Field Guide to the Lower Columbia River in Poems and Pictures By Robert Michael Pyle and Judy VanderMaten.
Rex Ziak’s edited and annotated edition of Franchére’s 1820 journal, The First American Settlement on the Pacific.
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Rex Ziak • $29.95
Southwest Washington author and explorer Rex Ziak revolutionized historical scholarship by documenting minute-by-minute the Corps’ dangerous days at the mouth of the Columbia.
WORDS AND WOOD
Pacific Northwest Woodcuts and Haiku by Debby Neely
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A Layman’s Lewis & Clark by Michael O. Perry.
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•220 historic photos •Boxed, signed. $50.
It had been a brittle skeleton for quite a while before I finally replaced the dead Yuletide camellia in the pot on my front porch. A few weeks prior, renowned naturalist Bob Pyle had taken one look and said, “Just keep watering it, Sue, it’ll come back.” Ha! Bob may be a butterfly expert, but he was wrong about the camellia.
In haste, I picked out for the camellia’s replacement an unlabeled shrub at a garden center, artfully pruned with a tall skinny trunk and ball-shaped top. I thought it was some type of laurel. It had porch appeal!
I planted it right away, then within a few days started to notice black leaves and buds falling off. Upon closer inspection, I realized my mistake.
Oh, wait...is this a GARDENIA?! Yikes, gardenias are tropical plants. They might do OK outside in a Pacific Northwest summer, but they want heat. I feared it would never survive the unseasonal cold temperatures we’ve had for the last few weeks. I’ve watched it closely day by day, muttering, hopefully (and humbly), “Hang on, dear gardenia, warmer weather is coming!”
Publisher/Editor: Susan P. Piper
Columnists and contributors:
Hal Calbom
Nancy Chennault
Alice Dietz
Judy MacLeod
Laura McCarthy
David Minthorn
Michael Perry
Ned Piper
Robert Michael Pyle
Marc Roland
Alan Rose
Greg Smith
Andre Stepankowsky
Jim Tejcka
Judy VanderMaten
Dennis Weber
Editorial/Proofreading Assistants: Merrilee Bauman, Michael Perry, Marilyn Perry, Susan Nordin, Tiffany Dickinson, Karen Pickett, Ned Piper
Advertising Manager: Ned Piper, 360-749-2632
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And here we are, now on the cusp of summer, with all the enjoyments to come with this season...farmers markets, car shows (page 24), outdoor concerts (page 25), and dining al fresco,
picnics and barbecues. And this year, July 4th is sure to be spectacular, as everybody observes our nation’s 250th Birthday. Politics aside, surely we can all find reason and courage to celebrate in style and feel patriotic and hopeful this year.
And my gardenia survives... so far. How about a slice of humble pie? At a memorial service recently, I mistook an “on” for an “off” button. Someone’s phone went off. “Hmmm,” I thought, disapprovingly, “...that inconsiderate person has the same ring tone as mine.” It kept ringing. A woman sitting nearby glanced at me and gestured toward my purse. What?! It’s MY phone?! I thought I’d switched it to silent before the service. Ba-a-a-a ...the sound of sheepishness.
Another slice? Excuse me, pardon me...
And Miss Manners makes a good point in the question about patrons annoying seatmates by
leaving immediately at the end of a performance (page 5) . I, too, have considered this rude, but Miss Manners suggests another way to look at it. (B-a-a-a...) Tolerance, empathy, patience, grace...all good qualities to practice.
This issue: Full of suggestions
You’ll find good books to read, places to go, people to meet and things to think about... from Alan’s review of Humankind: A Hopeful History and Marc’s thoughts on our town’s image and future (page 7) , to Nancy’s flowerpot piece, “Summer Thrillers and Spillers” (page 22), and David Minthorn’s story on the proposed Martin Dock replacement (page 21).
As we go to press it is still rainy and cold. But be of good cheer — Warmer weather is coming... hang on, Gardenia!
Columbia River Reader is published monthly, with 13,000 copies distributed in the Lower Columbia region. Entire contents copyrighted; No reproduction of any kind allowed without express written permission of Columbia River Reader, LLC. Opinions expressed herein, whether in editorial content or paid ad space, belong to the writers and advertisers and are not necessarily shared or endorsed by the Reader.
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Sue Piper
Memories of Trojan
Your recollections of Trojan’s last day brought ours to mind: We had recently bought property we were clearing in advance of building our “forever home.” But that day, we set up chairs and a just-in-case shelter, to watch the event unfold. And it sure did, as a wind shift had boats turning tail to outrun the debris plume. Quite the day, alright!
Brian and Terri Davern Kelso, Wash.
Flaunt your age; Splitting bills between a single and a couple; Performance patrons exiting pronto
DEAR MISS MANNERS: Do you have a suitable answer to those who say to me, an older woman, “You must have been attractive when you were young,” or after looking at an earlier photo, “Is that you?”
I also feel uncomfortable when being referred to as a “young lady” or a “girl,” and being told I’m “X years young,” or being asked “How old are you?”
GENTLE READER: It is an affliction of old age to be patronized by the young, who lack the imagination to realize that with any luck, that is where they are heading. Remember the “Never trust anyone over 30” cry? The person who started that is now 86 years old.
Miss Manners will shock you by the antidote she recommends: Flaunt your age. This will give the lie to anyone who thinks it embarrasses you, or who thinks you would welcome their help in denying it.
So while it is indeed considered rude to ask the age of grownups in this society, she is suggesting that you give an honest answer. And correct the “years young” construction by saying, “No, I’m X years old.” When addressed as “young lady,” or referred to as a “girl,” say, “Surely you are not referring to me.”
If you do all this pleasantly, as if you were puzzled, rather than offended, it will become clear that the underlying assumption of this supposed flattery is invalid.
But the “must have been” remark requires no answer whatsoever -- just let it hang there. And “Is that you?” needs only a simple yes. Although you might add, as if explaining life to a child, “I was younger then.”
To be clear: Miss Manners is not rescinding the rule against asking people’s ages. That is still in the same nosy category as asking how much money they make and whether they are ever going to get married or have children.
She just wants to get rid of the coyness of concealing age, which adds to the perception that old age is an embarrassment.
SKY REPORT Looking UP
By Greg Smith
June 17th – July 17th
The Evening Sky
A clear sky is needed.
In mid-June, in the west, both Venus and Jupiter are very low on the horizon. Venus is in conjunction with M44 the Beehive cluster of stars. By the end of June, Jupiter is below the horizon and Venus is on the horizon. In the east the Summer triangle has cleared the horizon and the three stars that make up the triangle ( Vega, Altair, and Deneb) are well above the horizon by 10pm.
The Morning Sky
A cloudless eastern horizon sky is required. Around 4am, Saturn is far enough above the horizon to be clearly seen in the East southeastern sky. While Mars is just rising above the Eastern horizon. The Andromeda Galaxy is far up in the due Eastern sky in the Constellation of Andromeda which is located just to the left of the great square of Pegasus.
Night Sky Spectacle
A clear dark sky is a must. While tracing out the lines of the Summer triangle, sweep your binoculars along the line that that connects Deneb to Altair and find the odd asterism of the coat hanger. It is a small grouping of seven stars that form the appearance of an upside down coat hanger. It is one of my favorite things to see in the summer sky.
MOON PHASES:
New Moon: Sunday, June 14th
First Qtr: Sunday, June 21st
Full Moon: June 29th
Last Qtr: Tues., July 7th
New Moon: Tues., July 14th
END OF TWILIGHT
When the brightest stars start to come out. Allow about an hour more to see a lot of stars.
Wed., June 17th • 9:44pm
Wed., June 24th • 9:46pm
Wed., July 1st • 9:45pm
Wed., July 8th • 9:42pm
Wed., July 15th • 9:36pm
SUNSET
Wed., June 17th • 9:05pm
Wed., June 24th • 9:07pm
Wed., July 1st • 9:06pm
Wed., July 8th • 9:04pm
Wed., July 15th • 8:59pm
Longview resident Greg Smith is past president of Friends of Galileo. Meet him and other club members at monthly meetings in Longview. For more info about FOG, visit friendsofgalileo.com.
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DEAR MISS MANNERS: My sister, who I am very close to, her husband, and I often go together to purchase gifts for family members and friends. When the payment calculations are done, my sister will “charge” me 50percent or reimburse me 50 percent.
Since the three of us are giving the gift, I feel the cost should be divided by three. I would appreciate Miss Manner’s opinion on such an arrangement!
GENTLE READER: Your point is logical, but Miss Manners cannot help but notice that it is not the only logical solution, merely the one that reduces the cost to yourself.
Counting households, rather than persons, is equally logical. And there has been no mention of the card that accompanies these presents. Do you convey only the best wishes of Aunt Claire, or do Buffy, Jesse and Fido also make an appearance in the signature block?
Perhaps your sister will welcome a discussion of a 2–1 cost sharing. But if not -- and you find the current method insupportable -- then purchasing separate presents may be less troublesome than the family disharmony caused by putting forward your suggested split.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: Could you please suggest a way of saying something is stylishly sophisticated or upscale other than “classy?” While widely used, it seems to me anything but.
GENTLE READER: “C lassy” is, Miss Manners agrees, somewhat vulgar (a word badly in need of being revived).
We do not have hereditary classes here; we have economic classes. And anyone who thinks those in the top brackets are modeling good behavior is not paying attention.
For that matter, the same is true in societies with hereditary class systems. You
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Miss Manners from page 5 cont page 35
have only to read the headlines about foreign royalty to squelch the fantastic notion that their behavior is exemplary, or even acceptable.
In her vast experience monitoring civility, Miss Manners has observed that high standards, although perhaps rare everywhere, are just as likely, or perhaps even more likely, to be found among the lower as among the upper brackets. Are the terms “tasteful” and “civilized” too tepid for what you want to convey?
DEAR MISS MANNERS: My wife and I often go to the opera, and it seems that every time, as soon as the final curtain begins to drop, there are dozens of patrons that immediately begin to gather their things and head for the exits.
I find this both embarrassing and rude. Not only do these people inconvenience those of us who have to get out of their way as they aggressively shuffle down the aisle, but it is so inconsiderate to the performers. They have shared their considerable talents for the previous three hours, only to see the backs of all these patrons rushing for the exits as they take their well-deserved curtain calls.
We realize that snarky comments or an “accidental” trip is not the solution, and there may not be one, but perhaps a public scolding by Miss Manners might help a bit.
GENTLE READER: So you understand the impulse to be rude or violent, although Miss Manners is grateful that you decided not to act upon it.
But you do not understand the impulse to go home when the opera is over. Maybe these people have a babysitter to release. Or a train to catch.
Because when that last curtain goes down, the opera is over. Yes, it is a time for the audience to show its reaction -— not its gratitude, as is often mistakenly assumed. The usual response is to clap, which the phenomenon of grade inflation is turning into routine standing ovations. It is nevertheless possible that some people were not enthralled by the performance. In societies with robust musical traditions, negative reactions -- booing, whistling, calling for punishment -- may be expressed. Or they may just want to leave.
Have you ever arrived after many people in your row were seated, and counted on their accepting the inconvenience of having to let you crowd by them to reach your seat? Equivalent courtesy should be extended to those who are departing before you.
Thoughts on Our Town
Not “just” a mill town
NOTES FROM MY LIVES
By Andre Stepankowsky
Nippon tragedy in Longview prompts community outpouring
The heartbreak has touched every corner of Longview and our neighboring communities. Families are grieving. Coworkers are grieving. Friends, neighbors, and first responders are grieving. In the days since the tragedy, vigils have been held, fundraisers have been organized, and countless acts of kindness have reminded us who we are.
If there is one thing this difficult moment has revealed, it is the character of Longview. When our neighbors suffer, we show up. We have passed a test that no community ever wants to face. We have responded with compassion, generosity, and love. That response should make every resident proud.
The tragedy has also reminded us of our industrial roots
Longview was built on timber, paper, manufacturing, and the hardworking men and women who made those industries thrive. That heritage deserves our respect and gratitude. It is woven into our identity and will always be part of our story. But our history should not limit our future.
For too long, Longview has been defined by a single narrative. We are often described as a “mill town.” While that description may have fit decades ago, it no longer captures the reality of who we are becoming.
The forest products industry remains an important part of our economy. These are good jobs that support families and contribute to our prosperity. Yet they represent only one part of a much larger and more diverse community.
Today, Longview is home to educators, healthcare workers, entrepreneurs, artists, hospitality professionals, technology workers, students, tradespeople, and small business owners. We have a thriving community college. We have growing opportunities in arts and culture. We have outdoor recreation, local food, wine and beer, music, and a quality of life that many communities would envy.
by Marc Roland
Most importantly, we have people who care deeply about this place
The way we see ourselves matters because it influences how others see us.
Too often, state leaders view Longview primarily as an industrial and logistics center. As a result, investment tends to focus on ports, transportation corridors, and manufacturing infrastructure. Those investments are important and should continue.
But Longview deserves to be seen as more than an industrial hub. We should be recognized as a community with the potential to become the cultural and entrepreneurial center of Southwest Washington. We should be investing in downtown vitality, arts and culture, higher education, housing, recreation, hospitality, and small business growth. These are not luxuries. They are the building blocks of the communities that attract talent, families, visitors, and investment.
Cities like Vancouver have experienced tremendous growth because they embraced a broader vision of what they could become. There is no reason Longview cannot do the same.
The question is not whether we abandon our industrial strengths. We should celebrate them and continue to support them.
Question: Do we have the courage to embrace a larger future?
Longview can be a city that manufactures products and creates experiences. A city that exports commodities and cultivates culture. A city that honors its history while building new opportunities for future generations.
The response to this tragedy has shown us something important. Beneath the headlines and statistics, Longview is a community rich in compassion, resilience, and civic spirit.
That is our greatest resource. The future of Longview will not be determined by what industry built us a century ago. It will be determined by what we choose to build together now.
Longview resident and former Kelso teacher Marc Roland started making wine in 2008 in his garage. He and his wife, Nancy, now operate Roland Wines at 1106 Florida Street in Longview’s new “barrel district.” For wine tasting hours, call 360-846-7304. His regular column, “Roland on Wine,” will return next month.
Cargo of memories to land when old friend visits this month
Ioften close my Christmas letters with a quote from Horace, one of ancient Rome’s best-known and enjoyable poets.
“For me,” he writes, “nothing compares with the joys of friendship.”
I borrow the phrase to encourage dear, but now faraway friends, to stay in touch.
One of the tragic downsides of mobile society is that we lose close friends to new jobs, new lovers, new grandkids or other life shifts that tug them away. And our cluttered lives cause us to put off reconnecting.
Then the years pass, and you lose touch entirely.
I’m saying this because I’m eagerly anticipating a visit this month from my lifelong friend, Pete Z. He’s flying out from his home in Ohio in advance of attending the USA/Australia World Cup soccer match in Seattle on June 19.
Pete and I have been friends since we were 4 years old. We grew up in a small, rural town 40 miles from New York City. We attended grade school, high school and college together. Then he went off to law school and became a successful trial and corporate lawyer; I went off to study journalism and practice it in Longview for five decades.
We’ve made a point of staying in touch all these years. We’ve canoed in northern Minnesota, rafted the Colorado River system, lunched in posh New York waterfront clubs, motored around the Olympic Peninsula, and visited the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
We are proof that opposites attract. Pete was a handsome athlete full of joie de vivre, popular with the girls and gifted with an ability to speak fast and forcefully on his feet. I was
often shy and socially awkward and far more introverted than the extrovert I’ve become.
So many common experiences and adventures — good, bad, sometimes dangerous or filled with sorrow and joy — permanently Superglued us together. So much so that when Pete ran into serious health problems in recent years, I’d sometimes end our phone conversations with a playful, if somewhat macabre reminder: “You can’t die, because then I will, too.”
Long-held friendships are a reminder of our roots — of the experiences and people who shaped us. Our differences aside, Pete and I are both New Yorkers at heart, with impatience for laziness and blockheads and admiration for loyalty and courage.
Knowing each other so long has also forced us to adjust to how we’ve changed, too. We were never closely aligned politically. The gulf between us has widened, as it has for Americans nationally. Still, I refuse to let the acrimony and differences of civic opinion cleave a valued friendship. I know Pete feels the same way.
We find ways to compromise, agree to disagree, or find that our underlying values often mesh. And if things get testy, we can always shift the conversation to our mutual love of football, our families, and our many memories.
Good friendships, it seems to me, will always find a way to endure. But they must be nourished or they die. They are treasures — as they were for Horace 2,000 years ago.
Award-winning journalist Andre Stepankowsky is a former reporter and editor for The Daily News in Longview. His Columbia River Reader columns spring from his many interests, including hiking, rose gardening, music, and woodworking. More of his writing can be found under “Lower Columbia Currents,” on substack.com.
Lewis & Clark
DISPATCHES FROM THE DISCOVERY TRAIL
Graffiti Is Nothing New
EPISODE 26
Graffiti is nothing new
More than a kick in the pants
By Michael O. Perry
On July 25, 1806, Clark saw a “remarkable rock” near the bank of the Yellowstone River, 25-miles east of Billings, Montana. It was a large sandstone formation that stood 200 feet above the flat prairie. For centuries, Indians had painted pictographs and etched petroglyphs onto the sheer walls of the rock they called Iishiia Anaache (“Place Where the Mountain Lion Dwells”). The rock was a well-known landmark to the Plains Indians since it marked the location of a strategic natural crossing of the Yellowstone River. The rock would also become a significant landmark to early European explorers, fur trappers, immigrants and soldiers.
Clark climbed to the top to see what he could see, and then carved his name and the date in the rock. Today, that
signature is the only physical evidence remaining to prove Lewis and Clark made the journey to the ocean and back. Clark named the outcropping “Pompy’s Tower” after Sacajawea’s 17-month old son Jean Baptiste Charbonneau (Clark had nicknamed him “Pomp.”). The first editor of Lewis and Clark’s journals, Nicholas Biddle, later changed the name to Pompey’s Pillar.
Hundreds of individuals have carved their names on the rock over the last two centuries. While Clark’s etching isn’t as clear as it once was, it is still visible. In 1882, the Northern Pacific Railroad took steps to protect it with an iron screen; in 1953 a glass case was installed to protect it from the weather. The land was privately owned until 1991 when the Bureau of Land Management bought it. It was declared a national monument in 2001.
Pompey’s Pillar was designated as a National Monument in January 2001. Prior to its monument status, it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1965. At the Pillar, there is evidence of Native Americans, early explorers, fur trappers, the U.S. Cavalry, railroad development and early homesteaders, many of whom left their history embedded in this sandstone monument.
On July 25, 1806, Clark carved his signature and the date in the rock and recorded doing so in his journal. The historic signature remains today, and visitors can walk on a boardwalk to see it.
More than a Kick in the Pants
The previous episode covered the unfortunate death of one, possibly two, Blackfoot Indians. One of those Indians had shot at Captain Lewis, just missing his head. Lewis, Drouillard, and the two Fields brothers felt lucky to have escaped with their lives after that encounter. Up to then, the only other death during the journey had occurred two years earlier, on August 20, 1804, when Sgt. Charles Floyd died from what today is believed to have been a burst appendix. But, soon, death would be looking for Meriwether Lewis again.
While Lewis and his detachment explored the Marias River’s headwaters, the two parties headed by Sgt. Gass and Ordway had met at Great Falls to portage the canoes and supplies cached the previous year around the series of waterfalls. At the same time, Capt. Clark took a detachment, including Sacajawea, to explore the Yellowstone River. The plan was for everyone to meet at the mouth of the Yellowstone River. All this without GPS, let alone a road map!
Clark reached the rendezvous point where the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers join near the Montana and North Dakota border on August 3rd and set up camp to wait for the others. The mosquitoes were horrible, so Clark left a note for Lewis to look for them downstream. Five days later, after escaping the mosquitoes, Clark was surprised to see Sgt. Pryor floating down the Missouri in a bullboat, made with buffalo hides stretched over a framework, sort of like an umbrella. Pryor and two others had left Clark on July 23rd to take the remaining horses to Fort Mandan in North Dakota, but two days later Indians stole the horses. The three men then walked east to the Yellowstone River and found Clark’s note
Five years ago, we introduced a revised version oF Michael Perry’s popular series which had begun with CRR’s April 15, 2004 inaugural issue and was reprised three times and then expanded In the book, Dispatches from the Discovery Trail, edited by Hal Calbom and published by CRRPress. It includes an in-depth author interview and new illustrations and commentary.
Photo by bob Wick, a bLM eMPLoyee
to Lewis. To Clark’s dismay, Pryor had brought the note with him! However, on August 7th Lewis would find another note from Clark and would figure out what Clark had done.
Meanwhile, back in Montana… After escaping with their lives on July 27th when at least one Indian was killed, Lewis and his three men needed to get to the mouth of the Marias River. He had told the Blackfoot Indians that there were more white men waiting for him there, so he needed to get there first in case the Indians decided to attack. They rode 120 miles in 24 hours, and when they arrived were happy to find the men led by Sgt. Gass and Ordway floating down the Missouri. While everyone felt security in numbers, no time was wasted; all their horses were turned loose, and everyone got into the canoes and headed downstream at seven miles per hour to meet Clark’s group at the mouth of the Yellowstone.
Choose your hunting partner carefully…
After surviving for more than two years in the wilderness, the men of the Corps of Discovery had become excellent hunters. But, as Dick Cheney might acknowledge, things can go bad while hunting with friends. On August 11th, Lewis saw a herd of elk along the river. He and Pierre Cruzatte, a one-eyed Frenchman who didn’t see all that well out of his good eye, landed to try to kill some. Each of them shot an elk, but Cruzatte’s elk was only wounded and continued into the brush. After reloading, they each took separate routes in pursuit of the wounded elk.
And, be careful of what you wear Lewis wrote, “I was in the act of firing on the Elk a second time when a ball struck my left thye; the stroke was very severe; I instantly supposed that Cruzatte had shot me by mistake for an Elk as I was dressed in brown leather and he cannot see very well;
under this impression I called out to him damn you, you have shot me, and looked towards the place from whence the ball had come, seeing nothing I called Cruzatte several times as loud as I could but received no answer; I was now preswaded that it was an indian that had shot me as the report of the gun did not appear to be more than 40 paces from me and Cruzatte appeared to be out of hearing of me.”
Who, me?
Lewis stumbled back to the river, calling out to Cruzatte along the way, warning him to retreat since there were Indians in the bushes. Upon reaching the river, Lewis told the men he “was wounded but
... Shot in the butt ...
… made his last journal entry …
It’s surprising that so little is made of Lewis’s wounding and its effects. The fact that the Expedition’s leader and chief chronicler suddenly goes silent for the last six weeks — especially given the problems he experienced later trying to write the trip’s grand narrative — may have indicated the degree of his disabilities, both physical and psychological. In extreme pain, healing slowly, and debilitated, Lewis was seriously impaired, and it could be argued his tragic demise was foreordained from the time of the accident.
They’d seen elk out there, and Lewis didn’t typically go out but they needed the meat. So Lewis goes out with Cruzatte. And Cruzatte was the classic ‘blind in one eye and nearsighted in the other,’ and not a very good hunting partner. And the next thing you know, Lewis gets shot in the butt. A bad accident, but of course an accident. And the other guy would never admit it. All this proof and he denied it.”
I hoped not mortally” and then ordered the men to go back and try to save Cruzatte. Lewis attempted to lead the men back in the search for Cruzatte, but the pain was so bad he nearly passed out after a hundred paces. He ordered his men to continue the search while he limped back to the canoe. About 20 minutes later, the men returned with Cruzatte and reported they had seen no sign of Indians. Cruzatte said he had shot an elk after he and Lewis had split up, but denied shooting Lewis. Cruzatte “absolutely denied” hearing Lewis calling for help after being shot.
A little detective work
Lewis wrote, “I do not believe that the fellow did it intentionally but after finding that he had shot me was anxious to conceal his knowledge of having done so… the ball had lodged in my breeches which I knew to be the ball of the short rifles as that he had, and there being no person out with me but him and no Indians that we could discover I have no doubt in my own mind of his having shot me.” The .54 caliber ball was only used in the Model 1803 rifle, a gun that had not yet reached Indian hands.
Is there a doctor in the house?
Lewis wrote, “I took off my cloaths and dressed my wounds myself as well as I could, introducing tents of
cont page 11
patent lint into the ball holes, the wounds blead considerably but I was hapy to find that it had touched neither bone nor artery.” The “tents” Lewis wrote about were rolls of lint used to keep the wound open and thus allow new tissue to grow from the inside out and promote drainage. Lewis’s biggest danger was infection.
And we meet again
The next day, Lewis’s party met a canoe coming up the Missouri. The two fur trappers told him they had passed Clark’s group the day before. When the two parties finally rejoined later that day, Clark was quite alarmed to find Lewis lying in the bottom of the canoe, seriously wounded. Lewis believed he would be OK, saying it would take 20 to 30 days to heal. Clark wrote that he “examined the wound and found it a very bad flesh wound the ball had passed through the fleshey part of his left thy below the hip bone and cut the cheek of the right buttock for 3 inches in length and the depth of the ball.”
Lewis made his last journal entry of the Expedition on August 12th when he wrote, “as wrighting in my present situation is extremely painfull to me I shall desist until I recover and leave to my frind Capt. C. the continuation of our journal.” Three weeks later, Clark reported Lewis was “mending fast,” and by September 4th he was able to walk comfortably.
The next episode will cover the Expedition’s return to St. Louis.
Summer Smiles
Mount St. Helens Club
BRUNCH FAVE HIKES
(E) - Easier: relatively flat ground (up to 5 miles and/or less than 500 ft. e.g.) (M) - Moderate: Longer, more elevation gain (over 5 miles and/or 500+ ft. e.g.) (S) - Strenuous: Long and/or elevation gain (over 8 miles and/or 1200+ ft. e.g.) Call leader to join outing or for more info. Non-members welcome. Driving distances are from Longview, Wash. (SS) – Snow Shoe (XC) – Cross Country Ski (K) – Kayak (B) – Bicycle RT - round trip e.g. - elevation gain
July 8 - Wed
Kelso, WA
June 17 - Wed Capitol Lake (E)
Drive 140 miles RT. Hike 4.6+ miles on a level path around the lake. Leader: Julie L. 360747-1415
June 19 - Fri Ramona Falls (M)
Drive 184 miles RT. Hike 7.1 miles RT with 1046’ e.g. This is a moderate hike which requires crossing the Sandy River over a log. The hike will follow the Ramona Falls Trail (vs. the Pacific Crest Trail) through the forest to Ramona Creek. The falls are stunning and is a must see. A $5 day pass, or a NW Forest pass, or America the Beautiful pass is required for each vehicle. Leader: John M. 360-508-0878
June 24 - Wed Powell Butte (E)
Drive 110 miles RT. Hike a 4.5 mile loop with 500’ e.g. through a large meadow on top of a volcanic cone. On a clear day, we will be rewarded with excellent of Mt St. Helens, Mt Hood and Mt Adams, as well as southeast Portland. Leaders: Barbara R. 360-431-1131
June 27 - Sat Vernonia Banks Bike Ride (B)
Drive 60 miles RT. Starting at the Vernonia end of the trail and bike half way to Banks and back for a total of 20 miles riding. Trail is paved and mostly flat. Leader: Dory N. 213-820-1014
July 1 - Wed
Hummocks + Boundary Trail (E/M)
Drive 130 miles RT. Hike 4 miles with 500’ e,g. beginning at Hummocks Trailhead, hike to the Boundary Trail junction before taking the Boundary Trail out about .75 miles, then return to junction and complete Hummocks Trail loop. This can be a more moderate hike by taking the Boundary Trail further, adding additional miles and e.g. Picnic lunch at the trailhead or Coldwater Lake. Leader: Mel F. 907-351-8741
Millersylvania State Park (E)
Drive 100 miles RT. Hike 4+ miles on perimeter trail with about 300’ e.g. Picnic afterwards. DISCOVER PASS REQUIRED FOR EACH VEHICLE. Leader: John R. 360-431-1122
July 10 - Fri Ape Canyon Trail (S) Drive 128 miles RT to the Ape Canyon trailhead. Hike 11 miles out and back with 2200’ e.g. through old growth forest to the Plains of Abraham. Stunning views of Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adam’s, Mt. Hood, and Ape Canyon. View the old growth forest as it was before the 1980 eruption. This hike is easier than it sounds with a gradual but steady elevation gain. Leader: Harry A. 360280-4184
July 11 - Sat Lake Sacajawea (E) Walk 4 miles on flat ground around the whole lake or any portion for a shorter walk. **THIS WALK IS DESIGNED FOR SUPER SENIORS AND/OR PEOPLE WITH PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS AT A SLOW PACE.** Leader: Susan S. 360-430-9914
July 15 - Wed North Head Discovery Trail (B) (E)
Drive 140 miles RT. Bike 14.5 miles RT with 400’ e.g. Beautiful ride on a wellmaintained path with views of the Pacific Ocean and interesting artwork/ history along the way. Leader: Dory N. 213-820-1014
July 17 - Fri Hardy Ridge Loop (M) Drive 148 mile RT. Hike a 7.1-mile loop with 1817’ e.g. on a forested trail with beautiful views at the top. Be aware of some overgrowth and steep sections. DISCOVER PASS REQUIRED FOR EACH VEHICLE. Leader: Mary Jane M. 360-430-7905
sketch by the late Deena Martinson
cartoon by Joe Fischer
Biz Buzz
What’s Happening Around the River
Biz Buzz notes news in local business and professional circles. As space allows, we include announcements and news of improvements, new ventures and significant employee milestones. Please email to publisher@crreader.com
HAMPTON LUMBER LAUNCHES FREE RECREATIONAL PERMIT PROGRAM for public access to the company’s forestlands in Oregon and Southwest Washington.
These forestlands have long been open to public recreation — fishing, hunting, hiking, and other uses consistent with permit rules and seasonal restrictions. The permit program will simply serve as a communication tool to provide clear, current information about access conditions, safety considerations, and expectations for responsible use. Under the program, Hampton will continue to close all public access during periods of high fire danger — typically during the summer months — to protect
public safety, neighboring landowners, and forest resources. Camping, fires, dumping, and vandalism are never allowed on Hampton land, and permit holders are expected to pack out what they pack in and respect posted rules and restrictions.
Permits are available through an online platform, My Outdoor Agent, and are issued upon application. To learn more about the program, visit: www.hamptonlumber.com/ recreation.
“We’re pleased to be able to continue offering public access to these forestlands, and we understand how much that access is appreciated by local community members,” said Hampton Timberland Manager Paul Lulay. “This permit gives us a better way to stay in touch with people.”
Garden Party at the Library In celebration of National Rose Month, volunteers at the Longview Public Library rose garden invite the public to visit the garden in full bloom. The event, set for Saturday, June 20, 12–4pm, at 1600 Larch (on the Library grounds facing Longview’s historic Civic Circle), will feature refreshments, a raffle, and the opportunity for free advice from local rose experts, and to vote for favorite roses.
NIPPON DYNAWAVE TRAGEDY Community responds, supports victims and families
Columbia River Reader extends condolences to the families, friends, neighbors, co-workers and everyone affected by the May 26 Nippon Dynawave tragedy which took the lives of 11 workers. May they rest in peace. And may the injured survivors heal fully.
The community has responded and shown generous, heartfelt support in many kind and compassionate ways.
Community-based fundraisers continue to be held and numerous Funds have been established to help the families with immediate needs during this time of grief. Here is information about making donations to the fund administered by the Cowlitz Wahkiakum Central Labor Council, opened for the Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers at Lower Columbia Longshoremen’s Federal Credit Union.
TO DONATE: Mail a check to Cowlitz Wahkiakum Central Labor Council 1145 Commerce Ave, Longview, WA 98632. Note “Family Fund Donation” on the check.
Donations may also be made at local credit unions, including Fibre Federal CU, Red Canoe CU, and PUD Federal CU., and to @ cwclcfamilysupport through Venmo.
Isaias was the April Scholar of the Month sponsored by Pacific Tech Construction. The R.A. Long student was then chosen as the KLOG Student Scholar of the year and received a $2,000 Scholarship from KLOG Radio.
During the 2025-2026 school year, KLOG and KUKN Radio awarded 18 local high school students with “Scholar of the Month” based on grade point average, student activities and community involvement. Each student received a plaque and a $300 check from a local sponsor. The students were honored on June 1st at the KLOG and KUKN Scholarship Awards Banquet at the Cowlitz County Event Center.
And thank you to all the principals and counselors for your support!
Evelyn Hogue
KUKN Student Scholar of the Year
Evelyn was the January Scholar of the Month sponsored by Diamond Showcase. The Wahkiakum student was then chosen as the KUKN Student Scholar of the year and received a $2,000 Scholarship from KUKN Radio
Dennis Weber, retired Longview mayor, is an awardwinning writer of local history, and works through Friends of Longview, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, to enhance appreciation for Longview’s history and development. He also serves on the Rainier Oregon Historical Museum board.
GLIMPSES OF HISTORY
Guardians of the Great River
An estimated 4,000 years ago, the Chinook nation arrived at Willapa Bay, discovering a cornucopia of food (including salmon and shellfish, elk and deer, berry fields, and marshlands with camas and wapato). Plus, they developed
MUSEUM MAGIC
Returns next month
By Joseph Govednik, Director, Cowlitz County Historical Museum
By Dennis Weber
technology to shape the abundant cedar into clothing, baskets, housing, and canoes. Its population grew, discovering other fertile shores along the Columbia, known to them as the Great River. With an abundance of food and technology, Chinookans became wealthy. According to some, Chinookans numbered more than 15,000 about 250 years ago.
As they spread from Willapa Bay, their language developed local dialects. To the south they were called the Clatsop, to the east they were the Kathlamets. And even the Kathlamets developed dialects: north of the Great River were the Wahkiakum, further
east near the mouth of the Cowlitz River were the Cooniacs. Other Chinookan bands were found along the Great River to the Columbia Gorge. A trade language called Chinook Jargon developed.
After contact with Euro-Americans, explorers and trappers described meeting small fleets of the Chinookans paddling canoes to the ships or surrounding those also paddling canoes. Lewis and Clark wrote that Chinookans were sometimes welcoming and hospitable, but sometimes seemed to view the foreigners as threats and harassed them.
Alaskan Halibut or Cod Fish ‘N’ Chips Award-Winning Clam Chowder Seafood, Burgers, Steaks & Pasta Beer, Wine, Spirits & Cocktails
Door Dash
VISITOR CENTERS
FREE Maps • Brochures Directions
Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce / Visitors Center 422 NE 4th Ave, Camas, Wash. • 360-834-2472. M-F 10:30am–3pm
• Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce Kelso Visitor Center I-5 Exit 39. 105 Minor Road, Kelso,Wash. • 360-577-8058
• Wahkiakum Chamber 102 Main St, Cathlamet • 360-795-9996
• Castle Rock Visitor Center Exit 49, west side of I-5, 890 Huntington Ave. N. Open M-F 11–3.
• Appelo Archives Center 1056 SR 4, Naselle, Wash. 360-484-7103. Pacific County Museum & Visitor Center Hwy 101, South Bend, Wash. 360-875-5224
• Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau 3914 Pacific Way (corner Hwy 101/Hwy 103) Long Beach, Wash. 360-642-2400 • 800-451-2542
• Ocean Park Area Chamber of Commerce 1715 Bay Ave., #1, Ocean Park, Wash.
• South Columbia County Chamber Columbia Blvd/Hwy 30, St. Helens, Ore • 503-397-0685
• Astoria-Warrenton Chamber/Ore Welcome Center 111 W. Marine Dr., Astoria 503-325-6311 or 800-875-6807
Glimpses of History
from page 15
The Wahkiakum and Cooniacs maintained two villages as “checkpoints.” One called Seamysty was located at Oak Point on the north shore near the confluence of Mill Creek. The other was Ktlagulak between Fox and Nice Creeks on the south shore opposite the confluence of the Cowlitz River. After the disastrous “Cold Sick” epidemics of the 1830s, most survivors at Fox Creek joined the Wahkiakums at Oak Point. But populations continued to plummet. By the 1850s, the US. Senate declined to approve treaties for the “almost extinct” Chinookans. But they survived and continue to seek federal recognition.
Stella Market & Vintage Décor
By Laura McCartney
Little white church in the woods invites you
You’re invited you to join us once again for a day of treasure hunting and community fun at our Stella Market and Vintage Décor event on Saturday, June 20, 10am. to 4pm, at Stella Lutheran Chapel, 124 Sherman Road west of Longview, Washington. Turn off SR-4 onto Germany Creek Road and travel approximately two miles.
Whether you’re a collector, a decorator, or simply looking for a fun outing, the Stella Market offers something for everyone ... a mix of vintage décor, handcrafted items, antiques, handmade jewelry, and unique finds, perfect for gift giving or adding charm to your home. If you enjoy garage sale treasures, we’ll have some of those, too! The Stella Historical Society will offer historical
books, Volumes I, II, and III, for sale. As we continue to add vendors, more unique offerings will join the mix.
Food and refreshments will be provided, thanks to a Thrivent Action Team project, so plan to stay awhile to reconnect with friends, neighbors, and the community, and experience the welcoming spirit of Stella Lutheran Chapel. Handicap parking is available. The chapel will be open for those who would like to step into the sanctuary, sit quietly, and reflect or pray. Visitors are also invited to take a moment to explore the chapel’s history and its long-standing connection to the community. The chapel has been serving the community since 1948.
Calbom
Production notes
We couldn’t do a crr cover and feature on the wine business without checking in with our own resident oenophile, entrepreneur and Reader columnist, Marc Roland.
“I think the biggest problem with the wine business,” he said, “is pricing. Wine costs too much, and it’s gone corporate.”
Marc and his wife Nancy established their roots in teaching but were seduced by the grape in the late 90s. They’re currently proprietors of Longview’s Roland Wines, which serves up woodfired pizzas and appetizers, caters and hosts events, and features top-flight jazz and local music, besides, of course, their own Roland label wines..
“We’re about building relationships,” said Marc, “and what can happen when two people, or a group of people, celebrate over a bottle of wine. That’s a little hard to do these days, in this economy, when the ‘good stuff’ is selling for 60 bucks a bottle!”
Marc and I discuss the dilemma — wanting to keep the business rooted in the land, eliminating middle men and corporate mark-ups — but also delivering quality wine to the consumers.
“I don’t think the wine business can maintain the status quo,” he said. “Between people drinking less and a challenging economy, wine becomes a luxury.” Marc maintains that there are great wines priced from $15 to $20 but the “corporate factor” boosts prices, and hypes the “wine experience” to suggest a premium quality out of the reach of even connoisseurs.
“Sometimes it’s a struggle,” he said, “but I’m encouraged by the people that come in here and the quality of relationships we’ve built around this business.”
On this positive note, all the winemakers we’ve talked to — and sipped with — in doing this story seem to agree.
people+place
Re-wined
Hal Calbom
Washington winemakers step it up
EARLY ON WE SAID IF THE OTHER ONE EVER SAYS, ‘LET’S START A RESTAURANT,’ WE’D GO GET A GUN
Craig Leuthold hasn’t a moment’s doubt he’s up to the challenge.
“We made the decision not to own a vineyard,” he told me, “because they’re two separate industries, agricultural and manufacturing. With our marketing and sales backgrounds we really felt that was the area where we could differentiate ourselves.”
We sit in the bright and busy Maryhill Winery tasting room on Vancouver, Washington’s spectacular and newly-revitalized waterfront, surrounded by racks of assorted Maryhill wines, happy diners served by a gourmet quality kitchen, and full tables of tasters.
It’s in these high-end tasting rooms — here in Vancouver, in Spokane, in Woodinville and in the company winery at Maryhill near Goldendale — where Craig and his wife Vicki are putting the business side of the wine business in the forefront.
“We realized that having urban tasting rooms was a really good way to take your winery to where the people are,” he said. “We just became fascinated by the idea of turning an agricultural product into a sensory beverage.”
No Geeking Allowed
“We want to create a sense of belonging,” said Vicki. “We try to create environments where people don’t just run the credit card and leave.”
It ’s been a remarkable 60 years for the Northwest wine business — three generations of pioneers creating an entirely new industry over three distinct eras.
Era One began in the early seventies, when Washington state, which could grow virtually anything, if it could put water on it, gambled that its particular mix of soil and climate might produce world-class wine grapes. Thus began the Agricultural Era. They grew.
Oh boy, how they grew!
Era Two ushered in a new craft — winemaking — the science and art of turning these extraordinary grapes into drinkable, later intriguing, finally world-class wines capable of competing glass by glass with the best.
Mission accomplished: Northwest wines just keep getting better and better.
Era Three has been, and still is, the most daunting: marketing and sales. You grow, you crush, bottle and age. Then you have to sell it.
That challenge remains.
Photos and story by
Craig & Vicki Leuthold
Maryhill’s flagship tasting room and winery overlook the spectacular Columbia Gorge and share the neighborhood with nearby Maryhill Museum, Goldendale Observatory, and Stonehenge Monument.
Maryhill is among the leading Northwest wineries going retail, taking wine tourism to the street. They admit it’s a risk, compounding their investment in the wine itself with the perpetually precarious restaurant and hospitality business.
“Early on, we said if the other one ever says, ‘let’s start a restaurant,’ we’d go get a gun,” laughed Vicki.
“So many of the people making wine weren’t really up-front people,” said Craig.
“They were chemists and biologists. One of the first wine tastings I went to, this guy started geeking out about the science. Not a single person in the room knew what he was talking about.”
The Boom Boom Years
Soaking up the Maryhill hospitality it’s evident its owners are truly passionate about wine. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and the Leutholds attribute much of the spectacular growth in Washington production to their own baby boom generation itself.
“We’re the ones that virtually invented wine tasting in America, beginning in the 80s,” said Craig, “First in California, and then anywhere where the wines started blowing up, in Washington and then in the Willamette Valley.” Boomers began developing sophisticated tastes and even conducting tastings at home: The bottle of wine became the hostess gift of choice.
“The prior generation drank highballs,” said Craig. “And my first drinking was during the micro-brew years. But as soon as I discovered wine, it was like, ‘Well, I like beer but I really like wine.’”
Vicki cites two major factors that turned their passion into a business: a trip to California where they saw the fledgling roots of “wine tourism” taking hold; and the benevolent influence of the “elephant in the room” in Washington State wine, Ste.Michelle vineyards and winery.
“We always say if Ste.Michelle didn’t exist we wouldn’t even know Washington made wine,” she said. “They’re the big brother, the rest of us are just a bunch of smaller winemakers supporting each other.”
By way of comparison, 90 percent of the state’s winemakers, truly “boutiques,” each produce less than 5,000 cases a year. Maryhill produces about 70,000 cases of wine a year. Ste. Michelle, meanwhile, produces in excess of seven million cases!
We appreciate that Columbia River Reader helps us understand both the places and the people of the Columbia River region. The breadth of CRR’s reporting highlights the interconnections among us — past, present and future.
George and Holly Roe
We thank The Boeing Company for matching its retirees’ gifts.
Sophia Wallace
Alina Ayres
Grace Woodbridge
Elyana Gonzales
Jace Wright
Olivia Nimmo
Hannah Hack
Julia Barella
Samantha Toney
Abigail Bailey
Jorie Langenbach
Jacob Romero Trotter
A Vision on the River
Maryhill’s winery near Goldendale sits on a glorious bluff above the Columbia River overlooking the storied Maryhill Museum, with a flagstoned outdoor deck, a private tasting room for wine club members, gourmet eats, and even bocce ball courts out back in salute to the European heritage of the noble grape.
“Our ideal is people hanging out all day,” said Vicki, “tasting some wine, maybe visiting the museum next door, music on the terrace, bocce with a glass in hand. All of our wine is produced right here on the property.”
Maryhill boasts an impressive breadth of offerings — utilizing over 35 varieties of grapes and producing 65 different wines — due in part to their flexibility in not being enslaved to fruit produced in their own vineyard, and to the region’s magnificent abundance of grape varieties that allow almost endless blending and taste-making.
PEOPLE’S HABITS ARE CHANGING...
BEVERAGES...CRAFT
Imaginative mixing and matching is a regional trend. “Of the thousandodd wineries, I’d say it’s probably less than 10 percent that own their own vineyards, “said Craig. “We think there’s a big difference between making approachable, solid wines and making stellar wines.”
Winemakers directing the “manufacturing” side continue to raise the bar higher and higher. Their business depends on this choreography — the alchemical amalgam of art and science — brokering and blending grapes from all over the region.
Fortunately, they have a rich palette from which to work: Washington boasts a remarkable abundance and variety of grapes apportioned over 21 distinct American Viticultural Areas, known simply as AVAs (see map, above).
Harder Times
Craig Leuthold, an engaging and experienced salesman, is also a realist. He acknowledges that part of Maryhill’s retail strategy is reaction to a softening market for wine. The commonly cited problem is overproduction (Ste. Michelle recently has been cutting back its purchases from growers by as much as 50 percent) but Leuthold sees wider challenges.
“People’s habits are changing,” he said. “When we started out, there were no seltzer beverages. There were no craft distilleries — today there are 350. Cannabis was illegal. Each one of these takes a little piece of the pie.”
Bryce Farquhar
Kennedy Fitzsimmons
Paige Wirtz
Jackson Tallman
Camren Lair
Megan Fugleberg
Jaren Whitright
Kennedy Hastings
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Maryhill
from page 19
“And our competition is still California,” said Vicki. The Golden State is experiencing the same slump, much of it due to over-production during COVID, when at-home beverage consumption skyrocketed. California has short sales, too, and is competing and pricing accordingly.
“And, finally, guess what?” added Craig. “Those of us who have driven the wine industry for the last 40 years — that would be us, the baby boomers — are aging out, retiring or dying off.”
Washington growers have already torn out more than 10,000 acres of grapes, and younger drinkers seem to lack the fascination with wine that blessed and beset their elders.
“Young people especially aren’t drinking as much,” Craig said. “There’s kind of a neo-prohibition about alcohol in general. And they really haven’t seemed to discover wine yet.”
He does see encouraging signs in the tasting rooms — Maryhill’s Vancouver site teems with customers of all ages sipping, tasting and buying. Simple demographics, however, suggest the baby boom may have been a generational bubble, and that declining numbers will continue to challenge the industry.
The Society of Wine
Three impressions from our visit with Vicki and Craig Leuthold: They create member relationships through targeted packaging, incentives and promotions; they embellish the wine experience at the point of sale; and they radiate enthusiasm for their products and their customers. It’s catching!
Maryhill was among the first labels to create wine clubs, with different buy-in levels, perks and discounts, that currently count thousands of loyal members. The winery also offers numerous
Besides upscale condominiums, hotels, shops, and destination restaurants, Vancouver’s booming waterfront hosts numerous wine tasting rooms, including Maryhill’s.
HALF THE REASON I GOT INTO THIS BUSINESS WAS I GOT TIRED OF DRINKING CRUMMY WINE
custom packages for various promotions and collaborations — tours and wine gifts for excursion guests on American Cruise Lines, for instance.
Few wineries have achieved the quality and liveliness Maryhill brings to the point of sale. They’ve put flavor and finish into taking wine to the people. By bringing wine to population centers, tasting rooms not only offer accessible dining experiences, they’re also your friendly wine store right down the block.
Finally, the enthusiasm and expertise that led this couple down this path are alive and well, in fact, flourishing. They sell their wine as a celebratory beverage, a unique framer of experience, an enhancer of moments.
“And we just plain love it,” said Craig. “Half the reason I got into this business was I got tired of drinking crummy wine.”
Cheers!
Interviews are edited for clarity and length.
Hal Calbom, a third-generation Longview native and author of Empire of Trees: America’s Planned City and the Last Frontier, produces CRR’s People+Place monthly feature, and is CRRPress associate publisher.
Rotary Centennial Gift to the Community
Longview’s Martin Dock 3.0
Wooden
By David Minthorn
dock donated by Longview Rotarian Harry F. Martin 64 years ago sparked transformation of once-scruffy Lake Sacajawea Park into today’s recreational
jewel
The Rotary Club of Longview is taking on a challenge at Lake Sacajawea Park by leading a $3 million to $4 million campaign to replace the second version of Martin Dock, which is slowly sinking into the lake near Hemlock Plaza.
It’s the most ambitious project in the club’s 100-year history -— a fund-raising drive to finance reconstruction of the dock with a new covered stage. The project is expected to take at least two years, relying on contributions from major donors, the public, and private grants.
Brian Magnuson, the Rotarian leading the project, said he aims to build a dock with a covered stage “that will last 100 years.” It will include a kayak launch and an upgraded amphitheater on the sloping lawn facing the dock.
Magnuson coined the term “Longview’s living room” to underline the importance of the Martin Dock area, which hosts weekly summer concerts, the Go 4th Festival and other events year-round.
Magnuson will staff a Rotary booth at Go 4th July 2-4 to seek public input on the project and encourage donations. He’ll display architectural drawings of the proposed covered stage and other parts of the rebuild.
Lake Sacajawea Park was far from the gem pictured in city tourism brochures when retired businessman Harry Martin created the original dock in 1962.
That wooden platform —- 20 feet by 40 feet with a 3-foot railing — was eventually replaced by a more spacious wood and cement dock built by the city. It’s this second version with pilings in the lake and foundation in the marshy shore that is sagging into the water and needs replacement.
volunteer labor, materials and use of equipment, The Longview Daily News (later renamed The Daily News) reported.
After the 1963 dedication, the newspaper called it the “first structural improvement on the shores of the 11/2-mile lake” since the town’s founding. “It revives interest ... and makes it possible for this underused civic asset to be better utilized.”
Long after the park was carved from a slough when the townsite was diked in 1923, the sloping lake banks remained undeveloped and scruffy with weedy turf dotted with mole hills, dirt paths and reed-choked shorelines. Lake water was muddy and covered with algae. The only creature comforts were a few park benches set here and there for viewing wildlife.
Today’s amenities — including welltended lawns and plantings, bike and walking paths, picnic tables and shelters, light poles, public restrooms and an authentic Japanese garden — were years away when Martin, a retired moving company owner, decided to act.
Martin saw that kids with fishing poles were slipping on the banks and could barely cast their lines into the lake over the reeds. He asked for and received City Council approval to erect a wooden dock at the water’s edge for fishing and other outdoor events. (See drawing, page 26)
Martin donated building materials and the dock was completed with
LONGVIEW ROTARY TO RESTORE MARTIN DOCK!
Martin Dock, as it came to be known, ignited public interest in upgrading the park. City agencies began allocating tax money for improvements and service clubs and private individuals chimed in with donations. Lion’s Island was a major addition, and Rotary paid for a playground on the south end of the park off Nichols Boulevard.
Maintained by the Longview Parks and Recreation Dept., the 127acre crescent with 3.5 miles of trails is a showplace for the community and a tourist attraction. The arboretum around the lake has more than 100 species, underlining Longview’s “Tree City USA” designation.
With Martin Dock deteriorating due to its watery location, the city sought state funds for a rebuild. When the application was turned down, Parks and Rec put out feelers for local help.
Rotary Club of Longview, a 135-member service group, learned about the need and decided to take on the project to commemorate the club’s 2026 centennial.
Todd Boze, co-chair of Rotary’s centennial planning committee, noted that the club was already funding the restoration of a meeting room for community use at the Longview Public Library, to be known as the Rotary Meeting Room — a nearly $49,000 centennial gift unveiled April 25 at the library’s 100th birthday party.
Boze said he felt a lot more confident when Magnuson volunteered to quarterback the dock project. He’d completed Rotary’s library project under budget.
A Kelso native, Magnuson, 69, is a former construction company owner, communications entrepreneur and current board member of several public agencies. He is accustomed to dealing with the intricacies of construction permits, building on soggy land, and project financing.
Harry Martin
Martin Dock today.
Summer Thrillers and Spillers
Step-by-Step Container Flower Garden
Now that you have food at your fingertips, (see CRR May 2026), it is time for some “food for the soul.” Hurry while nurseries and greenhouses still have ample supply. It’s not too late. Summer can be blooming right at your doorstep with a simple container filled with flowering plants. A few easy steps and you will enjoy the results well into fall.
LOCATION: Where will the container be placed? Sun or Shade? East side or West? You will want to choose the plants that grow best with the sunlight exposure for your location.
CONTAINER: Choose a pot that is suitable for the location you have chosen. The “bigger the better” may not apply if the mature container garden interferes with your outdoor living space. Drainage holes are a must and if you place the container in a tray to catch water, raise it a bit to avoid soggy roots. If the container is really large and deep, a fake bottom can be inserted or fill with large angular rock, soda cans or plastic bottles. Place weed-block fabric over this to keep soil from clogging drainage holes.
SOIL: Your soil mix should be light and fluffy and consist of some organic matter such as compost and peat moss. A “soil-less” sterile mix used in greenhouses is ideal when mixed 50/50 with a high quality potting soil. If you have existing soil already in your containers, remove and mix with fresh potting soil to rejuvenate every year. Avoid using regular garden dirt. It will compact in your container, making root development difficult.
The PLANTS: Once you know the size and location of your planter, you can choose your plants. ID tags are a great resource. Or talk with your nursery professional to find out the best for your container based on color preferences and care regime. The choices can be overwhelming but remember you are doing this for your enjoyment. You need to please only yourself. “There are no rules…. only guidelines.” Do keep in mind nutrition and water needs, ultimate size, and the bloom potential of your collection. Container gardens are all about “instant gratification.” Choose enough plants to fill your container immediately. You don’t want to wait for them to grow!
GUIDELINES: Containers should have a thrilling focal point. If it is to be viewed from all sides, this will be placed in the middle of the pot. If the container is placed against a wall, then the ‘Thriller” is planted at the back. Size will be determined by the size of your container and it will be the tallest plant of your combination.
“Fillers” mound and fill in the middle of your container garden. The trailing “Spillers” cascade over the sides. The
taller the pot, the farther the spillers can tumble. The wider the pot the more of each you will need. A large container, such as a wine barrel, may even have more than one “Thriller” of slightly different heights.
FERTILIZER: There are many different ways to feed your plants. They will grow fast, bloom profusely and give months of astonishing beauty and satisfaction if they are fed on a regular basis. An organic 4-4-4 can be mixed with the soil along with a slow release 14-14-14. Re-apply in August. Liquid natural fertilizers, such as Nature’s Source Plant Food, are applied weekly. Talk to those who grow beautiful baskets and containers and ask them what they use. Their advice will help you choose the right fertilizer for you.
WATER: Without a doubt the most important activity associated with growing successful container gardens is the amount and frequency of watering. Thorough watering will be needed when the plants are billowing out of the pot and challenged by summer sun. Never rely on summer rains to water for you. It will not be enough.
Nancy Chennault and her husband, Jim, operated a landscaping business and independent nursery/ garden center for 20+ years. She wrote CRR’s Northwest Gardener in CRR’s early years. After a hiatus, she re-joined CRR to reconnect us with some of her favorite gardening topics. Nancy is founder of “Castle Rock Blooms” community team of volunteers.
Story and photos by Nancy Chennault
Newly planted
August 13 | 10AM & 2PM
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August 15 | 10AM & 2PM REGISTRATION OPENS
Outings & Events
Submission Guidelines
Letters to the Editor (up to 200 words) relevant to the publication’s purpose — helping readers discover and enjoy the good life in the Columbia River region, at home and on the road — are welcome. Longer pieces, or excerpts thereof, in response to previouslypublished articles, may be printed at the discretion of the publisher and subject to editing and space limitations.
Submitted items will be considered for publication unless the writer specifies otherwise. Writer’s name and phone number must be included; anonymous submissions will not be considered.
Political Endorsements CRR is a monthly publication serving readers in several towns, three counties, two states and beyond, and does not publish Letters to the Editor that are endorsements or criticisms of political candidates or controversial issues. (Paid ad space is available.)
Unsolicited submissions may be considered, provided they are consistent with the publication’s purpose. Advance contact with the editor is recommended. Information of general interest submitted by readers may be used as background or incorporated in future articles.
Outings & Events calendar (free listing): Events must be open to the public. Non-profit organizations and the arts, entertainment, educational and recreational opportunities and community cultural events receive listing priority. Fundraisers must be sanctioned/ sponsored by the benefiting non-profit organization. Commercial projects, businesses and organizations wishing to promote their products or services are invited to purchase advertising.
ADVERTISING Deadlines, see page 10 Ned Piper, Manager 360-749-2632 nedpiper@gmail.com
General inquiries: 360-749-1021 publisher@crreader.com
Mitzi Ponce - St. Helens, Ore Ad Rep: mitzi@mdponce.com 252-675-3423
HOW TO PUBLICIZE YOUR NON-PROFIT EVENT IN CRR
Send your non-commercial community event info (incl name of event, non-profit beneficiary/sponsor, date & time, location, brief description and contact info) to publisher@crreader.com
Or mail or hand-deliver (in person or via mail slot) to:
Columbia River Reader 1333 14th, Longview, WA 98632
Submission Deadlines
Events occurring:
July 17 – Aug 20, 2026 by June 25 for July 15 issue
Aug 17 – Sept 20, 2026 by July 25 for Sept 15 issue
Calendar submissions are considered for inclusion, subject to lead time, relevance to readers, and space limitations.
See Submission Guidelines above.
See schedule, page 11
A gift to the community from Dr. and Mrs. H. Minthorn via Lower Columbia College Foundation. The Minthorn Collection of Chinese Art encompasses a wide range of styles and is displayed in the upper level of the Forsberg Gallery in LCC’s Rose Center, open M-Th 10–3. Free.
Stella Market and Vintage Décor Sat., June 20, 10–4. Stella Lutheran Chapel, 124 Sherman Road west of Longview, Wash. Turn off SR-4 onto Germany Creek Road and travel approx two miles. See story page 16.
Make Music Day June 21, Astoria, Ore. Celebration of music around the world. All welcome. Sponsored by Arts Council of Clatsop County Info: makemusicday.org.
Boats at the Barbey Sat., ,June 27, 11–3. Model boat displays, in-water demos, crafts and activities. Barbey Maritime Center, 2042 Marine Dr., Astoria. The club collects, preserves, displays, and interprets maritime history, culture and art of the Columbia River, its tributaries, and the waters of the North Pacific for the public’s education and enjoyment.
Arts of the Mountain Art & Music Festival Sat, June 27, 9-5; Sunday June 28, 10-4. I-5 Exit 49, east 5 miles along Spirit Lake Hwy.
Kelso Garden Club Plant Sale Part 2 Fri-Sat, June 26–27, 9–3. 4309 Pine St.,Longview, Wash. Houseplants, annuals, perennials, herbs, planters & hanging baskets, trees & shrubs. Cash sales only Proceeds benefit Lower Columbia School Gardens, Kelso High School horticulture program, Cowlitz County Fair exhibits and special projects.
Events
Flavel House Museum Old-Fashioned Fun & Games Free, family-friendly weekend on the museum lawn, Sat–Sun, June 27–28, 11:00am–4:00pm each day. 714 Exchange St., Astoria, Ore. 503-325-2203 or email carlyk@ astoriamuseums.org. Sponsored by Clatsop County Historical Society.
Rainier City-wide Sales. Sat. June 27. 8am–3pm. Many vendors at Rainier Senior Center, 48 West 7th St., Rainier, Ore. Rent 8-foot table for $15. Call 503-556-3889. Kitchen selling Pulled Pork Sandwich lunch 10am–2pm. Includes Sandwich, Coleslaw, Baked Beans, Cookie and Drink, $12.
North Coast Choral Larsen Center Benefit “Just for the Fun of It - Again.” June 28, 4pm. Tickets: charlenelarsencenter.org, or 503-338-9132. Suggested donation $10.
The Chimes of Liberty A “parade of patriotic marches” concert by North Coast Symphonic Band. Fri, July 3, 7pm. Liberty Theatre, 12th and Commercial, Astoria, Ore. Free. northcoastsymphonicband.org
Three Bandits and a Baby Stageworks Northwest’s comic melodrama for all ages. July 10–13, 17–19, 24–26.1433 Commerce Ave., Longview, Wash. Curtain times 7:30pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. Tickets $25 general, $18 seniors/students/veterans, $12 children. stageworksnorthwest.com, 360-636-4488,
Rainier Days in the Park July 10, 11, 12. Rainier City Park, Parade, music, vendors, carnival, church service, fireworks. Schedule and vendor info: rainierdaysinthepark.com
CAR SHOWS THIS SUMMER MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Hot Rods for HEVIN Saturday, June 27, annual car show to benefit Veterans. Three Rivers Crossing, Kelso, Wash. See ads, pages 16, 32. Cowlitz County Veterans Service Center Benefit Sunday, July 12, 8am–3pm. 1250–12th Ave., Longview, Wash. Registration 7am, car entry fee $20. Goody bags to first 50 cars to register. Judging 10am–12noon, awards 1pm. Breakfast and lunch available. Show and Shine Car Show Saturday, Aug 8, 2000 2nd St., Columbia City, Ore. $25 registration at show. All vehicles welcome. Dash plaques, awards, live music, food available. In conjunction with Columbia City Celebration. Info Facebook.com/ col.city.celebration, Gordon 503396-5658
Untouchables Car Club Sunday, Aug. 16, Reg. 7am, Awards 3pm, Kalama.(more details next month)
WatercolorizeD sketch by the late Deena Martinsen,
Mount St. Helens Club HIKES
FREE SUMMER CONCERTS
13 Nights on the River Columbia View Park, St. Helens, Ore
Thursdays thru Aug. Festivities
4–8pm. Music 5-6:30pm Vendors, food trucks.
June 18: Bon Bon Vivant
June 25: Hit Machine
July 2: Acoustic Flash Mob
July 9: Fortunate Gold
July 16: Rock & Roll Cowboys sthelensoregon.gov
Watch this space for updates next month
BROADWAY GALLERY
1418 Commerce Avenue, Longview Tues thru Sat, 11–4. Visit the Gallery to see new work. For event updates check our website: the-broadwaygallery.com, at Broadway Gallery on Facebook, and broadway gallery longview on Instagram.
FEATURED ARTISTS
June Gallery Artists All Member Show, “Bloom”
July Carol Boudreau (watercolors), guest artist Guest artist Janine Littrell (ceramics)
Waikiki Beach Concert Alternate Saturdays thru Aug 22, 7-8:30pm. Free. Cape Disappointment State Park, Ilwaco, Wash. Discover Pass required to park.
Join us for refreshments and live music by Brad Matthews
Visit our gallery or website to check out our new Summer Classes, New Teachers & Workshops!
CALL TO ARTISTS: Annual August Community Art Show CONNECTIONS”
Bring your original artwork to the gallery by 4pm, Thurs, July 30th. Entry forms & all info on our website and in the gallery. Open to all Pacific Northwest artists.
OPEN Tues - Sat 11–4
Free Gift Wrap on request.
by Hal Calbom
Take an old steel drum
Hammer it and pucker it with dimples Blend together notes, scales, rhythms
Pan Wizards Steel Orchestra is … IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Steel Beat Orchestra drums in Longview
and Long Beach, June 20
Voted one of top 3 Galleries in SW Wash.
Find a unique gift! We have beautiful artisan cards, jewelry, books by local authors, wearable art, original paintings, pottery, sculpture, photographs and more.
See ad, page XX
You’ve heard the distinctive sound, the steel drum sound. Bright, metallic sounds of the Caribbean, in fact, native to Trinidad and Tobago. What you probably haven’t heard, is 30 regional musicians turning this most basic of derivative instruments — a 55-gallon oil drum…really? — into a concert-sized orchestral experience. Get ready, Southwest Washington! The Pan Wizards (“Pan” is the native word for the evolved drumheads) are coming to town — they’ll play a matinee in Long Beach at Veterans Field Bandstand Saturday June 20th at 1pm, and headline in Longview at Rose Center for the Arts at LCC, 7pm that same Saturday the 20th.
“We’ve got something for everybody,” said artistic director Gary Gibson in a phone call, “a way larger variety of sounds than you’d think of when you think ‘steel drum.’”
Hal Calbom is associate publisher with CRRPress, and produces CRR’s monthly “People+Place” feature, see page 17.
Gibson has assembled a band of virtuoso high schoolers from Edmonds and Kent for a grand concert tour. “These are the best players we have,” he said, chosen from a number of steel ensembles he manages and directs.
“They love the instruments and they love this music.”
Gibson himself fell in love with the ringing steel drum sound as a ten year old growing up in Kansas, of all places, and hammered his own four-note “pan” when he was only 10 years old.
“We have multiple sections just like a traditional orchestra,” he said. “But the sound is like nothing you’ve heard before.”
IF YOU GO: Sat., June 20th
“Sound of Sunshine” Pan Wizards
Free and open to the public Long Beach, Wash • 1pm Veterans Field Bandstand 111 3rd St. SE Longview, Wash • 7pm
Lower Columbia College 1528 Maple St. (Free but requires ticket, obtained through Rose Center’s box office, lowercolumbia.edu/productions
Where to pick up YOUR copy of Columbia River Reader
It’s delivered all around the River by the 15th of each month
(except the Holiday edition, which comes out Nov. 25th). Here’s the handy, regularly-refilled box and rack locations where you can pick up a copy.
LONGVIEW
Post Office
Forever Fit - 1211 18th Ave
Bob’s (rack, main check-out)
In front of 1232 Commerce Ave
In front of 1323 Commerce Ave
In front of Stash Records 1420 Commerce
Teri’s on Broadway (side entry)
In front of Freddy’s 1110 Commerce
YMCA
Fred Meyer (rack, service desk)
Grocery Outlet, OB Hwy
Fibre Fed’l CU - Commerce Ave
Monticello Hotel (front entrance)
Kaiser Permanente
St. John Medical Center (rack, Park Lake Café)
LCC Student Center
Columbia River Reader Office 1333 14th Ave (box at door)
Omelettes & More (entry rack)
KELSO
Visitors’ Center / Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce
KALAMA
Etc Mercantile
Fibre Fed’l CU
Kalama Shopping Center corner of First & Fir
Columbia Inn
McMenamin’s Harbor Lodge (rack)
Luckmans Coffee, Mountain Timber Market, Port of Kalama
WOODLAND
Grocery Outlet
Luckman Coffee
Park &Ride lot (former Vis. Ctr)
CASTLE ROCK
In front of CR Blooms Center
Cowlitz St. W., near Vault Books & Brew
Visitors’ Ctr, 890 Huntington Ave N., Exit 49, west side of I-5
Cascade Select Market
Fibre Fed’l CU
VADER
Little Crane Café
RYDERWOOD
Café porch
TOUTLE
Drew’s Grocery & Service
CLATSKANIE, ORE
Post Office
Mobil / Mini-Mart
Fultano’s Pizza
WESTPORT
Berry Patch (entry rack)
RAINIER
Post Office
Cornerstone Café
Rainier Hardware (rack, entry)
Earth ‘n’ Sun (on Hwy 30)
El Tapatio (entry rack)
Grocery Outlet (rack by front door)
Senior Center (rack at front door)
DEER ISLAND
Deer Island Store
COLUMBIA CITY
Post Office
ST HELENS
Chamber of Commerce
Sunshine Pizza
St. Helens Market Fresh
Olde Town (near 2-Cs Vendor Mall)
Big River Tap Room
Safeway
WARREN
Warren Country Inn
SCAPPOOSE
Post Office
Road Runner
Fultano’s
Ace Hardware
WARRENTON
Fred Meyer
CATHLAMET
Cathlamet Pharmacy
Tsuga Gallery (entry rack)
Puget Island Ferry Landing
SKAMOKAWA
Skamokawa General Store
NASELLE
Appelo Archives & Café
Johnson’s One-Stop
Oakie’s (Box outside)
ILWACO
Time Enough Books (entry table)
OCEAN PARK
Ocean Park Chamber of Commerce, 1715 Bay Ave
Sketch presented to the Longview City Council in August 1962, illustrating work to be completed at Lake Sacajawea, a 20’x40’ dock, which would double as a stage for performances. The project was to be at no cost to the City, and was expected to take two weeks.
Martin Dock
from page 21
To get the project rolling, $120,000 must be allocated for geological assessments, including site drilling and and permitting, Magnuson said.
Aetta Architecture has been hired to design the project.
Magnuson already has secured one local pledge of $500,000 for the project and other generous residents have indicated they’ll contribute a major share.
“I envision a donor board at the project site listing the names of major donors,” he said. Stage naming rights could be a source of funding, along with sales of paving bricks with donor names placed at the site.
Magnuson presented Rotary’s plan to City Council members in February and got their backing. The Parks and Recreation Dept. and the Historic Preservation Committee are also on board.
The legacy of Harry Martin, whose original dock triggered park upgrades Martin came to Longview from the Midwest in 1923, initially working as a printer at The Daily News. He and his brother, Tony, established Martin Transfer Co. in 1924 with a $250 down payment on a Model T Ford truck.
The company motto emblazoned on moving vans was “Let Martin do your cartin’” with the image of a black cat carrying a kitten.
Harry and his wife, Ellen, initially lived in a $7.50-a-month, two-room shack in Skidville, temporary housing at the corner of 15th and Hudson. A sign on a white picket fence outside advertised the fledgling moving company, according to John M. McClelland Jr.’s R.A. Long’s Planned City -- The Story of Longview.
The business flourished, Martin joined Rotary and other local clubs, and by the late 1940s, the couple and their daughter, Twyla, lived in a ranch style home on Kessler Boulevard across from Lake Sacajawea.
The business was sold to Consolidated Freightways in 1956, according to his 1985 obituary in The Daily News.
Amy Norquist, Rotary’s current president, grew up two houses up the block from the Martins. She remembers him as “a good neighbor. Very kind. Always working in his front garden.”
David Minthorn, pictured here with his faithful companion, Buttercup, grew up in Longview., After a career with the Associated Press, he and his wife Veronika retired in Longview. He’s an active Longview Rotarian and enjoys golf and socializing with friends and family.
Martin and his wife moved to Tigard, Oregon, in 1984, where he died a year later at age 89.
His brother, Tony, was quoted in the obituary saying Harry donated the dock “because he just wanted to do something for the city.”
Welcome to Historic Downtown Longview!
See related story, Martin Dock, beginning on page 21
ROTARY CLUB OF LONGVIEW FACTOIDS
•Motto Service above self
•Chartered in 1926 with 21 male members representing specified occupations.
•Current Membership 135 women and men, including business owners and managers, professionals, community leaders, and retirees from all fields.
•Rotary worldwide 1.2 million members in 200 countries and 46,000 clubs.
•Meetings Wednesdays, 12 noon at the Cowlitz County Event Center.
•Annual fund-raisers Tour de Blast, Squirrel Fest, Crafted Beer & Food Festival and Freedom Flags.
Lewis & Clark, Longview’s Centennial, Columbia River poetry, art, history Gift Subscriptions for yourself or a friend! Mon-Wed-Fri • 11am–3pm, or by chance or appointment 1333 14th Ave, Longview Free
•Community support College and vocational scholarships for high school graduates, grants to nonprofits, free books for schoolkids and donations for other social welfare activities.
•Centennial Longview Rotary celebrates its 100th year in Longview with a gala Sept. 25, 2026, at the Monticello Hotel.
• Rotary’s centennial gifts 1) A giant sequoia tree planted in Lake Sacajawea Park on Arbor Day; 2) Rotary Meeting Room for community use at the Longview Public Library; 3) Launching of a $3-$4 million campaign to rebuild Martin Dock at Lake Sacajawea.
Rotary membership info: longviewrotary.com
UIPS & QUOTES Q
Collected by Jim Tejcka
The United States, as the world knows, will never start a war. We do not want a war. We do not now expect a war. This generation of Americans has already had enough--more than enough-of war and hate and oppression.
John F. Kennedy, President and Commander in Chief of the armed forces, from a June 1963 commencement address at the American University, titled ‘A Strategy of Peace,’ in Washington, D.C.
Remember that the most beautiful things in the world are the most useless: peacocks and lilies, for instance.
John Ruskin, English writer, historian, lecturer, and draughtsman; he wrote concerning subjects as varied as museology, geology, botany, ornithology and myth, 1819-1900
From an interview in February 1966: Bob Dylan: I do know what my songs are about.
Playboy: And what’s that?
Bob Dylan: Oh, some are about four minutes; some are about five, and some, believe it or not, are about eleven or twelve.
Bob Dylan, American singer-songwriter with more than 125 Million records sold (and still counting), born in 1941
When you’re born into this world, you’re given a ticket to the freak show. And when you’re born in America, you get a front row seat.
George Carlin, stand-up comic, political activist, social critic, actor and author, 1937-2008
Fine hopes are better than miserable possessions.
Don Quixote, knight-errant character in the novel “The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha,” by Miguel de Cervantes, published in two parts between 1605 and 1615; it is one of the best-selling novels of all time.
Jim Tejcka is a retired civil engineer, most recently working for Bonneville Power Administration. He enjoys playing guitar and ukulele and lives outside of Woodland, Wash., overlooking the Lewis River. We welcome him to CRR’s elite fellowship of quote wranglers.
What are you reading?
The Garden of Small Beginnings by
Abbi Waxman
Review by Judy MacLeod
What perfect timing. Imagine an easy-to-read novel that skillfully weaves humor, pathos, and insight into characters who handle life’s problems while offering gardening tips and techniques. Ten diverse individuals of all ages, backgrounds and expertise enroll in a six-week gardening class for beginners. Their goal is to convert a barren parcel of land into eye-pleasing vegetable and flower beds that can produce enough food to feed the enrollees as well as a homeless shelter.
Lilian, a young widow with two elementary-age daughters, signs up as preparation for her next assignment – illustrating a gardening book. The class is taught by Edward, a handsome, single Master Gardener, and it is no surprise when romance blossoms (pun intended). Less predictable are the other participants, including a bored, retired banker, two retired female teachers, and a surfer dude who is really a genius computer nerd.
Between each chapter are practical, easy to implement gardening tips about soil enhancement, planting, insect prevention, and those oh so wonderful worms.
It’s not too late to plant a small garden for tasty, fresh vegetables. Seeds are free to members at the Longview Public Library until October, or trade with a friend who has extra tomato and pepper plants. Salad greens grown in small containers will continue to produce when brought inside during cold weather. With a bit of creativity, gardening can be inexpensive, providing exercise and fun!
Kalama resident Judy MacLeod is a retired high school English teacher, a voracious reader, and an activist, advocating for a better world for her grandchildren and all children.
Monthly feature coordinated by Alan Rose
ATTENTION READERS
Read a good book lately? Share your impressions and thoughts with other CRR readers. Email alan@alan-rose. com or publisher@crreader. com for info. Writers and nonwriters welcome, editing services provided, and can be based on phone mini-interview if preferred.
1. Theo of Golden Allen Levi, Atria Books, $20.00
2. Project Hail Mary
Andy Weir, Ballantine Books, $22.00
3. Dungeon Crawler
Carl Matt Dinniman, Ace, $20.00
4. Remarkably Bright Creatures
Shelby Van Pelt, Ecco, $19.99
5. Angel Down
Daniel Kraus, Atria Books, $18.00
6. Red Rising Pierce Brown, Del Rey, $18.00
7. The God of the Woods
Liz Moore, Riverhead Books, $19.00
8. James Percival Everett, Vintage, $20.00
9. Great Big Beautiful Life
Emily Henry. Berkley, $20.00
10. The Knight and the Moth (Indie Exclusive Edition)
Rachel Gillig, Orbit, $19.99
Brought to you by Book Sense and Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association, dated May 31, 2026, based on reporting from the independent bookstores of Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. For the Book Sense store nearest you, visit www.booksense.com
PAPERBACK NON-FICTION
1. A Walk in the Park
Kevin Fedarko, Scribner, $22.00
2. Braiding Sweetgrass
Robin Wall Kimmerer, Milkweed Editions, $22.00
3. The Hidden Life of Trees
Peter Wohlleben, Greystone Books, $18.95
4. Raising Hare
Chloe Dalton, Vintage, $21.00
5. The Body Keeps the Score
Bessel van der Kolk, M.D., Penguin Books, $19.00
6. 52 Weekends in the Pacific Northwest
Kara Patajo, Sasquatch Books, $24.99
7. Empire of AI
Karen Hao, Penguin Books, $20.00
8. The Beginning Comes After the End
Rebecca Solnit, Haymarket Books, $16.95
9. Things in Nature Merely Grow
Yiyun Li, Picador, $18.00
10. The Demon of Unrest
Erik Larson, Crown, $22.00
BOOK REVIEW
MHumankind A Hopeful History
Rutger Bregman
Little, Brown and Company
$22.99 Paperback
any of us read William Golding’s Lord of the Flies in school. On one level, it’s an adventure tale about a group of British school boys marooned on a tropical island. The island is a paradise, providing everything they need to survive, but through their fears of an
Top 10 Bestsellers
1. Yesteryear
Caro Claire Burke, Knopf, $30.00
2. The Midnight Train
Matt Haig, Viking, $30.00
3. The Correspondent
Virginia Evans, Crown, $28.00
4. Carl’s Doomsday Scenario
Matt Dinniman, Ace, $30.00
5. The Calamity Club
Kathryn Stockett, Spiegel & Grau, $35.00
6. Between Two Fires
Christopher Buehlman, Tor Nightfire, $29.99
7. The Dungeon Anarchist’s Cookbook
Matt Dinniman, Ace, $30.00
8. Platform Decay
Martha Wells, Tor Books, $24.99
9. A Parade of Horribles
Matt Dinniman, Ace, $32.00
10. The Brothers McKay
Craig Johnson, Viking, $30.00
1. The Land and Its People
David Sedaris, Little, Brown and Company, $30.00
2. Famesick
Lena Dunham, Random House, $32.00
3. The Serviceberry: Robin Wall Kimmerer, John Burgoyne (Illus.), Scribner, $20.00
4. Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage
Belle Burden, The Dial Press, $30.00
5. Take Me to Your Leader
Neil deGrasse Tyson, Simon Six, $26.00
6. One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This
Omar El Akkad, Knopf, $28.00
7. Liar’s Kingdom
Andrew Weissmann, Little, Brown and Company, $29.00
8. Make Believe: On Telling Stories to Children
Mac Barnett, Little, Brown and Company, $20.00
9. London Falling
Patrick Radden Keefe, Doubleday, $35.00
10. All We Say: The Battle for American Identity
Ben Rhodes, Random House, $35.00,
1. Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
Dr. Seuss, Random House Books for Young Readers, $18.99
2. Goodnight Moon
Margaret Wise Brown, Clement Hurd (Illus.), Harper, $10.99
3. Dad
Christian Robinson, Balzer + Bray, $19.99
4. The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Eric Carle, World of Eric Carle, $10.99
5. Jamberry
Bruce Degen, HarperCollins, $9.99
6. Construction Site: Firefight!
Sherri Duskey Rinker, AG Ford (Illus.), Chronicle Books, $18.99
7. The Future Book
Mac Barnett, Shawn Harris (Illus.), Knopf Books for Young Readers, $19.99
8. Where the Wild Things Are Maurice Sendak, Harper, $21.99
9. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?: Stamped Edges Special Edition
Bill Martin, Jr., Eric Carle (Illus.), Henry Holt and Co. BYR, $10.99
10. For the Fans!
Golden Books (Illus.), Golden Books, $6.99
We are better than this. No, really.
imagined “beastie,” they slowly descend into savagery. The novel appeared in 1954, less than ten years after the end of the Second World War, where much of the world descended into real-time savagery, killing between 70 and 85 million people. Golding’s novel became a dark allegory on human nature.
In 1965, six boys from Tonga became shipwrecked on a far less hospitable island. Presumed dead, they survived for more than a year by working together. This real-life account of survival through cooperation stands as a stark counter-argument to Golding’s pessimistic tale and provides the starting point for Dutch historian Rutger Bregman’s case that humanity is fundamentally good. Bregman (Utopia for Realists) argues that our capacity to cooperate, to trust and work together has been basic to our species’ survival and evolution. Over the millennia, we have learned that it’s in our best selfinterest to get along. It’s in our DNA. Yet much of Western thought has led us to believe that people are basically sinful, selfish creatures, not to be
If we believe most people can’t be trusted, that’s how we’ll treat each other, to everyone’s detriment. Few ideas have as much power to shape the world as our view of other people. Because ultimately, you get what you expect to get. If we want to tackle the greatest challenges of our times–from the climate crisis to our growing distrust of one another–then I think the place we need to start is our view of human nature.
-- from Humankind
Alan’s haunting novel of the AIDS epidemic, As If Death Summoned, won the Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award (LGBT category). He organizes the monthly Word Fest gathering (info on facing page). Reach him at www.alan-rose.com. HARDCOVER FICTION HARDCOVER NON-FICTION
trusted. Bregman contends that we are better than this, and who we believe ourselves to be affects how we act. Offering evidence from anthropology, archaeology, social science, and yesterday’s news, he suggests humanity’s default mode has been cooperation rather than competition.
In advocating on behalf of the better angels of our nature, Humankind
1. Renegades #1: The Magic Awakens
Erin Hunter, HarperCollins, $9.99
2. The New Girl: First Crush: A Graphic Novel
Cassandra Calin, Graphix, $14.99
3. Spy School Secret Service the Graphic Novel
Stuart Gibbs, Anjan Sarkar (Illus.), Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $14.99
4. Wombat Waiting
Katherine Applegate, Storytide, $19.99
5. Odder: The Novel
Katherine Applegate, Charles Santoso (Illus.), Square Fish, $8.99
6. Captain Underpants: The First Epic Manga Dav Pilkey, Motojiro (Illus.), Graphix, $14.99
7. Dogtown
Katherine Applegate, Gennifer Choldenko, Wallace West (Illus.), Square Fish, $8.99
becomes an antidote to the easy cynicism and debilitating despair many of us are feeling today. Which is not to deny the darker angels ever whispering their fears of a “beastie” in our ears. As social animals, we want to please, to belong, to be accepted. Paradoxically, these same ingrained traits have also contributed to the dark side of tribalism, too often pitting Us against Them , and resulting in the brutal wars, cruelties, and massacres that have been part of human history. He offers a parable: An old man says to his grandson: ‘There’s a fight going on inside me. It’s a terrible fight between two wolves. One is evil — angry, greedy, jealous, arrogant, and cowardly. The other is good — peaceful, loving, modest, generous, honest, and trustworthy. These two wolves are also fighting within you, and inside every other person too.’ After a moment, the boy asks, ‘Which wolf will win?’ The old man smiles. ‘The one you feed.’
Clatskanie, Ore.
Fultano’s Pizza
770 E. Columbia River Hwy
Family style with unique pizza offerings, hot grill items & more!
Dine-in,Take-out and Home Delivery. Visit Fultanos.com for streamlined menu. 503-728-2922
Ixtapa Fine Mexican Restaurant
640 E. Columbia River Hwy
Fine Mexican cuisine. Daily specials. The best margarita in town. Daily drink specials. Dine-in, curbside pickup. M-Th 11am–9:30pm; Fri & Sat 11am–10:30pm; Sun 11am–9pm. 503-728-3344
Interstate Tavern 119 E. “B” St., (Hwy 30) Crab Louie/Crab cocktails, crab-stuffed avocados. 17 hot and cold sandwiches. Amazing crab sandwiches. Full bar service. Catering for groups. 503-556-9950. interstatetavern@yahoo.com
El Tapatio
117 W. ‘A’ Street
Mexican Family Restaurant. Open Fri-Sat 11am-11pm, rest of week 11am-10pm. Full bar. 8-11pm. Patio seating. 503-556-8323.
Longview, Wash.
Formerly The Carriage Restaurant & Lounge located on 14th Ave. 3353 Washington Way Chinese & American cuisine. Full bar, banquet room stage room with balcony; available for groups, special events. Restaurant: 11am–9pm, Lounge 11am–1:00am. 360425-8680.
In the Merk (1339 Commerce Ave., #113) 360-998-2139. Mon-Fri 8am–4pm. Specialty coffees, teas, bubble teas and pastries....drinks with a smile. Takeout and on-site.
COLUMBIA RIVER dining guide
Freddy’s Just for the Halibut
1110 Commerce Ave.
Cod, Alaskan halibut fish and chips, awardwinning clam chowder. Burgers, steaks, pasta. Beer and wine. M-Wed 10am–8pm, Th-Sat 10am–9pm, Sunday 11am–8pm. Inside dining, Drive-thru, outdoor seating. 360-4143288. See ad, page 15.
Hop N Grape 924 15th Ave., Longview Tues–Thurs 11am–8pm; Fri & Sat 11am–9pm. BBQ meat slow-cooked on site. Pulled pork, chicken, brisket, ribs, turkey, salmon. World-famous mac & cheese. 360-5771541.
Kyoto Sushi Steakhouse
760 Ocean Beach Hwy, Suite J 360-425-9696. Japanese food, i.e. Hibachi, Bento boxes, Teppanyaki; Sushi.
Mon-Th 11-2:30, 4:30-9:30. Fri-Sat 11am10pm. Sun 11am-9pm. 360-425-9696.
Lynn’s Deli & Catering 1133 14th Ave.
Soups & sandwiches, specializing in paninis, box lunches, deli sandwiches and party platters. Mon-Fri 8-3, Saturday 10-2. 360-577-5656
OMELETTES & MORE
3120 Washington Way
Open M-F 7am – 1:30pm, Sat and Sun til 2pm. Home-cooked comfort foods. Breakfast & lunch classics. Dine in or order online at omelettesandmore.com. 10% Senior Discount everyday. 360-425-9260.
Vault Books & Brew 20 Cowlitz Street West, Castle Rock. Coffee and specialty drinks, quick eats & sweets. See ad, page 28
Kalama, Wash.
LUCKMAN’S COFFEE Mountain Timber Market, Port of Kalama. Open 8am–7pm. 360-673-4586.
215 N. Hendrickson Dr., Port of Kalama. A Northwest pub and unique bars serving breakfast, lunch & dinner daily. Info & reservations, bar hours at mcmenamins.com. 8am–midnight daily. 360673-9210. Indoor dining, covered outdoor seating.
Antique Deli 413N. First. M-F, 10–3. Call for daily sandwich special. 360-673-3310.
FIRESIDE CAFE 5055 Meeker Dr., Kalama. Open Wed-Sun, 9–4. 360-673-3473.
Scythe Brewing Company 1217 3rd Avenue #150 360-353-3851 Mon-Fri 11:30am -8pm; Brunch Sat-Sun 11:30am -10am–1pm. Family-friendly brewery/restaurant, lunch and dinner.
Teri’s
on Broadway
1133 Broadway. Lunch and Dinner, full bar. Mon12–8pm. Tues-Thurs 11am–8pm, Fri 11am–9pm; Sat 12–9pm. Live music on Wednesday pms. 360-577-0717
Scappoose, Ore.
Fultano’s Pizza 51511 SE 2nd. Family style with unique pizza offerings, hot grill items & more! “Best pizza around!” Sun–Th 11:30am–9pm; Fri-Sat 11:30am–10pm. Full bar service ‘til 10pm Fri & Sat. Deliveries in Scappoose. 503-543-5100. Inside Dining. Ixtapa Fine Mexican Restaurant 33452 Havlik Rd. Fine Mexican cuisine. Daily specials. The best margarita in town. Daily drink specials. M-Th 11am–9:30pm; Fri & Sat 11am–11:30pm; Sun 11am–9pm. 503-543-3017
Warren, Ore.
Warren Country Inn 56575 Columbia River
Toutle, Wash.
St. Helens, Ore.
Sunshine Pizza & Catering 2124 Columbia Blvd. Hot pizza, cool salad bar. Beer & wine. Limited inside seating, curbside pickup and delivery. 503-397-3211 See ad, page 10.
Big River Tap Room 313 Strand Street on the Riverfront.
Lunch/Dinner Tue-Thurs 12–8pm; Fri-Sat 12–9pm. Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef, pastrami. Weekend Burrito Breakfast, Sat 8-11, Sun 8am-3pm.
The Klondike 71 Cowlitz St, Historic Riverfront District. Steaks, seafood, burgers. Daily specials M-Th. Catering. Full bar. klondiketavern.com. 503-396-5036.
The Klondike
Ned Piper assists with CRR, inside out and all around the edges.
THE TIDEWATER REACH
FIELD GUIDE TO THE LOWER COLUMBIA IN POEMS AND PICTURES
Poem by Robert Michael Pyle • Photograph by Judy VanderMaten
Ship Report
Nine ships on the river today four outside, five inside Tongue Point, how I count them. Each morning the radio station gives the Ship Report, telling who’s here, where from and where to, and what they carry, potash, grain, logs, cars. Most of them have black tops, white bridges. and red hulls, but sometimes blue, or green.
Since 9/11 and the Patriot Act, the happy sight of crewmen traipsing the town is behind us. No more parties for Russian sailors, no Asian men in watch caps and pea coats schlepping bags: gifts and goods bound for Seoul, or Manila. Now the greeting committee and only customs official: this great blue heron hunched on rotten piling, exacting duty from anyone who thinks of coming ashore — tribute paid solely in the coin of cold raindrops, falling on his sodden plume.
This page and pg. 9 feature excerpts from CRRPress books.
WORDS AND WOOD
PACIFIC NORTHWEST WOODCUTS AND HAIKU
by Debby Neely
Calls his name in haste
Wants danger to follow him
Keeping the nest safe
EMPIRE OF TREES
by Hal Calbom
AMERICA’S PLANNED CITY AND THE LAST FRONTIER
INDUSTRIAL MIGHT
The founders knew they were dangerously dependent on the wood products industry and lobbied and recruited for years for other industries to support the city and utilize its port and trade connections. Thanks, ironically, to the fortunes of war, it would be aluminum that saved the day, and as some historians have suggested, made a critical contribution to the industrial muscle that eventually helped win World War II.
In the fall of 1941, just before Pearl Harbor, Reynolds tapped its first pot of molten aluminum to be poured into ingots. By the spring of 1942 the plant was able to produce thirty thousand tons each year. By the end of the war in 1946, 642 were on other payroll, and Reynolds was the fourth largest industrial employer in Cowlitz County.
--Virginia Urrutia, They Came to Six Rivers
CRRPRESS was founded in 2020, with the first printing of Tidewater Reach, followed by Dispatches from the Discovery Trail (see current episode, page 9), Empire of Trees, Words and Wood, and A Lifetime of Art. Purchase info, see page 2.
Where do you read THE READER?
WHERE DO YOU READ THE READER?
Send your photo reading the Reader (high-resolution JPEG) to publisher@crreader. com. For cell phone photos, choose the largest file size up to 2 MB. Include names and cities of residence. Expect an acknowledgment within 5 days of submission; otherwise, please re-send. Thank you for your participation and patience. We usually have a small backlog!
High Spirits!
Paul and Emily Clemetson of Kelso, Wash., at Ba Na Hills in front of the Golden Bridge in Da Nang, Vietnam. To get there visitors ride the longest cable car ride with the most elevation gain in the world, they noted.
Winter in Estonia Longview resident Nicholas Kabanuk visited Tallinn, Estonia, in February. This is him in Old Town Tallinn, where he stayed.
High Spirits! Les Hoekstra, Jan Everman, and Mary Mitchell of Rainier, Oregon, and David Silvesan of Longview, Washington enjoying the sunshine in Palm Springs.
“Gravity always wins!” Umbrella
Rthe spectator
by ned piper
Unconnected
emember how you felt when you lost or misplaced your cell phone? Yes? Well that’s close to how I felt when our Internet service failed the other day. You see, when I’m not delivering Readers throughout the region, on the phone working with advertisers, or running household-related errands, I am usually watching TV news or a sports event.
Confession: I watch way, way, way too much television.
CNN’s Anderson Cooper was mid-sentence when the screen went blank. Before our son Perry moved to Portugal, he taught me when something goes wrong with anything digital or electronic, turn the device off and back on again. Often that works.
But not this time. When the TV didn’t come back to life, I called our internet provider to report the problem. They promptly sent a technician to our house to install a stronger router at no cost. He added two booster units to make our whole house even more Wi-Fi friendly.
PLUGGED IN TO COWLITZ PUD
By Alice Dietz Cowlitz PUD Communications/ Public Relations Manager
Fund established for Nippon Dynowave families
In response to the tragic incident at the Nippon Dynowave facility, local partners have come together to support the families affected.
On May 26, a catastrophic chemical tank rupture at the Longview paper mill resulted in the loss of 11 workers and injuries to several others, in what has been described as one of the deadliest industrial accidents in modern Washington state history.
In partnership with the PUD Credit Union, a community donation fund has been established to provide direct relief to the immediate families impacted by the tragedy. Donations will help cover essential PUD (utility) bills, easing some of the financial burden during this incredibly difficult time.
With the National Basketball League finals happening now, World Cup soccer coming to America soon; not to mention the big league baseball season, women’s professional basketball,and women’s and men’s pro golf on the tube, this is not a good time for one’s television to be kapoot.
There is one sad thing in all this that I have not been able to master: Because Sue is not the sports fan that I am, she usually leaves the TV room around 10pm. I immediately switch to a ball game that I’ve recorded. Here’s the problem…almost without fail, I fall asleep before the game ends. I rarely know who won the game. It’s almost like being without one’s phone!
Longview resident Ned Piper is mostly retired, but assists with CRR ads, distribution and, of course, proofreading when he is not enjoying TV sports, movies, or political talk (wrangling) shows.
Ways to Donate:
•In Person: Cash or check donations may be made at the PUD Credit Union
323380795. Electric Bill Assistance Fund: Account # 2356
Community Partnership Fund (in collaboration with PUD, Longshoremen, Red Canoe, and Fibre Credit Unions: Account # 0001
Account Name: Connect to Community: Nippon Family Fund
“This effort reflects the strength and compassion of our community as we come together to support local families in a time of profound loss.”
All donations will go directly toward assisting families.
For more information, please contact adietz@cowlitzpud.org
Alice Dietz may be reached at adietz@ cowlitzpud.org, or 360-501-9146.
Miss Manners from page 6
DEAR MISS MANNERS: In my senior year of high school, I got pregnant, and back in those times, I was not allowed to graduate. I married my child’s father and raised two children with him. We were divorced many years later, mostly because we had not finished growing up when we married.
I did go on to attend classes at a local community college, and later married another man. We had 30 wonderful years together, and were very successful in our marriage, our life and with the multiple businesses we built together. I have been blessed with wonderful children and grandchildren, all of whom either have successful careers or are college-bound.
A high school friend, who married and lives well, cannot see me without bringing up, in some fashion, that I did not graduate when we were in high school. At a reunion, her comment in the group where I was standing was, “Oh, you had a child by the time you were 18.” I smiled and said, “Yes, I did.”
I have no idea why she refuses to let go of this -- and how does it affect her life, anyway? Truthfully, I feel it is her problem, not mine.
Because we attend common interest functions, I see her three or four times a year. I’m certain that Miss Manners would not wish for me to be terribly forward with her, but after 50 years, I’ve had enough.
GENTLE READER: Next time she points out your history, try saying, “Yes, you mention that frequently. Is there a reason? Is everything OK in your family?”
Although she may not be willing to admit it, this woman is likely dissatisfied with her own choices and trying to make herself feel better in comparison -— or wondering why your life turned out so well. In any case, Miss Manners agrees that it is her problem, not yours. And politely acting as such and showing concern will have the added benefit of only annoying her more.
(Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, gentlereader@missmanners.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McNeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)
