Nestled between Allyn and Shelton is an island that up until June 22, 1969 was only accessible by ferry.  It’s the island called Hartstene, or Harstein, or Hartstein, or Harstine or Harsteen or Harstine Island, which after Washington State Legislative action in 1997 became the official name. However you say it is a 18 square mile place of beauty, history and vibrant life which gets its heartbeat from 3371 E Harstine Island Rd N, The Harstine Island Community Hall.

Hall Historian Sandy Murphy took Tracing The Fjord on a tour of the facility that has been providing support for the islanders since it was built in 1914, before the bridge was added to connect with the mainland.

Community members and laborers built the hall on land donated by Andrew Johnson, to provide dances, sporting events (which garnered it the name, The Athletic Club), Grange events.  Back in the day dances cost a whole .50 cents to join.  Hall participation waned in the late ‘40s and ‘50s as World War II raged on and it was the Women’s Club, which was founded in 1916, who worked as the lifeline to keep the hall in good condition. 

The Community Hall boasts detailed records that talk about all the issues of the day including the uproar when club dues were raised from a nickel to ten cents and at the centennial celebration of the women’s club in 2016, members dressed in period pieces and reenacted key moments from its history.

As with any part of the history in Mason County, logging played an important role. Trees along the beaches made for the easiest to fell for the hall, having to be rafted of island for milling only to have to come back for building.  Another family with long ties to the area were some of the main carpenters, The Sund Brothers, along with many more who used horses and wagons to develop the island.

The building itself now boasts a unique bit of recent history.  A visit into the men’s bathroom will reveal a broken bits of boards signifying “The Shot Heard Around The Island”.  A historic cannon was found in the attic of the hall and what better time than the centennial celebration to set it off in honor of the history.  Jim Anderson pieced it back together at his home, and tested it out (with success), but when it came time for the public display……it exploded.  Thankfully no one was hurt but a piece went through the men’s bathroom and left a whole.  You can see a broken part of the cannon on the wall at the community hall.

Besides the Women’s Club, the Theater Club also uses the hall. Founded in 1984 by actress Shirl Conway Larson (Banjo Eyes, Plain and Fancy, The Nurses) the group often pulls from the talent of the islanders.  In the 1990’s Gene Nelson took over direction and brough many musicals to the hall.  Most recently, in 2022, Daniel Frishman (Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi, Amazing Stories, Ewoks: The Battle for Endor, Nightcourt) took over the directors char and now leads the club.  The hall boasts a large stage, great lighting and a powerful sound system.

The Harstine Island Garden Club is another group of island residents who gather to share stories and garden knowledge, understanding the unique micro-climates the island has to offer.  The Garden Club also participates in the Pioneer School Garden and Greenhouse Program.  May is the month for their plant sale and the Farmers Market is indoor and outdoor, depending on the season.

 There’s always something going on at the Hall, please take the time to learn about not just it but the history and heart of the whole island.