Neighbors say not much truth behind snobby image

By DEBERA CARLTON HARRELL
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER

Image-conscious locals know their schools and upper-middle-class status are renowned off-island.

"People outside this community have the perception that everything comes easy to Mercer Islanders," said Paul Von Destinon, assistant manager of the Mercer Island Country Club and head of the aquatics program. "But what I see is people who work very hard to have the privilege of living here.

"Parents go out of their way to get the best coaches and teachers because they want the best for their kids. I see some overbearing parents, but mostly I've seen a lot of strong, healthy families."

Dorothy Reeck, owner of the Roanoke Inn Tavern at the island's north end, provides testimony to the fact that Mercer Island, despite its wealth, remains a neighborhood.

The Roanoke was built in 1916 to give Seattleites crossing from Leschi by ferry a place to stay "in the country."

(For more on the Roanoke, read Jon Hahn's column.)

Reeck says the tavern remains a fiercely protected institution where islanders hold class reunions and parents bring their grown-up kids for their first beers in its rustic, dimly lit interior.

Reeck says this is also the place where, during winter storm power outages, neighbors empty their lawnmowers to provide extra fuel, haul in extra wood for the fireplace and bring in keyboards, harmonicas and trumpets for impromptu songfests.

"People like it when the power goes out," Reeck jokes. "I don't see Mercer Island as snobby; I see the things people do to help. When my husband died (several years ago), he told me Mercer Island was a strong community and that people would take care of me. I've tried to take good care of people -- but what he said has been true."

Some hope such neighborliness remains amid an influx of new wealth and bigger homes that have upped the ante on affordable housing. With a median household income of $76,100 and an average house price tag of $356,000, families who move to the island increasingly have two incomes, locals say.

Continued:

• Community works hard for its privileged lifestyle
• Island's supreme value is education
• Pioneer's dream was destined to be made manifest