The Colfax gazette. [volume] (Colfax, Wash.) 1893-1932, 1908-06-12

towns IN the state, but aside ire N q
block house built of logs in 1855 as a
defense against Indians, still standing
preservation, looks new and up-to-date.
The town was named after Captain
Coupe, who sailed into the spacious
waters OF Penn's Cove in 1851 seeking
spars for the San Francisco market, at
that time a considerable industry. He
was so delighted with the climate and
surroundings that be returned the next
year in a sailing vessel and located on
land where the town now stands and
bears his name. Surely the old sea dog
bulded we'll, living here many years and
passing away at a ripe age. A black
walnut tree is pointed out which he
planted that has survived time and the
elements, probably the only one of lii 9
size in the state OF Washington. From
every part Of town on a perfect day
Mount Baker in. WhatcOm county, 60
miles distant, can be seen from base to
summit, its white cap seemingly piercing
the heavens. 1t is sight that never
pals on the senses, and to the lover OF
nature is worth going hundreds of miles
to see. A peculiar thing in nature, fire.
quently seen and causing exclamatiOns
of surprise, is the reflection of this noted
mountain peak in the azure waters OF
Penn's Cove, a reflection that seems
almost supernatural considering the
great distance it il thrown Turning
square about the Olympic range Of
mountains cut the horizon in fantastic
shapes, completing a view seldom equal
ed, never excelIed.
Lester Still, former resident of Whit
man county, having taught school at
Mockonema, Diamond, ST. John and
other places, who is superior Judge of
the district composed OF Island, Jeffer-
son and Clallam counties, lives here and
thinks there is no country like it. The
ozone, the blue waters of the Sound, the
unequaled scenery, the wealth of forest
and the fecundity of nature are themes
that arouse his enthusiasm. The Judge
seems to be popular and his election to
the bench next November is predicted
". j. Waldrip, former Colfax boy,
who went to school there and whose
parents are still residents Of Whitman
county, is auditor of Island county, but
in conversation expressed bis great love
for the scenes of bis youth, and it may
cause no surprise if he returns some day
and goes into business there. He left
COlfax in 1898
Fred Nuttall, for the last IS years a
resident Of Coupeville, in 1877 ran the
stage from Moscow, Idaho, to Colfax
and on to Spokane. While infatuated
with his island home he has a warm
place in his heart for the PalOuse In
fact, on every side the greatness and
fully appreciated, it being considered
one Of the rich inheritances of the state.
Fort Casey.
Fort Casey occupies prOmOntOry on
the west side of the island directly op-
pOste Port Townsend and stands guard
at the entrance OF Puget Sound. 1t is
four miles across a neck of land from
COupeville to Fort Casey. On the Port
Townsend side of the entrance to the
Sound is Fort Flagler and Fort Worden,
so it will be seen that the fleet of an
enemy seeking to enter the Sound will
have to count with these defenses before
doing so. Through the courtesy of the
commanding officer the writer received
a permit and saw everything connected
with Fort Casey. Major Hayden is in
command, with about 300 men under
him. Seven 10 inch guns are mounted,
besides numerous smaller guns. The
10 inch fellows are from 30 to "a feet in
length and present formidable appear
are provided for mounting several more,
some Of which are now on the way. Six
teen 12-inch mOrtars are in position
The large guns will throw prOiectile II
miles. L ne ulSJhuce across LHS entrance
OF the Sound is about four miles, Flagler
and Worden being on the mainland,
Casey on WILDLY Island Everything
about Fort Casey is up-to date, and the
two hours spent there afforded food for
thought, besides being OF great interest.
The usual officers quarters, barracks
for the soldiers, parade ground. etc, are
provided, and the civilian as a rule is
given many privileges.
The Perfection in Nature.
The tourist should not fail to visit the
islands Of the lower Sound. There may
be waters more intensely blue, vistas
that enchant the senses more raptur-
ously, breezes that kiss the brows Of
youth and age more gently, but seeing
is believing, and until seen | shall con-
tinue to believe that here must dwell the
perfection in nature as far as we shall
ever know it. Talking to an old sea
dog the other day going from Port
Townsend IN Seattle on the steamer