Memory lane

Sequim Prairie Nights showed off a gorgeous array of restored classic cars and trucks last Saturday, parking them along two blocks downtown. There was a plenty appreciative audience for the show.

I loved the photo ops offered by the lovingly pampered vehicles, from whitewalls to hardware. This is an old Packard (1940, I think)

The cars on display ranged from the early 20th century through DH’s “I had one of those!” era of the 1950s and 60s. As befits our local culture it focused on beautiful golden oldies rather than breathtaking luxury cars of today. The shot above is of a 1929 Pierce Arrow headlight.

International dining

We’re a small town but that doesn’t mean we don’t have a small international dining district…next door to McDonald’s.

A rough count: We’ve got three Mexican, two Thai, at least four Chinese, and a couple of teriyaki restaurants. I’ve been spoiled by ethnic restaurants in California, but that’s another story.

Expansion coming

Our local Dungeness River Audubon Center, above, has been approved for a capital grant to undertake a major expansion. A new classroom, multi-purpose room, commercial kitchen, office space and more will be built as part of a building remodel and addition of a new wing. The current space is filled with educational exhibits and is well used for community education. It’s a great local resource.

A state grant was added to other funds raised in addition to commitments from the local Jamestown S’Klallam Tribal contributions of land and promises to build a new entry road, parking lot, and site improvements. A “Close the Gap” fundraising campaign is being conducted to raise remaining funds needed to take on this ambitious project.

How to reroute a river

Two months ago I posted some shots of the Ward Bridge here, shortly before it was closed for work on its concrete piers that have been undermined by Dungeness River flooding. One of the trickier parts of the project was to accomplish the work with minimal disruption to salmon runs that occur in late summer.

The river is being rerouted while work is being undertaken. These big sandbags have been deployed and two excavators were at work when I checked out the project.

They’re working against the clock with a short term permit described here.

Dollar house in 2019

If you’ve followed this blog for a while you may remember the One Dollar House, a Sears kit-built house that was barged to Sequim in October 2017.

I’ve checked in on its progress from time to time here and here. More work has been recently undertaken. This is how it looked yesterday with a new chimney under construction and foundation work for a front porch.

The chimney has some unique and beautiful stonework.

A ramp has been constructed for access. The last time I’d photographed, a ladder was the only way in.

The house was purchased by the current owners for one dollar. That was the last part of this interesting project that may have been low cost.