120 years ago (1894)

“Professor Sutherland, the magnetic healer who is now stopping at the Central Hotel, Room 6, is very highly recommended by the press of this state for his ability as a clairvoyant and magnetic healer. His charges are very reasonable; call and see him.”

50 years ago (1964)

Members of the San Juan Motorcycle Club pose with the trophy they won during the American Automobile Association Tour to Wallowa, Oregon. Pictured are Bob Farr, Pat Romberg, Chuck Romberg, and Mary Lou and Chuck Hansen.

Commercial clam digging in Discovery Bay is closed due to the toxicity levels. The Olympic District health officer strongly recommends that private households avoid digging clams in Discovery Bay and the area west of there.

“Chimacum Valley News: Laurie and Sherrie Schauer spent the weekend with their aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Prestwood, and boys, of Quilcene.”

Bob Allan, 14-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Allan, and Fred Kanaar, 9-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. John Kanaar, each tie with a 14-pound salmon to share the Port Townsend Salmon Club’s Junior Derby. Marilou Riecke, 10-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James M. Riecke, wins the girls’ division with a 9-pound salmon. Each of the three winners received a new bicycle and $5.

Advertisement: “See it to believe it! Drive out today. Cape George Colony. Port Townsend district residents are especially invited to drop out and see the fine homesites, ideal for retirement or leisure investment.”

20 years ago (1994)

More than $8,500 was raised during the one-hour United Good Neighbors fundraising campaign kick-off event toward a goal of $155,000.

Russell Means, a noted Native American “revolutionary and radical, and I’m proud of it,” and noted motion picture actor, visits Port Townsend. Among the opinions he shared in a public talk and private interview: He is OK with a sports team name like Indians, but not Redskins. “Those Indians who believe Redskins is an honor also believe it’s OK to be a reservation beggar.”

Lee Williamson edges Alvin Ackerman in the ax-throwing competition at Saturday’s Quilcene Fair. Don Newman, Patty Handly, Dave Newman and Bill Auvil win the crosscut-saw relay team event.

The City of Port Townsend agrees to pay for operation of the swimming pool starting in 1995. Jefferson County Parks and Recreation spent $26,000 to operate the pool in 1994, but the county no longer intends to do so.

“The third cougar in less than a month to prowl into human territory was killed Sept. 8 after attacking a Discovery Bay family's domestic house cat.”

(Source: Leader Collection; and Jefferson County Historical Society Museum and Research Center, 379-6673)