Whidbey Island

For generations, Whidbey Island's vivid beauty has made it a home for those drawn in by a rural landscape and thriving communities. Whether native tribes, pioneers, vacationers or retirees, all have enjoyed the island's legacy. Their stories illustrate Whidbey Island residents' devotion to their home. Authors Elizabeth Guss, Janice O'Mahony and Mary Richardson offer a compelling anthology that captures the history behind the intentional protection and restoration of natural and cultural areas on the island. Each story sheds new light on Whidbey Island's rich heritage. From the early settlements of Native Americans and Europeans, to federal involvement with the Civilian Conservation Corps and the U.S. Navy, continuing through the activism in the 1960s and 1970s, to today, this is the story of Whidbey Island.

Elizabeth Guss is the former director of the Whidbey Island Writers Conference, managing partner of Cohesion and a human resources manager. She is a member of both Whidbey Island historical societies and contributes to the Whidbey tourism website. Mary Richardson is an emeritus professor with University of Washington. Janice O'Mahony is a criminal justice policy analyst and instructor at WA State Police Academy. One of her essays was awarded first place by the Island County Historical Society.