To The Eagle:

My wife and I most recently had an opportunity to come to the town of Cathlamet, Washington in Wahkiakum County to join in the celebration of marriage of two of the county’s promising local products. We jokingly referred to it as the “Wedding of the century,” but it was a union of Ms. Jordyn Wirkkala (soon to be physician) and Mr. Nate Rogers (soon to reach the rank of captain while sailing for the Chevron corporation) whose wedding we had come to enjoy.

During my life I have been fortunate to have traveled to 48 of the United States, through many major cities and numerous small towns. Having resided in Washington state for the majority of that time I have also traveled to and through most segments of our state, including several towns and cities in Southwestern Washington, I just never had an opportunity to spend a night in downtown Cathlamet.

If Norman Rockwell had needed inspiration, this bucolic community with its fishing and timber background might have made a perfect canvas. What a pleasant respite it turned out to be. Upon arriving and checking into the historic Hotel Cathlamet, we were immediately struck by the friendliness of the local shop keepers and citizens as we wandered around the central core of this small community. Walking down the sidewalks we were friendly greeted by nearly everyone we encountered. From the Spar Tavern to the Cathlamet Market to Patty Cake’s Coffee Roaster where we enjoyed a tasty breakfast the morning following the wedding. Everyone, including the local sheriff deputy who had a catbird seat and view of anything happening in the town while enjoying his Sunday breakfast were pleasant and welcoming. We even bumped into a young journalist currently working remotely in the Bay Area from his hometown due to the covid pandemic. When he entered the café that morning, he was greeted by the owner, and his usual coffee and pancakes mysteriously soon appeared.

There is still something soothing about small communities and their old-fashioned congeniality in this increasingly polarizing society that we currently live in. Thank you to the entire community, and to Andrew, a continued successful journalism career.

Until we meet again.

Ron and Karri Livingston

Yakima