1910 ❖ EARLY OLGA INN BY STEAMER ❖

The San Juan ISLANDER
was published in 1910 with this article.
The above scan is from an original photo
by J.A. McCormick, from the archives of the
 Saltwater People Historical Society©

"Olga, Orcas Island, San Juan Archipelago, is fast becoming one of the most popular summer resorts in the county, due largely to the untiring efforts of Mr. C. S. Rice, postmaster, merchant, and co-owner of the Olga Inn.

The Olga Inn, 
Orcas Island, San Juan Archipelago.
This photo was also published along
with the news item. 
Undated photo, ca. 1910.
Original from the archives of the S.P.H.S.©

      The upper half of the accompanying photos shows Obstruction Pass with the steamer ISLANDER passing through, and the lower is a picture of the Olga Inn and a portion of the wharf. Since these pictures were taken more than $1,000 has been spent on the hotel building, making it one of the coziest and most comfortable country hostelries in the state. One of the chief improvements, just completed, is the sun parlor, or wide porch, across the end toward the water. This is entirely enclosed with glass and affords an unobstructed view of the water and neighboring islands. The table service at the hotel is excellent and under the able management of Mrs. Rice, the "Inn" is becoming very popular.
      A survey was made last year [1909] for a new road from Eastsound to the summit of Mt. Constitution and the road has been partially completed. When finished it will afford a second easy and picturesque route to the summit of the mountain, but now, as for years past, the main travel by team is from Olga, and this route to the mountain will undoubtedly always continue to be a popular one. 
From: The San Juan Islander 8 July 1910.

!910: In the same newspaper of 8 July, comes news of the then famous "Higgy", the Alaska bear cub riding as a passenger on the S.S. BURTON from Bellingham to be presented to Mrs. Rice of the Olga Inn. The bear cub is a gift from her friend, the poet Ella Higginson. The plan was for the bear to be released the next year with a hunt to be organized. And that is a story for another day.