Net sheds are the only surviving architectural connection between the Gig Harbor community and what was once one of the most successful fishing fleets on the west coast.
The first of Gig Harbor’s netsheds were constructed along the downtown waterfront beginning in 1910 for the local fishing fleet and their families. Used primarily to store nets and fishing gear, they were also a place where the fishermen and their families would gather after their fishing excursions as far away as the Arctic Sea. Today only 17 netsheds survive with 7 still being used commercially by roughly 30 fishing vessels. Gig Harbor Bay still has the largest inventory of historic netsheds on the Puget Sound.
In 2009 each of the netsheds was documented through a Historic Preservation Grant from the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP). The Skansie Brothers Netshed located in Skansie Park provides visitors with an upfront and close perspective of what life was like during the early years. For a more in depth look at each of the netsheds go to skansiebrothersnetshed.com. The Skansie Brothers Netshed is currently closed for repairs and will re-open in June 2025.
Named after the Gig Harbor Sawmill and located on the west side of Gig Harbor Bay, the historic district of Millville in Gig Harbor, Washington was platted by Sam Jeresich, Joseph Dorotich and John and Josephine Novak and the Puratch family on June 28, 1888 and was the center of the town's Croatian fishing community. The area flourished around the sawmill and wharves, where schooners and steam freighters loaded lumber. Boat building and fishing along with the lumber industry were the main occupations.
Fun fact , Donkey Creek acquired its name from the steam "donkey engine" used for logging that area. In 1888, the Gig Harbor Mill Company was built at the end of the current Rosedale Street.
The original Millville had grocery stores, gas stations, and taverns. In 1923, the addition of a ferry landing at the foot of Pioneer Way spurred new growth, including the Novak Hotel, the Peninsula Hotel, The Empress movie theater (later renamed the Roxy) and the First National Bank of Gig Harbor, established in 1927.
Today there are nearly 20 original historic homes still standing along Harborview Drive that are protected through City of Gig Harbor including the attached listing for sale at 3400 Harborview Drive.
The Peninsula Gardens Park project by PenMet will transform a former nursery in Gig Harbor into a 10.6-acre community hub, featuring a variety of amenities inspired by public input. The planned park includes pickleball and sand volleyball courts, dog parks, nature trails, playgrounds, and a large lawn for gatherings and sports. The design phase will begin in 2025, with construction anticipated in 2026-27. This park is part of PenMet’s vision for an inclusive, nature-connected community space. For more details, you can read the full article here.
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