Poulsbo is a truly unique community

Published 3:47 pm Thursday, October 6, 2016

Moving from the Viking country of the Midwest (Minnesota) to California — where moving every five to seven years is the norm for which this writer is guilty — a story on a 69-year class reunion does catch one’s interest (“Class of ’47 / Memories, and friendship, are still strong at 69th anniversary event,” page A1, Sept. 23 Herald).

When my wife and I chose Poulsbo to be our new hometown, we had only scant knowledge of the city’s history. We were, of course, told by friends and relatives how popular Poulsbo’s historic downtown was.

Being boaters of one kind or another for a major part of our lives, the marina and waterfront were certainly draws; but after moving into our just-finished new house and gradually immersing ourselves into local community activities and organizations, we are discovering how truly unique our adopted city really is.

The North Kitsap High School Class of ’47 reunion is more than a story of that specific class; it is a story of times gone by and memories long forgotten in most of the cities of our nation — a story of life-long friendships, neighbors and neighborhoods not forgotten here in Poulsbo.

When first encountering a member who confessed to being born, raised and schooled here in Poulsbo, then sharing that encounter in amazement with others, the experience has now become commonplace and no longer a surprise.

Mingling with fellow Poulsbo Rotarians, as I now do every Friday morning, the kinship, camaraderie and shared memories carry me back to my early childhood in that Minnesota town where Viking adventurer Leif Erikson’s boat is on display.

Had I remained in that small town, I would have been in my high school’s Class of ’47. That realization has sparked curiosity as to how many of my former classmates may still be Living there.

So, addicted researcher that I am, the hunt begins. Stay tuned.

Bill Effinger
Poulsbo