Janna Gage grew up in a house with no books. She’s been making up for it ever since, surrounding herself with books as the co-owner of Seaport Books in La Conner and as an author of more than a dozen books herself.
Gage, who grew up on Landing Road, was a child filled with curiosity — the kind of child who is constantly asking why and wondering why. This inquisitiveness wasn’t necessarily appreciated by her parents, but that didn’t dampen her enthusiasm for learning.
In fourth grade, her teacher suggested she go to the library during class. Gage had never been to the library. It was an adventure Gage never forgot, and it likely led to her lifelong addiction to reading.
The librarian invited her in and showed her the children’s section. She also received her very first official library card, and she believed it was her duty to read every book in the building.
She looked around and thought, “I think I can do that.”
While the librarian steered her toward the children’s section, the ever-curious Gage gravitated toward “those other books.” The librarian told her she could pick one from the adult section on the condition that she read all the books in two weeks. She chose a colorful memoir of a couple who traveled the world, filled with images of faraway places and stories of foreign cultures. Gage was enthralled.
Another pivotal moment in her life was when her parents purchased the World Book Encyclopedia for Gage and her siblings. “It was the 1946 edition,” recalls Gage, “right after the war — so it was really good.” As long as they behaved and washed their hands, Gage said, they would be allowed to pick one of the volumes and lie on the floor and read it. Although the family was very poor, with her father working as a subsistence farmer, Gage has fond memories of those days when she was able to learn through reading.
“I always appreciated the people who stepped up and did things,” Gage said, referring to those who led the restoration of La Conner’s Gaches Mansion, the focus of a recent talk she gave. One might suggest Gage herself falls into that category. While working as a reference librarian at the Mount Vernon Library, Gage helped many people share their stories, believing it was important to preserve the memories of elders who shaped the area before those memories were lost. She has written a book of her own memories growing up in Skagit Valley. Her memory is long and a brief chat with her can easily turn into a history lesson about the people who shaped the area. Her bookstore, naturally, is filled with books about the area and she frequently celebrates local authors. But the bookstore is for sale now and Gage has another book to write — a book that customers are always asking for.
“I don’t know if I want it out there,” Gage mused, but bookstore co-owner Marion Melville said, “I’ve told lots of people about it!”
So, Gage admitted, she has written “A Brief History of La Conner,” but said she needs more time to gather photos and obtain permissions to publish historic images.The idea for the book came from bookstore customers, who often stop in and say “I’d love to read a brief history of La Conner.” Taking that to heart, Gage has written just such a book. But until it’s ready for print, she said, “Just stop by and ask!” She will gladly tell you stories of La Conner’s past.
Nancy K. Crowell is a photographer, photo editor, and a general assignment reporter. She has also been a Master Gardener for 10 years.
