In 1900, Alla Olds (back row, far left) was the teacher at the Youngs Lake School. Olds also was a member of Mercer Island's first family. Her father, Charles, and mother, Agnes, brought Alla and her brother, David, to the island in 1885. Charles bought 123 acres of land with a good stream about midway on the east shore and planted 12 acres of apples. He named the place Appleton. To reach civilization the Oldses had to row to the north end of the island and then over to Leschi.

Mercer Island Historical Society