My name is Janis (Sharpe) Brotherton, the only daughter of Cameron and Medora Sharpe, who with our Aunt LauraMae Mooney owned and operated Garland Mineral Springs from 1953 on into the 1960's.

I was 8 years old when my family began to make our home at Garland, and lived there until I left to attend college in 1963. I will be retracing my steps through the forest, along the bank of the North Fork, up and down horse trails and logging roads, and yes, even to the foot of Glacier Peak. As I stroll through memories of the 10 years I lived and played at the magical place called Garland Mineral Springs, my hope is that you, Reader, will experience some of the joy and wonder it has stamped into my heart forever.

My parents lived there until about 1966-67. It's been interesting reading the memories and beliefs of the various contributors.

1. The water in the large spring that supplied the swimming pool was never heated...only pumped into the pool. My father, Cameron Sharpe took regular temp. readings and stated that it maintained a consistant temp. of 68 degrees F even in winter. Real toasty on a COLD day!
2. The only water heated at Garland Mineral Springs was for drinking, cooking or bathing, and was clear, clean water from our water source on Troublesome Mt. It was piped into the lodge and heated there by a huge wood-buring furnace. The lodge was steam heated, and over 30 cords of wood were used yearly.
3. I have VERY fond memories of the Petterson family and have often wondered where to find Carol. We were friends, and I spent some overnights in their home. Ernie was an excellent carpenter who constructed the new bath house and a new fire escape staircase at the back of the lodge. I recall sitting in the Coffee Shop listening to him whistle hymns as he worked. He was an amazing whistler, and I can still hear it! My parents really loved Ernie and Alta, and often mentioned their gracious generosity to our family!

I know that my memories and perspectives will never measure up to the writings my mother had been working on before the fire took it all. She never wrote about Garland after that. I believe she closed that chapter in her life.  I guess it will merely remain a sweet memory for those of us who enjoyed that place at that time. There is really not much now to save. The river truly runs through it all!