The following short items have been culled from the archives of The Leader and the University of Washington library. Text and style appear verbatim for original printing including any errors.

Jan. 1, 1920

Year 1919 Now But A Memory

Usual Amount of Noise Marked Advent of 1920

Old-Time Enthusiasm Lacking — Coming Year Holds Out Considerable Promise for This Section

The sounding of whistles, honking of automobile horns and kindred noises at a few seconds past the stroke of 12 last night gave formal notice that 1919 is but a memory. The birth of the new year was somewhat of a passionless affair in Port Townsend, compared to similar events in the past, the marking of the end of the old order of things having seemingly resulted in the great bulk of citizens retiring serenely to slumber early in the evening, without a thought or care of the husky young infant in the form of the Year 1920 who put in his appearance one second after midnight.

A few enthusiasts in the business section did their best for a few minutes to inject an old-time air into the proceedings, but the handicap proved too great and the noise seeped away after a few minutes of revelry. On the hilltop watch meetings were held at different places, while the dancing contingent ended the old year in proper fashion.

The holiday will be observed in customary fashion in Port Townsend, with all public offices and the great majority of business establishments closed tight for the day. Feasting will be rather more limited than on the great day of a week ago while the average citizen will utilize the 24 hours for a well-earned rest.

The year 1919 was not particularly kindly to this part of the world, although some satisfaction can be drawn from a reflection that it was no worse. A start was made in the proper direction, through the establishment of a fine little industry which will be of great benefit in developing the soil possibilities of Jefferson County, and much preliminary work has been done on the loganberry industry, which is expected to show to a marked degree during the coming year period this work proves that the past year was one likely to be fraught with much significance to Port Townsend, and makes a creditable showing for the public spirit and enterprise of its citizens.

The year 1920 can be looked forward to with considerable expectation.

Dec. 26, 2014

Elevated Ice Cream Co. expects to have fresh ice cream available on Saturday. The Port Townsend company threw away 1,300 pounds of ice cream earlier this week after Snoqualmie Ice Cream Inc., which supplies Elevated with ice cream mix, voluntarily recalled products after concerns of a listeria outbreak.

Elevated co-owner Julie McCulloch said on Friday morning that Elevated will be using ice cream mix from Olympic Mountain Ice Cream while Snoqualmie Ice Cream gets cleared to resume its dairy operation.

“We have no reason to believe there is any contamination in our supply, but we do want to make sure everyone realizes that they should not eat it, quote McCulloch said. She said Elevated’s last batch of mix from Snoqualmie was dated Nov. 4.

Dec. 31, 2019

Don’s Pharmacy old favorite

The workers at Don’s Pharmacy and Soda Fountain aren’t afraid to share the secret to their tasty milkshakes, voted best in Port Townsend. “We use hard ice cream,” said Gina Landon, who works at Don’s. “We do it the old-fashioned way.” Real ice cream, a touch of extra flavoring, a dollop of whipped cream and there you have it: the Reader’s Choice contest’s best milkshake.

Missing man’s body recovered on North Beach

A 41-year-old Port Townsend man reported missing by his wife the evening of Dec. 28th was found dead on Dec. 29th on the 300-foot beachside cliffs off Elmira Rd. after a citizen spotted the body from above and guided search teams to it. Because of the rising tide and rough uphill terrain, rescue crews had to float the body of Warren Shelley-Rose on a raft to a rescue boat for removal at this point there are no indications of foul play, Port Townsend Police Chief Mike Evans said, but the investigation is ongoing.

Dec. 31, 2020

Rotarians make holidays bright for JeffCo seniors

Secret Santa strikes again! The Rotary Club of Port Townsend provided more than 30 gifts this Christmas to seniors in the community. The club has been giving holiday gifts to seniors for the past six years, but the Rotary faced new challenges this year that it hasn’t had in the past. Still, the club wanted to do something for seniors. Working with the local nursing home, Rotarians were able to be part of their Secret Santa program. Gifts went to seniors who have no family in the area and normally would not receive a gift for Christmas.

— Compiled by Deborah Hayes