Epilog by Dave Sullivan

Sullishak has always been a place of evolution—both for the cabin itself and for those who have owned and loved it. In the early years, Orma Sullivan kept its existence a secret from her ex-husband, John Sullivan, and it was tightly controlled. Wes and Elsie Sullivan, who built the cabin with their own hands, were not permitted to let friends or extended family use it, a restriction that mirrored Orma’s desire for privacy. But after her passing, Sullishak became more than just a hidden family retreat—it blossomed into a gathering place for close friends and family, its availability carefully tracked in the black notebook Wes Sullivan carried everywhere.

As time passed, Sullishak continued to grow in both purpose and accessibility. By the 1980s, Wes and Elsie had gifted the cabin to their four children, yet the family schedule remained safeguarded in Wes's trouser pocket for another decade. When Steve Sullivan brought Sullishak into the digital age by creating its first website, the schedule shifted online, allowing friends and family to check availability without the need for a phone call. Even with this technological advancement, one thing remained constant: Sullishak was a sanctuary, available only to loved ones—never to be rented out.

However, like all family treasures, the vision for Sullishak’s future began to diverge among the siblings. The cabin became a symbol of different ideals—whether it was Nancy’s desire to preserve its rustic charm or Dave’s drive to modernize it for the future. These differences became more pronounced over time, and after Wes’s death, the question of Sullishak’s direction came to a head. In a gesture of generosity, Steve gifted his share to Dave, who later purchased the remaining shares from Nancy and Bill. Under Dave’s stewardship, Sullishak underwent significant improvements and expansion, transforming from a private family retreat into a vacation rental that welcomes not only friends and family but also guests from afar.

Today, Sullishak is more alive than ever, bustling with activity from those who seek solace in its comfortable surroundings along Lincoln Beach. Friends and family still enjoy the cabin for free—paying only a cleaning deposit—but Sullishak has also become a haven for vacationers, who find in it the same peace and beauty that the Sullivan family has cherished for generations.

Looking ahead, one thing is certain: Sullishak will continue to evolve, adapting to the needs and dreams of those who love it. Though its ownership and use may change with time, the heart of Sullishak—its role as a refuge from the busy world—remains unchanged. For many more generations, this beloved cabin will provide a quiet retreat where the sounds of the ocean and the warmth of family will continue to nurture the soul.

From the archive

• Selling Sullishak — where the story stands now
• Ownership of the cabin — the deeds, the gift, the purchases
• Sullishak Today and Tomorrow — the chapter before this one
• The Sullishak timeline — every project, in order
• All chapters — the book from the beginning