North Cascades

SETTLEMENT PATTERNS IN THE NORTH CASCADES

CORRIDORS OF SETTLEMENT: STEHEKIN RIVER

Weaver

Portrait of Weaver brothers, early Stehekin settlers and entrepreneurs.
(NOCA-Stehekin photo file)

The Weaver brothers were settlers who came uplake somewhat late in comparison to others. Arriving in 1903 Lewis and his brother James came with the intent of making a living by trapping animals. They successfully trapped bear, cougar, lynx, and coyote (among others), and consequently opened a taxidermy business in Stehekin. The Chelan Leader of August 25, 1905 noted: "Weaver Bros., taxidermists, have established headquarters here and are making a specialty of bear skin, coyote, whistler and other fur rugs, robes, etc." Many of their customers were guests from the nearby Field Hotel, tourists, and hunters interested in bringing home a souvenir of their trip to the wilderness.

By 1907 the furrier business was growing but both Weavers decided to ". . . close shop for the winter of 1907-08 and visit Alaska to trap and traffic for furs...returning here [Stehekin] to reopen in the spring." [203] The Weavers returned again to Alaska for the 1908-9 season, but an unfortunate circumstance led to James's untimely death that year. Upon return to Stehekin, Lewis sold the business and moved downlake until 1913, when he returned to Stehekin with his new wife Daisy.

Daisy and Lewis Weaver learned of an opportunity to homestead 85 acres on the west side of the Stehekin River, on land commonly known today as Weaver Point. (T33N R17E, Section 36) Early in 1913 they filed for homestead entry, actually establishing residency there several months later. [204] The Weavers worked hard at improving their claim to gain title to the land. In addition to an old, shake-roofed log cabin (12' x 24') and the remnants of another (built by a former squatter--possibly Dan Devore), the Weavers built a 1-story, 3-room frame house (20' x 24'), a woodshed, chicken house, barn, and other associated outbuildings. Satisfying the requirements for a homestead, the Weavers received title to their land in 1921. [205]

The Weavers led a simple life in their small cabin along the river, mainly subsistence farming. Almost twelve acres were cleared and they grew an assortment of farm crops, including vegetables, rye, oats, clover, and alfalfa. [206] Raising more than they needed, the Weavers supplemented their existence by supplying the local market with fresh milk, butter, and homegrown garden vegetables. [207] The Field Hotel was the primary recipient of their produce. [208]

The original Weaver cabin remained on the property until ca. 1960-61, when Daisy (by then a widow of thirty years) had a new cabin constructed. In 1970 she sold all but 3 acres of her homestead to the National Park Service. The remaining acres were subsequently sold to the government by her son Jim. [209]

Weaver Brothers' Taxidermy and Furrier shop in Stehekin, n.d.
(NOCA-Stehekin photo file)