Take a trip back in time to the beginning of Westport, Washington. See and
particular our beloved town.
history is found in the diaries, journals, and logs kept by the first people who came
here to build their lives. As few or no photographs were taken of the early days, artist
Bob McCausland, after reading these accounts and being familiar with the environ-
ment, has used his imagination to produce the exquisite illustrations that are featured
in this historic work.
Westport. You can see into their daily lives and relive their moments of great triumph
and struggle. Watch how their lives unfold right before your eyes.
of Washington's Westport. It is hoped that this book will give some answers as to how
it came into being.
came into being.
Preface
There are at least twelve cities and towns in the United States that
go by the name "Westport," as well as several in the Canadian
provinces, in Ireland, and in New Zealand. For the past few years, rep-
resentatives of the Westports of the World, a loosely-formed organization,
have been meeting annually at whichever town has had the honor of
being a host. Westport in Washington State was a host in 1990 and is
looking forward to doing so again in 1998. Many persons, whether vis-
iting or living here, have wondered about the origins of Washington's
Westport. It is hoped this book will give some answers as to how it
What we know today about the discovery of the Grays Harbor
area and its early history is found in the diaries, journals and logs kept
by the first people who came here, copies of which can be found in our
local library system. As few or no photographs were taken of the early
days, artist Bob McCausland, after reading these accounts and being
familiar with the environment, has used his imagination when doing
the illustrations.
Many longtime residents, city employees and business people were
most cooperative in sharing their remembrances and memorabilia. This
work would never have been published without the encouragement of
Dorothy Adkins, President of Westport-South Beach Historical Society,
who, along with Les Morgan, helped in the selection and development
of the photographs which were taken from the Historical Society col-
lection unless otherwise noted.
Greatly appreciated also is the assistance of Suzanne Parks, the
computer contributions of Dorothy Warford, and in particular the
hours of time unconditionally given by Barbara Aue with her editing,
refining and professional expertise when preparing the manuscript. To
all the above, a sincere thank you.
Ruth L. McCausland