Flowing with the great river of time

triumph of human will and imagination over nature that had culminated in “The Planned City.” Beneath this shiny show of progress was an inconvenient reality: The town’s sewer lines had not yet been connected, so all the toilets in the majestic hotel were flushing directly into the hotel’s majestic basement. Nature always wins.

This scene which opens Empire of Trees seems symbolic. Once again, humanity’s Grand Vision was humbled by the basics. (It perhaps also portended the city’s longstanding and regrettable reputation for a distinctive odor.)

For Longview’s centennial celebration, native son Hal Calbom has produced an expansive and engaging new history. Beginning with the city’s 1923 dedication and ending with its 2023 high school class graduations, Calbom takes us on a tour of the ten decades connecting these two moments in time.

Rather than a stately chronological procession of events, Empire of Trees is more a kaleidoscope of people, places, and themes. The book’s narrative structure is split into alternating

Signs of trouble appeared well before the stock market crash in October, 1929. Two years earlier a sharp drop in construction nationwide had rocked the lumber industry. Unsold inventory crowded the docks […] Most people clung to the singleminded belief that — despite resolutely insisting it was no mere Company Tow — in the end the Company could and would support them. It was a dangerous co-dependence. Besides acting as employer and financier, the company was expected to be chief educator, city manager, church and community organizer, all-purpose supplier and savior. Until it wasn’t.

– from Empire of Trees chapters focusing on Then and Now, written with the wit, warmth, and perspective of a journalist fond of his subject.

& MIDDLE GRADE READERS

1. From the World of Percy Jackson: The Sun and the Star Rick Riordan, Mark Oshiro, Disney Hyperion, $19.99

2. The One and Only Ruby Katherine Applegate, Harper, $19.99

3. The Moth Keeper: A Graphic Novel K. O’Neill, Random House Graphic, $13.99

4. School Trip: A Graphic Novel Jerry Craft, Quill Tree Books, $14.99

5. Allergic Megan Wagner Lloyd, Michelle Mee Nutter (Illus.), Graphix, $12.99

6. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret Judy Blume, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, $9.99

7. Odder Katherine Applegate, Charles Santoso (Illus.), Feiwel & Friends, $16.99

8. Squished: A Graphic Novel Megan Wagner Lloyd, Michelle Mee Nutter (Illus.), Graphix, $12.99

9. Sisters: A Graphic Novel Raina Telgemeier, Graphix, $12.99

10. Hatchet Gary Paulsen, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $9.99

By Alan Rose

A generous collection of archival photos from the past are juxtaposed with photos of the present, capturing the ebbs and flows of the city’s first 100 years — its politics, its fashions, the dicey dance between management and unions, the fluctuating markets for timber, and then the mill town’s shift in the late 20th century, seeking a new economic base and a new identity.

And amidst all this, the story of people getting on with their lives as best they could, one day at a time, the days stretching into years, the years into decades, until we have a centennial — a moment to pause and celebrate, yes, but also to reflect on the way we’ve come and who we are as a community.

Hal Calbom and the Columbia River Reader Press have given us a great gift, an attractive aid for community self-reflection, reminding us that history is always Then and Now, ever flowing like the great river that helped place and define this city, and that we are part of that flow. We are part of the great river of time.

Call leader to join outing or for more info. Non-members welcome.

(E) Easier: Usually on relatively flat ground (up to 5 miles and/or less than 500 ft. e.g.)

(M) - Moderate: Longer and more elevation gain (over 5 miles and/or over 500 ft. e.g.)

Send your non-commercial community event info (name of event, 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 Ave

Longview, WA 98632

Submission Deadlines

Events occurring:

Aug 15 - Sept 20 byJuly 25 for Aug 15 issue

Sept 15 – Oct 20 by Aug 25 for Sept issue.

Calendar submissions are considered for inclusion, subject to lead time, relevance to readers, and space limitations.

See Submission Guidelines below.

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 previously-published articles, may be printed at the discretion of the publisher and subject to editing and space limitations.

Items sent to CRR 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 will receive listing priority. Fundraisers must be sanctioned/sponsored by the benefiting non-profit organization. Businesses and organizations wishing to promote their particular products or services are invited to purchase advertising.

(S) - Strenuous: Long hikes and/or elevation gain (over 8 miles and/or over 1200 ft. e.g.)

July 15 - Sat. Toutle Trail / Loowit Trail (M)

Drive 130 miles RT. Hike 7.5 miles RT. with 1,200 foot e.g. from the Toutle Trail TH, past Blue Lake up to the Loowit Trail on the southwest quadrant of Mt St Helens thru old growth forest, under canopy most of the way. Leader: Bill D. 503-260-6712

July 19 - Wed. Washougal Waterfront (E)

Drive 114 miles RT. Hike 5 miles along the Columbia River on a level path. Leader: John R. 360- 431-1122

July 22 - Sat. Packwood Lake (M/S)

Drive 206 miles RT. Hike 9 miles RT. to Packwood Lake, out and back with 400 foot e.g. with a couple more miles available along the lake.

Leader: David K. 360-703-8738

July 26 - Wed. Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge (E)

Drive 66 miles RT. Walk the Oaks to Wetland Trail for a short walk and/or the longer trail which would be a 5-mile loop. Bring binoculars to spot an eagle’s nest in the trees. Leader: MJ R. 360-355-5220

July 29 - Sat. Palmateer Point (M)

Drive 204 miles RT. to Barlow Pass. Hike a 6.2 mile loop with 800 foot e.g. Great view of Mt Hood and surrounding wilderness. Leader: Bruce M. 360-425-0256

Aug 2 - Wed. Julia Butler Hansen Wildlife Refuge (E) (B)

Drive 54 miles RT. Option 1: Bike from the ranger station for approximately 15 miles RT. or Option 2: Walk 5 miles RT. Very scenic area with white tail deer, eagles and osprey. Bring binoculars. Leader: MJ R. 360-355-5220

August 5 - Sat. Salmon River Trail (M)

Drive 180 miles RT. to the Salmon River. Hike 7.2 miles with 900’ e.g. on a trail through a mossy old growth forest next to the scenic Salmon River. The trail follows a gentle terrain with a few steep sections coming to a bluff with a viewpoint of the wilderness where we will stop for lunch before heading back **WILDERNESS PERMITS ARE REQUIRED.** Leader: Susan M. 360751-1255

Aug 5 - Sat. Lake Sacajawea (E) Walk 4 miles on flat ground around the whole lake or any portion for a shorter walk. The total distance will be decided by the group at the time. The group will hike all together.

**THIS WALK IS DESIGNED FOR SUPER SENIORS AND/OR PEOPLE WITH PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS AT A SLOW PACE.** Leader: Susan S. (360) 430-9914

Aug 9 - Wed. Gnat Creek Campground (E) Drive 80 miles RT. Hike 3-9 miles through a shaded forest with 500’ e.g. along a pastoral creek. Visit the hatchery and feed the fish.

Leader: John R. 360-431-1122

Aug 12 - Sat. Tatoosh Ridge (S)

Drive 210 miles RT. Hike 10 miles with 3500 foot e.g. through beautiful flower meadows with stunning views of Mt Rainier.Leader: MJ R. 360355-5220

Aug 16 - Wed Lewis & Clark Discovery Trail to Tillamook Rock Lighthouse (M/S) Drive 140 miles RT. Hike 8 miles out & back with 1600’ e.g. The initial 1.5 miles is steep with lots of switchbacks and then gentler up and downs through the forest that runs along and above the Pacific Ocean. Near the halfway point there is a restroom, campsites and a viewpoint of the Tillamook Lighthouse. Leaders: John & Mary Jane M. 360-508-0878

Aug 18 - Fri. Paradise Park (S) Drive 110 miles RT. Hike 12.5 miles with 2,300’ e.g. A classic Mt Hood hike, from Timberline Lodge climb down (and up) Zig Zag Canyon to fields of wild flowers and alpine views of Mt. Hood. Visit Timberline Lodge too. Leader: Pat R. 360-225-7232 or 360-560-9554

Columbia City Celebration and Annual “Show & Shine” Car Show Aug. 12.

Strawberry breakfast: 7–10am. Music by The Decades, book & DVD sale, quilt raffle. Columbia City Community Hall, 1850 2nd Street. Car Show: Columbia City Grade School, 2000 2nd Street, Columbia City, Ore. All vehicles welcome, Registration $20. Info: Gordon Thistle, 503-3965658, traxworks@yahoo.com. See ad, page 29.

Fundraising Breakfast Hosted by Cowlitz Valley VFW Auxiliary #1045. 9–10:30am.Aug 12, and the second Saturday every month at the VFW Hall, 4311 Ocean Beach Hwy, Longview. Eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, French toast, toast, coffee, orange juice and water. $7 per person. Proceeds support Veterans programs. Public welcome.

1418 Commerce Avenue, Longview Mon 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

July: Guest artists Connie Ford (basketry); Noah Homsley (abstract paintings)

AUGUST: SHOW OF THE CENTURY Community art exhibit. Enter your 2-D or 3-D artwork, based on Longview’s Centennial. Entries due by 4pm, July 29th. All ages welcome.

Details on website or come into the Gallery

Lower Columbia Genealogical Society Public Zoom meetings 2nd Thurs, 6pm. Visitors welcome, instructions, announcements. Program with guest speaker 7pm. For a Zoom link: lcgsgen@ yahoo.com.

Longview-Kelso Bridge Club Plays weekly, Monday 10:30am, Thurs 6:30pm. Kelso Senior Center, 106 NW 8th Ave., Kelso, near Rotary Spray Park. Free, open to everyone, adults of all ages welcome. Come play, or come watch and see if it looks like fun. Info: Jan, 360-425-0713.

Stella Historical Society Museum

Located at 8530 Ocean Beach Highway (10 miles west of Longview), Free admission; donations always welcome. Hours: 11–4, Sat-Sun through Sept. 2-3.

Aug 3 • 5:30–7pm Nibbles & Bites!

Live Music by Keith Hinyard

HOURS

Tues - Sat 11–4

Painting classes by Scott McRae, Beth Bailey, Lorena Birk. Check our website or come into the Gallery. We are a great place to buy gifts and take classes!

Find a unique gift! We have beautiful artisan cards, jewelry, books by local authors, wearable art, original paintings, pottery, sculpture, photographs and so much more.