China Island / Treasure Island
Deb Doodah, Sat Oct 06 2007, 04:46PM

I am curious about China Island. Helen shared a little bit of it's history with me. Wondering what everyone else has heard about it that they can share.

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
Benny ⭐, Sat Oct 06 2007, 08:33PM

It's sinking. Abandon ship!

No really, she would be the one to answer as she owns it... I know it's been there forever, I know it has the forest lease on the land, and I also know my boat sunk there...

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
©ammy, Sat Oct 06 2007, 08:41PM


Really ?!


Re: China Island / Treasure Island
Benny ⭐, Sat Oct 06 2007, 08:43PM



Yes, since god created earth. No, not big bang.

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
Benny ⭐, Sat Oct 06 2007, 08:44PM

Ok wait, no, since god created earth and MWD built a dam.

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
©ammy, Sat Oct 06 2007, 08:55PM



Re: China Island / Treasure Island
cricket, Sat Oct 06 2007, 09:21PM

It used to be called Garstin Island.

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
skypros, Tue Oct 09 2007, 02:44PM

well something needs to be done with the buildings.... because they look like they are about to fall in

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
Lumber Jill, Tue Oct 09 2007, 03:20PM

Unfortuinately, they are historic buildings and thus their remodeling would be strictly regulated, and quite costly. But the land is leased, so selling it would never recoup the cost. It's sad that they were just not kept up from the start.

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
bc, Tue Oct 09 2007, 04:06PM

It's not still called Garstin Island? Next you're gonna tell me the big rock in Baldwin Lake isn't called "The Rock" any more. Is nothing sacred?!

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
Denver, Tue Oct 09 2007, 06:11PM

it's still the rock, don't worry!

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
©ammy, Tue Oct 09 2007, 07:14PM

...depends on which map you look on.

Oh, for that matter, they renamed Baldwin Lake too. :p

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
Lumber Jill, Tue Oct 09 2007, 08:06PM


I thought it was called the measuring rock

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
bearjibber [Banned], Tue Oct 09 2007, 08:12PM





Re: China Island / Treasure Island
Deb Doodah, Tue Oct 09 2007, 08:19PM



I thought I read somewhere that the island was man made?????


Re: China Island / Treasure Island
Benny ⭐, Tue Oct 09 2007, 09:09PM

Well I guess sorta of since they built a dam. The rocks were always there....

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
SrRaceFan, Tue Oct 09 2007, 09:28PM

While taking the cruise around the lake this past summer, our "guide" took us around China Island. There were people doing some restoring of a deck. The guide said that all the buildings were being restored and that possibly they would be rentals when finished.




Re: China Island / Treasure Island
Lumber Jill, Wed Oct 10 2007, 07:01AM


ahahahaha! now that there is funny! from what i saw, any repairs made were cosmetic, at least to the deck. the supports to the deck were not repaired, just the splintered top. it would be an amazing dream to stumble into that remodeling job!


Re: China Island / Treasure Island
melvin, Wed Oct 10 2007, 07:20AM

anyone remember danger island?? (banana splits)
[Click Here]
[Click Here]

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
melvin, Wed Oct 10 2007, 07:23AM

btw the banana splits is on at 230am on boomarang tv.. (they have a lot of old stuff)

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
Luna, Wed Oct 10 2007, 09:23AM

Ate is Enough?



Re: China Island / Treasure Island
L18Flyboy, Wed Oct 10 2007, 10:44AM



My wife and I both loved watching that when we were kids. A few weeks ago we introduced our kids to the reruns. It was a hoot watching the show again with them. The fight scenes in Danger Island were always choreographed so well! :-)

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
©ammy, Wed Oct 10 2007, 04:57PM


I doubt any people placed those rocks there!

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
bills grandson, Thu Oct 18 2007, 03:46PM

I heard "the rock" was called peace rock, always seemed like piece rock to me, but have heard it called the other names too.
The buildings on TI are each just a room, very small. I don't think they have any insalation in them. It has been forever since I have seen inside them.
When we were kids a friend and I tried to steal a boat to row down and dig up the treasure, got caught twice and gave up. Cute story but I think we may have been 18
Dennis

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
damcabin, Thu Oct 18 2007, 06:18PM

Billgrandson,
love your story about wanting to row down and dig treasure on the island. The bungalows appear to be falling into disrepair.

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
bills grandson, Fri Oct 19 2007, 09:45AM

I think like the damkeepers house the FS wants things to get bad enough they can tear them down. They put all kinds of barriers up to prevent you guys from getting anything done.
Without prying, what area is your place in??
I love those old places down there. Papoose bay is where I would like to be. A little tough in the winter.
Are they still working at letting you buy your property?
Sometimes that seems to be the way they want to go, then it's let them run out and tear them down.
Would be great if some of them especialy the dam keepers house could get on the historical register.
There is a bunch of the postcards of TI n the gallery now,
would love to see someone research the area and write it up. My grandfather built a lot of the places there. One lady I met there had my Grandfather, my dad & me work for her over the years.
Dennis


Re: China Island / Treasure Island
damcabin, Fri Oct 19 2007, 12:20PM

Dennis,
My place is directly across the lake from the dam keeers house. The Forest Service issues "special use permits" for the use of land underneath the FS cabins of which a yearly fee is paid. Treasure Island probably falls under the Historic District and would need to be restored under the Historic Guidelines, meaning keeping the original look. I don't think the Forest Service owns the buildings on Treasure Island. The Dam keepers house is owned by the Forest Service and they don't have the money to restore it. I'd head the historical society of BB had offered to take it over but was declined (not sure if this is true)

The cabins across from Papoose Bay are really cool. Such incredible history. The cabins in that area are classified historical. I'm actually doing research on my hill as the old timers are passing away and the history is being lost. The link posted to the Pomona Library is fantstic...thanks.

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
bills grandson, Fri Oct 19 2007, 04:25PM

I assume your above the highway. Those are really nice. I doubt if a lot of tourists find their way into your yards. beautiful sunrises there. Now I understand your concern during the fire. I was afraid they would loose that whole ridge. That is such a beautiful area up there with the meadows and oaks.
I had heard that the Forest Service had removed a lot of the dam keepers cabin's roof and porch to help it deteriorate. Probably stated as a safety issue. Forest Service uses a term I think it's called Arrested deterioration means they try to stabilize it but not fix it waiting for it to fall down.Cal trans would like to have it gone for when the replace the bridge. They really need to fix that corner somehow. I have been expecting those rocks to fall into the road for years. They shake when the trucks go by. West of the dam where they made the cut in the mountain had a few cabins up in the area they removed. I don't know if any of the road that led up there is left or not. Seemed like it went up quite a way.
My suggestion I'm sure you would not like would be to fill in the place between the dams and make a park like area with a new road up to the lease cabins behind the dam keepers and then straighten out the corner and then make the bridge a straight shot.
Then turn the stone house into a visitors center. would be great to be able to fish from the old dam again, even if it wouldn't be the same
A long time ago there was a panoramic B& W picture taken from the little hill by the restrooms. I hope somebody has a copy and will post it.
I made one a few years ago but it is much to big to send
Dennis.

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
, Thu Oct 25 2007, 05:55PM

Dennis....Are you a Knickerbocker?

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
, Thu Oct 25 2007, 05:56PM



Garstin Island was man made. They did move those rocks to form the island. I am sure Helen knows this. If not, her son Lance or Ron Seymour will.


Re: China Island / Treasure Island
inky, Thu Oct 25 2007, 06:22PM

Lance OR Ron Seymour? Are they related?

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
, Thu Oct 25 2007, 06:49PM

No, Lance is Helen's son and Ron Seymour is umm....Ron Seymour. As far as I know, since Helen's health has failed, she has appointed Lance as curator of the Island. She wanted to sell it, but Lance wants to keep it. Yeah, Lance!

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
bills grandson, Thu Oct 25 2007, 06:53PM

yes


Re: China Island / Treasure Island
, Fri Oct 26 2007, 12:39AM

So, Bill Knickerbocker is your grandpa? How cool! Gus Knight's grandson is still up here too (Chuck Knight of Knight's Plumbing). I just love BB history. I wonder how many people here know your grandfather was the original dam keeper and was so instrumental in getting Big Bear on the map. Most people just know the Tommy Tindle story and that's it.

Hey, what year did your family sell the Knickerbocker Mansion? I know the current curators/operators (Stan and Thomas). Do you ever go back in there for memory sakes?

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
bills grandson, Fri Oct 26 2007, 02:13AM

Bill was I think the 3rd damkeeper, but he is by far the most well known. He was a very hard working man that touched almost every part of the valley and at one time or another owned a great deal of property. Lots were bought and sold quite regularly in those days and quite cheap. Many more tried and failed in Big Bear then, even more then today. But many endured and all made a contribution
Bill was talented in almost everything he did, some of the things were
hunter, guide, builder, blacksmith, bussinessman, lumberjack, orester, and family man. Everything he did was done to further the valley and the dream that was shared by many.
His wife, Rose was a strong influence and partner that has long been overlooked as a large part of his sucess.
I think I feel as many of the people who were for a long time believe Big Bear "peaked" some time ago.
While it is still a great place, the Big Bear we remember will always be the one we love.
Dennis

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
bills grandson, Fri Oct 26 2007, 02:15AM

sorry meant to say forester, missed it on prieview sorry
Dennis

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
damcabin, Fri Oct 26 2007, 12:24PM

BillsGrandson..aka Dennis..
I didnt' know your grandfather was the 3rd dam keeper as well. I think what I love most about being down by the dam is that feeling of stepping back in time. Do you know what brought your grandparents up to the Big Bear Valley ?

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
, Fri Oct 26 2007, 01:09PM

I never knew your grandpa was preceded by two dam keepers. Never hear much about those guys.

It is cool and like driving down memory lane when going around town and seeing street names bearing the names of BB pioneers (Knickerbocker, Stanfield, Conklin, Knight, Van Dusen, Paine, and others). You probably know more than I do Dennis.

Are you involved with the Historical Society? I hear Kim Sweet does a remarkable job. I am thinking of getting involved there one day as BB history is fascinating to me. BTW, I agree the BB we all knew (going back to 1975 for me) is gone and its peak has come and gone. Many of us feel that way.

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
bills grandson, Fri Oct 26 2007, 01:14PM

don't quote the 3rd thing, but he was not the first. credited with receiving the first phone call into the valley while there. I question that as a line was laid to Pine Knot camp at about the same time. (he was an owner in it at the time) so could have been there also.
briefly from what I have been able to piece together Bill and his brother Ed had came from Pennsylvania and were near Yuma Arizona. Ed got a job working at Baldwin mine and told Bill he came in Christmas day and worked for the mine driving freight from Victorville he and ed also did mining in holcomb ((ed was a mining engineer(whatever that meant then)) bill moved into the valley and began building houses, in Pine Knot and later some of the forestry lease near the dam. sent for Rose back in Pennsylvania and married her when she came out this is part of a picture I made for my book if I ever get it done
Dennis




Re: China Island / Treasure Island
, Fri Oct 26 2007, 01:21PM

You must Dennis! We need BB history preserved. Pretty soon BB history will be when the first Kmart or second Stater's opened. :p

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
bills grandson, Fri Oct 26 2007, 01:50PM

I have almost everything done, need to check a few things.
it will be mostly pictures and family stories. From letters and oral history from people I trust.
very difficult with everything that has been written. Much of it is wrong. If you find an early account of a story then trace it as it is quoted thru time it changes.
Pctures, untill recently have been a safe source but now you can't trust them. I have an expirement in progress to prove this, so far no bites.
I have letters from many of the old timers and bussiness papers and with the pictures you can piece it together.
A friend and I went to the very first meeting when they were trying to start what is now the historical society. I was 20 and not really interested . They seem to be a good organization. If I can get up there I would like to offer my services for a project but that will be some time.
I urge everyone to visit the museum. It is a wonderful place' It is a shame so many of the items there don't have the stories behind them.
todays events will be tomorrows history so it all should be documented.
did you know there have been 3 safeways on the hill?
also three K marts?
If you are interested send me an email and I will send a couple of stories of the BB from my youth. some are long and I don't think there is a way to post them on this site. Be aware there will be a list of your email addresses sent unless someone could show me how to post it as a cc
I would urge everyone interested to find a name and research it to get the origon and history out for others to know. There are dozens of names that little is written about but were an important part of the valley. One I am interested in all I can find is about 3 pictures and one first person story but lived up here most of his life. Daily we loose memoeies as the real old timers die off.
Dennis

denknick©aol.com


Re: China Island / Treasure Island
Ridelikethewind, Sat Nov 10 2007, 03:58PM

We honeymooned on China Island! We couldn't leave town because of work so all we had was one night. Friends were care taking it that summer and set it up for us. Each room was decorated differently and they had champagne chilling in each one. If you've ever been on the island you know each room is separated by walkways- except the dining room/kitchen are one building- and kind of the servants quarters behind that. The living room, sitting room, and bedrooms are all separate. The detail work in the rooms and the materials used were really extraordinary.

It was becoming run-down then (many years ago) so I can imagine what it is like now. The plumbing was a real problem even then as it goes under the lake to shore and frequently has issues.

We are probably the only ones to ever honeymoon there and have always been thankful that while it wasn't an extended stay it was very special because of the location. (even sharing it with the ghost!)



Re: China Island / Treasure Island
Benny ⭐, Sat Nov 10 2007, 05:03PM

I have stayed there recently and am happy to be one of the first who's boat sunk at the island! Not really funny, but it is now. Helen's a good friend and does frequent this board. Nothing beats the toilet experience!!!

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
bills grandson, Sat Nov 10 2007, 05:17PM

that would have been neat. I was in them in the 60's when the Barrow's were keeping an eye on it.
Always wondered how the toilets worked on the island. Water lines all run above ground from tanks and springs in that area. Always freezing and breaking. Even if drained or left to bleed. we dove on a sunk boat closer to the dam. 40 feet of water pitch black 5 feet down. Had to feel your way around not a lot of fun, never found the boat. I came close to losing my boat in Silverwood.
Best ski beach ever was on the spit of land east of the island when the lake was down. Is there even a ski beach anymore where you can start from the shore?

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
Luna, Sun Nov 11 2007, 07:44PM



Was that Al & Carolyn Nelson?


.

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
damcabin, Sat Dec 01 2007, 12:32PM

How romantic to spend the night of your honeymoon on the island.

Ridelikethewind do tell about the Ghost? Is the island rumored to have a resident ghost?



Re: China Island / Treasure Island
Ridelikethewind, Sat Dec 01 2007, 01:52PM

DC- here's the story we were told. Probably not a lick of truth in it but very romantic!

Once upon a time (good story starter!) there was a butler and a lonely wife on the island. As is often the way of butlers and lonely wives they got together to find comfort in each other's arms. The largely absentee hubby showed up one night and was unsurprisingly irritated to find them wrapped up together in compromising positions. Doing what any red-blooded husband of yesteryear would do he killed the butler. (hey, if he killed his wife he'd have to look for a new one!) So supposedly the butler is still there looking for his lost love.

Weird things did happen while we were there. Lights turned on and off when we were out of the room. Music turned on by itself. Footsteps heard outside but no one there. We saw the boards move as if someone were walking on them. We know our friends weren't there (it WAS our honeymoon afterall). And they told us they experienced the same sorts of things but since there was never any feeling of evil they just lived with it.

Like I said- most likely the story is the product of a romantic mind but the ghost sure seems to be real. Who, or why, it's there is anyone's guess!!



Re: China Island / Treasure Island
damcabin, Mon Dec 03 2007, 03:25PM

Ridelikethewind,

Wonder if Mrs Garstin was the lonely wife? Was it not the Garstin's who built the oriental buildings?

The butler is probably trapped on the island forever searching for his love. The poor soul is probably heartbroken. What a romantic story...thanks for sharing...

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
, Mon Dec 03 2007, 03:28PM

I thought Mrs. Garstin traveled extensively to the Orient and that's why the building had an oriental theme. Maybe she was "entertaining" her own rickshaw driver? :p

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
Ridelikethewind, Mon Dec 03 2007, 05:36PM

Yes, it was supposed to be Mrs.Garstin and her butler. Maybe he was a rickshaw driver in his former career?

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
, Tue Dec 04 2007, 12:29AM

Maybe....

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
Hooky Bobber, Tue Dec 04 2007, 05:06AM



I am not sure but I do not htink Chuck is`any part of thr family. Ted

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
, Tue Dec 04 2007, 10:24AM

I had heard he was.....

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
Radha, Wed Apr 16 2008, 11:19AM

Here's a photo, named Treasure Island and taken in 1941 by Roy E. Rose.





Re: China Island / Treasure Island
LakeLady, Mon Apr 21 2008, 01:08AM

Just hang in there all your insults hurt. We've done the best we can & are going to do much more this spring. It ain't easy not living there & having con men & women trash the place we love. Have a heart >>>I love the Island & so do the rest of my family. Insulters stay home!

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
LakeLady, Thu Apr 24 2008, 04:06PM

They didn't move the rocks but built the cabins around them, Yes, we hope to be buying the Island this year. Upkeep & fees are prohibitive anymore. All the covered walkway between buildings is ready with hewn wood to be replaced. The wood is just like the original. Lance is going to paint all the cabins this June...big job. Yes, it is already Registered as N Historical Monument...has been for years. Wish the Gov't would grant a grant for our restoration costs but don't know how to get one. Any help in that direstion appreciated. My money tree needs watering!
The weather conditions for the pst six years have done 100 yrs worth of damage & winds keep blowing off the shingles. Anybody who doesn't understand how hard we are trying to preserve it stay away please! Many comments are very hurtful to me as I love that little Island so much as did late husband Gail Mix.Ca['t John has been a big help restoring many things ruined inside by the disgustingly uncareing of the so called Caregivers since Gail died. Even digging out by hand the electric toilets they didn't bother to electrically flush. For shaime on them all!!! Lady of the Lake...Helen

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
Around The Lake, Thu Apr 24 2008, 04:33PM

Helen there are a lot of us who love your little spot on the lake. and would never harm it, restoration takes love. and you have the love that is needed.

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
damcabin, Mon Apr 28 2008, 10:25AM

The fawnskin flyer has posted a couple closeup pictures of Treasure Island taken just recently.
[Click Here]

Helen I hope you enjoy your upcoming summer on the island. As Around the Lake posted above, there are lots of people who love your little spot on the lake.





Re: China Island / Treasure Island
Radha, Sat May 10 2008, 02:21PM

This image is of Treasure Island from 1919. Click on the image, I left it at a large size because the image is so crisp.





Re: China Island / Treasure Island
Radha, Sat May 10 2008, 02:25PM

I cropped this pictue down so that the detail could be seen. The date is 1924.





Re: China Island / Treasure Island
Radha, Sat May 10 2008, 02:29PM

Clcik on this picture to enlarge. I believe it is from around 1942.





Re: China Island / Treasure Island
chekkasan, Sun Jun 08 2008, 10:59PM

Here are mine...





Re: China Island / Treasure Island
chekkasan, Sun Jun 08 2008, 11:03PM

And two more!





Re: China Island / Treasure Island
MIKE, Mon Jun 09 2008, 06:20AM

Radha, great images, while I really enjoy the pics you are sharing I ended up needing to block the seeya.gif from my browser. Not sure why you add it to every post but it is so much nicer without it.

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
, Mon Jun 09 2008, 06:26AM

How do we block avatars?

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
MIKE, Mon Jun 09 2008, 06:33AM



Most forums have a setting to allow or disallow displaying Avatars. But if you used Firefox with the adblock plugin you would just right click my avatar and choose block image.
Trying to find something more disturbing to replace the current avatar.

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
david, Mon Jun 09 2008, 06:33AM

Where are the seals>

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
Lumber Jill, Mon Jun 09 2008, 09:21AM


seeya.gif? i don't see it!

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
, Mon Jun 09 2008, 12:41PM

is on top of her pics....

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
Benny ⭐, Mon Jun 09 2008, 07:18PM

Went by the Island last Friday, they've done a good job renovatin a lot of the interior.

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
Lumber Jill, Mon Jun 09 2008, 08:38PM

oh! i get it now!

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
bills grandson, Mon Jun 09 2008, 10:56PM

Radha
Put anything you want with the pictures, just keep them coming. we love them.


Re: China Island / Treasure Island
, Mon Jun 09 2008, 11:02PM

I agree with Dennis.... (I probably haven't said that too often... )

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
bills grandson, Tue Jun 10 2008, 12:12AM

BBB
now you know that is wrong you and I agree on a lot more then either of us would like to admit

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
, Tue Jun 10 2008, 06:38AM

I know, I just like teasing you.

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
Radha, Thu Jun 12 2008, 08:27PM

Please note the new, improved, avatar free posting!







Re: China Island / Treasure Island
MIKE, Sat Jun 14 2008, 08:19AM

Thank you and your pics are beautiful BTW.

I really enjoy all the fantastic pictures you have been sharing with us and am collecting all of them, thank you.

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
Radha, Sat Jun 14 2008, 10:22AM


Okay you guys, most or all of them are gone. :p

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
MIKE, Sat Jun 14 2008, 12:20PM



Oh don't go bother yourself with changing them because of me. I can take care of it on my end. Just leave them, it's not that big a deal.

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
Radha, Sat Jun 14 2008, 06:29PM

This postcard is postmarked 1943. You can see Treasure Island in the distance.



Re: China Island / Treasure Island
Radha, Sat Jun 14 2008, 06:34PM

Here's another image.

br]


Re: China Island / Treasure Island
Around The Lake, Sat Jun 14 2008, 07:40PM

I have a copy of the milk drinking Bear too I love that PC

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
Around The Lake, Sat Jun 14 2008, 07:42PM

BTY We should look out as I bet we have bided on the same cards on E-Bay before we do not want to up the price.

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
Radha, Sun Jun 15 2008, 10:10AM

Since I have a resale number, I get most of my cards at collectables shows; Pasadena and Costa Mesa etc. Ebay is fun, but costs a lot more.

I'm blown away by the history that collecting photos has exposed me to. I started our getting a few images because I was doing a website project for a customer and we needed a few historic images. Now, it's a passion. It's especially fun to have a card that I can't identify, post it on SocalMtns and have someone go "oh I know where that is and...here is a story."

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
bills grandson, Thu Jun 19 2008, 11:47PM

Around The Lake
I'm sure you have seen them but I posted a ton of old postcards in the phot section. If you have others please post them.

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
Radha, Sun Aug 17 2008, 10:18AM

Here's a nice old picture! I left the image large, so click on it to see the details.





Re: China Island / Treasure Island
bills grandson, Fri Aug 22 2008, 09:00AM

Radha
do you have anything on the origon of the name treasure island?
It is called that on the oldest pictures I have seen
and I don't know why?
It is actually garstin island but the other name is much more well known.

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
JohnnyT (K7JNT), Fri Aug 22 2008, 09:24AM

Here is an early Putnam and Valentine postcard of "Island Home". Since the trees are still standing in the water, this photo was taken around 1925-28 right after the completion of the Eastwood dam.




Re: China Island / Treasure Island
Radha, Fri Sep 05 2008, 02:52PM



I'll see if I can find out anything. I love your story about trying to find the "treasure."

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
Benny ⭐, Fri Sep 05 2008, 06:33PM

What a pain to get up in the middle of your night to try and find your way to the incinerator.

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
Juliann, Fri Nov 05 2010, 02:04PM



What a fascinating hobby! Have loved looking at all the pictures on here....


Re: China Island / Treasure Island
bills grandson, Fri Nov 05 2010, 02:40PM

I love the old postcards and the history they show. But the ones that blow me away are the pictures of people. At their cabib, in town, in the woods. Whatever.
You can get hypmotized trying to understand what was happening at the second frozen in time.
Even many of the post cards stop people and can make them come to life.

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
northside, Sat Nov 06 2010, 08:58AM

I think Capt. John takes care of the island for Helen.

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
bills grandson, Sat Nov 06 2010, 01:16PM

Juliann and anyone wo is interested in postcards.

this is the best spot to get your feet wet in really understanding the postcards.

[Click Here]

the Frasher collection and his story will make you appreciate his postcards, and style even more.
As well as having tons of great pictures.

Putnam was another who gave us the postcards. starting 100 years ago. many of these photos are in the photo's on this site.



Re: China Island / Treasure Island
LakeLady, Sat Feb 12 2011, 10:40PM

It's also called "China Island" & much upgrading has been done so let's not hear any more insults...OK?? Has been VERY expensive to keep up! Now in the many thousands$$$$$ per month. Want to chip in?

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
Craig ⭐, Sun Feb 13 2011, 06:43AM

Helen, when are you coming out for a visit???

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
bills grandson, Sun Feb 13 2011, 08:09AM

I can't imagine not seeing the buildings there. Glad you are able to keep them up.
Because of cost maybe it should be called porcelain island?
My favorite names were either Garstin, or treasure. I don't think we ever used China Which really makes no sense to me It always seemed to belong in Japan

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
BootsNBridles, Mon Feb 21 2011, 09:25PM

Treasure Island is an icon! I can't imagine what it would be like not seeing our little bit of history sitting there in the lake. I am sure it's an expensive proposition just doing basic upkeep - can't even imagine the cost with refurbishing! But I am so glad it's being done- many many of us love that island and its unique home!

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
bills grandson, Sun Aug 11 2013, 01:16PM

Can't believe it has been so long since we have talked about treasure island.
One of the top subjects for postcards along with the view East through "old town" showing the Union station.

Found what is the earliest picture I have seen.
Notice anything missing?
It looks to me like it was being prepared for building when this was taken.
It is a swaztika studio postcard. One of the earliest postcard companies on the hill. Located in the valley




Re: China Island / Treasure Island
©ammy, Sun Aug 11 2013, 07:07PM

Lots of live trees in the water!

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
bills grandson, Sun Aug 11 2013, 07:59PM

Re reading a lot of this thread and got a kick out of it.
A long time since I have thought of Brandon. Kind of miss him. As always he has a very strange view of valley history and believes everything he is told. Like anyone could move those giant boulders to build the island.
Anyone hear what might become of the island since lake lady passed?
I hope it can be kept up


Re: China Island / Treasure Island
dd, Mon Aug 12 2013, 08:41AM

The island is staying in the family.

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
bills grandson, Mon Aug 12 2013, 09:51AM

glad to hear that. So often priorities change.
I was thinking that when it was ski beach the lake was down and if you had a 4x4 you could drive to it. In all that time I never saw anyone try to break in, or tear up the buildings. Had some good times there

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
RichardG, Tue Aug 27 2013, 09:52PM

Recently I had a discussion with someone that had been on the island some years back and had taken some photos. This individual shared those photos with me and allowed me to share them as long as I blurred out the faces of those people in the photographs. With the use of photoshop I was able to do that on several of the photos, thus some sections of certain photos look distorted. Never-the-less it is interesting to see the basket weave texture of the inside walls and also the sink plumbing in one of the bedroom photos.
It would be interesting to visit the "Island" today and post a photo album of all the buildings. Note since there are several photos I will most likely have to make several "posting" due to the file size limitation of the website.







Re: China Island / Treasure Island
RichardG, Tue Aug 27 2013, 09:54PM

Next set of photos





Re: China Island / Treasure Island
RichardG, Tue Aug 27 2013, 09:56PM

Last set of photos





Re: China Island / Treasure Island
Benny ⭐, Wed Aug 28 2013, 11:41AM

Yeah the Island still looks the same, I kept my boat docked there a few seasons when the lake was low and you could walk to it. Used to go visit Helen and work on her phone lines and computer stuff. Glad to hear they're keeping it in the family! Hope they do some much needed work around the place...

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
Cornbread, Fri Jul 11 2014, 08:02AM

Last weekend we were out on the boat and saw some people sitting on the porch of one of the cabins. Glad to see it being used, but hope they were allowed to be there.

Re: China Island / Treasure Island
BootsNBridles, Fri Jul 11 2014, 01:08PM

Nice to go back and reread this thread. Some GREAT pictures and commentary on it. I wonder if Lance will write down what he knows of the history and restoration?