by Jackie Longmire

The First Settlers

In 1872, Lambert Evans, a 36-year-old Confederate Army veteran from Florida, became the first settler in our area. He purchased 40 acres on Stretch Island at just $2.50 per acre and later filed homestead papers for an additional 172 acres on the island’s northern side.

Evans planted grapevines from cuttings he collected during his long journey to the Pacific Northwest, alongside fruit trees. To sell his crops, he would row to Olympia and Steilacoom, remaining the island’s only settler for 11 years. His contributions to the community earned him the title of “first citizen” of the area.

By the late 19th century, more settlers began arriving on Stretch Island, Reach Island, and the mainland opposite the islands.

Early Exploration and Naming

The area’s history predates settlement, with early explorers naming much of Puget Sound. In May 1792, Capt. George Vancouver and Second Lieutenant Peter Puget charted the waters. Decades later, in May 1841, Admiral Wilkes’ expedition named Stretch Island after Samuel Stretch, a gunner’s mate in the expedition. The smaller island to the north, once known as Oak Island, was renamed Reach Island as a clever counterpart to Stretch Island.

Reach Island

The first homesteader on Reach Island was Joseph Pickard in 1885. After his departure in 1890, the island remained uninhabited until Alfred W. Zizz purchased it in 1905 for $1,000. Alfred and his wife, Natella, raised two children, Virginia and Zane, and remained on the island until 1952. At that time, the island was sold to a development group and renamed Treasure Island.

The Detroit Townsite

In 1885, Tom, Albert, and John Malaney arrived on the mainland, claiming tracts of land and partnering with bankers Ladd and Tilton to form the Detroit Land Improvement Company. They envisioned a thriving city named “Detroit” and platted land opposite Reach Island into lots. For a brief period, the town flourished with a sawmill, two saloons, and a hotel. However, the venture failed when investors left, and only Tom Malaney remained, later becoming the first postmaster.

In the 1950s, Charles (Bill) Somers purchased 10 acres of the original Detroit townsite. Visitors can still see the “Detroit Townsite” sign today on Grapeview Loop Road.

Other Early Settlers

Stretch Island saw its next wave of settlers in the 1880s. Charlie Anderson arrived in 1883, followed by Charlie Gould in 1886, who purchased 40 acres from Lambert Evans. Gould convinced his friend Adam Eckert to move to the area in 1889. Eckert also purchased 40 acres from Evans, bringing his wife, Sarah, and their five children. The Eckert family became a cornerstone of the community for the next century, with their home serving as a hub for local activities.

Education and Community Development

In 1891, the nearest schools were in Allyn and Vaughn, requiring Sarah Eckert’s two eldest sons to row across the bay to attend classes. By 1893, the community established School District #23, marking the first official political entity in the area. The district’s first students included the Eckert and Malaney children, with Lambert Evans, Laura Malaney, and Lou Rauschert serving on the school board.

Becoming Grapeview

Frustrated with mail being sent to Detroit, Michigan, instead of their town, Walter Eckert advocated for a new name. In April 1922, the community chose “Grapeview,” reflecting the area’s beautiful rural character and the grapevines planted by early settlers. The name was approved by the Postal Service, and Grapeview officially replaced Detroit.

Explore More of Grapeview’s History

Much of this history is drawn from Grapeview: The Detroit of the West by Mary Sagerson and Duane Robinson (Mason County Historical Society, 1992). Copies are available for purchase at the Mason County Historical Society Museum in downtown Shelton, located at the corner of 5th Street and Railroad Avenue.

November 2011 – Cindy Blackshear

The Horton Community Center: A Community Effort

The Horton Community Center in Grapeview stands as a testament to community collaboration, dedication, and vision. This cherished gathering place was created through a partnership between the Grapeview Community Association (GCA), then known as the Grapeview Community Club, Fire District #3, and countless volunteers. It was funded entirely by generous donations and tireless fundraising efforts by the Grapeview community.

The Vision

The project began in December 2003 when the GCA Executive Board voted to support Fire District #3’s expansion plans for their outdated fire hall, which did not meet earthquake safety standards. Fire Chief Patti Graeber expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “We’re excited to work with the Community Club to create a functional, appealing building for the fire department and community members to use and enjoy.”

The goal was clear: to create a space that could host community events, meetings, and projects, fostering a stronger sense of togetherness.

The Journey to Construction

A building committee was formed in early 2004, and by November, Fire District #3 established a building fund to accept tax-deductible donations exclusively for the project. Fundraising efforts included selling 144 engraved bricks at $100 each, alongside events like the Grapeview Water Festival and Crab Feed.

Despite initial financial hurdles, the community rallied. In July 2005, a $50,000 shortfall halted progress, but within two days, additional donations and loans from community members bridged the gap, allowing the project to proceed.

Construction began in September 2005, with volunteers working tirelessly alongside contractors. Community members framed walls, installed plumbing, laid siding, and even poured concrete for the patio. Their dedication kept costs low while creating a facility that met modern safety and functionality standards.

The Horton Community Center Dedication

On August 26, 2006, the Horton Community Center, named in honor of Byron W. “Bud” Horton, was proudly dedicated. The new addition to the fire hall included 2,220 square feet of space, featuring bathrooms, storage rooms, and utility areas. Upgrades included a new roof, earthquake safety reinforcements, electrical and heating systems, and a sound system.

Today, the center provides a welcoming space for community events and activities, in accordance with the agreement that the GCA can use the space for its programs free of charge, as long as it does not interfere with the fire department’s duties.

A Lasting Legacy

The GCA has grown to nearly 400 members, with the Horton Community Center playing a key role in its success. Proceeds from fundraising events now support local schools, scholarships for high school students, and other community organizations.

The Horton Community Center remains a symbol of what can be accomplished when neighbors come together for a common cause—a true cornerstone of the Grapeview community.

Dedication of the Horton Community Center

On Saturday, August 26, 2006, the remodeled Grapeview Community Center was officially dedicated and renamed the Horton Community Center in a heartfelt ceremony at 1:00 PM. The celebration included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and refreshments, bringing together community members to mark the completion of this significant project.

The transformation of the old fire hall into the Horton Community Center was a true community effort, made possible entirely through private donations, fundraising events, and countless hours of volunteer labor.

A Vision Brought to Life

While the Grapeview Community Club (now the Grapeview Community Association) was founded in 1988 with the goal of establishing a meeting place for the community, the vision for what became the Horton Community Center gained momentum thanks to a generous gift from the Horton Family Foundation. This donation was given in memory of Byron W. “Bud” Horton, whose love for Grapeview inspired his family to support the project.

The Legacy of Byron W. “Bud” Horton

Bud Horton was a lifelong entrepreneur in Seattle’s meat industry and the founder of the Wharf Restaurant at Fisherman’s Terminal. In September 1997, at the age of 88, he realized a dream when he purchased a serene beach home on Grapeview Loop Road.

Horton cherished his time in Grapeview, often sipping coffee while gazing out over the bay and declaring, “This is the life.” Tragically, he passed away just two months later.

To honor his memory and his deep appreciation for the Grapeview community, the Horton family made a significant donation to help establish the new community center. This act of generosity served as the cornerstone for the project, inspiring others in the community to contribute their time and resources.

(This article is paraphrased from the Grapeview Community Club August/September 2006 Newsletter published by Jackie Longmire.)

Kitsap Sun Article 7/1/2008 by By Rodika Tollefson

Twenty years ago, Grapeview resident Kris Powell decided local residents needed a meeting place and some social interaction. So on Jan. 5, 1988, she sent a letter to various people inviting them to get together and discuss the idea. From those humble beginnings, the Grapeview Community Association was born and has since become a full-fledged nonprofit organization that has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to improve local quality of life.

It’s an incredible place to live,” says GCA President Linda Fish. “We’re a group of people that feel very lucky to live here. It’s our goal to make it even better and that’s what brought this community club together many years ago.”

The initial goal of the association was to acquire land and build a community building. Several years ago, association members decided the idea was not feasible. Instead, they formed a public-private partnership with the Grapeview Fire District to renovate the fire hall and use that for events.

“We raised a great deal of money for renovations,” says Nancy Montgomery, past president and longtime member of the association, which currently has more than 300 members.

GCA raised more than $245,000 from donations, grants and various fundraisers, including Grapeview Water Festival, the biggest fundraiser held every year at the end of July. The renovations to the fire hall, now called the Horton Community Center, included the addition of a kitchen with appliances and a small expansion. “It really turned out to be quite a nice place for us to meet,” Montgomery says.

The most recent project was the installation of a brick patio, using brick donated by community members. The association’s barbecue on July 11 will be the first official function on the patio.

The Grapeview Community Association meets on a monthly basis “as a social opportunity” that includes potluck. Fish said a committee is currently discussing long-term goals for the organization. She said the association hopes to implement new programs in the future, such as scholarships for high school students.

From the Shelton-Mason County Journal (photos by Bob Pastore) – Installation of the new floating Dock at the Fair Harbor in Grapeview.