100 years ago this week (1917)

“The repairs to Union dock made necessary by the terrific smash of the Sol Duc into the structure some days ago, have been almost completed by the crew and driver of the Port Townsend Piledriving Co.”

“Howard Bill has purchased a new car – the reliable Ford. Others have ordered in for cars not yet arrived, and Alfred Van Trojen has a new Chevrolet. It is a dandy.”

Advertisement: “Commencing November 1st, we will begin the making of War Bread. This bread will be palatable and wholesome and will be sold for 5 cents, with the same weight of the present 10 cent loaf. We cannot recommend this bread too strongly to our customers. Sorge’s Bakery.”

Advertisement by the Puget Mill Company: “Port Ludlow is a favorite Tourist resort as we have a modern Hotel to cater to the wants of all. At the delicatessen, in the basement of the hotel, lunches can be had at most any time, including hot coffee, etc. Sofe drinks and the finest ice cream served summer and winter. Seasonable fruits to be had. With the coming of good roads this clean and pretty place should not be overlooked by the Georgian circuit.”

60 years ago this week (1957)

“Puget Sound Power & Light Co. Tuesday night presented to Port Townsend and Jefferson County the completed Manual of Facts for Industrial Development which had been compiled during the past eight months.”

“For the first time in 14 months, the Jefferson County jail was unoccupied this week. But it didn’t last long. After three lonely days, it had new customers.”

“As part of its modernization program, the Port Townsend Post Office has installed a conveniently located drive-in mailbox to receive patrons’ outgoing mail.” It’s located on the back porch at the Harrison Street entrance.

Leader want ads get results: Frank Walters reports that he sold 150 live hens, at 80 cents apiece, in the first two days after his ad appeared.

“Sixteen Washington counties, including Jefferson and Clallam, were Friday added to the list of those from which Soviet travelers are barred. All other parts of the state had previously been closed. The State Department said the action was in retaliation for Soviet action Aug. 28 that closed about one-third of Russia to U.S. travelers.”

Thanksgiving meal prices at Safeway include: 12- to 20-pound turkey for 39 cents a pound; 20- to 24-pound turkey for 35 cents a pound; smoked ham for 49 cents a pound; cranberry sauce is 33 cents for two 16-ounce cans; Mrs. Wright’s unsliced stuffing bread is 30 cents; and mincemeat is 35 cents for a 28-ounce jar.

30 years ago this week (1987)

The Port Townsend and Hadlock food banks serve 500 families a month. The Quilcene food bank serves 300 families a month, and the food bank in Brinnon serves 100 families a month.

The prolonged drought conditions in western Washington are noticeable in Port Townsend. “At its lowest level in modern memory, perhaps ever, is the Spring Valley pond at the northern end of Port Townsend’s municipal golf course.”

Chimacum High School wins the West Central District volleyball championship, and coach Dan Dittmer is chosen as league coach of the year. Port Townsend is second to Chimacum at district.

Hired for nonspeaking roles in “The Caine Mutiny Court Martial,” being filmed at Fort Worden State Park, are Chris Hawley, Rhonda Rutter, Jerry Busic, Bill Ransom, David Miller, Dan Harpole, Mark Welch, Darrin Jensen, Michael Martin, Nick and Lue Slagle, Timothy Jones and Joe Euro. Dick Kint, retired U.S. Navy, is technical adviser.

These “Looking Back” news items are gathered from the Leader newspapers on file at the Jefferson County Historical Society Museum and Research Center. Contact the center by calling 379-6673.