North Bend/Coos Bay area
Edna Skinner and her friend Jean Fish retired to the southern Oregon coast in the 1970s. They had led colorful lives and rewarding careers in various fields, including Hollywood movies and outdoor writing. They gathered numerous interests and friends along the way.
The two women settled in the North Bend/Coos Bay area and built a house shaped like a big boat. They restored a pioneer-era store into a popular antique shop and cafe in the nearby town of Lakeside.
Edna and Jean are fondly remembered for their enthusiasm in both communities. Many people treasure memories of their annual open house, where they would share their prized antiques and latest acquisitions, and talk about their home.
Edna's 1978 book "The Heart of Lakeside" is available at local libraries and sometimes found at local used bookstores or garage sales. The book chronicles the colorful history of Lakeside, including a few Indian tales and some recollections of its heyday as a getaway for Hollywood celebrities.
Jean Fish's biography
Jean Fish was part of a famed restaurant family and gained fame herself as a model and fashion designer. She married a minister and together they had a son.
Edna Skinner's biography
Edna Skinner was born in Oregon when her father came to purchase logs for the paper mills in the small town of Fulton, New York. As a child, the loggers and her grandfather took her fishing, even though she was an asthmatic child.
Edna became a well-known actress and writer, starring in Broadway's legendary "Oklahoma" and other plays. She was also known for organizing rallies to raise funds during World War II, eventually bringing in $38 million.
Edna's life took her to a ranch in Montana where she "enjoyed the hard work." She then turned up in Hollywood, where she recalled being in such films as "Easy to Love," "Long, Long Trailer," and "Friendly Persuasion," along with over 48 TV films.
She also mentioned her several seasons in "Topper," "Gildersleeve" and finally "Mr. Ed" where she starred for over four years.
