The small house at the foot of today’s Wharf Street was first occupied by Phil and Anna Simon beginning in 1910. Its easy access to the new dock Jacob Anthes constructed in 1902 proved ideal for Phil’s pleasure boat business — one of several enterprises he headed.
In addition to captaining his two launches for picnic outings to Hat and Camano islands, Phil owned Whidbey Electric. That business powered Langley street lights and offered residential service two days each week so women could do their washing and ironing.
