The Sullishak History, chapter by chapter
Sullishak History: How vacant land bought during World War II became Sullishak, a relaxing family retreat.
By Dave, Steve and Wes Sullivan
This is the family's reading copy of the December 2024 edition: the whole book, chapter by chapter, with the book's own photographs and captions. The printed book is sold on Amazon at cost, and the earlier 2018 booklet is on The Books as a PDF.
The one-line descriptions below are the ones printed in the book's own table of contents.
Preface by Dave SullivanExplains the evolution of the Sullishak History book, from Elsie Sullivan’s original scrapbook to a more detailed family history. Discusses how Steve Sullivan contributed by creating a website for Sullishak, and concludes with reflections on the cabin’s legacy.
Chapter 1: The Beginnings of SullishakCovers how Orma Sullivan purchased the land and Wes and Elsie Sullivan began developing the cabin. It highlights the challenges of early ownership, including Orma’s secrecy and the strict restrictions on who could use the cabin.“The history of what became Sullishak as best I can recall it.” — Wes Sullivan
Chapter 2: Building the Dream (1947–1948)Focuses on the construction of the original cabin, with stories of salvaging materials and overcoming challenges, including Elsie Sullivan’s contributions.“In those days… there were no such things as setbacks or building permits.” — Wes Sullivan
Chapter 3: Family Life at SullishakDescribes the Sullivan family's early experiences using Sullishak, including the struggle to make the cabin more livable year-round. Highlights how Wes and Elsie Sullivan balanced family life with maintaining the cabin.“The cabin was usable only in warmer weather.” — Wes Sullivan
Chapter 4: Salmon Bakes and Social GatheringsHighlights family traditions such as the famous salmon bakes, and the social events that made Sullishak a cherished gathering place.“Cut your own wood and it will warm you twice.” — Wes Sullivan
Chapter 5: Ownership of the Sullishak Site and CabinExplores the legal and ownership complexities surrounding the cabin over the decades, including the shift from Orma’s strict control to Wes and Elsie gifting the cabin to their four children. This chapter also touches on the impact of societal norms on ownership.“We weren't allowed to sell to other than Caucasians.” — Wes Sullivan
Chapter 6: Renovating the Basic CabinDescribes how the Sullivan family continued to renovate and preserve the cabin, and how differing visions for its future among the siblings led to eventual changes in ownership. The chapter highlights the enduring love for Sullishak despite these differences.“What she proposed sounded like an enormous amount of work to me.” — Wes Sullivan
Chapter 7: Sullishak Today and TomorrowCovers the modernization of Sullishak under Dave and Barb Sullivan’s stewardship which began with Wes Sullivan’s death in 2008. This ultimately led to improvements that converted it into a vacation rental while still allowing friends and family to use the cabin.“The cabin has a patina of age that gives it character.” — Wes Sullivan
Chapter 8: The Sullivan and Diviney FamiliesIncludes a series of family photos and brief descriptions of key family members who played a role in the history of Sullishak. This chapter provides a personal touch, giving readers a visual glimpse into the people who made Sullishak what it is today.Featuring photos of the extended Sullivan and Diviney families
Epilog by Dave SullivanReflects on the cabin's evolving role in the family, from a private retreat to a shared vacation rental, and its likely future as a peaceful haven for generations to come. Ends on an optimistic note about Sullishak’s enduring legacy.
Where the book meets the site
- Wes's History — the memoir behind Chapters 1–3
- Ownership of the cabin — alongside Chapter 5
- The project pages — the work behind Chapters 6 and 7
- Family & Photos — the collections behind Chapter 8
- Cabin History — the timeline the whole book sits on