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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