Westside Stories

On July 4, 1944, World War II was at a pivotal time in Europe, marked by the fierce Battle of Normandy and the intense fighting in the Cotentin Peninsula and around Caen. Just shy of a month after D-Day, the millionth Allied soldier landed in Normandy. Amidst this backdrop, my grandfather, Eddie Wirkkala, took a few precious moments to write a letter to his mother, sharing his thoughts and experiences.

"July 1, 1944

Dear Ma,

Hi! Here it is, July already. What are you going to do on the 4th? Shoot off a few crackers for me, huh? Hehe. I imagine it won't be so noisy and gay as it was last year. But still, it means a lot. I guess the boys over here are celebrating the 4th every day, in the way they're going at it. I believe we'll be home soon. I hope!

By the way, did you get the fifty dollars I sent? I sent 35 dollars more yesterday. Let me know if you get them. You know what to do with the money, so I'm going to have a 40-dollar allotment made out. You'll be getting it next month, I think.

By the way, have you been getting the other allotment? Has Art or Ernest been sending any home? I imagine they are since they get more than I do. Have you heard from them lately? I got a letter from Art about a week ago. He seems to be doing O.K. He sure wrote me a long letter. We've been discussing with each other the prospects of getting enough equipment to start a logging outfit of our own after the war. Think so?

Anyhow we figure on it being pretty tough so if the other boys can do anything to help us out till we get back we might start. Most of us here have plenty of experience logging. What do you think?

We've been having some terrific weather now for the last week. Blazing hot one day, the next we have a cloudburst. It's really hard to get used to. Like Washington, I guess. It's so muddy out now, the only time I go out, I walk in mud up to my ankles. Just as wet. No good, eh?

I hear that Art Long is coming home on Furlough. The lucky guy! Edward K. is supposed to be coming home, too, eh? It's about time.

That was too bad about Uncle Andrew. I guess they weren't expecting anything like that to come along. But he was prepared. I sure hope the boys at the front are ready.

Well, I've got a few other letters to write. I've got to do it while I've the time. I might as well write them now. Be good and take it easy. Write real soon. I haven't heard from you for about 3 weeks.

So long till next time.

Your son,

Eddie

P.S. Notice the change in address."

As we celebrate the freedoms we enjoy in this country this weekend, let us take a moment to honor and remember the brave men and women who have fought, sacrificed, and given their lives for those liberties. We should recognize that these freedoms are a privilege bestowed upon us all!

Westside Happenings

On July 11, from 1 to 4 p.m., the West Wahkiakum Farmers Market will hold its opening day at Rosburg Hall. Market vendors will sell a variety of products, including organic produce, eggs, mushrooms, herbal tinctures, honey, baked goods, art, crafts, ceramics, woodwork, and more.

Although there is already a solid base of vendors, there is always space for more. If you're interested in being a vendor at the Farmers Market, please get in touch with Jamie Van Buhler at altoonagrows@gmail.com.

There will be a free workshop called Mason Bees: Tiny Bees, Big Impact. Discover the importance of mason bees, build a bee house or purchase a prebuilt one, and take home pollinator-friendly tips and materials. All ages are welcome!

There will be a garden supply donation station where you can take what you need and make a donation if you can. Additionally, there will be an arts and crafts corner for the kids.

Also, on July 11, from 4 to 6 p.m., the Tsuga Gallery, located at 70 Main St. in Cathlamet, will celebrate its 14th anniversary. The gallery serves as a collaborative space dedicated to art development and education, showcasing work by local artists. Among others, several West End artists will be featured, including Debbie Littlefield, Gail Wahlstrom, Noreen Fitts, Sandra Prucha, and Carol Ervest. Author Robert Pyle will also have his books available.

A burn ban will go into effect on Thurs., July 3 at 12:01 a.m. The ban remains in effect until further notice.

July

9 – Tie Dye Party at Naselle Library, 1 p.m.

11 – West Wahkiakum Farmers Market Opening Day at Rosburg Hall, 1 – 4 p.m.

11 – Tsuga Gallery Anniversary Celebration, 4 – 6 p.m.

16 – Build a Terrarium at Naselle Library, 1 p.m.

23 – Meet YA Author Vanessa L. Torres at Naselle Library, 11 a.m.

23 – Stomp Rockets at Naselle Library, 1 p.m.

26 – Finn Festival Celebration at Appelo Archives Center

26 – enTaiko at Naselle Library, 11 a.m.

30 – All ages Pour Painting at Naselle Library, 1 p.m.

For a list of regular monthly events, please refer to the Wahkiakum Calendar.

To include an event on the calendar or provide feedback, please don't hesitate to contact me at writerlisayeager@outlook.com. You can also follow me on Facebook @ Writer Lisa Yeager.