Town Centennial Community Photo Shoot Saturday

It could be the biggest family picture ever taken on San Juan Island.

All islanders are invited to gather for the Community Photo on Saturday, 9:30 a.m. on First Street between Court Street and the San Juan Community Theatre (below the courthouse parking lot).

The photo is being taken as part of the Town of Friday Harbor’s Centennial Celebration. Participation is open to all residents of San Juan Island.

“The road will be closed and participants will gather in the street and on the sidewalk with the harbor behind us and photographer James Krall on the roof of the courthouse,” organizer Debbie Emery said.

“If you are able-bodied, please park out on the edges of town and walk in. There will be a drop-off area on Court Street for those who need a ride to the site. There will be chairs on the courthouse lawn for those who need to sit while waiting for the shot to be posed.

“Please spread the word to all your family and friends — the more the merrier.”

Questions? Contact Emery at debemery@centurytel.net or call 472-1657.

On Feb. 2, 1909, Friday Harbor residents voted 70-55 to incorporate the one-square-mile community as a fourth-class town, with an elected mayor and Town Council.

The incorporation took effect the next week, after the election results were certified by the canvass board. The town’s official birthday is Feb. 9. The Town Council’s first meeting was Feb. 13.

Gene Gould, banker, was the first mayor. Elected to the first Town Council: S.B. Bugge, creamery manager; L.B. Carter, merchant; N.E. Churchill, merchant; John Douglas, tavern owner; C.L. McKinnis, dentist.

The town’s Centennial Celebration began during the San Juan County Fair and concludes at the 2009 fair. For a schedule of Centennial events, visit www.HistoricFridayHarbor.org.