F.J."Pard" Cummings operated a ferry in 1891 at the present site of Okanogan, then called Alma
Alma was originally located on the present day site of Okanogan. It was renamed Pogue on September 16, 1905. The town was platted August 20, 1904. Alma had a post office that was established May 26, 1888.
Frank J. Cummings, a local merchant and ferryman, also known as "Pard" because he addressed everyone as "Pard." In 1891, during an Indian scare, a local defensive organization passed a resolution urging Cummings not to sell ammunition to the Indians.
