Moran, a prominent Seattle shipbuilder and former mayor who retreated to the San Juan archipelago in the early 1900s for his health and constructed a sprawling Arts and Crafts-style mansion overlooking Cascade Bay. Through a meticulously curated collection of archival photographs and foundational narratives, Peacock details the arduous logistical challenges of building the remote estate, the intricate craftsmanship of the Moran mansion, and the daily rhythms of early 20th-century island life. Ultimately, it serves as an invaluable, highly visual resource for regional historians seeking to understand the intersection of industrial wealth, architectural ambition, and the isolated maritime frontier of the Pacific Northwest.

72 pages : illustrations ; 28 cm

Your Public Beaches, San Juan Islands by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources is a practical 1985 recreational and environmental guide published to systematically document the state-owned tidelands and accessible shorelines across the archipelago. The volume serves as an expansive directory for boaters, beachcombers, and outdoor enthusiasts, detailing specific marine parks, hidden public access points, and the diverse coastal ecosystems of the San Juans. By carefully mapping out the often-unclear boundaries between private waterfronts and public lands, the book highlights the state's early conservation efforts to balance rapidly growing recreational tourism with environmental stewardship. Ultimately, it functions as an invaluable late 20th-century civic resource for maritime historians and regional geographers seeking to understand the foundational policies and infrastructural efforts used to manage and guarantee public shoreline access in Washington's most heavily navigated island region.

88 pages in various pagings : illustrations, maps ; 28 cm