FAQs
Who was Marie Boe?
Marie Kathleen Halvorsen Boe was born in Friday Harbor on February 19, 1919 to Gunder and Adah Halvorsen. She lived on San Juan Island all but 10 years of her life. During those 10 years, she worked as a secretary at a Seattle wholesale hardware store, where she met her husband, Leonard Boe.
Marie and Leonard returned to Friday Harbor in 1948 to help run her father’s dairy. Because of her commercial sewing experience, Marie was asked to teach knitting and sewing to 4-H kids. In December 1962, she started work for the Washington State University San Juan County Extension Service on a half-time schedule and also worked part-time in the school cafeteria. When the Extension job became full-time, she was asked to take the job. Marie completed 32 years of service as a San Juan County employee before she retired in June 1994. At the time, her years of service to the County were the longest on record. Her service as a 4-H club leader extended to 35 years. In addition to being a club leader, she ran the 4-H Building at the Fairgrounds. In 1999, she was honored with the Island Friend Award, given by the San Juan Historical Society for her contributions to the community. Many islanders have fond members of coming to the Boe home on San Juan Valley Road for knitting or sewing lessons, or to buy milk fresh from Leonard’s cows.
Over the years, Marie’s interest in knitting and crafts remained strong and many family members and friends have items containing the “Made Especially for You by Marie” label. She was also a member of the San Juan Island Camera Club and the San Juanderers Square Dance Club.After retiring from county employment, Marie completed training to become a precinct election official and worked on the county election board. She and Leonard were married for 48 years until his death in September of 1993. In January 2002, she moved to Carter’s Place at The Oaks where she resided until her death in October in 2005.
Marie passed away on Oct. 22, 2005 in Friday Harbor at the age of 86.
How will the construction effect the use of the Fairgrounds?
It is not anticipated that there will be any change to the use of the Fairgrounds during construction. There will be a staging area for construction materials in the grassy area in front of the arena.
How many square feet is the Marie Boe Building?
The rental space is still 1,700 square feet with a maximum capacity of 120 people with tables and chairs set up, more if you only have just chairs, or neither tables or chairs. The renovation didn't increase the size of the rental area or the price. It did however add four restrooms.
When will the new space be available for rental?
It is anticipated that final completion will be reached by December 2023 and the Marie Boe Building will be be available again as a newly renovated 1700 sq ft rental space.
Will the renovation mean an increase in the rental rate for the building?
No! The rental rate for the Marie Boe Building will not increase after it's renovate.
Rental rates start at $250/day or $40/hr depending on the details of your event. It includes the use of the restrooms, chair rentals, table rentals, and has a 125 person capacity.