Reading Club Launch: Cabin on the Island
In 1950, 29-year-old Marte Harter moved to Orcas Island and built a cabin out of scraps with her partner, Tony Howard. Marte was a pioneer, an artist, and an avid writer; she wrote several manuscripts, short stories, and articles in her lifetime. Cabin on the Island, published posthumously in 2022, serves as a time capsule of Orcas Island in the 1950s although the stories contained are timeless. Throughout, Marte captures what it feels like to “become an Islander,” describing the subtle shifts and transformations that occur as she integrates into the Orcas community.
Join the Museum for a guided reading through Marte Harter’s autobiographical book Cabin on the Island. We’ll pace the readings during four sessions, diving deep by adding historical context as well as exploring Marte’s life and art outside of the book. Meetings are open to readers of all ages– old timers, newcomers, and everyone in between– who are curious to learn more.
Readers are welcome to pick up a free reading guide at the Museum front desk; discounted copies of Cabin on the Island will also be available for purchase ($10). Books and reading guides are available for pickup during Museum open hours of 11am-3pm, Thursday-Sunday.
