Sandra White: Washington: Port Townsend

Port Townsend Paper Mill

                                                                       Started in 1928 by Crown Zellerbach, the mill was a boon to a sagging economy and a welcome addition to the area as the largest employer in Jefferson County.  Still a regular   topic of conversation due to the key waterfront parcel it occupies, the plume of (what is that white stuff?) and occasional strong smell. 

 One big boon to the city of Port Townsend  was a large and reliable supply of water piped, over 30 miles from the Big Quilcene River.  It  still the largest employer in Jefferson County but that has gone from a high in 1955 of 850, to less than 300 at present, turning out 325,000 tons of unbleached paper and cardboard every year.  Ownership and management has changed hands several times over the years, and during the past 10 years the bag department has closed and the future has seemed less predictable. 

 Some residents are dreaming of the first class destination resort that could go in that lovely waterfront acreage, and others fear the loss of the jobs, and time it would take to put something in it's place.   Only time will tell!

      Located in Glen Cove on Mill Rd. 

  Port Townsend Neighborhoods  Part 7

   Quilcene, WA                                                                             Quilcene is a small community near Port Townsend with the abundant natural beauty of dense forest areas, the Quilcene River, tall mountains and beautiful small harbors and beaches. 

 There are many historic photos of logging tall trees, families picnicking on the beaches, and my favorite historic spot, Linger Longer Lodge, which burned to the ground on Halloween night in 1959.

 Today, there is very little commercial activity, but a wonderful place to live with acreage and space.  The photo shows the main intersection of town, with one small grocery store, a gas station and 3 or 4 restaurants.  Down the road a bit there is a church, a campground and forest ranger station where you can get maps of the wonderful hiking and camping areas.  Home prices in this area are a real value. $100K up.

Quilcene Main intersection

A great way to stay in Port Townsend is to rent a cottage. There are over one hundred rental cottages in Port Townsend. Mostof them sleep four or more guests and have all the comfort and amenities of being at home. Unpack just once and set up your office, kitchen and living area as though you were at home.

With easy parking for many cars and close proximity to historic Fort Worden, the Birdnest Cottageshown above is a favorite destination for travelers needing short or extended stays. The kitchen has absolutely everything a gourmet cook would need to feed a large group. There is directv, broadband internet, upgraded furniture and two private outdoor deck with a view of the water and light house.

A smaller property located at F and Cherry Street,  "Almost Uptown Cottage" is adjacent to the Port Townsend Municipal golf course and is convenient for walking almost anywhere in the city. This modern cottage has wood floors, front loading washer and dryer, directv upstairs and downstairs, a high definition dvd player with a widescreen television and a modern kitchen with a glass top stove.

This unit has a private driveway and is secluded from the road. Many designer touches and upgrades make this cottage very comfortable for two to four people.

Port Townsend Gingerbread House Contest

Historic Port Townsend Sites appear in Gingerbread House contest sponsored annually by Aldriches Market in Uptown Port Townsend. 

 The artistic and talented people in Port Townsend turn out with some interesting "Gingerbread Houses" and here are two of my favorites this year.  On display at Aldriches Market throughout the Christmas season, and looking good enough to eat!

Port Townsend Bell Tower

Erected in late 1890's to call the volunteer firemen, and through a bell code, could tell them where to meet.  It was renovated after 2000 with grants and donations totalling over $140,000 and is the last one of it's type left in our country. 

Point Wilson Lighthouse

 The original light dates back to 1879, and is under the control of the US Coast Guard and is occupied by the crew of the  Port Townsend Cutter the Osprey.   The current building was built in 1913, and is no longer needed for navigation, so will be turned over to Fort Worden State Park.

When I moved here 10 years ago, it seems to me Port Townsend  had only one strand of decorations in the downtown area.  Now we have two!  We also have a very beautiful tree (donated by one of our county commisioners from his own yard) at the Haller Fountain which was decorated on a gorgeous sunny morning today.  

Organized annually by Port Townsend's Main Street Organization, the downtown decorations are put up with the help of an entire company from the Jefferson County fire department, several city and park employees as well as a multitude of volunteers.

Financed by private business, the city of Port Townsend year. In previous years his arrival was by tugboat, however his boat sank in Alaska this last year and a more conventional mode of transportation has been chosen.

 The annual tree lighting and christmas festivites marked by Santa's arrival is scheduled Saturday at 4 pm.  There will be caroling, carriage rides and a $1000  sweepstake prize of shopping money for one lucky person.

 To learn more about Port Townsend please visit my website

Uptown Neighborhood

By far the most popular place to call home in Port Townsend due to its great location close to everything, and it's Victorian architecture, preserved since the early 1880's.  Chance and circumstances have saved this wonderful little town from the remodel and tear down of these historic homes and buildings.  From the earliest recession in the 1890's when the planned railroad went to Seattle instead, this shipping port saw many downturns and setbacks which led to unemployment and isolation.

 Today, we still have those issues, but people who can manage to live here enjoy the tradeoff for small town atmosphere, lack of crime and traffic, clean air, charming ambience, and breathtaking scenic beauty.

Uptown is the area on the bluff above the waterfront, a neighborhood preferred by the early families moving to the area to get away from saloons, busy wharf activity, and unsavory characters.  Not much thought was given to ocean views by those building the magnificent Victorians, but I suspect a respite from ocean winds and easy access to stores and shops. 

Homes in the Uptown area have charm in common, and range from small bungalows to large Victorian Mansions and of 4000+ square feet.  Lot sizes range from 5000 to 10000 sq. ft.  Prices range from $239,000 to $1,000,000 +.

The uptown retail area is anchored by the Aldrich's market and has restaurants, shops, theater, and medical offices.  There is a stairway that will take you right down to the main street of town.  This photo was taken at 3:00 in the afternoon on a winter day.                         

Port Townsend Neighborhoods

 Port Townsend is a small town, geographically as well as density of  population.  Situated on the Quimper Peninsula, there is water on three sides, with Admiralty Bay to the East, the Strait of Juan De Fuca to the Nortrh, and Discovery Bay on the west side.  No room for urban sprawl here! There are only 6 or 7 areas that are thought of as distinct neighborhoods, each with it's own abience and characteristics....

•  Bell Neighborhood
• Cape George
• Fort Worden
• Kala Point
• Morgan Hill
• North Beach
• Uptown

Kala Point 

 Just 10 minutes outside of Port Townsend, this lovely planned community has it all...incredible open spaces of tall trees and natural fauna, walking trails, pristine beaches, clubhouse with pool and hot tub, meeting rooms, RV and boat parking area. 

 There is a Home Owners Association with C C & R's and minimal monthly dues.  Kala Point has it's own community well, which serves all homes. 

The 600+ homes have been custom built over the years since the subdivision of the area in the late 70's on 1/3 acre lots, with generous open spaces and common areas in between.  Homes are for the most part Northwest style with natural wood siding and trim, display  a great deal of variety, and are beautifully maintained.  Homes range in size from 1500 sq. feet to 3000+ and range in price from the low $200'000 to an occasional $700,000+ for a special water view property.  You will find some very good values in Kala Point at this time.

There is also an area of condominiums which range in price from low $200's to the high $300's. 

Port Townsend Boating Mishap

High winds and unusual sea conditions prevailed in Port Townsend on Friday morning,  causing this craft to end up  on the beach.  Those aboard were rescued by the Coast Guard as onlookers watched. 

In the far distance is Point Wilson Lighthouse and the Straits of San Juan De Fuca.  Normally a very quiet inlet with no waves, and the biggest threat is usually floating logs.