Historians seek information about unusual stage backdrop

PORT TOWNSEND — The colors are still bright and the letters as sharp as the day they were painted.

But when that day was — and for what purpose — is unclear.

“It’s a mystery,” said Bill Tennent, director of the Jefferson County Historical Society.

The object in question: an 8-foot-high, 17-foot-wide scenic backdrop that has been leaning against the stage wall of the John F. Kennedy Building at Fort Worden State Park for at least a decade.

With remodeling of the building in process, the backdrop is in the workers’ way and in need of a new home.

But before the historical society considers adoption, Tennent would like to know how old it is.

“It doesn’t have to be 100 years old,” Tennent said.

“If it was used while the fort was in operation, between 1904 and 1953, then we would be very interested.”

The building itself dates to World War II, according to Denis La Brie, owner of Cherry Street Builders, the company doing the remodeling.

More in News

Rich Foutch of Active Construction, Inc., in Tacoma paints a line on the roadway at the new roundabout at Kearney Street and state Highway 20 for the placement of temporary stripes in a pedestrian crosswalk on Monday in Port Townsend. The temperatures have to be in the mid-50s to install permanent striping, he said. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Roundabout striping

Rich Foutch of Active Construction, Inc., in Tacoma paints a line on… Continue reading

Proposal to rename Sequim road put on hold

Rotary, city to consider other options to honor local Olympian

Researcher: Managed forests needed to fight climate change

Wood products can replace existing fossil fuel-based materials

Jefferson County updates fee schedules

Environmental Public Health up 6 percent

The downtown Port Angeles Christmas tree is surrounded by people during a lighting ceremony on Saturday at First and Lincoln streets. The 30-foot tree will stand at the Conrad Dyar Memorial Fountain plaza through the holidays. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Lit up for the holidays

The downtown Port Angeles Christmas tree is surrounded by people during a… Continue reading

tsr
Community Aid seeks support for Toys for Sequim Kids

Nonprofit helps hundreds of children with Christmas presents

Planned electrical outage in Forks on Thursday

A planned power outage in Forks will affect electric service… Continue reading

Nordland man dies of injuries from Nov. 14 wreck

A second person involved in a two-car collision on Nov.… Continue reading

Santa Claus, portrayed by Stephen Rosales of Sequim, waves to the crowd after his arrival by vintage fire truck at Centennial Place in downtown Sequim on Saturday, part of the city’s Hometown Holidays celebration. Santa, accompanied by Irrigation Festival royalty, greeted children next to the city’s Christmas tree in an event that also featured music by the Sequim City Band and a lighted tractor parade. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Holiday tradition

Santa Claus, portrayed by Stephen Rosales of Sequim, waves to the crowd… Continue reading

District 3 chief pick bows out

Fire officials could resume search in ’24

Clallam considers law enforcement pact with Makah

The Clallam County commissioners will consider a contract with… Continue reading