The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

To The Eagle:

Carlton Appelo died on February 12th at 96 years of age. He was a visionary in business, and in support of his community and region. He made regular trips to Washington DC to meet with elected officials to let them know about current projects he supported and what was needed from them in support of those projects. He was a visionary in business, as well as for non-profits. His family has impacted the area in ways we today cannot even truly imagine.

Carlton and I worked together to develop and found the Appelo Archives Center beginning in 2003 when I first came to Cathlamet. We were able to get the Center’s nonprofit status established with the IRS in 2005. Many people worked with him in the years before I arrived, to develop and organize his collections. Since becoming a non-profit, the Center has become a financially stable and important museum. It is actively preserving and protecting historic items donated to the Center, as well as Carlton’s own extensive collections. The Center also has a café that brings folks into the building for food and fellowship. In the café, Tiffany makes a great big breakfast so please come visit and catch up with the Center staff. One of Carlton’s intentions was for the Center to remain an important local asset for decades to come.

There will be a memorial service for him on March 2nd at 1 p.m., at Valley Bible Church. I want to invite those who may wish, to write stories of Carlton from your own experiences with him. This collection of stories will be added to the Center’s collection.

With much sadness, but also with a sureness that he is now with his “brown eyed sweetheart,” his wife, Berenice, I hope you will take time to write your own memories and send them to the Appelo Archives Center at 1056 SR 4, Naselle, WA 98643.

Karen Bertroch

Grays River