Going to Evergreen Upholstery on Burwell Street is like a trip back in time. Not only has the store seen Bremerton through the decades — it’s been in the same spot since 1955 — but owners James and Joanne Welch have a passion for the city and its history.

The Welches have long collected postcards and other photos of the city. While interviewing them for a story about their business and the pending plan to build 48 apartments there, they let me take a few pictures myself of their amazing collection. I am sharing them with you now, alongside a more current photo of the place that was captured.

The Manette Bridge: THEN

The Manette Bridge: NOW

The first Manette Bridge opened in 1930; here it is under construction and, once built, is its toll booth — complete with brick fireplace. The bridge was tolled twice; once at its inception and later when the Warren Avenue Bridge opened.

The second Manette Bridge, also pictured, opened in 2011.

Evergreen-Rotary Park: THEN

Evergreen-Rotary Park: NOW

Some of you have lived here long enough to remember the pool at Evergreen-Rotary Park. But what about the pavilion? The park originated at the northernmost section that exists now, so I am guessing that’s where this pavilion was.

Also, something else I find interesting is how much the park has grown over time. And by grown, I mean has protruded out and over the Port Washington Narrows. If you notice, what we now call Smith’s Cove used to be Smith’s Bay, according to this circa-1960 map.  The waterline appears to come all the way up to Sheldon Boulevard. My guess is that much fill went into the water but if anyone has a more thorough explanation, I’d love to hear it.

Building 50: THEN

Building 50: NOW

The Navy built Building 50 within the first five years of the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard’s existence, in 1896. In the above photo, it’s the one on the right. It was first a headquarters for shipyard commandants. The building moved around until finally settling down in 2007 to house the Puget Sound Navy Museum, next to the shipyard and ferry.

The Elks Lodge: THEN 

The Elks Lodge: NOW

Bremerton’s brick-lined Elks Lodge has long since been converted to housing for the Max Hale Center. But I had no idea of the grand staircase that once greeted visitors. Those stairs would be removed when the Pay Less store moved in, occupying a white cube of a building that still exists today.

You might also note that there was a Methodist church where the Chase Bank building is now.

The Bremerton waterfront: THEN 

The Bremerton waterfront: NOW 

So much has changed. You’ll note the Kalakala ferry in the first photo (bottom right); and in the second photo, taken on Second Street, you’ll see Skippers Tavern. You can read more about it here, in a Sun story by Travis Baker.

And those men walking in the street? They’re the Bremer brothers, John and Ed, who reportedly always walked that closely together with their business manager around town.

The third shot shows the old Bremerton ferry terminal while the fourth, complete with a Blackberry Festival mural, shows the corner where the Hampton Inn now sits.

The cash register at Evergreen Upholstery: THEN AND NOW

Because some things never change. Be sure to read the note on the front of the register.