100 years ago this week (1917)

Good ticket sales are reported for the local Chautauqua, but a new site for the big tent is needed. The site used last year at Lawrence and Harrison streets is under cultivation this year. A site on Pierce Street, between Clay and Franklin, is favored.

“The Port Discovery Trading Co. entertained their friends the evening of the Fourth of July with a display of fireworks, which was appreciated by all present. Carl Anderson, while lighting a large firecracker, had the misfortune to have it go off in his face, burning his face and eyes but not seriously as it might have been, but Carl thinks it was bad enough.”

“Silas Maple and Gus Hansen, two well known residents of Quilcene, on Monday started work clearing the trail to the Tubal Cain Mine in anticipation of the arrival of a party of mining men, who are expected to be here in about 10 days to inspect the property.”

60 years ago this week (1957)

Jefferson County’s valuation for taxing purposes, which has increased steadily through the years, will be more than $12 million for 1958.

A neglected beach fire is believed to be the cause of a blaze which “swept through the creosoted pilings” of the railroad Y terminal, burning a large section of the trestle and five railroad cars. “It’s the most damaging fire of any kind in this area in recent years.” The tug Diamond Z and a U.S. Coast Guard vessel are used in the firefighting efforts. Damage is estimated at $100,000.

The 83-foot U.S. Coast Guard patrol boat C 83453 has one of its busiest periods of recent years with a dozen operations, including a halibut schooner aground between Point Wilson and Middle Point, a 32-foot cruiser adrift at Lagoon Point and a fire off the shoreline.

Two hundred people apply for jobs at Fort Worden, where the Department of State Institutions is establishing a new facility. The immediate need is for people with repair and maintenance experience.

35 years ago this week (1982)

“John Pickett’s restored Bishop Block Building is now open for business to those who want to stay in the rooms he’s had furnished as Victorian Guest Suites.” The building’s upper stories, which had been apartments, have now been converted into 13 guest suites. Bill Sperry of Starrett House Antiques came up with the room furnishings.

The Jefferson County Library moves from a 1,000-square-foot portable classroom at the Chimacum School campus to the 2,000-square-foot Cotton Building at 801 Cedar St. in Port Hadlock. The 10,000 books and 2,000 other publications are being set up in the temporary home, while planning continues for construction of an actual library building.

U.S. Congressman Al Swift takes a special trip in two passenger cars from Port Angeles to Port Townsend, due to his request that the Interstate Commerce Commission give the Seattle and North Coast Railroad more time to pay off its debt and keep the Olympic Peninsula route operating.

(Sources: Leader Collection; Jefferson County Historical Society Museum and Research Center, 13692 Airport Cutoff Road, Port Townsend; Jefferson County Historical Society, 379-6673)