1931 "Hard Times" Lake Samish Boat Parade - Submitted by Arthur & Margaret Bridge
The July 4th Boat Parade article and picture (Lake Views, July 2005) sent me in search of the old family Photo Album. In the early 1920’s my Grandfather, Joseph Houghton, purchased a large section of land between the bridge and what is now Lutherwood. After having the land platted, he gave a section of the land to the Boy Scouts for a camp and sold the other lots to his co-workers at the Bellingham Herald. He built a community hall (1390 Roy Road), which was later converted into his family home. Most of the Herald workers lived at the lake during the summer and moved into town for the winter. Thus the area became known as "Summerland."
The residents of Summerland were like one big family, joining together for fun activities. In 1931, with the "Hard Times" of the Depression slowly getting behind them, the large, extended "Herald Family of Summerland" decided to have a boat parade. Each family decorated their boats. Royal Young, Joseph’s son-in-law, built the "Hard Times Float," which was to be the final boat in the parade.
As the parade came to an end, the "Hard Times Float" was taken to the middle of the lake and set on fire. From the shore and their boats, the Summerland families watched the "Hard Times" go up in smoke, with the hopes of a quick end to the Depression and the beginning of better times.
Joseph’s descendants believe that the "Hard Times Parade" was most likely the very First Lake Samish Boat Parade. We are delighted to see the "Boat Parades" return to our beloved lake. It has brought back a flood of happy memories.
Privacy Policy | Site Map
Seattle Website Design by Ryan Scott Designs