Poulsbo Historical Society to begin pre-
sales for city’s newest
historical compilation endeavor.
POULSBO — The Poulsbo Historical Society has been collecting artifacts and information from Little Norway’s past for 17 years. Now, the group is ready to put that past in binding.
The society is planning a new and innovative book approach to Poulsbo’s beloved days gone by. PHS curator Erica Varga said research and compilation has already begun, and the product should be finished by summer of next year.
“Paul’s Place” author Judy Driscoll is leading the writers, and the group has also employed a graphic designer to make the book not only a formidable academic source, but a visually exciting coffee table addition.
“People are now visually oriented,” Varga said. “Just chalking it full of text isn’t going to do it anymore.”
The idea sprouted in May and has moved forward since, with Book Stop owner Soon Hood teaming with the PHS to front publication costs. The last Poulsbo history book — “Poulsbo, Its First Hundred Years” compiled by Rangvald Kvelstad — was published in 1986. While that book is still revered, Varga said she doesn’t think Kvelstad would have wanted it to be the last. In fact, Kvelstad’s still a part of the process in a way — his ashes sit atop a shelf in the PHS office. Besides, Varga said, much has happened since 1986.
“I really doubt the man would want us to stop with that,” she said with a laugh.
The book will include information on much of what is seen around Poulsbo today. Contemporary images and old time shots will provide a chronicle of the city’s changing face. Varga said the book will be a user-friendly one, filled with color and photos of artifacts.
Pre-sales are set to begin at this weekend’s Midsummer Fest at Poulsbo’s Waterfront Park. Beginning next week, the book can also be pre-ordered at the Book Stop Web site, www.poulsbobookstop.com. Each, with about 400 pages and 200 photos, will cost $75 plus tax; those who pre-order receive a $10 discount. Varga said proceeds will go toward the opening of the society’s museum. The PHS is aiming to sell 2,000, which would earn $50,000.
A limited, leather-bound edition of the book will also be available for $150, with a $10 pre-order discount. In both editions, a section devoted to endowments will be included for those looking to help fund the museum’s future and honor its purpose. For information, call the Poulsbo Historical Society at (360) 440-7354 or email info@poulsbohistory.org.
