Working Port: 100 Years of the Port of Port Townsend” is the new book detailing the history of the Port and the marine trades. Its author, former Leader publisher and editor Scott Wilson, will be on hand at the “First Free Saturday” event at downtown Port Townsend’s Jefferson County Museum from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to talk about the book and to sign copies for those who want. Books will be sold at the event by the Historical Society.
The book examines local history, starting before the Port of Port Townsend was established by voters in 1924. Among the Port’s early actions were support of a pulp and paper mill in 1927, a ferry for Marrowstone Island and a small marina for Port Townsend. In the late 1950s and 1960s, the Port vastly expanded its holdings and its scope, including the purchase of Point Hudson, acquisition of the airport and a four-fold expansion of the Boat Haven Marina. The latter led to the birth of the modern marine trades in Port Townsend.
The museum is located in the old City Hall building at 540 Water Street, Port Townsend. Free First Saturday offers free admission, with hours from 11 am to 7 pm. Wilson will be on hand for the first part of the free day. Other museum exhibits include works by Jeanne K. Simmons and Tessa Hulls, along with the museum’s standing historical exhibits. “Working Port” costs $12.95 plus tax. It is also available, anytime, at the Port’s moorage offices at the Boat Haven and Point Hudson, and in addition to retail outlets around Port Townsend.