Westside Stories

There have been several recent posts on one of the Grays River Valley history pages that serve as a great reminder of the constant changes in our community. Change is inevitable. Even if we long for the "good old days," time marches on, technology advances, and new ideas lead to more efficient ways of doing things.

Over 100 years ago, access to the valley was mainly limited to boats navigating various waterways. Steamships traveled up Grays River to W.N. Meserve General Store, located along the riverbank. Dairy farms were plentiful, keeping the creamery busy.

As time passed, roads began to be constructed. An article in the Oregon Daily Journal dated August 20, 1932, reported that the 14-mile stretch over K-M Hill was nearly complete, connecting the valley by road to towns to the east.

Appelo Shopping Centers became the shopping hubs for Naselle, Deep River, and Grays River. The logging industry continued to be the region's major employer. In the mid-1960s, the Astoria-Megler Bridge was built, providing easier access to shopping and services. Automotive advancements made it even more convenient to travel longer distances to larger stores with lower prices.

Now, well into the 21st century, we find that we don't even have to leave our homes to shop. UPS drivers deliver a wide variety of goods right to our doorsteps. The Rosburg Store now sits vacant and, in Grays River and Deep River, the remnants of buildings from days gone by are either overgrown with weeds and blackberry bushes or have completely disappeared.

Despite all these changes, our community remains thriving, albeit looking different than it did years ago. Notable hubs for activities, meetings, and events include the Grays River Grange, Johnson Park Community Center, Appelo Archives Center, and Rosburg Hall.

This summer, the West Wahkiakum Farmers Market is changing locations to Rosburg Hall in support of this historic building. The new venue allows for more table space, and the market will be held every Friday from 1 to 4 p.m., starting July 11 and running through September. Vendors will offer organic produce, mushrooms, honey, plants, flowers, medicinal tinctures, ceramics, woodwork, jewelry, crafts, and more.

This year, vendors selling fresh vegetables, fruit, and honey will accept WIC and SENIOR FMNP cards from the Farmers Market Nutrition Program.

The West Wahkiakum Farmers Market is organized by a nonprofit called Altoona Grows, which focuses on community growth, knowledge, and regeneration. This year, Altoona Grows aims to provide free classes and demonstrations related to cooking, gardening, and crafting throughout the farmers market season. If you would like to be a vendor and/or provide a learning activity on one of the market days, email altoonagrows@gmail.com

Another notable change in the community announced several months ago is the pending sale of the Naselle Community Center building. The Finnish American Folk Festival made the difficult decision to sell the building due to rising costs, with the aim of refocusing the organization on the festival itself. They will be hosting a moving sale on Thursday, June 12, from 3 to 8 p.m. and on June 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Naselle Community Center, located at 14 Parpala Rd.

Lastly, the Naselle Timberland Library will host a variety of events throughout the summer. I have included a list of happenings for June below and will add details of additional summer events later this month. You can also find their events on their Facebook page.

Westside Happenings

June

7 – NGRV High School Graduation, 4 p.m.

11 – Family Storytime at Naselle Timberland Library, 10:30 a.m.

11 – Grays River Flood Control District Meeting at Grays River Fire Hall, 5:30 p.m.

12 - Appelo Archives Author Series, Greg Jacob, 1 p.m.

12 & 13 – Moving sale at Naselle Community Center

17 – NGRV School Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

18 – Family Storytime at Naselle Timberland Library, 10:30 a.m.

18 – The Reptile Lady at Naselle Timberland Library, 5 p.m.

19 – Farm & Kitchen Barter Night at Grays River Grange, 5 – 8 p.m.

20-22 – Astoria Scandinavian Midsummer Festival

21 – Finnish Midsummer Tea at Appelo Archives Center, 1 p.m.

21 – Bazaar, Art, and Garage Sale Summer Kickoff at Johnson Park, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

25 – Family Storytime at Naselle Timberland Library, 10:30 a.m.

25 – Design-A-Duck at Naselle Timberland Library, 1 p.m.