Spontoon Island News

"...One thing I'm awfully sure of, though, and that is
that living on a boat is more exciting than one would
imagine before trying it."
(Lucile, in The Cruise of the O-Moo, by Roy J. Snell, 1922 - page 108)
Quotes Basket

May Day! Festival

May Day sarong - not
just a banner anymore; Art by Ken Fletcher

May Day Banner (by Ken Fletcher)
Aloha!

Visit the
fireworks stand!

Webpage Updates

Welcome back to Spontoon Island!
> Updates returned 30 March 2021 <

7 July 2021
Art & text added to the
fireworks stand!
Featuring firecracker label art & text by Ken Fletcher,
3 labels you may not have seen before
(with some images of other artists' creations),
and including a new image of a fireworks stand on Moon Island,
located inside the Spontoon Island Lagoon.
On the Fireworks Stand page.
New quote above, and previous quotes are in the
Quotes (History) Basket.

2 May 2021
New stories and re-posted art to the Story Basket page:
A new section of "Amelia's Diary" begins:
Extracts From A Diary:" On the Rebound"
By Simon Barber
2 September 1937
Re-posted art of Amelia Allworthy, by Tom Foster
ORSON & MANFRED story upload
by David Cummer

30 April 2021
New art posted & re-posted to the May Day page!
Art by Ken Fletcher, with context shared in extra captions.

13 April 2021
Start of a new serial story on the Story Basket page:
ORSON & MANFRED story upload 13 April 2021
By David Cummer

In A Wine-Glass, Darkly - Chapter 8
By Richard Messer - Re-posted on the Story basket page

Extract from a Diary: A Tale of Two Lidos
by Simon Barber. New Chapter:
1 September 1937
Previous 3 chapters also reposted on the Story Basket page

1 September 1937
(Upload 13 April 2021)
At Parsall Hall before the Squire's shooting-party returns. There is
a walk up into a wild part of the estate--a Yorkshire canyon & brook,
home to dark legends, and worthy of a group trance by Warrior Priestesses.
In trance, more is sensed: The continuing search by a focused force of magic.
Aware, they evade detection, and return to the Hall to see the Squire's return.
Hospitality includes describing the traditions of English manor-house murder-
mysteries. After dinner, Captain Smythe semi-privately talks with Amelia,
complementing her tactical skills, and exchanging intelligence and
advice concerning Amelia's attempt to take control of Allworthy
Industries. The next morning Christiana Millwright is also
given advice & good wishes at the airport, where
she will start on her journey to Songmark
Academy on Spontoon Island.

New art posted & re-posted to the May Day page!
Aussie Surfer on the Spontoon Surf page!

31 March 2021
Story chapter links & re-posts today for
"Luck of the Dragon: Breaking the Bank" Chapters 249 & 250,
with the story continuing at Walter D. Reimer's Fur Affinity
webpage (Walt46) (Chapters 251, 252, & 253)

30 March 2021
Art updates today (mostly near the tops of the pages): This page,
Aircraft Bases page, Art page, the Disclaimer page,
the Home page, May Day page, Quotes Basket #2,
and the Story page. Let me know if there are errors or
typographical errors. (My email is below)

6 March 2021
Art by Milton Knight added to this News page.

5 March 2021
An art update and art link fixes on this News page.
Updates are likely to start up again after a 3-year absence, Watch this
space! If you notice any link errors, ancient or current, let me know
at kenfletch'at)comcast.net (substitute @ for 'at))

There are certain to be links lost with all this interval.

In the recent 3 years, there has been some art done, mostly related
to Spontoon Island's Speed Week (air racing & other events), the
post-harvest Pumpkin sacrifices (and pie sharing), and
the May Day celebrations on Spontoon Island.
Those images will be posted here over coming weeks.

Thanks again to those you who have been stopping by this
website, and otherwise supporting the inhabitants of
Spontoon Island. Special thanks to previous contributors,
and special thanks to Giovanna Fregni & Timothy Fay.

If you are interested in contributing or wish more
information about the Spontoon Archepelago,
send an email, or check in at the Spontoon Island
Facebook page.

6 February 2021
Art Basket - Art & culture archives (a directory page of art & text)
Art by Giovanna Fregni added to this page.

Chipmunk carries a pineapple - by Giovanna
Fregni

Chipmunk carries a pineapple - by Giovanna
Fregni

Chipmunk carries a pineapple
on Spontoon Island.
by Giovanna Fregni (March 2018)
Larger file here

21 February 2018
(The Storm Birds) "A Tale of Two Lidos"
by Simon Barber (Continuing the start of the residency of
Amelia Allworthy and her Songmark co-graduates in England:
'31 August 1937'
Miss Millwright joins them in the morning for pre-travel
shopping in Ilkley town. They stop by her home to collect
local area maps, and to say a farewell to Miss Millwright's
family. On departure, they shortly find that their good
deeds of the previous day have indeed published
their location: Their enemies have a surprisingly
observant search! While the small local roads
in the valleys have trees and many small
farm buildings providing cover, their
general route is being anticipated.
The upper slopes of the valleys
are sparser grouse-hunting
land, with less cover. They
will have to prove more
nimble & resourceful.
More stories & serial chapters may be
found on the Story page.

Art by Jerry Collins (with ink & tones by Ken Fletcher)
has been added to the 'Fireworks Stand' page & the
'Spontoon Regional Clothing' page. The art is also
on display on this News page (up above) & the Story page.
Art can sometimes be tracked in its Lagoon
migrations, via the Art page.

17 January 2018
"The Adventure of the Arrow Poison Frogs"
serial comic strip by Giovanna Fregni,
Pages 8 & 9 have been uploaded
(ending this adventure)
& may be found via the Comics page.
Page 8 is also temporarily up above.

28 December 2017
"The Adventure of the Arrow Poison Frogs"
serial comic strip by Giovanna Fregni,
Pages 6 & 7 have been uploaded
& may be found via the Comics page.
Page 6 is also temporarily up above.

"Luck of the Dragon: Breaking the Bank" by Walter Reimer
(Chapter 250)
Shin files a flight plan at the Eastern Island control tower.
Back at the hangar, Juliana, the new hire, has done her work.
Over lunch Shin shares some of the values of a Songmark
Academy education. Miss Baumgartner visits her doctor.
Shin takes her floatplane (& Juliana) on a check-flight.
Wo Fang meets with the owner of the boxing ring.
Shin has a successful flight, & Juliana shares
some info of her pre-Songmark situation.

(The Storm Birds) "A Tale of Two Lidos"
by Simon Barber (Continuing the start of the residency of
Amelia Allworthy and her Songmark co-graduates in England:
An evening in Soho, and then towards Yorkshire.)
30 August 1937
An indirect approach to Miss Millwright's
home town in Yorkshire. Discussing Furturist Italian
cuisine, and roadside scenery seen. Lunch talking
and lunch eaten. An unfortunate road accident
discovered, Songmark first-aid; police called.
On to Ilkley, where they meet-up with Miss
Millwright at the town lido. They visit her
parents, and answer questions about
Songmark Academy. They will be
driving her to the airport on the
morrow... And perhaps answer
more questions without her
parents around....

21 December 2017
"The Adventure of the Arrow Poison Frogs"
serial comic strip by Giovanna Fregni,
Pages 3, 4, & 5 have been uploaded
& may be found via the Comics page.
Page 3 is also temporarily up above.
Meet the Arrow Poison Frogs!

12 December 2017
(The Storm Birds) "A Tale of Two Lidos"
by Simon Barber (Continuing the start of the residency of
Amelia Allworthy and her Songmark co-graduates in England:
An evening in Soho, and then towards Yorkshire.)
(29 August 1937)
Saturday evening & Sunday: The previous evening in the Soho
district of London, beginning at a coffeehouse. Maria critiques
an Italian-language newspaper of subtle editorial direction.
After: A stroll in Soho - with memories of Spontoon Island.
To a 'grill room' and an excellent dinner. Familiar faces
are seen at the bar, with familiar modus operandi...
Tips about Songmark Academy are traded for
a tour of an after-hours hangout in Soho.
A cautious & respectful time is had by
all. A safe return to the hotel, and a
good sleep. Sunday: A 7-hour
pleasant motoring towards
Yorkshire.

"In a Wine Glass, Darkly" by Richard B. Messer
(Chapter 8)
Rica & Menie begin their new journey. A change of clothes;
a change of scenery; a chain of French agents; a change of smokes;
a linked path of learning for survival. Things that must
be left behind, for safety in moving on.

"Luck of the Dragon: Breaking the Bank" by Walter Reimer
(Chapter 249)
A street meeting on Casino Island, with Runts. Over-extended
family. At the aircraft hangar, with Wo Shin's new hire.
Songmark previews as pay. Views through some
mirrors. Spicy lunch and an appointment.

All stories may also be found via the Story page.

"The Adventure of the Arrow Poison Frogs"
is a serial comic strip by Giovanna Fregni
and it is found via the Comics page
and temporarily up above.

"The Great Pumpkin Battle" story by Jerry Collins
has been moved to the Comics page
and the Pumpkin Sacrifices page.

20 November 2017
"From a Time Before" by Richard Messer
(Chapter 12)
Outside the communications building: Inspiring views;
tremendous changes. Monumental buildings; missing city.
Our archaeologists are becoming very stressed.

"Luck of the Dragon: Breaking the Bank" by Walter Reimer
(Chapter 248)
Wo Shin has a visitor, as she starts aircraft repairs in her hangar.
Rosie makes an appointment. Shin goes to Song Sodas to
check coincidences & references. Xiu & Hao fly their seaplane
to Spontoon Island during the preparations before Speed Week.
Kung Fei-Cui starts work at Meeting Island Hospital.

"In a Wine Glass, Darkly" by Richard B. Messer
(Chapter 7)
Menie has had a communication in a trance: Voice and visions
revealing their active stalking by Nazi agents, and an intervention
by what may be an ally - with disturbing powers. Rica and
their French agent hostess compare info & speculations.
There is a separate offer of comfort & assistance.
All stories may also be found via the Story page.

A background discussion of Spontoonie clothing
(beachwear, informal work clothing, maternal)
has been posted as a link on the Editorial page
and the Regional Clothing page.

Art by Ken Fletcher is now on the Story page
and the 'Pumpkin Sacrifice' page.

A 2-page comic strip by Jerry Collins
(with edits, ink, and color by Ken Fletcher)
is now at the top of the Story page
& on the Comics page.

Another Seaplane design by Yury Milovidov has been
uploaded to this 'News' page, and at the 'Aircraft Bases'
webpage. His earlier flying boat image is now in the
'Visiting Aircraft' page.

Floatplane art ('2:00 a.m. Run') by Jerry Collins
is now on the 'Aircraft Bases' page.
Pumpkin-pie bakers art by Jerry Collins is now on the
'Pumpkin Sacrifice' page.

22 October 2017
Seaplane design art by Yury Milovidov has been uploaded to
the 'Aircraft Bases' webpage, at the header for the 'Visiting Aircraft'
page. I hope to be able to add more examples of his designs from
The Atlantic Republic - a dieselpunk shared story setting from Russia.

"Luck of the Dragon: Breaking the Bank" by Walter Reimer
(Chapter 247)
Shin's Fokker Trimotor is moved into her hangar near the
Eastern Island airstrip. Spontoon Island prepares for
Speed Week. Fang & Shin's short trip to Casino Island
makes for a chance to see an air race entry fly in.
Hao & Xiu are ready to leave Krupmark Island
for the Spontoon Islands. A bet is made. A relative
of the Ni family also arrives on the Spontoon Islands.

"In a Wine Glass, Darkly" by Richard B. Messer
(Chapter 6)
Rica reveals more of the astounding
goals of the Vril Society, and the connection
to secrets already known to the French
mediums. She communicates the Nazi intention
to acquire exotic and strange weapons
for world conquest. There are furtive
movements in the rain outside.

All stories may also be found via the Story page.

Art has flown away to the Air Racing (Speed Week) pages.

27 September 2017
"In a Wine Glass, Darkly" by Richard B. Messer
(Chapter 5)
The evening guests make their entrance, and
dinner is served. After dinner, there is wine and
smoking in the salon. Rica Mader introduces herself &
Minie DuMond to this French circle of investigative
mediums. After a short, surprising summary of the
goals of the Nazi Vril Society, Rica begins to
share her history and qualifications
to share this grim revelation.

(The Storm Birds) "A Tale of Two Lidos"
by Simon Barber (Continuing the start of the residency of
Amelia Allworthy and her Songmark co-graduates in England:
From the coast near Brighton to London.)
(28 August 1937)
Saturday: A farewell...with Letters
of Introduction. A stop in Lewes town, to
pick up the refurbished sporting rifle, and
the re-tuned Bently touring car. A drive to London
to confer with Amelia's lawyers, who show that all is
not well with Allworthy Industries; the managers seem
unworthy of their hire. For the evening, since the
Allworthy townhouse is likely watched, the crew
check into a hotel in Soho district. We are
introduced to the books of W.D. Pontoon.
A cafe dinner is in the offing.

"Luck of the Dragon: Breaking the Bank" by Walter Reimer
(Chapter 246)
An aircraft leaves Krupmark Island. A reply to a message
is prepared on Cranium Island. A Fokker trimotor airplane
lands on Eastern Island. After a customs inspection,
the aircraft delivery is complete.

All stories may also be found via the Story page.

New art is posted on this page, the Story page,
the Speed Week pages, the Informal Spontoonies page,
the Tali Hartoh on the Islands page,
and the O.T. Grey Art Archive.

Speed Week begins! 24-31 August 2017
Contributions of art & text are welcome!
(Contribution information at this webpage)

Speed Week Billboard on
beach - by Warren Hutch

Speed Week billboard on beach - by Warren Hutch
http://www.furaffinity.net/user/warren/ - warrenhutch@yahoo.com

8 August 2017
"Luck of the Dragon: Breaking the Bank" by Walter Reimer
(Chapter 245)
A resulting messenger is also delivered. Discretion may
be rewarded. New ways to design modern boats: Advantages
& disadvantages. Messenger and message are received.
Bureaucrats and a good lawyer. Whiskey and a
Speed Week sporting proposition.

(The Storm Birds) "A Tale of Two Lidos"
by Simon Barber (Continuing the start of the residency of
Amelia Allworthy and her Songmark co-graduates in England:
Day-journeys from their temporary base in Brighton.)
(27 August 1937)
Friday: Amelia & crew realize that they
may be the target of enemies with arcane skills
and vengeful motivation. The incidents with village
populations disappearing before or after the Storm Bird's
arrival have become too many to be coincidence. They
determine to continue to be secretive about their actual
itinerary. Having planned their travels to investigate
the situation at Allworthy Industries headquarters,
the crew relaxes the rest of the day with
the Jenks family, hiking and touring
the countryside near Brighton.
via the Story page.

Art of the Sorensteen Sisters is available via the
Air-Racing Personalities Page.
The flag of the Russian Empire-In-Exile
(Vostok Island) is now also on the Map Page.
A Jerry Collins racing floatplane has made it
back to base at Air Racing Art Archive 3.

27 July 2017
"Blood and Moss" by Walter Reimer
via his Tales From Rain Island page, or the Story page.
In 1938, a scouting party from the Russian Empire-in-Exile (Vostok Island)
is landed in Tillamooka, to gather military intelligence.
Story illustrated by Seth Triggs.

"Luck of the Dragon: Breaking the Bank" by Walter Reimer
(Chapter 244)
A message in code. After a Krupmark Island burial. A Naval Syndicate
section discovers more mysteries. A lawyer who has an unusual requirement.
The Ni family listens to their neighbors, and plans ahead.
via the Story page

SpeedWeek art by Warren Hutch has been reposted to this page.
Flag art by Walter D. Reimer has been added to the Story page.
Careless with firecrackers art has been added to the Art page
and the Fireworks Stand page. The LaFontaine's ale truck
has been added to an ad-art page, via the Art page.
"Dipping her toes in a jungle pool", by Jerry Collins,
has been moved to the 3rd part of his art archive,
and to the page of selected art from 2013.
Moved art can be sometimes tracked from
notations on the Art page.

Hope to see you watching the seaplane races.

Koa-Matu-Auri-Auri (Remover of Obstacles) - by Jerry Collins
A particular shaman, with specific duties. (Larger file here - 1.8 MBytes)
As seen in the Spontoon Island Archipelago.
An ink sketch by Jerry Collins, with some grey tones by Ken Fletcher

5 July 2017
"From a Time Before" by Richard Messer
(Chapter 11)
Continuing into the complex office area, the two archaeologists
begin to wonder about the comfort of this environment,
and the hidden technology of the life support systems.
More wonders await beyond the door at the end of the hall.

"In a Wine Glass, Darkly" by Richard B. Messer
(Chapter 4)
Lunch with their hostess in the conservatory. Conversation
afterwards, over green tea. Their hostess tells of her exotic
background, and of discovering her skills as
a fortune-teller, and of her companions with
similar abilities. Her other occupation
is something of an ironic surprise.
via the Story page

20 June 2017
(The Storm Birds) "A Tale of Two Lidos"
by Simon Barber (Continuing the start of the residency of
Amelia Allworthy and her Songmark co-graduates in England:
Day-journeys from their temporary base in Brighton.)
(26 August 1937)
Thursday: "A day of risks and ruses"...Including shaking
tail away from the Belvia Guest House. Stopping by
the town shops in Lewes: To check on the condition
of some of the portable Allworthy Inheritance, and to
purchase some classy clothes to further camouflage
the party. Lunch at a safe haven. A stealthy trip
to Shoreham to check another traveling asset,
and news misdirecting. and news... ominous.

"In a Wine Glass, Darkly" by Richard B. Messer
(Chapter 3)
Arrival in Strasbourg, capitol of the French province
of Alsace, bordering Germany. An unexpected offer
of hospitality, from a lady of apparent wealth and
dignity. It is immediately accepted. Their
exotic hostess seems well informed
of their connection with
the Vril Society.

"From a Time Before" by Richard Messer
(Chapter 10)
Archaeologists Baxter & Sir Albert continue to use their skills
to explore and extrapolate the uses of those large function rooms
with sparse desks. Deserted, yet with light & working displays.
This place appears very futuristic, yet disconnected
from its setting; reached by an ancient tunnel
excavated on a Pacific island.
via the Story page

New art on this News page by A. E. Karnes. More of their art is also
on the Air Bases, Story, and the Speed Week pages. An enlargement
of Tom Foster's older art is reposted on the Story page. Art by
Jerry Collins (with Ken Fletcher) has migrated to the Informal
Spontoonies page, and to the Jerry Collins Art Archive.
'Pele' Petersen tribute art by R. J. Bartrop is living in a suite in
the Hotel page. Tali & Millie refreshing their hula dancing
(with the assistance of Roy D Pounds III & MMMarmel)
has moved to both the Dancers page & the Comix page.
The Big Octopus (by Ken Fletcher) has migrated
with the parades to May Day.
At some times, migrating art can be followed
by notations on the Art & Culture page.

A Spontoon Island holiday!
12 June - Proclamation Day
The founding of the Rain Coast Republic - 1885
Home of the contract ally and cultural friend of the Spontoon Islands:
The Rain Island Naval Syndicate.

"...the Assembly of the Province of the Rain Coast on this day,
the twelfth day of June in the year of grace 1885,
proclaims the severance of its ties with the Dominion of Canada
and the British Empire and proclaims itself
the Rain Coast Republic."
(Greg Montgomery - A Busy Half-Century: Part One: Proclamation
by Walter D. Reimer)

More history of the Rain Coast Republic:
"A Busy Half-Century"
by Walter D. Reimer

More stories of the Rain Coast

More information on the Rain Island Military Collectives
Including the Army Union & the Rain Island Naval Syndicate

1 June 2017
"From a Time Before" by Richard Messer
(Chapter 9)
Baxter & Sir Albert work together to solve some of the archaeology
puzzles of the ancient communication station. Sir Albert
suggests a further path of action.

(The Storm Birds) "A Tale of Two Lidos"
by Simon Barber (Continuing the start of the residency of
Amelia Allworthy and her Songmark co-graduates in England:
Day-journeys from their temporary base in Brighton.)
(25 August 1937)
Wednesday: A sunny day, with bathing costumes in valises.
By bus, east to Saltdean, sightseeing on the way, to meet Miss Jenks at
the lido (a elegant modern recreation complex for swimming and sunning).
Much seeing and being seen in swimsuits: Lounging & swimming laps.
Miss Jenks arrives to join in, and after lunch, invites them on a walk
to her family's estate a couple of miles away. More talk and views
of how the dorm is situated. A hospitable invitation is made to
the dorm, and accepted. Miss Jinks escorts them on yet
another path to the bus route on the coast road.
"And so to Belvia Guest House beds..."
via the Story page

New art by Roy D. Pounds II, with color by MMMarmel
on this page. New art by Ken Fletcher on the Story page
and on the May Day celebrations page.

1 May 2017
Spontoon Island May Day celebration pages

((Color by
MMMarmel) May Day 1937 Parade: Big Fish - black
& white line art by Ken Fletcher

((Color by
MMMarmel) May Day 1937 Parade: Big Fish - black
& white line art by Ken Fletcher

May Day Parade 1937: The Big Fish (Salmon Float) Color version by MMMarmel.
Ken Fletcher, inked lines. Larger file here (4.8 MBytes)
http://www.furaffinity.net/user/marmelmm/

30 April 2017
"Health Services of the Spontoon Island Atoll"
compiled by Ken Fletcher, E. O. Costello & other contributors
(Extracted from a U.S. Navy publication from 1936.)
via the Story & Editorial pages.

"Luck of the Dragon: Breaking the Bank" by Walter Reimer
(Chapter 243)
Wo Shin meets Solicitor Cruickshank & family. The Ni family on
Krupmark Island heeds an urgent request to send representatives
to a House on the Beach - a journey of witness & obligations.

(The Storm Birds) "A Tale of Two Lidos"
by Simon Barber (Continuing the start of the residency of
Amelia Allworthy and her Songmark co-graduates in England:
Day-journeys from their temporary base in Brighton.)
(22 & 23 August 1937)
Sunday morning services at the Church of England, since
Archbishop Crowley's reforms. After lunch, a picnic trip by train to
the Devil's Dyke. Return, and fishing at the Palace Pier.
Monday: To London by train,
so Amelia may begin to settle into Lady Allworthy's
estate. By taxi to Allworthy's lawyers, where Amelia's identity is
accepted, and she is shown the Allworthy portfolio. By taxi to the
estate's bank, and then a taxi to the sparsely-furnished Allworthy
townhouse for a tour. Another taxi to yet more lawyers, to begin
a defense of Amelia's claim in the judicial system. Back
to Brighton by train. "And so to Belvia Guest House beds..."
(24 August 1937)
Tuesday: Early away from Brighton, by train to London. To the
Allworthy townhouse, where Amelia requests a set of keys. Amelia &
her team begin a quick-fix on a touring car in the garage, and examine
the abandoned townhouse in detail. Fragments & clues about the
Allworthy's departure. Off to lunch with Amelia's brother, at his club.
Gossip about the Allworthys & about current English political culture.
A decision is made to take the touring-car towards Brighton.
A stop is made in the county town of Lewes, where the
car is stashed for repairs and to hide it in reserve (& away
from assassins). They take the train 8 miles to Brighton.
Good news in a letter from Miss Jenks.
"And so to Belvia Guest House beds..."
via the Story page.

New art
on this page by Jerry Collins, R. J. Bartrop, & Ken Fletcher.
New art on the Story page by Jerry Collins.
New art on the Art & Culture page by Jerry Collins.
Art has been redistributed from these same pages, and
sometimes may be tracked via the Art page -
including art by Jim Groat to the Aircraft Bases pages,
R. J. Bartrop art to the Hotel page, and Jerry Collins art
to his 'Round Bay & Harbour pages.

25 January 2017
"Luck of the Dragon: Breaking the Bank" by Walter Reimer
(Chapter 242)
Apologies for the 'dirty'. Following-up at the White House.
Mrs. Wo Shin finds a cicerone on Meeting Island. A night on a lake.
via the Story page.

New art by Jim Groat & Jerry Collins. Jerry's art is on this page.
Jim Groat's seaplane art is on the Story page, and on the
Art page, the Aircraft Bases page, & the Historical Aircraft page.
Art by R.J. Bartrop has moved to the Big Red page & the Art
page. Art by Jerry Collins has moved to the Hotel page, &
the 'Round Bay & Shore' art archive.

17 January 2017
"Luck of the Dragon: Breaking the Bank" by Walter Reimer
(Chapter 241)
Miss Henderson makes an impression. Mister Barbaro makes an impression.
Miss Eileen makes an impression. Her new journey will have reservations.
On Moon Island, Sergeant Brush goes along for a ride. It is a round-trip.
via the Story page.

New art by R. J. Bartrop, Jerry Collins, Giovanna Fregni,
& Ken Fletcher is up on this page and the Story page.
"The Welcoming Singer" by Jerry Collins has
migrated to the Home page, & his
art archive, 'Round Bay & Harbor.
Art has been added to R.J. Bartrop's
Big Red archive page.

"Big Red: Wishes you a
Happy New Year" - Toned pencil sketch by R.J.
Bartrop.

Big Red: Wishes you a Happy New Year!
Toned pencil sketch by R. J. Bartrop - January 2017 - Larger file here (609 Bytes)
Big Red page (background information) - http://rjbartrop.deviantart.com/

21 December 2016
"The RED DORM: Red Alert" by Simon Barber
The Reality of Gunboat Island, Kanim Atoll, Spontoon Archipelago.

"Luck of the Dragon: Breaking the Bank" by Walter Reimer
(Chapter 240)
A private phone call in Chicago. A late-night snack & entertainments
on Meeting Island. Almost a breakfast in bed.
via the Story page.

New art by Jerry Collins, on this page and on the Story page.
Art by O.T. Grey redistributed to his Art Archive and to
the Speed Week Spectators' page. Art by Jerry Collins
is now at the Hotel page, with reposted art by Derek Dasenbrock.
It may be possible to track down moved art via the
Art & Culture page.

26 October 2016
"Luck of the Dragon: Breaking the Bank" by Walter Reimer
(Chapter 239)
A good grade of Fixer is In. A fisherman is back to port & payday.
Passengers on a train to Chicago.
via the Story page.

New art by Jerry Collins & O.T. Grey is on this News page
and the Story page.

12 October 2016
"In a Wine Glass, Darkly" by Richard B. Messer
(Chapter 2)
Visions & views of seven crystals. Patterns & visages.
Breakfast & coming attention. Salt circles in a saucer disc.
"Luck of the Dragon: Breaking the Bank" by Walter Reimer
(Chapter 238)
Paperwork, seaplanes, & business plans. Asking, hearing, & speaking.
A rooster-tail ride. Business travelers take the train.
"From a Time Before" by Richard Messer
(Chapter 8)
Crazy Buck Rogers stuff. Translucent future furniture.
Wiggling fingers. Some forethought & planning.
via the Story page.

Previous featured art on the News & Story pages has
moved to the Speed Week webpages.

25 August 2016
New Speed Week art by Ken Fletcher on the
Speed Week Contents page. Hospitality service workers
'meet & greet' potential clients on a taxi pier.
An InfoCom street worker is there to
provide information & arbitration.

Requesting contributions of art or text (reposts okay)
that will fit within the themes for "Speed Week":
Racing vehicles, pilots, & spectators in the 1930s.
Contributions to be posted beginning 24-31 August.
(Further background details here.)

"Speed Week" notice for 2016 - by Ken
Fletcher

"Speed Week" notice for 2016 - by Ken
Fletcher

Speed Week 2016 - notice & request for art & text contributions.

22 August 2016
New art Speed Week art by Jerry Collins and Ken Fletcher appearing
on this page & the Story page. Other of their works
have been redistributed to the Speed Week page.

There is a new Racing Aircraft Art 5 page
starting to archive at Speed Week.

Their "Moon Priestess" picture has been moved to
the Priestesses page, with additional commentary.

There is now a "Building Sketches" page, that includes notes
on some of the Spontoon architecture styles. Via the Art page.

29 July 2016
"From a Time Before" by Richard Messer
(Chapter 7)
Walking through the black void. Into the domed cylinder.
The Control Room? A loss of control.
via the Story page.

New art by Jerry Collins and Ken Fletcher
appearing on this page & the Story page.

24 June 2016
Some updates on the "Speed Week" contents webpage
and related linked webpages.

16 June 2016
(The Storm Birds) "A Tale of Two Lidos"
by Simon Barber (continuing the journey of Amelia Allworthy
and her Songmark co-graduates towards their life in England.)
(21 August 1937)
Morning after excuses. Out into Brighton to contact contacts.
The life-enhancing benefits of a Spontoon education revealed.
A talk with an Inspector. A short visit to the beach - long enough
for our near-misses. A walk along the sea-cliff trail and up for
a hill-top picnic. Good for clearing the air. Anecdotes of
British law. And so to Belvia Guest House beds....

"Luck of the Dragon: Breaking the Bank" by Walter Reimer
(Chapter 237)
Travel plans and reckonings: A good location for a hotel.
The Captain gives his okay. How to deliver a message.
Walking to The Beach on a sunny day.
via the Story page

9 June 2016
"In a Wine Glass, Darkly" by Richard B. Messer
(Chapter 1)
Arcane companions travel on a German train.

"Luck of the Dragon: Breaking the Bank" by Walter Reimer
(Chapter 235)
Memories of Krupmark Island. Resolutions for today; Plans for tomorrow.
Performance a la odalisque: A New Orleans interview in Saint Paul.
(Chapter 236)
Businesses speculate in honey futures. Waking and communicating.
via the Story page.

The Fireworks Stand page has been enlarged.
Firecracker label art on the Story page has been posted
with permission of the artist, Briano, & the owner,
Reese Dorrycott. (Thank you both!)
Art by Jerry Collins has been redistributed to the
Undersea page, the Ships page, the Airships page
and his Spontoon art archive.

13 April 2016
"Luck of the Dragon: Breaking the Bank" by Walter Reimer
(Chapter 234)
Patient conversations. Faith in connections. Hai Wei goes to work.
An additional Ni family conversation.

(The Storm Birds) "A Tale of Two Lidos"
by Simon Barber (continuing the journey of Amelia Allworthy
and her Songmark co-graduates towards their life in England.)
(20 August 1937)
By seaplane to Shoreham for aircraft maintenance.
To Brighton by car for hotel rooms. A Very Helpful
accommodation bureau. Settling into the Belvia Guest House.
Unexpected visitors.
via the Story page.

New art by Jerry Collins on this page (above),
and on the Story page. Redistributed art from these pages
may be tracked via the Art page.

May Day 37 (with sponsor: Union Maid Beer) -
by Ken Fletcher

1 May is May Day on Rain Island & Spontoon Island! Visit the celebrations on
the May Day pages.

31 March 2016
New art by Jerry Collins on this page (above),
and on the Story page. Redistributed art from these pages
may be tracked via the Art page. Some is now on the
Aircraft bases page & the Seaplane Tender page.

(The Storm Birds) "A Tale of Two Lidos"
by Simon Barber (continuing the journey of Amelia Allworthy
and her Songmark co-graduates towards their life in England.)
(18 August 1937)
Changing oil and checking the mechanical evidence.
Plans made for maintenance on the 2 aircraft, upon
arrival in England. Setting up schedules. The
bright lights of Stromness, seen at a brisk pace.
(19 August 1937)
Sightseeing Great Britain from a Storm Bird's-eye view.
'Lidos' are seen. A stop-off in the Humber Estuary. Some
newspapers report the arrival of the Lady Amelia Allworthy.

"Luck of the Dragon: Breaking the Bank" by Walter Reimer
(Chapter 233)
A diner breakfast, with the Minneapolis newspaper. Food Nostalgia.
A different sort of Party invitation. A necessary 'good translation'.
The well-being of one's subordinates. "Uncle..."
via the Story page.

29 February 2016
"Luck of the Dragon: Breaking the Bank" by Walter Reimer
(Chapter 232)
Party invitations. A walk to the North Coast.
Whispers. Entertainment. Plans. A toast.

(The Storm Birds) "A Tale of Two Lidos" (17 August 1937)
by Simon Barber (continuing the journey of Amelia Allworthy
and her Songmark co-graduates towards their life in England.)
A clear morning and an early start. Stormbird's central
engine will need an overhaul in England. Good flying
to the Faroe Islands. A short stop to refuel,
and continuing the flight to the Orkney Islands.
via the Story page.

Reposted art by Ken Fletcher on this page (above),
and new art by Jerry Collins on the Story page.
Redistributed art by Jerry from these pages may be tracked
via the Art page. Some is now on the Airship section of the
Aircraft bases page & the Undersea page.

18 February 2016
New art by Jerry Collins on this page (above),
and on the Story page. Redistributed art from these pages
may be tracked via the Art page. Some is now on the
Aircraft bases page & the Original design aircraft page.

"From a Time Before" by Richard Messer
(Chapter 6)
Another vision of the city. A fine line. Sweeping into the unknown.

(The Storm Birds) "A Tale of Two Lidos" (16 August 1937)
by Simon Barber (continuing the journey of Amelia Allworthy
and her Songmark co-graduates towards their life in England.)
A Monday morning appreciation of a Songmark Academy
education. Amelia contemplates re-entering English society.
Aircraft are refueled. Rainy sightseeing in the valley of Thingvellir.
Checking the aircraft and weather reports before sleep.
via the Story page.

New art by Jerry Collins on this page (above),
and on the Story page. Redistributed art from these pages
may be tracked via the Art page.

10 February 2016
New art by Jerry Collins on this page (above),
and on the Story page. Redistributed art from these pages
may be tracked via the Art page. Some is via the Tiki
pages, and some is via the Art Studies page and
the Audio History page.

(The Storm Birds) "A Tale of Two Lidos" (15 August 1937)
by Simon Barber (continuing the journey of Amelia Allworthy
and her Songmark co-graduates towards their life in England.)
A quiet Sunday landing in Reykjavik. Meeting the Harbourmaster.
Thoughts on Molly and Miss Cabot. A good hotel, with some
exotic luncheon fare. An extra day planned, with sightseeing.

"Luck of the Dragon: Breaking the Bank" by Walter Reimer
(Chapter 231)
A confidential visit to the family herbalist. Rosie reads a letter,
as clear as milk. Opening the mail in Vladivostok. Controlling
the substance of what cannot be unseen.
via the Story page.

24 January 2016
(The Storm Birds) "A Tale of Two Lidos" (14 August 1937)
by Simon Barber (continuing the journey of Amelia Allworthy
and her Songmark co-graduates towards their life in England.)
A cautious departure from Greenland. A nervous descent through fog.
Hospitality at a settlement on an isolated Iceland fjord.
Fog for an overnight stay. Medicinal brandy is recommended.
via the Story page.

New art by Jerry Collins on this page (above),
and on the Story page. Redistributed art from these pages
may be tracked via the Art page, but the help of a licensed
Spontoonie Guide is recommended. (Some is now in the Art
Archives for MMMarmell's characters, and some is
in R.J.Bartrop's 'Big Red' Archive.)

16 November 2015

South Seas
Sandy by Stuart McCarthy

South Seas Sandy - by Stuart McCarthy

With regret, I must announce the death of one of our contributors,
the artist & writer, Stuart McCarthy of Liverpool, England.
From his Facebook page: <Stuart Mccarthy> (with lower-case c's) -
"Stuart passed away unexpectedly on the afternoon of
Tuesday 10th November 2015 at the age of 38.
Please do not mourn his loss but celebrate his life and
all the things he accomplished in his short time.
Remember his smile, his laugh, his huge heart,
his amazing artwork, and the gentle giant he was...."
(via his sister, Siobhan McCarthy)

A memorial art page for Stuart has been posted,
via the Art page

"The Gaze: The Glass Goose", written & illustrated by Warren Hutch,
is among the novels on the 2014 Recommended Anthropomorphics
list at the Ursa Major Awards website. Voting on nominations will
start in January 2015.

- Finding Adventurous Adventuresses -
As you may have noticed by all the quotes recently, your archivist
is taken with the 1922 young adult novel, The Cruise of the O-Moo
by Roy J. Snell. This intriguing and self-referential story is available
for free download in many text formats from the Gutenberg Project:
- The Cruise of the O-Moo -
(I've read a few of his other novels, and while they can be good
teen adventures (and share authenticity from the author's early life
experiences in Alaska), they don't always show as much of a shared
conspiracy to entertain, as in this early 1920's novel for teen girls.)
"I have it. Three girls living in a yacht in dry dock.
That's an unusual setting. And the unusual incident,
I have that too but I shan't tell it. That's to be the surprise."
(Lucile, in The Cruise of the O-Moo, by Roy J. Snell, 1922 - page 110)

28 November 2014
Stu Shiffman memorial art & story archive linked via Art page.

27 November 2014

Stu Shiffman 1954-2014
The Spontoon Island Althing regrets to announce the death of Stu Shiffman
on 26 November. Stu was an early contributor to the Spontoon Island zine
and to this co-op story archive website. A more complete account of
his life has been written by Mike Glyer, editor of the website, File 770.
There is a memorial webpage for Stu, done for this Spontoon Island
website, that is linked via the Art page.

Mingus Kitzelstein, bar
owner & aviator - Spontoon
Island world - character &
art by Stu Shiffman

Mingus Kitzelstein, bar
owner & aviator - Spontoon
Island world - character &
art by Stu Shiffman

Mingus Kitzelstein ("Gus Kitzel") - (larger file here - 196 Kbytes)
owner of Kit's Bar (Koala, Limberger) & Mingus Air Service
character & art by Stu Shiffman

Jerry Collins has been added to the page of contributing artists
looking for commissions. These artists are in sympathy with
the Spontoon Isalnd setting, and are good at drawing historical
subjects from the early 1900s through 1945.
I'll be updating the artist information.

On the Comic Strips page:
"Stranded Angel" by Swedish artist Fredrik K.T. Andersson
is now re-linked via the Comic Strips page.
(Additional pages of the comic are on Reese Dorrycott's Naorhy archive.
Look for the 'FKTA art archive'.)

On the Recommended Comics page: A link to
"Rudek and the Bear" by Peter Donahue
I'll highly recommend this 'anthro' webcomic. It is set in 1929 on the border
between Poland and Soviet Belarus. Polish border-guards have to deal with
life inside a military organization, smugglers, refugees, bureaucracy, and
boredom. Very well written & drawn. Intriguing characters, with appropriate wit.

For Spontoon Island in October,
there is a collection of art & story linked as 'Halloween Flights'
Contributions are welcome.
Also in October & November, it is the time for 'Pumpkin Sacrifice'.
...And Pie.
Contributions are welcome.

Speed Week begins! 24-31 August 2017 - Contributions of art & text are welcome!
(Contribution information at this webpage)

text divider - The Gaze: The Glass Goose
- by Warren Hutch

"Pessimist's Map
of Spontoon Island" (thumbnail) - by Dennis Clark

Study the "Pessimist's Map of Spontoon Island"
by Dennis Clark, via the Maps page!

12 June - Proclamation Day
The founding of the Rain Coast Republic - 1885
Home of the eventual ally of the Spontoon Islands - The Rain Island Naval Syndicate.
More history of the Rain Coast Republic:
"A Busy Half-Century"
by Walter D. Reimer

More stories of the Rain Coast

More information on the Rain Island Military Collectives

Memorial Day (United States of America)
"Remembrance"
A story from Krupmark Island by Walter D. Reime

May Day is coming!

1 May is May Day on Rain Island & Spontoon Island! Visit the celebrations on
the May Day pages.

Known text 'bugs' with some of the earlier and most recent story chapters
are fixed. This will make reading beginning chapters much more comfortable
for new viewers, and for re-reading. Some of the recent story chapters are
now also fixed. (You may need to 'refresh/reload' pages.)
Please let me know if you find more of the 'black-diamond' bugs
in the texts. Thank you for your patience.
(Ken Fletcher, archiving the Spontoon Island website.)

-Thanks given to the benevolent kami of Seamonkeys-

"In the Time of Oharu: November 1935 to November 1936",
a complete pdf download of the novel by Reese Dorrycott.
This link goes to an info page (on this website) via the Story page.

>> Re-Upload <<
A partial Character Listing from some contributions to the Spontoon setting
has been added as a pdf file at the Spontoon Island website server.
Thanks go to Reese Dorrycott - Ken Fletcher will be editing expansions.
(You will need Adobe Reader software to read pdf files -
the software is a free download at the Adobe website.)
Via the Editorial page.

1 May is May Day on Rain Island & Spontoon Island! Visit the celebrations on
the May Day pages.

Hear two broadcasts from Spontoon Island radio, on the web!
Two of E.O.Costello's radio plays have been re-created as audio performances
and have been broadcast on the KFAI community radio station of Minnesota.
The performances were produced by Jerry Stearns and volunteers from the staff
of KFAI, and were broadcast on Jerry's "Sound Affects" audio theater show.
Thanks to Jerry and the KFAI performers for so skillfully putting these shows on the air.

The first show was on at 9:30pm Central Standard Time, Sunday 17 February:
"Headline Chaser: If You Can't Stand the Heat."
The second show was broadcast at 9:30pm CST, Sunday 24 February:
"Rosie's Place: It's Shot From Guns."

The audio files for these 2 shows have now been posted at
the Great Northern Audio Theatre website, and are free downloads.
http://www.greatnorthernaudio.com/gnrt/spontoon.html

The Spontoon Island Radio webpage
Show scripts & transcripts and background information

18 March 2013
A new link to the "Spontoon Island Writers Guide", (now stored on the
Spontoon Island website server) is on the Editorial page.
Reese Dorrycott, the original compiler and editor,
has requested that Ken Fletcher continue
the editorial work. Information to add
is welcomed from the contributors.

"Reggie meets Marcel Macradon" (from the
story "Gross Misconduct") - Art by Tegerio,
characters by E.O. Costello

"Reggie meets Marcel Macradon" (at the Shepherd's Hotel bar, from the Story "Gross Misconduct"
by E.O. Costello) (Larger file here - 302 KBytes) - Art by Tegerio
http://www.furaffinity.net/user/tegerio/

Ad for Nootnops Red soft drink 'The Sweetest Fruits of
the Islands' - by Warren Hutch

Nootnops Red softdrink ad in the Archipelago - by Warren Hutch
(Larger file here - 820 KBytes)

‎"She opened the doors and gave a sigh of relief. There stood the aeroplane,
solid and secure, and Ray felt that in a few moments she would be dealing with
something that she could understand again."
(The Crash Girl - by Eileen Marsh ,1937 - page 12)

Quotes Basket

I regret to announce the death of John Speidel (1959-2012)
(a link to abbreviated memorial comments)

"Yes, we have no coco-nuts, We have no coco-nuts today!..."

Island 21 of 400 Keys Atoll, Spontoon Archipelago

"Island 21, 400 Keys Atoll, Spontoon Archipelago" by Ken Fletcher
http://www.furaffinity.net/user/heywulf/

14 March 2011
Ursa Major Awards nominations!
The Ursa Major Awards (The Annual Anthropomorphic Literature & Arts Award)
are popularity awards, voted on by fans.
Anyone can nominate entries; anyone can vote.
Voting is done on-line with an email ballot, and will be going on through about April of each year.
Once you are at the ballot page, there are links to more information about the nominees.
Winners will be announced later in the Summer at a regional fan convention.

14 February 2011
I would like to recommend a free text story download via the Fur Affinity (FA) web archive.
(It is a pdf file, that may be found on a Fur Affinity contribution page
and opened via the free software, "Adobe Reader".)
Link to "Maude" is here:
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/5256804

The story is a romantic adventure set in the world of early 1930s air-racing in the USA.
Written by 'Vixyyfox', well-illustrated by 'Pan Hesekiel Shiroi' (also on FA)
and also has music and sound files from members of a team of 9 creative
FA furryfans. (More credits & notes are at the linked webpage on FA.)

"Maude - a love story"
"'Maude' is the story of a vixen flier and her Gee Bee R1 aircraft.
It is also a love story like no other you will have read.

"In 1931, at the National Air Races in Cleveland, Ohio, a group of specially designed
racing aircraft took to the air to fly around a set course in an open display of tenacity and courage.
The pilots, all hailed as heroes of these 'modern' inventions, battled for space
in what was one of the most dangerous sports ever conceived - pylon racing.
Amidst the noise of seven powerful engines, belching smoke and flames
from their exhaust stacks, only one could be crowned the victor."

I believe many of you visiting the Spontoon Archipelago will find this story well worth
the reading (and listening!). I find it much like reading a good 1930s movie. 8)
Ken Fletcher ("Heywulf" on Fur Affinity)

10 February 2011
--o0o--
I regret to announce the death of J.P.Morgan, artist & writer,
and occasional contributor to these Spontoon Island pages.
He was born in 1957, and died 30 December 2010
at his home in Keansburg, New Jersey.
He was the writer and artist of the ironic, satirical,
cynical, & political comic strip character,
"Fission Chicken" http://www.fissionchicken.com/
There will be a memorial webpage here on the website, via the Art page,
collecting some samples of his Spontoon Island contributions.
Obituary page from the Asbury Park Press is here.
(Thanks to Mitch Marmel & the artist 'DAQ' for the links.)
--o0o--

Announcing a forum: 'Spicy Spontoon'
Speculation on Spicy Spontoon Stories and 1930s fantasies.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Spicy_Spontoon/
An over-18 Yahoo Group moderated by Mitch Marmel

Thanks go to Moses Lambert for his email and suggestions,
which include adding links to stories directly from this list of new uploads..
That reminds me to thank Jonathan Nicholls for his emailed
comments and suggestions, which were also much appreciated.

This website (among several others) has been given the

Golden Mimeograph Award
by the folks at http://www.naorhy.com

"Spontoon Postcards" wanted!
Postcard illos shared from visitors and tourists
to the Spontoon Archipelago are welcome! If you send them,
they may be posted to the "Visitors & Tourists" page.
Illos (.gif) under 400k and fitting the 1920 to 1950
time period are the most welcome.
Do show your own characters, shareware characters,
or public domain characters having some PG-13 fun.

NOTICE:
Corporate trademark characters are unlikely to be seen here.
They have their own trademark protected vacation islands to visit,
and are likely to only send copyrighted vacation postcards to
their corporate legal staff.

January-December 2007
(Fifty-seven baskets of updates in 2007)

January-December 2006
(Seventy-two baskets of updates in 2006)