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Paul Revere Williams house finishes construction (1929)2022-07-01T00:00:00One of Anacortes’ most iconic houses finished construction today in 1929, created by one of America's most iconic architects. The “Jackie Robinson of architecture,” Paul Revere Williams was the first black member of the American Institute of Architects and the designer of Luther Barrick’s house on Cap Sante. Williams built homes for many high profile figures, including Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball. Barrick’s house is Williams’ only work in Washington state, as the architect mainly focused on Southern California as his place of operations.
201 East Park DriveAnacortesWA98221 One of Anacortes’ most iconic houses finished construction today in 1929, created by one of America's most iconic architects. The “Jackie Robinson of architecture,” Paul Revere Williams was the first black member of the American Institute of Architects and the designer of Luther Barrick’s house on Cap Sante. Williams built homes for many high profile figures, including Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball. Barrick’s house is Williams’ only work in Washington state, as the architect mainly focused on Southern California as his place of operations.
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Washington Shingle Company goes up in flames (1944)2022-07-11T00:00:00"Spectacular fire burns shingle kiln..." read the July 13 Anacortes American, two days after the Washington Shingle Co. was hit with its second fire within 10 years. But this one, which caused nearly $20,000 in damage, shut the mill down for good. "Spontaneous combustion," was listed as the cause of the blaze.
Event Location21st and S AvenueAnacortesWA98221 "Spectacular fire burns shingle kiln..." read the July 13 Anacortes American, two days after the Washington Shingle Co. was hit with its second fire within 10 years. But this one, which caused nearly $20,000 in damage, shut the mill down for good. "Spontaneous combustion," was listed as the cause of the blaze.
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Rededication of The Anacortes Post Office (1963)2022-07-12T00:00:00The Anacortes Post Office was officially rededicated on July 12, 1963, after the completion of a remodeling and expansion project designed by Anacortes architect Don McKee. The event drew a large crowd, including U.S. Senator Henry Jackson and the U.S. Navy Band.
Anacortes Post OfficeAnacortesWA98221 The Anacortes Post Office was officially rededicated on July 12, 1963, after the completion of a remodeling and expansion project designed by Anacortes architect Don McKee. The event drew a large crowd, including U.S. Senator Henry Jackson and the U.S. Navy Band.
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First What-the-Heck Fest (2002)2022-07-19T00:00:00Blaring guitars reverberated from the inside of the Croation Club of Anacortes on the eve of July 19th, 2002, during the debut of what became the legendary music festival, What-the-Heck Fest. According to one of the founders Dave Matthies, What-the-Heck was initially created, "...as an excuse to gather far-flung friends together for a two-day summertime party." The event coincided with the Shipwreck Day festival, a pairing that suited its DIY vibe. Acts such as Mt. Eerie, The Pounding Serfs, The Lonely Forest and Krist Novoselic would all participate in the festival during its run. The festival concluded in 2011, but was revived for a show in 2019 with founder Phil Elverum playing songs from his band The Microphones for the first time since 2003.
Event LocationAnacortesWA98221 Blaring guitars reverberated from the inside of the Croation Club of Anacortes on the eve of July 19th, 2002, during the debut of what became the legendary music festival, What-the-Heck Fest. According to one of the founders Dave Matthies, What-the-Heck was initially created, "...as an excuse to gather far-flung friends together for a two-day summertime party." The event coincided with the Shipwreck Day festival, a pairing that suited its DIY vibe. Acts such as Mt. Eerie, The Pounding Serfs, The Lonely Forest and Krist Novoselic would all participate in the festival during its run. The festival concluded in 2011, but was revived for a show in 2019 with founder Phil Elverum playing songs from his band The Microphones for the first time since 2003.
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The U.S.S. Constitution visits Anacortes (1933)2022-07-20T00:00:00Built in 1794 by the order of President George Washington himself, the U.S.S. Constitution, colloquially known as "Old Ironsides," is one of the most iconic historical vessels in America. It's visit to Anacortes was greeted with a parade, banquet and dance which provided a much needed celebration during the hard times of The Great Depression.
Guemes ChannelAnacortesWA98221 Built in 1794 by the order of President George Washington himself, the U.S.S. Constitution, colloquially known as "Old Ironsides," is one of the most iconic historical vessels in America. It's visit to Anacortes was greeted with a parade, banquet and dance which provided a much needed celebration during the hard times of The Great Depression.
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Efthimios "Mike" Demopoulos is born (1889)2022-07-24T00:00:00Mike Demopoulos was born in Ballos, Greece on this date in 1889. An immigrant to the U.S. in 1907, he eventually made his permanent home Anacortes in 1913. His time in Anacortes is a true testament to the power of the American immigrant. He founded the Anacortes Junk Company (later re-named Marine Supply and Hardware), and served the community through long memberships in the Kiwanis Club, Elks Club, the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce, the Parks Board, and the American Red Cross board. In 1956 he donated 10 blocks to the Port of Anacortes, allowing them to establish the Cap Sante Boat Haven. When he died in 1981, the Anacortes Junk Co. was the longest established business continuously operated by any one person in Skagit County.
Anacortes Junk CompanyAnacortesWA98221 Mike Demopoulos was born in Ballos, Greece on this date in 1889. An immigrant to the U.S. in 1907, he eventually made his permanent home Anacortes in 1913. His time in Anacortes is a true testament to the power of the American immigrant. He founded the Anacortes Junk Company (later re-named Marine Supply and Hardware), and served the community through long memberships in the Kiwanis Club, Elks Club, the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce, the Parks Board, and the American Red Cross board. In 1956 he donated 10 blocks to the Port of Anacortes, allowing them to establish the Cap Sante Boat Haven. When he died in 1981, the Anacortes Junk Co. was the longest established business continuously operated by any one person in Skagit County.
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Installation of the Causland Park Cannon (1960)2022-07-27T00:00:00Causland Park’s iconic 75mm World War II howitzer cannon was installed in the park on this day in 1960. Its predecessor, a cannon from World War I, had been broken down and used as scrap metal during the World War II war effort.
Causland ParkAnacortesWA98221 Causland Park’s iconic 75mm World War II howitzer cannon was installed in the park on this day in 1960. Its predecessor, a cannon from World War I, had been broken down and used as scrap metal during the World War II war effort.
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March's Point Airport opens (1928)2022-07-28T00:00:00Anacortes' first airfield opened on this date in 1928 at March’s Point. Looking for an economic development project, the new Anacortes Kiwanis Club leased land from Fred March for a 2,000 landing strip. Opening day drew 10,000 spectators, eager to see planes fly in from all over the Puget Sound region. The event even included the wedding of Anacortes residents Richard Fenno and Minnie Kirkman.
March's PointAnacortesWA98221 Anacortes' first airfield opened on this date in 1928 at March’s Point. Looking for an economic development project, the new Anacortes Kiwanis Club leased land from Fred March for a 2,000 landing strip. Opening day drew 10,000 spectators, eager to see planes fly in from all over the Puget Sound region. The event even included the wedding of Anacortes residents Richard Fenno and Minnie Kirkman.
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Deception Pass Bridge opens (1935)2022-07-31T00:00:0012,000 people watched breathlessly as the ribbon was cut with silver scissors, marking the official opening of Deception Pass Bridge. Construction had begun in August a year prior. The bridge remains one of the state’s most popular tourist sites, and a vehicle crossings add up to an average of 20,000 per day. The bridge has since become one of the most iconic sites for both Fidalgo and Whidbey, appearing in multiple movies including 2002's American remake of "The Ring."
Deception Pass BridgeAnacortesWA98221 12,000 people watched breathlessly as the ribbon was cut with silver scissors, marking the official opening of Deception Pass Bridge. Construction had begun in August a year prior. The bridge remains one of the state’s most popular tourist sites, and a vehicle crossings add up to an average of 20,000 per day. The bridge has since become one of the most iconic sites for both Fidalgo and Whidbey, appearing in multiple movies including 2002's American remake of "The Ring."
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