History of Leavenworth

The people of Leavenworth had always worked together. Many volunteers organized and presented impressive jumping tournaments at the local Ski Hill, built City Park and collected pennies for hospitals and non-profit groups.

In 1960 there were committees to study aspects of Leavenworth life such as churches, youth groups, agriculture, industry, beautification, finances and tourism. The project was called LIFE---Leavenworth Improvement For Everyone. The community recognized the need for economic revitalization. Finally, the Vesta Junior Women's Club contacted the University of Washington for guidance.

That year Ted Price and Bob Rodgers bought Coles Corner (Squirrel Tree Inn) and remodeled the building in a Swiss Bavarian style. Price, head of the LIFE study, felt that Leavenworth's alpine setting could be combined with authentic Bavarian architecture to draw tourists to town.

From united efforts of the townspeople, economic miracles began to happen from the creation of the Bavarian Village - the town earned $10,000 first place award from Sears Foundation's Community Improvement program.

Lavern Peterson purchased the Chickamin Hotel (Edelweiss Hotel) and remodeled it Bavarian style. Owen and Pauline Watson purchased an empty building on Front Street (Alpen Haus) and set up an electrician shop and decided on the Bavarian look. These merchants set up a town meeting and convinced others to remodel in the Bavarian theme. From much enthusiasm, Project Alpine was born.

German-born architect Heinz Ulbricht moved to Leavenworth and helped design most of the buildings' makeovers: Hoelgaards Bakery, Susswaren Candy Shop and the Tannenbaum Building. Next came Larson's Drug Store (Village Pharmacy) and Vern Herritt's building, now Der Sportsmann and Hotel Europa.

Downtown entertainment was provided on the back of an orchard trailer. The first Art in the Park was shown in 1966, organized by Archie Marlin Sr.. Christmas Lighting Festival started in 1966 and the Maifest followed a few years later.

In 1967 Leavenworth was named the All-American City by Look Magazine, plus numerous awards from organizations around the State. In the 1970's tourism began to emerge.

According to the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce, over 1.2 million people visit our Bavarian Village each year.

The Leavenworth community today is a unique mix of lifelong residents and newcomers, drawn to the mountains and a relaxed lifestyle. Information provided by Bernice Taylor

LOCAL FESTIVALS & ORGANIZATIONS
EVENT CALENDAR

Projekt Bayern - www.projektbayern.com
Autumn Leaf Festival - www.autumnleaffestival.com
Leavenworth Summer Theater - www.leavenworthsummertheater.org
Wenatchee River Salmon Festival - www.salmonfest.org
Oktoberfest - www.oktoberfestleavenworth.com

A BRIEF HISTORY OF LEAVENWORTH