John Hughes to sign new book at Polson Museum on Saturday

May 7—One of Grays Harbor's favorite writers is up to his old tricks with a new project.

John Hughes, former longstanding editor and publisher of The Daily World newspaper — 1966 to 2008 — and chief historian for the Office of the Secretary of State in Olympia, will head over to Polson Museum on Saturday afternoon to talk about and sign his latest book "Lightning Boldt: Judge George H. Boldt and a defining moment in tribal sovereignty."

The book released on Feb. 12. It's about George H. Boldt, a federal judge who made the ruling in the famed Boldt decision, which came down on Feb. 12, 1974. The decision "gave the tribes who were parties to the treaties the right to half the catch of salmon, with the tribes and the state managing the fishery together," according to the University of Washington Law Library.

John Larson, director of Polson Museum — 1611 Riverside Ave., in Hoquiam — can't wait to host Hughes at 2 p.m. on Saturday. It's not just what Hughes can do as a writer, or historian that excites Larson.

"John is an incredibly engaging speaker," Larson said. "Attendees are sure to enjoy details about his research, process and personal experiences in writing the book."

Larson said Polson Museum will sell the book for $20 — plus tax — at the talk and signing.

"And of course, John will be signing those along with any previously purchased," Larson said. "To my knowledge, this is the first such event John has presented in Aberdeen or Hoquiam since publishing the book."

According to The Daily World, "Lightning Boldt" explores the stormy aftermath of Boldt's historic decision and the eventual consensus that the only way forward was co-management and collaboration to preserve the fishery. The state had appealed the Boldt Decision all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court — losing in 1979."

In addition to writing about Boldt's work in that case, the book "relates the experiences that forged George Boldt's character." The book also includes experiences from his teenage years, and his work since then.

Larson isn't the only historian in town who will be there for Hughes' signing, nor the only one excited for Hughes' arrival. Phil Slep, who's in charge of the Friends of the Aberdeen Museum's history tours, sounded excited to go to the Polson Museum for the event, too.

Slep recalled how Hughes helped when Slep was first studying to be a tour guide.

"I liked him right away," Slep said. "Not that I was an understudy but I was learning from him about the major things you should talk about as far as the history of Aberdeen. Aberdeen specifically, not just Grays Harbor. He fed me so many scripts from him and all the books he wrote, which I have read most of."

Slep said Hughes helped him with more of the technical aspects of history. Those technical aspects are some of what Slep eagerly anticipates reading when he picks up "Lightning Boldt." And then there's the way Hughes tells a story, both in written and verbal form.

"I love his writing," Slep said. "I love his presentations because he's a very personable guy."

Slep said Hughes provides a narration with his stories. He said Hughes doesn't just provide a "textbook" full of facts and figures.

In addition to "Lightning Boldt," Hughes has written 15 books on Northwest history, as well as won numerous awards throughout his illustrious journalism career.

Larson added a little more excitement for the event.

"This is something we've had in the works for quite a while, knowing the book was coming out on the 50th anniversary of the Boldt decision," Larson said. "And John Hughes, for anybody who has taken that newspaper for many years would recognize his name and his stellar writing ability."

Larson, like Slep, complimented Hughes' ability to engage an audience.

"I personally am looking forward to hearing his talk, given the fact I've heard him speak before and I know that he is somebody who just absolutely captivates an audience," Larson said. "So, for people who are interested in learning something, whether they have an interest in tribal fishing rights or not, I think they'd find the program interesting. From a local history standpoint, this certainly has a lot of relevance. That's what we're always seeking to do at the Polson, of course, is to bring local history, people who have an expertise in that to our facility to impart their knowledge on the public."

Contact Reporter Matthew N. Wells at matthew.wells@thedailyworld.com.