Eliza Blackinton, a member of the Samish Indian Nation living on Guemes Island, married Edwin Wilson, a local Anacortes merchant. When her brother drowned, leaving Eliza the proceeds from his insurance policy, she invested $935 to build the family a new home at 1801 9th Street. One can only speculate about why she turned to renting out the home following her husband's death in 1917.
The Kerschbaums' fruitful search was part of the House History Program, sponsored by the Anacortes Historic Preservation Board. Local residents are being taught how to search old maps, titles, and directories to discover the people and stories behind the city's stoutly built clapboard and brick walls.
From the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce Summer newsletter.