Submitted by the library

On Wednesday, Dec. 9, 7 p.m. at Woodmen Hall, the Lopez Island Library concludes its series SHELTER with architectural historian Boyd Pratt presenting “Historic Barns of the San Juan Islands”. Through discussion and gorgeous images these cherished landmarks of our islands landscape will be showcased. Many local barns can be seen as we walk, bike or drive various roads in the San Juan Islands but the stories of these barns & the people who built them are often unknown, an islands mystery. This is your chance to learn their origins as Boyd takes us on a tour of our San Juan Islands barns, many of which are still working buildings, sharing their unique architectures and histories. The program will also present the architecture of newer, more contemporary barns located in the islands. Boyd Pratt, a lively and knowledgeable speaker, is a historical preservationist and has done consulting work on a variety of subjects throughout the San Juan Archipelago. His discussion will include the efforts being made to preserve the San Juan Islands barns including the William Gallanger Barn (Horse Drawn Farm) recently awarded a Washington State Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation, Washington Heritage Barn grant. This very special final evening of our SHELTER series is dedicated to celebrating, with suitable magic, these beloved monuments of our island heritage. The Shark Reef Rounders will greet you as you arrive at the event with traditional Americana fiddle-guitar duets and a mantle of colorful local quilts will grace Woodmen Hall. Following Boyd’s presentation you can linger a wee bit longer, enjoy more good music and mingle with your friends.

This very special, very festive program & the SHELTER series are funded by a generous gift from the Ramsey Shirk Fund and the library’s much appreciated Friends of the Lopez Island Library.