By Shaun Hubbard

Calling all Guards. This year marks the 130th anniversary of the Paul and Elizabeth Guard family’s arrival on San Juan Island in 1889.

Paul and Elizabeth Guard, with their three oldest children, Frank, Elizabeth and David James, emigrated from Somerset, England to settle in Clay County, Kansas in about 1870; the four younger children, Florence, John, Alice and Emily were born in Kansas. Since 1889, Paul and Elizabeth’s family has grown to over 300 members and eight generations. Many are still on San Juan Island today.

To celebrate the historic occasion, there will be a Guard Gathering and Afternoon Tea from 3:30-6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, at Brickworks, 150 Nichols Street.

Special guest, historian Boyd Pratt, will share what he has learned about the Guards from his upcoming book on island family farms.

Tea, coffee and cookies will be provided.

It’s casual! You only need to bring yourselves, but if you’d like to contribute, here are some ideas:

• Your favorite Guard-recipe-cookies (hint: Ruth Guard Sundstrom’s chocolate chip cookies).

• Family photos for show and tell.

• Info to help update the family tree.

• Donations for the cookie jar (to help pay for party costs).

For more information, email Shaun Hubbard at shaunalice@gmail.com.