The James House Summer Winding Down

The weather this spring and summer has been fabulous! What a gift that during the Hood Canal Bridge closure in May and early June, we were blessed with weather that allowed 24 hour construction crews, resulting in an early opening of the bridge. It is our vital link "to the other side" and I think you could probably hear the loud sigh of relief from those of us who were ready to greet our summer visitors. After the prolonged cold of winter, and the economic gloom which has hovered over our country, we were ready with open arms.

And you came........

I want to thank all of our past guests, and the new ones who passed through the 130 year doors of The James House. Many have been here so frequently that it feels like family returning. Others are returning after years of growing families and financial obligations which put special weekends and vacations on hold. And still others are finding us for the very first time. We take nothing for granted and want you to know that we appreciate your choice to spend some Port Townsend time with us! You are what keep us smiling and striving to maintain the standard for which we have become known.

So as the days get a little shorter and have that twinge of fall air, we realize that summer is winding down. The good news is that September is one of the prettiest times on the Olympic Peninsula and Port Townsend has some of our very favorite activities going on. The 33rd Wooden Boat Festival is September 11-13, and Port Townsend Film Festival is celebrating it's 10th year on September 21 -24th. Both are considered home town festivals which the locals look forward to all year!

We also have the Historic Home Tour, and the Kayak Symposium which bring people from far and wide to pursue their interests in history and adventure. So come and be with us this September! It promises to be a fun time!

The James House: Withstanding the Test of Time

The James House has stood proudly on the bluff overlooking Port Townsend Bay for over 120 years. Francis Wilcox James chose this site for his private home as it was the hightest point on the bluff and adjacent to the Custom's House which was being built across the street. He liked being able to stand on the front porch, or his private balcony above, and see all that was happening in this busy seaport village. He was a businessman after all, and it was important that he was current on the events of the town! He could see the beautifully ornate building that he owned with Mr. Hastings on Water Street, as well as all the ships that docked on the water just below The James House. What a site that must have been! There was a tall stair case that lead from Water Street at the foot of the ship dock, up to Washington Street directly across from the Custom's House. The arriving ship's captain would walk up the stair case to register his vessel, his name as Captain, and the contents of the cargo. Those years are long gone, as is the staircase (however you can still see where the staircase was cut into the bluff)....but the leather bound journals that hold the history of those vessels are still housed in the same building across the street from The James House. The original customs house is still owned by the federal government and is the site of our local post office. There is a small museum exhibit inside where you can see some of the original furniture, and many of the journals which stand as a testament to Port Townsend's legacy as the original seaport village in the Pacific Northwest.

The James House: True Love Stories

We have so many guests come to The James House to celebrate anniversaries, and I always feel so privileged that they chose us to be part of their celebration. We love hearing their stories.. the highlights, struggles, and celebrations...which make their life together unique and lasting. I admire people who work at their relationships, and take the time to celebrate them. Sometimes it is a joint plan, sometimes a surprise gift from one to the other...and every once in a while, it is a spontaneous moment which brings them to The James House. Today, I was brought to tears by the sweetness of witnessing a true love story between two people who are celebrating 45 years together. A handsome couple, they walked arm in arm to the door. She talked first, and it wasn't until I asked him a question, that I heard that he had difficulty speaking. As they walked closer, I saw that he was leaning on her, as she gently guided him along. I quickly realized that the room they had picked out for the reservation would be a struggle for him, and I was quickly trying to quietly formulate a plan which would work for them. She sensed what I was doing, and sweetly said "My husband has Parkinson's Disease but we manage very well. Don't worry, we will be fine". I was able to offer them something which would require fewer steps and they gladly accepted. As I was turning around to leave, I heard her whisper to her husband...."Oh, my love, this is like a second honeymoon". The smile he had on his face is something that I will always remember. Just sweet, tender moments between two people who had seen, and been through it all....and continue on in their life journey together. This is why I love doing what I do.

James House Video by Jane Champion

James House Summer Garden!

The James House summer gardens are always beautiful and this year is no exception! Enjoy!

The James House 2009 Summer Garden

Despite the dry conditions, The James House garden has flourished! Much of the color splash has passed, but there is always something to enjoy. After all, that is what perennial gardening is all about!

Enjoy The James House video Summer 2009!