This month's Downtown Spotlight is on the Poulsbo Historical Society
“If you would understand anything, observe its beginning and its development.” Aristotle
As human beings we make and try to understand history. It gives us a sense of preservation, of nurture and expansion of the dreams of others. And really, that’s what our current downtown businesses accomplish; they build their dreams in the homes our founding fathers and entrepreneurs.
If you look at pictures from Poulsbo at the start or in middle of the last century, you’ll see the same buildings, curve of the street, and views. There is erosion of the banks, but the water is still here that brought in the popular mosquito fleet Hyak and fishing fleets. The sounds of the cars are different, but the chatter of people, the birds, or the water ebbing and flowing is the same.
If any of you have followed my column, you know a bit of the history of Poulsbo already, the facts and dates. But, Karl Popper described history this way:
“There is no history of mankind, there is only an indefinite number of histories of all kinds of aspects of human life.”
In reality, the history of Poulsbo is the story of the people who started, lived and still do live here - the individual stories that form some sort of a whole, although never complete. Poulsbo Historical Society maintains and researches our city’s history. They exist in a small office in city hall, and care for the photographs, oral histories, and artifacts of our town’s story.
When you visit downtown Poulsbo this summer, you’ll see store fronts with displays of Poulsbo’s history. The Historical Society put them together and especially, Erica Varga. I sat down with Erica to talk about what’s happening in Poulsbo this year and why there is an emphasis on history.
Poulsbo incorporated as a city in 1908, which makes this year our centennial. During the summer and throughout fall and winter, Downtown Poulsbo will host different multi-media events highlighting our colored past, our “silken slippers going downstairs and wooden shoes coming up” (Voltaire)
There is also a new book of Poulsbo’s history in the works and up for pre-sale. In 1986 a beloved history teacher, Rangvald Kvelstad, wrote a book about Poulsbo’s history. That book is now out of print and still in demand. Soon Hood, the owner of The Book Stop whom some of you will remember from last month’s column, gets requests for the book on a regular basis. This set her to thinking, and she got together with Erica Varga and they are working on the new book, with the monies fronted by Soon.
Judy Driscol, a local writer, is writing the text for this book that Erica described as a new creation rather than a re-telling of the well made 1986 book. Mr. Kvelstad didn’t have access to scanners. Erica does, and the new book will have a more stylish, coffee table book feel, while still containing a wealth of information.
The book will retail for $75.00 when it’s printed and sold in 2009. However, you can pre-order the book for $65.00 at The Book Stop. They will also create and sell a limited number of leather bound editions for $150.00. Although Soon is providing the upfront funding, all of the proceeds will go towards a history museum.
The museum will be interactive and fun. It will provide education for our local schools and anyone visiting our town. It will be a permanent place where we can display our city foundations and structure. A place where we can display what Mark Twain said, “The past does not repeat itself, but it rhymes.”
Hopefully, you will enjoy your visit to Poulsbo. Do take time to read the history in the store fronts and to join in on our celebrations and history events. We still love our celebrations in this town.
For a little more information about Poulsbo’s history visit http://poulsbo.net/heritage/ or http://web.mac.com/poulsbohistory/PHS/Home.html. Of course, for specific event dates and times read further down in this column and check back on the first of August for a new column.
Weekly Events
Mondays
There is a writing workshop at The Poulsbohemian Coffee House. It might be full at the moment, so be sure to call and check for space and further information at 360-779-9199.
Tuesdays
Game Night at The Poulsbohemian Coffee House provides an evening of games for card sharks, Scrabble experts, Trivial Pursuit brains, chess strategists, and game lovers of all types; gallons of coffee will flow, goodies consumed, and terrific conversation, competition and rousing fun to be had for all from 7-8pm. There is a $5 cover charge. For more info call The Poulsbohemian at 360-779-9199.
Liberty Bay Bookstore hosts the Day Time Book Group. They always meet the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. The group chooses a variety of fiction, non-fiction and sometimes classic reads. You don't have to have read the books to come. Just jump in on the discussion. Call for the title of this month’s discussion book - 360-779-5909.
Wednesdays
Liberty Bay Bookstore hosts the Non-Fiction Book Group. This book group is for those who love to read non-fiction. The group meets at 10 a.m. every 3rd Wednesday of the month. Call for current book - 360-779-5909.
On Wednesdays, Sons of Norway invite one and all to attend a Norwegian lunch with sandwiches, desserts, beverages, and sometimes soup. The lunch begins at 11:00am and ends at 2:00pm.
Wednesdays are open-mic music nights at Tizley’s Europub. The mic opens at 8pm and stays open until 11pm, so grab your instrument or your best toe-tapping shoes and head over to Tizley’s. For further information call 360-394-0082.
Sons of Norway hosts Bingo in their Marine Room starting at 6:00pm. Can you imagine hearing your own voice holler out “BINGO!!” and winning the grand prize of $500.00?
On the first and third Wednesdays Heavenly Choices hosts a Reiki Circle. Jessa and Patti, Reiki Masters, welcome all people to their circles (regardless of level). The event is free and starts at 7pm.
Liberty Bay Bookstore hosts the Evening Book Group. The lively discussions begin at 7 p.m (nearly) every third Wednesday. The group doesn't meet every month, so please contact the book store for the group's specific date and book choice.
Thursdays
Liberty Bay Bookstore hosts the Mystery Book Group. Want to branch out into suspense, mystery or thrillers? Come read with us. The group meets on the 4th Thursday of the month at 10 a.m. Call for current book - 360-779-5909.
From 4:00pm to 7:00pm Sip-N-Knitters join up and caffeinate or relax with coffee, tea, and goodies while adding to a scarf which will eventually be twenty-two miles long beating the world record held by some sweet little ol’ Scottish ladies. According to the sign-up sheet, to date, more than 200 men, women, and children have contributed to the effort.
Sons of Norway hosts a gathering of local beginner to master level wood carvers from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. The curious are invited to see what they are up to and to appreciate their craft.
Magnolia Tree House hosts a musician’s jam. Fantastic local musicians gather and entertain while attendees enjoy meeting, mingling, conversation, and delicious drinks. There is no cover charge.
On the third Thursday of each month Heavenly Choices hosts a Spiritual Discussion Group. Cindy keeps the group running with the topics participants select. There isn't any cost for the event, which goes from 6:30- 8pm.
Fridays
“Reel Time Fiddle Tune Jam” takes place at The Poulsbohemian Coffee House every second Friday from 7:00-10:00pm. Join in and play your favorite reels, jigs, waltzes, polkas, and take a cheap trip ($2.00 cover charge) to Cape Breton, Quebec, New England, and abroad. Folks who can hold a stick, pick, pluck, or squeeze are welcome. For further info please call Jane Landstra at 360-697-6192.
Tizley’s Europub presents Rick May and Gil Yslas with the occasional guest player. This group is the perfect backdrop for a delicious dinner, desert, and a large variety of spirits. For further information call 360-394-0082.
Liberty Bay Bookstore hosts the Joy Luck Book Group on Fridays, starting at 11:00am. If it fits your schedule please join them. The group consistently chooses great reads and does great research, too. The February discussion will be about "A House for Mr. Biswas" by V.S. Naipaul.
Saturdays
Dancing Paint Brush hosts three different workshops from 10:00am until Noon. Each class is $75 which includes the $40 non-refundable deposit, materials, studio time, instruction, and firing. The Metal Clay Basics class teaches you how to make your own silver jewelry out of Metal Clay; in this fun class, artists twelve and up will learn to manipulate, dry, sand, and finish their pieces. Or artists twelve and up are invited to learn the basics of using frit, stringers & other techniques in the Fused Glass Workshop by creating a 7” plate. And artists of all ages are welcome to attend the Clay Handbuilding Workshop; in the workshop you will learn to slab and throw your own clay. Call Dancing Paint Brush today to sign-up for the class of your choice 360-598-3800.
  
Magnolia Tree House hosts live music every Saturday night - professional acts and no cover. Enjoy the wonderfully moody and intimate setting. Call today to get details about featured artists. 360-697-1447
Tizley’s Europub features live music on Saturday nights. The pub boasts excellent spirits and an excellent selection of wine, beers, deserts, and meals. Start times vary slightly and artists vary, so give them a call at 360-394-0082 for specific dates, start times, and artist information.
Events By Day
Thursday, July 3rd
Fireworks On the Fjord"! Poulsbo hosts its 3rd of July celebration at Liberty Bay Park in Downtown Poulsbo. Bring the family, spend the day with food, fun and Fireworks from 12pm to 11pm. Throughout the day a variety of entertainers will perform in the Waterfront Pavilion and there will be food and tickets to the rides for sale. The evening fireworks will light up Liberty Bay bursting with a colorful display for all to enjoy. Admission and parking are free, you’ll want to bring your own seating (blankets, chairs, etc.).
Tuesday, July 8th
All through the summer, starting at 6:30pm on Tuesday nights, the City of Poulsbo Parks and Recreation, will host “Summer Nights at the Bay”, an outdoor concert series. This week, Lee Pence Trio will bring modern, instrumental sounds to jazz and Motown classics. The concerts will be held in the Pavilion at Liberty Bay Park. Admission and parking are free, you’ll want to bring your own seating (blankets, chairs, etc.). For more information call 360-779-9898.
Friday, July 11th
Tizley’s Europub hosts an evening of folk with Bill Isles, a Minnesota folk duo from 8pm to 10pm. All ages are welcome. There is no cover. Call 360-394-0080 for more information.
Saturday, July 12th
Heavenly Choices hosts their fifth Summer Psychic Fair at their store in Downtown Poulsbo. The fair will host great readers, henna artists, massage, and sales from 10:30am to 6:00pm. This is fun for al ages. For more information call 360-697-6765.
Tuesday, July 15th
All through the summer, starting at 6:30pm on Tuesday nights, the City of Poulsbo Parks and Recreation, will host “Summer Nights at the Bay”, an outdoor concert series. This week, One Shot Molly will entertain us with a tight blend of rock, rhythm and blues, with a bit of country and reggae. The concerts will be held in the Pavilion at Liberty Bay Park. Admission and parking are free, you’ll want to bring your own seating (blankets, chairs, etc.). For more information call 360-779-9898.
Sunday, July 20th
The Jewel Box Theatre's new reading series focuses mainly on contemporary poetry, the Jewel Box Poets Sunday Reading Series features two regional poets each month. Hosted by local poet Jenifer Lawrence, the series is upbeat, energetic and entertaining. The readings begin at 3:00pm and are free to the public; all donations support the Jewel Box Theatre productions.
Tuesday, July 22nd
All through the summer, starting at 6:30pm on Tuesday nights, the City of Poulsbo Parks and Recreation, will host “Summer Nights at the Bay”, an outdoor concert series. This week, Trombanga, which means heavy trombones, will blow out some latin jazz with their fantastic rhythm section and horns. The concerts will be held in the Pavilion at Liberty Bay Park. Admission and parking are free, you’ll want to bring your own seating (blankets, chairs, etc.). For more information call 360-779-9898.
Tuesday, July 29th
All through the summer, starting at 6:30pm on Tuesday nights, the City of Poulsbo Parks and Recreation, will host “Summer Nights at the Bay”, an outdoor concert series. This week, Blues Counselors, a group of seasoned Pacific Northwest musicians, perform a tasty mix of danceable blues and R&B. The concerts will be held in the Pavilion at Liberty Bay Park. Admission and parking are free, you’ll want to bring your own seating (blankets, chairs, etc.) and dance shoes. For more information call 360-779-9898.
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