Another chapter in the story that is Mercer Island is coming to a close. The decision of the Stevenson family to shutter the stables at their farm along Island Crest Way leaves just one place left for horses on the Island. We are sorry to see them go. Their presence harkens back to a simpler time here when horses and boats were the main modes of transportation. As late as the 1930s, the Island was still an entity in and of itself. Teams of horses cleared the roadway that became Island Crest Way. Lumber mills and dairy farms included a bit of livestock and horses. Early Islanders got around on horseback for many years, even after cars made their appearance here — the roads, mostly dirt and gravel, were rough going in the rain. Some Islanders can still remember when students rode horses to the docks along the shore to catch the ferry for Seattle to attend Garfield High School. Horses were a part of early Island celebrations. According to the book, “Mercer Island Heritage,” there was at least one horse show held during the early years of MercerFair, the forerunner of Summer Celebration. Saddle Club members rode their horses in parades for several summers. Islanders have made room for the animals over the years as the Island population grew. Accommodating the horses was a way to keep a bit of the Island’s rural character intact. There is horse-friendly zoning, trails and signs. Just knowing they are still here is a comfort. Catching a glimpse of a horse and rider, along a roadway or a trail in Pioneer Park, makes it a good day.

The recent rash of car break-ins on Mercer Island is very troubling. A recent break-in even occurred during broad daylight at Luther Burbank Park during Rotary Run on March 20. The Island has long been a target of thieves looking for an easy mark, finding loot in unlocked mailboxes and cars, through unsecured sliding doors or nice bikes left outside. To be sure, the police do their job and do it well. But Islanders need to do their part. Lock everything. Thieves are looking for the path of least resistance. Let’s make it hard for them. Leave a light on. Do not leave valuables in the car. Ever. And when a car alarm goes off in your neighborhood at 2 a.m., check it out and call police.