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Coupeville Historic Waterfront Assoc.

~ Strengthen, promote, and maintain our successful historic downtown district.

Coupeville Historic Waterfront Assoc.

Tag Archives: Port of Coupeville

BIG WIN for WHARF, Whidbey and Island County Washington!

23 Friday Aug 2019

Posted by Admin in Historic Coupeville, Wharf

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09 funds Island County, Central Whidbey, Coupeville Historic Waterfront, Coupeville Port Commissioners, Coupeville Wharf, Coupeville Wharf and Seed Company, Coupeville Wharf History, Deception Pass bridge, Ebey's Landing, Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve, Elmer Calhoun, Fort Casey, Helen Price Johnson, History of Coupeville, Island County Commissioners, Island County Historical Society Archives, Island County Museum Coupeville, Island County Washington, Janet St. Clair, Jill Johnson, National Park Service, obertson's Wharf, Penn Cove Wharf, Port of Coupeville, RCW 43-330-270, Roger Sherman, Rural County Economic Development Program, Salish Sea Penn Cove, Sound Water Stewards, Washington Archives, Washington State Islands, Wharf Coupeville, Whidbey Wharf

It is with great fan fare that we can announced the Port of Coupeville has received their requested Island County grant monies to make structural repairs and improvements to the Coupeville Wharf undercarriage! 

Island County Commissioner’s unanimously approved the Port of Coupeville’s grant application for Rural County Economic Development Program funds to repair 37 pilings, piling caps, and other under carriage needs of the Wharf! To the tune of $870,804.00 this is a huge WIN for the 114 year old Wharf! The Port will put in an additional $96,756 of their budget to further bolster the costs of materials and construction. Win! Win! For Whidbey, Island County and Coupeville!

The Rural County Economic Development Program receives it’s grant funds through sales taxes. The sales taxes used to support this program comes from a rebate back to Island County of the state’s share 6.5% of sales and use taxes authorized by RCW 82.14.370 and therefore does not increase the tax to the consumer. For those who follow or receive our blog but do not know, Island County is made up of Whidbey and Camano Islands. The .09 funds through this program are spread out between our two islands in designated under and pursuant to Washington State RCW 43-330-270.

The permitting process, engineering and construction work will take a min of 2 years, AND THEN the work on the Wharf building itself can take place once the under carriage is secured. NOTE: The Wharf is safe as it is but repairs are needed.

In 1905 local merchants and farmers built the 500 foot high level causeway (“pier” if you will) and Wharf building to accommodate the growth and trade increases of Whidbey. The Wharf is (has been since that time) the center piece of Whidbey AND Coupeville (we’re lucky that way). At 114 years old the Wharf and it’s 500 feet causeway to the building include over 100 pilings and multiple systems (gas, water, elec, waste pumping, fire suppression). THIS approval by the Commissioner’s and additional funds from the Port’s budget begin the next step in maintaining and securing the Wharf for years to come.

Overall this is a fantastic result for one of Whidbey and Washington’s earliest and most iconic structures. Please let Island County Commissioner’s know you appreciate their support and actions for the Coupeville Wharf. YOU can find their emails here.

We have been happy to help the Port through our Pennies for Preservation Wharf funds, brought in by generous citizens and visitors alike. Our Wharf Fund is no where near 100’s of thousands but it is in the 1000’s and our donors are proud to be able to help. We look forward to helping as much as we can in the future! We love Coupeville, our community and our Wharf!

Many THANKS to the Island County Commissioners, the Port of Coupeville Commissioners and Port staff for helping to make Coupeville Wharf dreams come true!!

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WHARF HISTORY

Images Island County Historical Society Archives and Washington State Archives

Before 1905, There were several early wharves at Penn Cove in the latter half of the 1800s that had been built for passenger travel and importing and exporting products between the island and the mainland. The problem with these early wharves was that most could only be used at extreme high tide. Historical records are sketchy, but the following wharfs are known to have existed, including: Robertson’s Wharf, Happy Jack’s, and Pearson Wharf (see #20 NW Front Street).

Activation of Fort Casey in 1901 brought a larger population quickly to Central Whidbey.

1905 – 1905, to accommodate the growth, local merchants and farmers built a 500 foot wharf at the foot of Alexander Street to accommodate the growth of population and commerce. This wharf is the current wharf in Coupeville.

1909-1914 – Elmer Calhoun purchased the Wharf sometime between 1909 and 1914 (sources differ on this point). After purchasing it he added a grain tower to the “L” shaped building. The north side of the building included a waiting room and a rest room “a two holer that flushed with the tide”, for steam boat passengers.

1933 – Elmer Calhoun made major repairs to the Wharf building.

1936 – The Deception Pass Bridge was completed. Consequently, Island Transportation discontinued steamboat service to Seattle in 1936 as the little steamers were no longer cost effective. The last steamer to run the Whidbey Island route was the ALANTA.

Freight boats continued to use the Wharf during harvest season. AND there were FERRIES TOO!

1949 – Dick Hansen purchased the Wharf from Elmer Calhoun for $10,000 and renamed it the “Coupeville Wharf & Seed Company”.

1969 – Larger bin capacity was needed, so an extension was put up through the roof called “the dog house”.

1973 – Coupeville (including the Wharf) designated a National Historic District giving protection to older properties within the historic district’s boundaries.

1978 – Coupeville (and the Wharf) became part of the National Park’s Services Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve, the first historic district of its kind recognized in the United States of America.

1983 – A new rock bulkhead was installed at the head of the pier.

1985 – The grain tower was removed and the causeway was renovated. The east end remodeled for use as a marine store and delicatessen.

1996 – The Wharf was rehabilitated consistent with historical code standards and historical considerations. A concrete fuel dock was added to the wharf and an underground fuel tank was installed at the landward end of the causeway. Three mooring floats were attached to the Wharf for the use of pleasure boats.

1997 – The Port rebuilds the interior of the west wing and includes a large foyer and two rental areas. Wharf foyer includes educational exhibits.

2000 – The WA State Beach Watchers – now called Sound Water Stewards, assembled “Rosie the Whale” from bones savaged from a 33 foot gray whale and it is displayed in the wharf’s foyer.

2001 – Two moorage floats were added and unused dolphins removed. Four mooring buoys were placed in a line west of the Wharf.

2009 – Fuel Dock breaks away after a battering storm. Dock is retrieved. Dock is replaced.

TODAY – The Wharf is afforded the vital dollars through the to make significant repairs to the under carriage thanks to the efforts of the Port Commissioners, the Port staff, and the Island County Commissioners.

Enjoy this wonderful interview with the late GREAT local historian Roger Sherman about the wharf. Length 23 minutes. WE MISS Roger, but always have his interviews, videos and books to learn and love with.

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Find out more about historic Coupeville buildings at our history site.

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More overall Coupeville History

 

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Pennies for Preservation – Coupeville Wharf

30 Saturday Dec 2017

Posted by Coupeville Historic Waterfront Assoc. in Historic Coupeville, Pennies for Preservation, Uncategorized, Wharf

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Coupeville Wharf, Deception Pass bridge, Ebey's Reserve, Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, Historic Coupeville, Library of Congress, Mosquito Fleet, National Main Street Center, National Park Service, Pennies for Preservation Coupeville, Port of Coupeville, Salish Sea, Strait of Juan de Fuca, Washington state Main Street program, Wharf Whidbey, Whidbey Island, Whidbey Island Washington

The Pennies for Preservation Coupeville Wharf Fund did very well in 2017. 

Sincere thanks to the people and companies who gave tax deductible donations to the fund throughout 2017. As Coupeville Wharf stewards you have helped boost the preservation and restoration possibilities of the iconic Coupeville Wharf.

We look forward to a great 2018, with love of preservation for historic Coupeville and our Wharf.

Photo Credit: Whidbey Panorama’s by Denis Hill

Each year the Wharf requires annual maintenance, repairs from storms, and upgrades that are necessary and costly. The annual budget of the Port of Coupeville is stretched each year by any number of repair needs, general maintenance and upgrades. Wharf Fund donations make a vital difference. 

The 110 year old wharf building,  and her 134 pilings is currently in need of piling repairs, piling caps, a fire suppression system, dredging, and a list of misc maintenance, safety and improvement needs, severely stretching the annual budget of the Coupeville Port. 

Make an end of year tax deductible donation today

One of the most photographed and loved historic buildings in Washington, the Coupeville Wharf sits in Penn Cove within the Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve on the central eastern side of Whidbey Island. Flanked by the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Salish Sea Coupeville and the wharf can often be battered by weather.

Photo Credit: Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association

A star of Pacific Northwest history, the entry to the wharf is located at the foot of both Front and North Alexander streets in the historic Coupeville catchment.

The 1905 wharf (Coupeville’s fourth) was built longer and wider than its previous incarnations by a group of local farmers and merchants who wanted to better accommodate their transportation and commerce needs during daily low tides. The wharf extends 500 feet directly into Penn Cove.

Photo Credit: Island County Historical Society Archives and Museum

Above: Roberson Wharf (left) was located next to what is now Toby’s Tavern building. Photo Credit: Island County Historical Society Archives and Museum – Janet Enzmann Archives Collection 

Relying on boats for goods and travel the current Coupeville wharf, and other wharfs no longer standing along the Coupeville shore(pictured above and below), connected central and north Whidbey to Seattle, Everett, and ports beyond. The famous “mosquito fleet” came in and departed from the wharf until 1937 when the Deception Pass bridge was built.

Above: Roberson Wharf Island County Historical Society Archives and Museum – Janet Enzmann Archives Collection 

With views of Mount Baker, the Salish Sea and the Cascade Range, the Wharf is listed within Coupeville’s Historic District (est. 1973) in the United States Library of Congress National Register for Historic Places, and with the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation.

Photo Credit: Craig Sullivan. Facing West from over penn Cove. Coupeville wharf in forground. Image shot over central Whidbey, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, to the Olympic national park range of Mountains 
Photo Credit – Island County Sheriff’s Department.

The Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association is a registered National Main Street and Washington State Main Street not-for-profit. The mission of the Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association is to strengthen, promote and maintain our historic district.

The Pennies for Preservation (P4P) Wharf Fund was created by the Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association, in 2014 as a way for all Whidbey residents, former residents and visitors to support the Coupeville Wharf’s preservation. The Coupeville Chamber of Commerce and Penn Cove Sailing partner with the Historic Waterfront in sharing the program with even wider circles and resources.

Make an end of year Wharf Fund tax deductible donation to the P4P Wharf Fund today

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Visit our Walking Tour page for more about the area surrounding the Wharf

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Visit our Island County 4-H AV Project built history site with an interactive image.

Just click on a building on the interactive image and you’ll be transported through that Coupeville building’s history.  Our thanks to the Island County 4-H Audio Visual project for researching and building the Coupeville History site. 

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Visit the online bookstore of the Island County Historical Society Archives and Museum for a selection of books on Whidbey and Coupeville history. Or visit the store in the museum at 908 Alexander Street, Coupeville. Hours: Monday thru Saturday 10am to 4pm and Sunday’s 11am to 4pm.  

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June 3, 2017 – Coupeville Whale Bell Ceremony

30 Tuesday May 2017

Posted by Coupeville Historic Waterfront Assoc. in Uncategorized

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Tags

Alaskan Cedar, Alaskan yellow cedar, Artist Jim Short, Artist Roger Purdue, Coupeville, Coupeville Chamber of Commerce, Coupeville Front St., Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association, Coupeville history, Coupeville Mayor Molly Hughes, Coupeville Vickie Chambers, Elkhorn Bell theft, Elkhorn Trading, Historic Coupeville, Iverson Allstate Insurance, Iverson Coupeville, Jim Short, Matt Iverson, Molly Hughes, Native American Tribes Pacific Northwest, Native Carving, Orca Network, Orca Network Susan Berta, Orca Whales, Penn Cove Whales, Port of Coupeville, Shifty Sailors, Shifty Sailors Whidbey, Susan Berta, This Place Matters, Vickie Chambers, Whales, Whidbey Island, Yellow Cedar

First Ringing of The Orca Network’s Coupeville Whale Bell

Saturday June 3rd at 3:30pm

on the Coupeville Wharf

After much effort, energy, fundraising, and volunteer hours the Orca Network’s Coupeville Whale Bell will be UNVEILED and rung for the first time this Saturday, June 3, 2017 at 3:30pm

The antique (refurbished) bell, generously donated by Coupeville’s Matt Iverson, will be attached to a carved whale by Coupeville artist Jim Short. The carving was created in Alaskan yellow cedar.  Regional Native American Tribal art and the late Roger Purdue inspired the bell’s carving, and the Whale Wheel at the lands end of the Coupeville Wharf. 

Many thanks to the Coupeville Chamber of Commerce and the Port of Coupeville for their partnership and support! 

map 

First Ringing of The Coupeville Whale Bell

Saturday June 3rd at 3:30pm on the Coupeville Wharf

3:30-3:45pm Shifty Sailors perform

3:45pm: Introductions: Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association’s Executive Director Vickie Chambers 

3:55pm: Official designations: Coupeville Mayor Molly Hughes

4:05pm: Significance to Penn Cove: Orca Network’s Susan Berta

4:15pm   Group photo and symbolic ringing of the bell

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NOTE: The Whale Bell is NOT THE SAME bell that was ripped off from the bench in front of Elkhorn Trading Company 15 Front St NW in Coupeville, Washington. IF you know of anything about the theft of that bell you can visit Elkhorn (15 Front St.) or call (360) 678-2250.

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2014 Penn Cove Water Festival Dedicated to Roger Purdue

08 Thursday May 2014

Posted by Coupeville Historic Waterfront Assoc. in Festival, Water Festival

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Artist Roger Purdue, Arts WA, boat races on Whidbey, Coupeville, Coupeville Chamber of Commerce, Coupeville Festival Association, Coupeville Front St., Coupeville Historic Waterfront, Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association, Coupeville history, Historic Coupeville, Humanities Washington, Island County Historical Society, Island County Washington, Lummi Tribe, Makah Tribe, National Endowment for the Arts, Nooksack Tribe, Pacific Rim Institute, Penn Cove, Penn Cove Indian tribes, Penn Cove Mussel Fest, Penn Cove Shellfish, Penn Cove Water Festival, Penn Cove Water Festival 2014, Penn Cove Waterfest, Penn Cove Waterfest 2014, Port of Coupeville, Puget Sound Energy, Puyallup Tribe of Indians, Roger Purdue, Roger Purdue Whidbey, Samish Tribal Nation, Skowkale Band of Sto:lo First Nation, Skwah Band, Sno-Isle Libraries, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Swinomish Tribe, The Suquamish Tribe, Town of Coupeville, Tribal boat races, Tribal boat races whidbey, Water Festival Whidbey, Whidbey Boat races, Whidbey Indian boat races, Whidbey Indian tribe, Whidbey Island, Whidbey Island Waterfestival

2014’s Penn Cove Water Festival features annual tribal canoe races, Native arts and crafts, demonstrations, storytelling, dance performances, artist demonstrations, authentic Native foods, children’s activities, and exhibits and displays. First celebrated in 1930, the Penn Cove Water Festival is a long held tradition on Whidbey.

2014 PENN COVE WATER FESTIVAL

is

DEDICATED to ROGER PURDUE (1938-2013)

RogerPurdueGrace

For two decades Roger created the beautiful artwork for the Penn Cove Water Festival poster.

Of Tsimshian tribe heritage, Roger grew up on Orcas Island where he developed a deep love for nature, salmon and whales. Moving to Whidbey as a young man, Roger was a teacher in Oak Harbor, and after retiring celebrated his Northwest Native heritage in his artwork and carvings. His generosity to the Penn Cove Water Festival and to the community will never be forgotten, and his beautiful, creative depictions of nature will live on forever.

PCWF14RACKCARD2scaledTomorrow, Friday May 9: Storytelling event by Lou Labombard at the Pacific Rim Institute in Coupeville. MAP

Festival day, Saturday, May 10th, enjoy tribal boat races, story telling, music, dancing and the Native Spirit Art Show at the Coupeville Recreation Hall. MAP

NOTE: the Native Spirit Art Show will hold over for Sunday, May 11th, too.

Regional and Canadian Tribes participating in the boat races will be: Nooksack Tribe; Swinomish Tribe; Makah Tribe; Lummi Tribe; Skowkale Band of Sto:lo First Nation Chehalis, BC and the Skwah Band Chilliwack Landing, BC.

Click Waterfest poster for a full line up of festival activities

Including activities for children

Contributions to the Penn Cove Water Festival both as volunteers and donations financially are appreciated by the festival organizers. If you would like to help in any way, or make a contribution visit the Penn Cove Water Festival Association website for a list of contacts.

Here’s to you Roger!  We’ll celebrate your life and your work this, and every, year!!

 

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17233whidbey012514Roger-Purdue-1995-carving-Salmon-Wheel

More information about Roger Purdue:

Penn Cove Water Festival Tribute

Jan. 28, 2014 – Obituary – Whidbey News Times

Feb. 14, 2013 – Purdue honored for festival images – Whidbey Examiner

 

2011 Whale Wheel nears completion – Penn Cove Water Festival 

May 7, 2011 – Whales will replace salmon near the Coupeville Wharf – Whidbey News Times

 

 

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2014 Penn Cove Water Festival ~ Saturday, May 10th

18 Friday Apr 2014

Posted by Coupeville Historic Waterfront Assoc. in Event, Festival

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Tags

Arts WA, boat races on Whidbey, Coupeville, Coupeville Chamber of Commerce, Coupeville Festival Association, Coupeville Front St., Coupeville Historic Waterfront, Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association, Coupeville history, Historic Coupeville, Humanities Washington, Island County Historical Society, Island County Washington, Lummi Tribe, Makah Tribe, National Endowment for the Arts, Nooksack Tribe, Pacific Rim Institute, Penn Cove, Penn Cove Indian tribes, Penn Cove Mussel Fest, Penn Cove Shellfish, Penn Cove Water Festival, Penn Cove Water Festival 2014, Penn Cove Waterfest, Penn Cove Waterfest 2014, Port of Coupeville, Puget Sound Energy, Puyallup Tribe of Indians, Roger Purdue, Samish Tribal Nation, Skowkale Band of Sto:lo First Nation, Skwah Band, Sno-Isle Libraries, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Swinomish Tribe, The Suquamish Tribe, Town of Coupeville, Tribal boat races, Water Festival Whidbey, Whidbey Boat races, Whidbey Indian boat races, Whidbey Indian tribe, Whidbey Island, Whidbey Island Waterfestival

familycanoe

2014’s Penn Cove Water Festival continues our renewed focus on the cultural history of the region, and once again brings back all time favorite performers, new performers, and the fun, family atmosphere that is unique to the festival.

The Penn Cove Water Festival features annual tribal canoe races, Native arts and crafts, demonstrations, storytelling, dance performances, artist demonstrations, authentic Native foods, children’s activities, and exhibits and displays. First celebrated in 1930, the Penn Cove Water Festival is a long held tradition on Whidbey.


RogerPurdueGraceThis year the festival will be dedicated to the late Roger Purdue (1938-2013).

 

For two decades Roger created the beautiful artwork for the Penn Cove Water Festival poster. Of Tsimshian heritage, Roger grew up on Orcas Island where he developed a deep love for nature, salmon and whales. Moving to Whidbey as a young man, Roger was a teacher in Oak Harbor, and after retiring celebrated his Northwest Native heritage in his artwork and carvings. His generosity to the Penn Cove Water Festival and to the community will never be forgotten, and his beautiful, creative depictions of nature will live on forever.

PCWF14RACKCARD2scaledThe festival will kick off on Friday, May 9 with a Storytelling event by Lou Labombard at the Pacific Rim Institute in Coupeville. MAP

Festival day, Saturday, May 10th, enjoy tribal boat races, story telling, music, dancing and the Native Spirit Art Show at the Coupeville Recreation Hall. MAP

NOTE: the Native Spirit Art Show will hold over for Sunday, May 11th, too.

Regional and Canadian Tribes participating in the boat races will be: Nooksack Tribe; Swinomish Tribe; Makah Tribe; Lummi Tribe; Skowkale Band of Sto:lo First Nation Chehalis, BC and the Skwah Band Chilliwack Landing, BC

<Click Waterfest poster for a full line up of festival activities

Including activities for children

Contributions to the Penn Cove Water Festival by many individuals and organizations, both financially and as volunteers, are appreciated by the festival organizers. If you would like to help in any way, or make a contribution visit the Penn Cove Water Festival Association website for a list of contacts.

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Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 121
Coupeville, WA 98239
Ph. 360-682-6400

email us

Executive Director Vickie Chambers

2021 Public Meetings

January 21, 2021

April 15, 2021

July 15, 2021

October 21, 2021

Breakfast served 8:30am.  Meeting starts at 9:00 am.  We try to close the meeting no later than 10:15am

Follow our blog by email

Phone Service Provided by

Find out more about historic Coupeville buildings at our Whidbey 4-H AV club site. Click the image below. Thank you to the 4-H AV club for building this wonderful site.

Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association is a Washington State Main Street entity under the Washington State Main Street Program, the Washington State Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation, and National Main Street Center (a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation).

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