1980 -1981 - 1982 - 1983 - 1984 - 1985 - 1986 - 1987 - 1988 - 1989

1980

January -

  • Women’s body found on beach 2 miles south of ferry terminal - jumped or feel off Bremerton Ferry

April -

  • April 5-16 - Ferry strike - 1 boat service to Vashon
  • April 30, 1980, bus driver Harlan Rosford (1917-1995) makes his last run, after 26 years of service between Vashon Island and Seattle. Rosford was well-loved by generations of passengers, and was known for his enjoyment of music, chat, and fun parties aboard his three-trip-a-day bus route.
  • Alexanders purchase Island Manor Nursing Home - rebuild kitchen, extensive work on water and sewer system
  • State Representative Bruce Addison of West Seattle proposes passenger-only service to Vashon to prevent expansion of Fauntleroy dock - some Islanders oppose passenger-only service to prevent growth
  • Wesleyan Community on Vashon Island - Rev. James Hillendahl and co-pastor Rev. Sally Ann Thompson - leave Waukegan, Illinois for disputed reasons - Wesleyans say for more simple life style and to be an intentional community, began talking about move 10 years ago, began actively planning 6 years ago - Sept 1977 began to develop 58-acre tract, later added 10 acres for 18 tents, 15 family units, 8 single people, 10 teen-agers, and 17 children - 65 total people - Critics say because of controversial nude breast-feeding therapy of unrelated men, women and children - Seattle Times article April 12, 1980

August -

  • Proposal to have paid firefighters defeated 1444 to 934

October -

  • King County Library system announces plans to build new Library on berms south of Ober Park Building - controversy over location

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1981

April -

  • Wildcat ferry strike for 12 hours - April 6
  • Community Council vote to build new Library on SE corner of Ober Park and preserve berms -

May -

  • May 19-22 - wildcat ferry strike - no service arranged

June -

  • First Vashon Comprehensive Plan adopted by King County - “Town of Vashon Business District Development Guide”

August -

  • Dept. of Transportation Commission proposed anti-strike plus binding arbitration.

 

1982

  • K2 Management purchases all shares from Sitca Corp - sells Jansport subsidiary
  • Vashon Youth Hostle opens on Cove Road - western theme

1983

July -

  • Strawberry Festival July 10

October -

  • Bradley vs. ASARCO - suit filed against ASARC for trespass from emissions of arsenic and heavy metals onto Vashon property

November -

  • Vashon voters approve King County Park and Recreation District No. 2 -

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1984

1985

  • K2 acquired by Anthony Industries -
  • King County Council changes name of King County Park and Recreation District No. 2 to Vashon Park District
  • Vashon joins King County 911 emergency phone service
  • Roland Carey publishes annotated Van Olinda’s History of Vashon-Maury Island

October-

  • Vashon Park District “Grand Opening” of what would become Paradise Ridge Park

November -

  • Marie and Mike Bradley win suit against ASARCO for trespass for polluting land with down wind emissions of arsenic and other heavy metals - State Supreme Court finds 9-0 in favor of Bradley’s - establishes “down wind” precedent

1986

April -

  • Wax Orchard development rights purchased by King County under Open Space Initiative

December -

  • Community Council study about incorporation options for Vashon - figures indicate County tax revenue and total county spending are about equal - Jim Garrison concluded it is a political not an economic decision

1987

  • Dockton Post Office closed.

May -

  • Voters approve Park District Maintenance and Operation levy

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1988

May -

  • Steve Tuck wins 1st overall in Swiftsure Classic yacht race

1989 -

  • K2 Corporation purchases Madshus A/S cross-country skis

May -

  • Foot-ferry delayed by state legislature
  • Community summit - 70 islanders identify island issues
  • May 27 - Discovery Days
  • Software Research Northwest remodel Spinnaker Building
  • Ellisport Engineering formed at Ellisport - Steven Kicinski
  • Steve Tuck wins Vashon Island Race - 48-mile race around Vashon
  • Drama Dock presents “Foreigner”

July -

  • Centennial Festival - July 15-16 - celebrating Washington State centennial -
    Ted Jones “King of the Hydroplanes” is Grand Marshall - K2 Fun Run renamed the Bill Burby Inspirational Run

December -

  • Vashon-Maury Island Land Trust formed

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