This series highlights locations in Skagit County. These communities were formed in the early 1870's remaining up until the 1920's. Many of the names still appear on maps. A few have buildings remaining in use today. These communities and many others can be found on https:/www.skagitcounty.net/Maps/iMap/?mapjs=hist
Utopia was a district just west of Lyman between Minkler Lake and the Skagit River. The Utopia school was built in 1916. It had wood stoves for heat, and auditorium on the second floor which served as a community center for the large area surrounding it. A "teacherage" provided housing. We were unable to find the exact location of the school. It was later absorbed by the Sedro Woolley school district.
We found two explanations for the name of Utopia. 1) Because it was the most beautiful place in the world. 2) Advance scouts for the "Equality Colony" in 1896 considered placing their colony here. But when they returned in 1897, the monster flood of 1896 had carved nearly 200 acres from the river bank. They decided instead to place the colony on the slope of Bow Hill.
Information was provided by the Skagit County Historical Museum in La Conner, the Skagit River Journal (http://skagitriverjournal.com) and The Sedro-Woolley Museum.
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Congratulations mizdirection on the FTF