A Step Back in Time

The Dock and Sand Spit at Mansons Landing

Archival Photo of Jane & Mike Manson

A visit to Mansons Landing on the southwest side of Cortes Island is like stepping back in time.  The first pre-emption claim on Cortes Island was registered in 1887 by Mike Manson, who wanted to raise sheep and cattle.  A pre-emption, or agreement, to cultivate and improve 160 acres of land and live on the land for five years resulted in receiving title to the land granted from the British Government.  Mike Manson built a trading post and cabin at the location of the present-day government wharf.  He traded with natives, loggers and fishermen.  He also delivered meat and other supplies to small logging camps as far as 50 miles away. 

Mike’s younger brother, John Manson, also came to Cortes Island for a pre-emption claim in 1888 and established a farm called Sunny Brae, which is still actively farmed by John’s descendants.  John’s wife Margaret was known for her hospitality and was often referred to as Aunt Maggie.  Island social events are still held at the Sunny Brae farm.  Other families played an important role in settling the southern end of Cortes Island.  In the early 1900's, farmers and loggers arrived and many roads on the island are named after these early settlers.  Fred Froud donated a portion of his land for the construction of Manson’s Hall and St. James Church. 

The Historic Community Hall houses a cafe

The original Manson’s Hall is the portion now occupied by the café in today’s Community Hall.  Dances are still held in the Hall, carrying on the tradition of the past.  It was in the 1920’s when the seventy residents living in the area, pooled their money to build a community hall.  While the adults spent the night dancing, the children were put to bed in the loft upstairs.  Today, the sleeping loft is the projection room.  The Community Hall was enlarged in 1980 to house a post office, a playschool and offices.  In addition to dances, community picnics were also favorite social events, held on the spit and lagoon at Manson’s Landing. 

The Lagoon behind Mansons Landing

Today, boaters and visitors can dig for clams and oysters at low-tide (with the appropriate fishing license) in the Lagoon behind Mansons Landing, or enjoy picnicking on the beach and swimming in the lagoon at high-tides. 

The Hagues, another early pioneer family of the late 1800's, established a clam cannery near the lagoon.  Clams were processed and packed into cans made on site and shipped to the Hudson’s Bay Company.  It was a co-op cannery, run by Lydia Hauge and her business partner Delmark Lowe.  “Granny Hague” also planted orchards and delivered babies.  Hague Lake, named in the family’s honor, is another popular hangout for picnicking and swimming on Cortes Island. 

The Museum is housed in the Original Mansons Landing Store

The original Manson’s Landing Store that once stood above the wharf, was moved a mile up the road and now houses a museum with artifacts and historic photos. 

The well-stocked Co-op Grocery also has a cafe

In the same area, you will find a well-stocked co-op grocery store with a cafe, and a second grocery store across the street with Papa’s TakeOut next door.  For a real treat, don’t miss the home-made Marionberry Pie and Root Beer Floats at the Community Hall café.  The uphill walk of one-mile can be strenuous, but it’s the best way to get a genuine Mansons Landing experience.  If you have bicycles or the energy to go further beyond the grocery stores and Community Hall, you’ll find Cindy’s road-side stand, “Cortez Preserved." 

Cindy shares some childhood memories while selling jams and breads

Cindy sells home-made preserves, sauces, breads, and pastries.  You can even call-in your order at 250-935-6481.  Cindy is a descendant of early island settlers and loves to meet island visitors; drop by and say hello, she’s a delightful lady. 

The Public Wharf at Mansons Landing

The first hour of moorage at Mansons Landing is free; up to four hours is half-price; and over four hours is full price as posted at the head of the ramp with a self-registration payment box.