In a continuing monthly series sponsored by the Orcas Island Historical Museum, two of the island’s most seasoned historians will share the stage on Sunday, April 15, 3 – 5 p.m., in the Lundeen Room at Orcas Senior Center. Jane “Willis” Barfoot-Hodde was born on the Willis family homestead near Obstruction Pass in 1913.

Her grandparents were among the first white families to settle on the east side in the 1880’s. She and her first husband, Jack Barfoot, lived for a time in Colorado but moved back to Orcas to raise their three children. Jane is a founding member of the Orcas Grange and was recently honored for 80 years of service to that organization. In 1986 she married a fellow Grange member, well-known Washington state representative and self-proclaimed “dirt farmer,” named Charles Hodde. They lived in Olympia until Hodde’s death in 1999. Jane Barfoot-Hodde has since lived in her home in Olga and welcomes any chance to recall and discuss the finer details of island history.

Tom Welch, the other speaker, was born and raised on Shaw Island and retired to Orcas Island after a career in the military. He has served on the boards of several community organizations, including the Orcas Museum, and compiled all the historical information for the book “Images of America: Orcas Island,” published by Arcadia.  He continues his lifelong interest in history and antiquities by collecting rare books and is well-known as a speaker on the history of the Pacific Northwest.

Donations gladly accepted at the door. Call the museum at 376-4849 on any weekday for more info.