POULSBO — Even though crowds of people didn’t flock to Nelson Park Saturday to share stories about the life and times of Little Norway, it wasn’t a total disappointment.
As part of their ongoing effort to produce a documentary about all the things that make Poulsbo, uniquely Poulsbo, Galloping Pictures filmmakers Chris Davenport and Godwin Selembo offered the entire community an opportunity to share its stories.
“We didn’t get a lot of people, but we did talk to some people we probably wouldn’t have otherwise,†Davenport said, noting that a couple from Seabeck, who were traveling through the area, stopped by and shared their experiences about Poulsbo’s past.
“It was pretty interesting. We even had Chet Gausta, who caught the world’s largest fish, tell his story,†Davenport said.
The Poulsbo fisherman still holds the record for reeling in the state’s largest chinook salmon, which he landed on Sept. 6, 1964. The fish tipped the scales at 70 pounds, eight ounces.
Many of the city’s senior residents came by early in the morning and reminisced about the names of different places throughout the area, including Irish’s Corner, Davenport said.
“Everyone remembers it as something. It depends on when they were here,†he said.
One of the most interesting parts of the day was hearing the different view points from each generation, Selembo said.
“Everyone has a little different perspective, but it’s all great,†Selembo said.
Even though Mother Nature fully cooperated with the effort, the location wasn’t exactly ideal, said Poulsbo Noon Lions member Chuck Weaver.
“We had planned to have it in Waterfront Park, but that’s closed because of the construction they’re doing,†Weaver said.
Having it near Poulsbo’s downtown corridor would have given the event more visibility, he said.
“This was our way of giving people the opportunity to find us instead of us having to find them,†Weaver said.
Despite the last-minute change in location, Davenport said the quality of stories was great, even though the quantity was lacking.
Those interested in sharing their memories of Poulsbo’s past can still contact Davenport and Selembo as they are continuing their work on the project. Interested persons can contact Davenport at (360) 697-2027 or e-mail him at chris@gallopingpictures.com.
