Jefferson: Former Leland denizens recall growing up in long-gone community

LELAND — To most North Olympic Peninsula residents, Lake Leland is a place to go fishing, have a picnic or go camping.

But to the 30 people who gathered on the lake shore Thursday to dedicate a sign marking the historical community their parents and grandparents built north of Quilcene, it’s home.

“Some of the happiest moments of my life were growing up here,” said Will Thomas of Port Townsend.

Thomas is one of four boys who, along with two sisters, grew up on their grandparents’ lakefront farm.

The historical sign was the idea of his brother, Dick Thomas, who came from Louisville, Ky., for Thursday’s dedication.

Working from photographs, another brother, Bruce Thomas, designed the sign, unveiled during the ceremony by Jefferson County Parks Director Warren Steurer.

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The rest of this story appears in the Friday/Saturday Peninsula Daily News. Click on SUBSCRIBE to get the PDN delivered to your home or office.

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