By Justin Cox

Special to the Sounder

About a year ago, a striking new character began popping up on the outskirts of Eastsound.

Decked out in formal attire from a century of yore, 17-year-old Thurmond Russell routinely takes a weekly stroll up North Beach Road, theatrically doffing his crisp, black top hat at cars and cyclists as they pass by.

Last summer those interactions found their way onto Orcas Island’s local message boards: “Rave to the impeccably dressed dapper young 1880s looking gent tipping his top hat to those passing by on North Beach Rd. Can’t say I’ve ever had a top hat tipped at me before. A bygone era apparently alive and well! Good day, sir!”

Another post read: “Rave to the human wearing a top hat and coattails today around 3:00, walking on North Beach Rd. Your hat tip to my SUV made my day :).”

Dozens more echo the same breezy sentiment in the replies. The Islands’ Sounder caught up with Thurmond, who was also a member of Orcas Island chess team that won state, on a recent stroll to get to know him a little better:

Are you from Orcas Island?

Yes, I was actually born here.

What does your typical Sunday look like?

I’m driven to Mass at the Catholic Church, and after that, I just walk along my route home and tip my hat to people on the way.

When did you start this routine?

Probably about a year now. The top hat was a Christmas present. I hadn’t specifically asked for it, but it was a perfect gift.

Is the outfit of a specific time period?

The 1830s, I believe, is when most of this was common. But technically it’s a mix of attire since this is an evening hat and this is an afternoon coat.

Are you interested in that time in history?

As far as literature, that was when the original Frankenstein was written, and other works like that. I also enjoy music from the period, and I play it on the piano.

Did I read that you occasionally play in front of Ray’s Pharmacy?

Yes, in the summer when the piano is in tune. Last summer I was doing it consistently on Saturdays around 1 or 2. It becomes literally unplayable during the winter.

Beyond the outfit and the walk, why specifically do you doff your cap at passersby?

I just figured since I’m wearing it, and it’s kind of proper to tip your hat as a sign of respect, I decided to start doing it. Then I saw a lot of people smiling and such, and so I did it.

How long does it take to get suited up?

Not too long. Three to five minutes at most.

Is the cane part of the outfit or a practical tool for walking?

Well it’s also helpful in walking, but it’s part of the outfit.

Were you aware of people responding positively to it?

Yeah, I’ve heard that that has happened. I haven’t read it. My mom has kept track of it and so she’s told me about it.

What’s your attire the rest of the week?

Pretty simple. A knit shirt, sweatpants. I tend to wear this whenever I’m going out unless I have work to do or something like that. I kind of like this to be my public image, or my appearance. It affects the way I act sometimes as well. When I’m dressed in this, I’m more inclined to be polite and gentlemanly.

What are your other interests?

I really enjoy studying languages and translating from other languages, currently working on a translation of Virgil’s “Aeneid” into alliterative verse (the verse form used in the ancient English and Norse epics, such as “Beowulf,” or “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”). I’m also studying Russian.