The flood of 1887 spread consternation throughout the community. The water leaped down from the mountains in savage fury and scattered the dykes to the briny billows, busy hugging the beach below. Houses set sailing down the valley in tipsy joltings, and logs went chasing each other in mad bewilderment for the sea. The deluge broke into Mann's store and rose to the depth of three feet. Mr. Mann was alone in the store, and to drive away loneliness grabbed the fish line and commenced angling, caught two mountain trouts by the counter. During the same flood Mrs. Mann was sitting in the Fir Hotel chatting with some friends, and before they were aware of the enormity of the water they went sailing on their chairs around the room.

In and around Fir live a number of Scandinavians who have witnessed frontier encounters, but their early struggles have become pleasing revels for a fanciful imagination, as the late years have crowned their efforts with success. Olof Polson, a son of Sweden, and at present mayor of La Conner, was along with the first brigade of pioneers that scattered themselves in the valley. Ole Lonke, born in Norway, and a prosperous farmer, about a mile from Fir, located here over twenty years ago. Ole Johnson, also a native of Norway, has resided here over two decades, and Peter Olson dates his arrival still further back.

Among the more recent settlers who have proved valuable exponents are: John Hanson, August Johnson, Even Handstad, John Kragnes, Ole Kvande, Knut Lange, Sivert Sande, Ole Olson, Lars Engen, G. O. Branstad, Lars and Nils Danielson and Elik Johnson.

Proceeding up the river we find many Scandinavian pioneers who rank among the most prominent citizens; viz., Peter Egtvet, Ole N. Lee, Frank Tollefson and Magnus Anderson. At Skagit City, N. Erickson, Alfred, Edwin and Herman Johnson are representative farmers who have spared no time for the upbuilding of the country. Rev. John Johnson, presiding elder of the Swedish Methodist church, who resides at this place, is a noted man, being a gifted rhetorician and an able pulpit orator.

To the east of this happy village spreads out a fertile plain which sweeps up into a proud elevation, called Pleasant Ridge, the home of the old pioneer, Charles John Chilberg, and two of his sons, Isaac and James. Here we find also a number of other Scandinavians who have shared the burden of early struggles.

Four miles up the river from Skagit City stands the jolly city of Mt. Vernon, which has within its boundary many prominent men from the shores of Norway and Sweden. The two leading merchants of the city are Norwegians—Louis Foss and N. J. Moldstad.

Louis Foss.
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