Overview:

The Harbor History Museum has the rare opportunity to offer a Willits canoe for sale to the highest bidder. For local wooden boat and canoe enthusiasts, this canoe is a treasure. Numbering early in the Willits Brothers’ career, the cedar canoe was built between 1924 and 1926. It is numbered between 166 and 251 of the just over 1,000 they made. We do not know the exact number due to the interior of the canoe being fiber glassed, hiding the number stamp. We have traced it to one of 13 canoes originally built for a resort on Lake Sawyer near Black Diamond.

This gorgeous Willits Canoe was built at Day Island between 1924 and 1926. It is one of the Willits Brothers' early canoes built for a resort on Lake Sawyer near Black Diamond. Highly sought after, Willits canoes were built by these two brothers who worked together from 1908 to 1967, building their uniquely constructed "double-planked" wooden canoes--first on Wollochet Bay and later on Day Island.

History:

This canoe’s history is documented by the donor’s family and confirmed via the Willits Brothers records to have been made for and sold to L. Lochow, the manager of a resort on Lake Sawyer near Black Diamond/Burien. Lochow bought 13 Willits canoes between 1924 and 1926 in an effort to compete with another resort on the lake. In the 1950s, the resort sold this canoe to the John & Elinore Bigley family who used it on Lake Meridian at their family cabin. Bigley was a Washington State representative in the early 1950s and was involved in the construction of the second Narrows Bridge. The canoe sat outside under a cover for many years before being donated to the museum.

Available to View:

The canoe can be viewed at the Harbor History Museum and a condition report is available if desired. Basic conservation work has been completed by the museum's preservation specialist/shipwright making it suitable for display. The canoe is eligible for full restoration, but it would be a significant project to make seaworthy. Restoration work can be done in the museum's preservation studio for an additional fee if desired.

Pick up at the Harbor History Museum anytime after September 20, 2026.

Generously donated by Les and Bonnie Hodgkiss

Create a stunning space in any room with this multi-tier chandelier. Hanging chain and wiring all intact and lengthy enough to work in a high-ceiling entry, family room, or wherever it makes your heart happy.

Currently on view in the special exhibition gallery at the museum if you'd like to see it in person. Pair this with the clamshell love seat and chairs for 1940s chic.

Available for pick up at the museum December 1, 2026

Generously donated by The Garden Room

These gorgeous sage green clamshell-back chairs echo the 1920s in style and allure. Perfect for day dreaming or entertaining with style.

Currently on view in "The Hostess with the Mostest" exhibit.

Available for pick up at the museum on December 1, 2026.

Perfect for parlor or powder room, this dreamy pink loveseat fits everywhere. Made by Hendrix.

Currently on view in the Hostess with the Mostest exhibit.

Available for pickup at the museum on December 1, 2026.

This model kit of the HMS Victory is 1:100 scale and measures 29 inches in length and 20 inches in width when complete. With all original and un-opened packaging, this limited-edition kit is not painted, has real rope rigging, metal fixtures, and comes with a stand to display the finished ship. Hull and most structural components are molded plastic. Made in France by Heller.

HMS Victory was commissioned for the British Royal Navy in 1758, and commanded by Lord Nelson in the Battle of Trafalgar. It has been artfully restored and is now on permanent display in Portsmouth, England.

Pick up at the museum any time after September 20, 2026 during regular museum hours.

Generously donated by Johanna Pool

Created especially for this year's History Rocks - Hometown Hospitality event, one set of four glasses is offered exclusively for those unable to attend the in-person event. Designed from an authentic Pearl's by the Sea placemat in the Harbor History Museum collection, these limited-edition glasses harken back to the much-loved restaurant in Purdy, WA.

Owned and operated by Pearl Heaton and Evelyn Johnson from 1951 to 1972, Pearls by the Sea retained the name well into the 1980s (then owned by Walt Hogan). Pearl was known for her amazing pies and hometown cooking, while Evelyn was the hostess with the mostest, greeting all who entered.

Pick up glasses after September 20, 2026 at the Harbor History Museum. Shipping can be arranged for an additional fee.

Package Value: $60 (limited supply!) Red Label optional.

Donor: Harbor History Museum

This meticulously constructed lapstrake wooden cutter was built by a local model maker (last name Pool). Although unnamed, it is very similar to the 1843 cutter Harriet (a model of which can be found at the National Maritime Museum of Greenwich). Thanks to HHM volunteer Dick Kuehn, the rigging has been repaired and refitted to bring the vintage model back to proper order.

Complete with metal fittings, gun doors that open, rigging blocks, and stand, this model is perfect for anyone who loves sailing ships and the call of the sea.

Model Dimensions: 32" length by 28" tall mast, yard arm 14"; 18" hull on deck; 6" beam.

Generously donated by Johanna Pool

Pick up anytime after September 20, 2026, during museum hours.

A gorgeous canvas reproduction of an original "grisaille" (shades of gray) painting of the famous class of 15m racing yachts, this piece would be stunning in any space. The frame is made from faux leather and woven wicker. Minor wear on corner. Hanging hardware has been repositioned and refastened because piece is somewhat heavy.

Famous boats in this racing class include the Lady Anne (1912), the Mariska (1908) and the Doris designed by N.G. Herreshoff (1905).

Dimensions: 41"H x 33"W x 1"D

Pick up anytime after September 20, 2026 during regular Museum hours.

Generously donated by Michele and Brian Palmer

Every boat needs a name, and Margaux is the best. Big or tall, large or small, your boat becomes a one-of-a-kind with this special lettering package. Lettering is typically for transom art, but can be applied to other areas of the boat as well. Package includes design, production, and installation for one location, one boat.

See the image gallery for examples of Margaux's stunning work. Package value: $300.

Pick up certificate anytime after September 20, 2026 during regular museum hours.

Generously donated by Margaux Marine Graphics

This lovely clear glass Art Deco style cream and sugar set is a great match for breakfast coffee, special occasions, or even filled with flowers. Based on the original 1912 Heisey design, this set is the clear-glass alternative to other versions with cut glass designs.

There are no chips or cracks on either piece. Dimensions are approximately 6" wide (with handles) by 4" high (each). Such a cool modern look!

The A.H. Heisey Company was formed in Newark, Ohio in 1895 by A H Heisey. The factory provided fine quality glass tableware and decorative glass figurines. The company was operated by Heisey and his sons until 1957, when the factory closed. - Wikipedia

Generously donated by Kirsten Williams

Value: $50

Sunset at Fort Warden Lighthouse is a 16" x 24" acrylic print ready to hang in your special place. Echoing our moody Pacific Northwest weather, this image was captured by noted Gig Harbor photographer Hank Church.

Known for his striking imagery, Church describes his work as, "built on a simple belief: Extraordinary art is often hiding in places we pass every day."

Church explains the premise of his company, ReFind Images: "Many photographers document what they see. I focus on interpreting what I see. My images are not simply records of places or objects. They are studies of light, form, color, texture, and design. From award-winning architectural abstracts to intimate nature details and dramatic landscapes, each photograph is created to reveal a perspective that is often overlooked. Rather than chasing trends, I create images that invite viewers to pause, look closer, and discover something new each time they view them."

Church has photographed a wide variety of subjects, from the Southwest to the Northwest.

Generously donated by Hank Church

Value: $275

This piece is eligible for shipping if required and at an additional fee.

Ship's clocks are made to last. This wonderful Smith's Cricklewood clock is heavy brass (needs a touch of polish) with a hinged glass face. The winding key is no longer with it and there is a small chip in the glass face, but its patina and use marks make it unique.

Manufactured in England circa 1890s-1915, this clock measures 4" deep and 9" diameter. It weighs about 10 pounds. Clocks of this make and model in fair to good condition are valued at over $2000.

Samuel Smith founded his clock and watch shop in 1851 London, England. Over the next few decades it grew to be the largest manufacturer of clocks in Europe. The name "Cricklewood" refers to the location of the company's manufacturing plant just outside of London.

Generously donated by Kirsten Williams

Value: $500-$1000

This clock is eligible for shipping for an additional fee.

The beauty of tiny Washington Wildflowers photographed in macro view. In this set by local photographer Kim Paulsen, you'll find Douglas aster, white magnolia, forget-me-not, red current, and a sweet little lawn daisy just about to bloom.

Dimensions: 12.5" x 16.5" with frames

Available to view at the Museum.

Generously donated by Kim Paulsen

Value: $250 for the set

Pick up at the museum, or arrange shipping for an additional fee.

From the good folks at Water's Edge Gallery we're offering the opportunity for custom framing services. Select from a wide range of frame options to best suit your favorite work of art, special collection, or memorabilia.

Owned by Dennis and Martha Arneson, Water's Edge is located in downtown Gig Harbor on Pioneer. Dennis is a perfectionist with an artist's eye. He will help you find just the right frame to highlight your family treasure or artwork.

Generously donated by Dennis and Martha Arneson

Value: $300

Winning bidder can pick up the certificate at the Harbor History Museum after September 20, 2026 during regular museum hours. Mailing can also be arranged.