1953 Cowichan Sweater, donated to the 2012 Nor'wester auction by Sharon Eshom

First photo: 1953, Ladysmith BC. Left to right: Dad (Len Eshom), wearing his sweater; the Chinese gentleman who sold them; me, with sweater in arms, and Grandpa (A.W. Parks). Second photo: my sweater, January 2012.

On our 1953 cruise through the San Juan and Gulf Islands aboard the 'Starling', we docked at the store in Ladysmith, BC, for groceries and fuel. As we waited outside while Mom and Grandma shopped, this tiny fellow appeared, hauled a trunk onto the porch, opened it, and there were the beautiful Cowichan sweaters. Despite language difficulties (lots of gesturing), Dad bought the two in the photo and the transaction was complete before the women were out of the store.

History:

My dad was one of Frank Henderson's group of Eagle Scouts he led to the 1929 3rd World Boy Scout Jamboree in Birkenhead, England. They were, and remained fast friends throughout their lives. My visits to the Coach House (and Ski Camp) during the winter and summer cruises to Camp were great treats.As I recall, I was an Archer on my first visit to Lopez; Marty Mueller was our counselor, and she and Bill Holm were courting. I returned as a Voyageur the following year, then as a counselor in 1955 and 1956 and properly 'seasoned' the sweater. Thankfully, it has survived (along with my kerosene lantern) the passage of these many years and now it's time to pass it on.