Calendar

James Albert Gray killed at Pearl Harbor (1941)

On December 7, 1941, Americans were shaken by the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, an attack so devastating that it sent us directly into World War II. President Franklin Roosevelt described it as "A date that will live in infamy," a description that has endured. Anacortes resident James Albert Gray was aboard the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor, and became the first of many from Anacortes to die in the worldwide conflict. A member of Anacortes High School’s class of 1941, Gray had dropped out to join the Navy in 1940. Local photographer and historian Wallie Funk ruminated on Gray's choice, "...his decision was that he would join the Navy and see the world, and now he is part of the eternal monument that they have at Pearl Harbor."

Virgil Johnson popcorn and candy stand removed (1963)

For 37 years, Virgil Johnson's popcorn and candy stand served eager residents of Anacortes with sweets and treats. Originally standing strategically outside the Empire Theater, the stand was up for demolition when the theater closed down. Due to popular outcry from the people though, the stand actually managed to exist longer than the theater did. It continued to operate near the old theater for over a decade until it was taken down in 1963.

Soroptimist open thrift shop (1966)

The Bargain Bungalow, in a small rented house in the alley at 31st Street and Commercial Avenue, was opened for business by the Soroptimist Club of Anacortes on this date in 1966. The idea of a thrift shop came from Thelma Marani, Nina Antonious and Doris Tursi, who received much opposition from the membership. As Doris said later, “It took some persuasion to convince the club that it was a good idea. We had to personally guarantee that the club would not go in debt, and we never did. We didn’t make much at first, but we always managed to make expenses, which were $25 plus a few dollars in winter for Presto Logs.” Since then, the club has given about $1 million in scholarships, and more than 90 members and 40 volunteers run the shop.

Rotary of Anacortes chartered (1922)

Although officers were elected and a club established with 17 members in November, the Rotary Club of Anacortes was officially chartered by the parent organization on this date in 1922. A chartering dinner the following February drew more than 250 Rotarians and guests from the Northwest and British Columbia. Since then, the group has generously donated untold hours and funds to community causes.

Harry Causland awarded Distinguished Service Cross (1918)

General John J. Pershing, Commander in Chief of American Expeditionary Force, U.S. Army, awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (posthumously) to Pvt. Harry L. Causland of Guemes Island on this date in 1918. The citation is in the Anacortes Museum’s collections. The citation, signed by Pershing, reads that Causland "distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States in Bantheville, France, on 24 October 1918, and in recognition of his gallant conduct I have awarded him in the name of the President the Distinguished Service Cross." Causland died in that battle as he brought ammunition to stranded soldiers.

Carnegie Library debuts to the public (1910)

The Carnegie Library (now home to the Anacortes Museum) made its public debut on this date in 1910, when the community was invited for an open house. “The library board is more than pleased with the results of the informal opening of the public library on Monday,” reported the Anacortes American on Dec. 29. “Notwithstanding the fact that the day was a disagreeable one from a weather standpoint, and that it was a legal holiday, many visitors were in evidence during the hours that the building was open to the public. Mrs. George B. Smith, secretary-treasurer of the board, reports that there are nearly 800 volumes on hand at present, and only a few of the books ordered have arrived so far.” Construction of the building was funded by a $10,000 grant from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation.

The Night Before State Prohibition (1915)

Although a predicted crowd of 700 thirsty 'Bellinghamsters' never materialized (only seven got off the boat), the Anacortes American reported that Anacortes saloonkeepers were kept busy on the last day before statewide liquor prohibition took effect: “Practically every saloon in the city sold off all its stock before closing time and all report a rushing business in filling supplies of wet goods for the dry year during the last week. Though no figures are available, Anacortes people spent several thousand dollars in putting away a bottle or two, ‘for medicinal purposes.’ The saloon receipts of the past two weeks broke all records.” – Anacortes American (1916)

Housing Affordability & Community Services Committee

City Council Meeting

Housing Affordability & Community Services Committee

City Council Meeting

Housing Affordability & Community Services Committee

City Council Meeting

Housing Affordability & Community Services Committee

Pet Food and Supply Drive

Pet food and supplies may be dropped off in the lobby of the Anacortes Police Department or at Pet Place Market through December 31.

City Council Finance Committee Meeting

City Council Finance Committee Meeting

Library Chill Wednesdays - Middle School Series

FULL - Winter Solstice Craft

Library Hangouts - High School Series

Family Storytimes

Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland

Second Sunday Jazz - Whistle Lake Quartet

The Evolution of Big Band - Jazz Lecture Series

Family Storytimes

Movie and Crafts - For Kids

Library Closure - Christmas

Noon Year's Eve

City Office Closure: Christmas Holiday

Anacortes Historic Preservation Board Meeting

Anacortes Historic Preservation Board Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every month at 4 PM in the Carnegie Building Research Room on the 2nd Floor of the Anacortes Museum - Carnegie Gallery. For more information please contact the Anacortes Museum.

Anacortes Arts Commission

Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission

Monthly meeting of the Anacortes Parks and Recreation Commission

Planning Commission Meeting

Planning Commission Meeting