The transformative and healing power of stories shared, even between so-called strangers is undeniable. Through journal entries written inside the Kindred Spirit notebooks a common thread recognizable as human is revealed.

Inspired by the original Kindred Spirit Mailbox of Bird Island, North Carolina, which I learned about while working on the Fabulous Mailboxes book, I approached the Bainbridge Park District in 2022 about the possibility of hosting a similar mailbox in one of the island’s many beautiful parks. Seven months later, on May 16, 2023, Kindred Spirit Bainbridge was installed in Upper Fort Ward Park!

Nestled in a quiet woodland clearing overlooking Rich Passage, the Bainbridge Island Kindred Spirit Mailbox and two adjacent benches provide a peaceful setting for contemplation. Here you may read journal entries of others and or write your own - a Kindred Kids mailbox provides separate journals, crayons and markers. Both mailboxes are set in a metal tree-of-life sculpture designed and created by local artist Dick Strom.

Taking a cue from the Bird Island Kindred Spirit whose journals are archived at UNC Wilmington, I asked the Bainbridge Historical Museum to archive the filled journals for safekeeping and to make them publicly available for reading. Understanding the importance of preserving stories and cultural touchstones, they’re honored to care for the journals.

As stewards of the journals, Bainbridge Historical Museum proudly hosts a Kindred Spirit Outpost mailbox on museum grounds in walkable downtown Winslow. In collaboration with the museum and Dick Strom the outpost mailbox was designed, created and sited adjacent to the museum’s retort from the Pacific Creosote Factory, which is coincidentally where Mr. Strom worked for a time as a younger man. The Outpost Mailbox at the Museum offers an accessible alternative to the Fort Ward Park Kindred Spirit for walk-on ferry passengers day tripping on Bainbridge Island and for those with physical limitations.