Antique coal furnace unearthed at fairgrounds | Whidbey News-Times

The Port of South Whidbey posted this to its Facebook page on 2026-02-17 12:29:35.

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“The toolshed has been used as a maintenance shop for decades, but the crew recently moved their equipment to a better facility as ongoing renovations take place on the fairgrounds, Pivarnik said. Once empty, it was clear that the shed’s wooden floor was sagging and rotting away. Upon further inspection, the crew realized that years of rabbits digging and rainwater had compromised the structure, according to a press release from the port.

The crew removed the floor, revealing a hidden staircase that leads to an antique coal-burning furnace under the Pole Building. It appears to date back to 1912 and is believed to be manufactured in Bloomington, Illinois, the press release stated.”

A maintenance crew discovered a historic furnace hidden in the Whidbey Island Fairgrounds.