Tree fallers on Whidbey Island in 1887. (Photo courtesy of Sno-Isle Libraries)

A grant from the Washington Rural Heritage program has helped provide a spark resulting in a new collection of digitized photos, just unveiled by Sno-Isle Libraries, that captures the early days of Snohomish and Island counties. Called the Digitize Our Community History Project, the library system has more than 500 images available online here. The collection focuses on the Snohomish County communities of Darrington, Edmonds and Snohomish, and Langley in Island County, as well as old photos from The Everett Herald. A recent piece by Everett Herald columnist Julie Muhlstein reveals that the digital photo project includes:

“235 Everett Herald photos, dating from the early 1950s through 1970. Much older pictures were made available to Sno-Isle by historical societies in Snohomish, Darrington, Edmonds and Langley.   “The Darrington collection shows early-day loggers and giant cedars. The Brackett residence and the Yost family are among highlights of the Edmonds photos. The Snohomish pictures show a First Street butcher shop and the old bicycle tree. And from The Herald are parades, floods, train disasters, and day-to-day life.”

Nearly two years ago, the State Library awarded Sno-Isle Libraries a Rural Heritage grant of $5,435. The grant was used by the Langley branch to buy digitization equipment and partner with the South Whidbey Historical Society. State Library staff provided in-depth training. The collaboration resulted in last September’s release of the South Whidbey Heritage collection. After that collection went public, Sno-Isle Libraries staff set out to create a similar photo collection for other Snohomish County towns. The Washington State Library has more info about the new photo project here. Go here to learn more about the Washington Rural Heritage program and see other collections. The program is run by the State Library, a division of the Office of Secretary of State.