Ellisport Hidden History Trail
The Ellisport Hidden History Trail brings the community and visitors together to talk about the community’s history. The trail was modeled after Maury Island’s Dockton Trail, which has demonstrated positive community impact. We hope trail visitors experience similar Island and community enhancement by expanding the understanding of Ellisport’s rich yet complex history and identity.
Following the retreat of the 3,000 foot thick Puget Lobe of the Cordilleran ice sheet approximately 16,000 years ago, Vashon-Maury Island was populated by the sx̌ʷəbabš or Swift Water People (pre-1860’s) then evolved into a settler community in the late 19th century, to a permanent regional Chautauqua Assembly Grounds from 1880’s-1920’s, to a resource-based economy in the early to mid-20th century with a sawmill, Mosquito Fleet docks, greenhouses, a hotel and stores (none of which exist today), and finally to the peaceful residential community it is today.
Ellisport History Project - a concise short story
The project started in 2014, culminating in the 2017 Ellisport Hidden History exhibit at the VMI Heritage Museum from April 7, 2017 to October 16, 2017 (phase 1) involving neighborhood and local Vashon volunteers with the help of professional graphic designers.
The Chautauqua Assembly Event Re-enactment event on July 9, 2017 (phase 2, following 2 years of planning) blended Music, History, Art, Poetry, Spirituality, Geology, Ecology, Humor and Philosophy at the site of the former Chautauqua post office (Javier Sotelo's residence), attended by over 350 people featuring the Portage Fill Band, eight talks by Chris Austin, Steve Bergman, Brian Brown, Bruce Haulman, Terry Hershey, Maria Metler, and Ann Spiers; the Ellisport Art Pavilion displaying art from 30 artists living in Ellisport (Linda Stemmer and Mallory Doorman, curators); a Local Historic Relic display by Nathan; an old-time popcorn and ice cream concession stand with Gail Murphy and Bob Estes, and ending with a Parade down 80th Ave SW led by the Portage Fill Band.
Work on the Ellisport Hidden History Heritage Trail started in 2017 and was completed in June, 2025 (phase 3), following modification of the King County Sign Code (21A.20.030.I) to allow Heritage Trail Signs in Vashon Island Neighborhoods [Councilmember Mosqueda's Striker Amendment was approved by King County Council in December, 2024].
Work on the Ellisport History Website (phase 4) started in 2024 (in progress).
VMI Heritage Museum is the fiscal sponsor for the Ellisport History project.
Acknowledgements & Many Thanks
King County 4 Culture Grants in 2025 & 2017, and neighborhood volunteers who wrote the proposals
King County Community Services Alan Painter grants in 2023 & 2017, and neighborhood volunteers who wrote the proposals
Neighborhood volunteers and donors, including Ron Irvine for editing the Chautauqua Assembly Booklet, and Carla Okigwe for leading the organizing committee through the four phases
The Ellisport 500 Club - significant financial support from neighborhood residents
Local business donors - Ellisport Engineering, Sound View Home Services, Ojeda’s Construction, Beth de Groen, OCCU, Windermere Real Estate, Vashon Liquor, Alexander & Bang L.L.C.
VMI Heritage Museum Fiscal Sponsorship, (thanks Elsa Kroonquist, Gretta Stimson, and board of directors!)
Jessica DeWire for graphic design of the Museum exhibit and Ellisport Hidden History Trail signs
Royce Wall for design of the Chautauqua Assembly Event Booklet
Erin House and Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda for their help in the Sign Code amendment
iZone sign manufacturer, Ellisport Hidden History Trail
The late Bill Garvin, owner of the big Ellisport general store in the 1920s, an early project committee member
Steve Spellman for website expertise, 2025-present