Kitsap County Celebrates 150 Years
By Chris Henry
chenry@kitsapsun.com
Bremerton
In January 1857, this area was incorporated as Slaughter County. On
July 13 of that year, the founding fathers abandoned that grim
moniker in favor of “Kitsap County.”
On Friday (July 13, 2007), the Kitsap County Historical Society
will officially launch the county’s sesquicentennial celebration
with the unveiling of a display highlighting its first 150 years.
The display, developed in coordination with Kitsap County
officials, will be installed at the museum, 280 Fourth St. in
Bremerton. A copy of the display will be at the county’s
administration building, 614 Division St. in Port Orchard, and
there will be a copy “traveling” throughout the county.
The historical museum this year is celebrating its 90th
anniversary. Other local milestones are the 60th anniversary of the
Kitsap County Fair & Stampede and the 100th anniversary of the
Bremerton Area Chamber of Commerce. The four groups are
cross-marketing events throughout the year under the slogan, “Four
Hundred Years of Celebration in Kitsap County.”
County officials will host a sesquicentennial observation Aug. 23
at the Kitsap County Fair & Stampede. Clarence Moriwaki, the
county’s public information officer, has been instrumental in the
design of a commemorative pin that will be available for purchase —
$1.50 each — at the fair. The historical society’s sesquicentennial
display will be on view at the fair, and visitors are likely to see
curator Jane Roth Williams strolling around in 1800s period
dress.
Roth Williams drew on the museum’s permanent installation of
historical artifacts to design the sesquicentennial display, which
offers a condensed version of local history from the time of the
first Native Americans to 21st Century Kitsap. Along the way
Kitsap’s history has been tied to Puget Sound, through early
logging enterprise, U.S. Naval installations and ferry
transportation, including the famed Mosquito Fleet. Roth Williams
said this year would be an opportune time for local residents to
visit the museum and learn more about Kitsap’s history.
Be a Part of Kitsap’s History: The Kitsap Sun will observe the county’s sesquicentennial by compiling information on county history from residents and former residents. Share your knowledge (and historical photos) via e-mail to sunnews@kitsapsun.com, or by mail to Local News Editor, Kitsap Sun, Box 259, Bremerton, 98337. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the return of photographs.
