Westside Stories, July 17, 2025

This past weekend, the Knappton Cove Heritage Center was alive with the vibrant spirit of history during its annual Lewis & Clark Encampment, skillfully presented by the Pacific Northwest Living Historians (PNLH). This immersive living history event gave visitors a unique chance to interact with authentic character portrayals of members of the legendary Lewis and Clark expedition.

Set against the backdrop of the center's beautiful front lawn, the encampment featured authentic, white, pitched tents similar to those used in the early 1800s. The men, carefully portraying their historical counterparts, skillfully demonstrated various aspects of daily life on the expedition. They displayed the details of their period clothing and uniforms, the rugged guns and weapons they depended on for protection, hunting, and trade, and the labor-intensive process of carving oars from sturdy cedar wood to move their dugout canoes across uncharted waters. Visitors were also intrigued by the blacksmith's forge, where tools and implements were crafted with skill and artistry.

Each historian brought their character to life with passionate storytelling and extensive knowledge, allowing visitors to feel the significance of their historical experiences. Listening to their engaging presentations provided insight into the challenges and successes faced by these explorers, creating a rich and thoroughly enjoyable experience for everyone who attended.

The PNLH, an organization dedicated to exploring the rich stories of Lewis and Clark along the Columbia River and Pacific Northwest, hosts these first-person living history programs to bring history to life. Presenters fully immerse themselves in their roles, while additional third-person presentations engage tour groups, local community organizations, schools, and visitors at national and state parks. Contextual interpreters warmly welcome guests to join in the experience, offering an interactive and enjoyable way to learn about history. The organization is always eager to welcome new members into its ranks.

Once the site of a U.S. Quarantine Station that operated from 1899 to 1938, Knappton Cove played a key role in protecting coastal communities from disease during waves of immigrants arriving from Asia and Europe. Today, the old quarantine building has been turned into a museum that sometimes hosts reenactments and hands-on learning experiences during special events like the encampment.

Directors Nancy Bell Anderson and Heather Henry, a dedicated mother-daughter team, excel in caring for this historic site, ensuring its preservation. In her book, "The Columbia River's 'Ellis Island': The Story of Knappton Cove", Nancy shares her family's journey in developing the site and the history of the Quarantine Station. Her older brother, Tom Bell, purchased the land at a government surplus auction in 1950. The property was then developed into the Knappton Cove Camp, which operated from 1950 to 1987 and offered camping facilities along with various activities, including lively salmon derbies. In 1995, the Knappton Cove Heritage Center was established to honor their family's legacy. Nancy's book provides a fascinating glimpse into this history and is available at the Appelo Archives Center library.

The Knappton Cove Heritage Center, located at 521 WA State Rte 401 just across the river from Astoria, is open on Saturday afternoons in July and August from 1 to 4 p.m., with a guided tour available at 2 p.m. Appointments can also be scheduled outside of their regular hours. Please email knapptoncove@gmail.com for more information.

Westside Happenings

Reminder: The West Wahkiakum Farmer's Market is now open every Friday through September at Rosburg Hall, from 1 to 4 p.m. Back by popular demand, the Mason Bee Workshop table, presented by the knowledgeable Diane Hollenback, will be set up again this week. Supplies to build your own bee house will be available for free, along with how-to printouts and a wealth of information about the importance of mason bees. You'll also learn about flowers that attract bees in our specific climate and how to distinguish between different types of bees and wasps. Additionally, fully constructed bee houses will be available for purchase.

The Appelo Archives Center is selling raffle tickets for a full cord of seasoned alder firewood, generously donated by Jim Stackhouse. Raffle tickets are priced at $1 each or 12 tickets for $10 and can be purchased at the Appelo Archives Center. The drawing for the raffle will take place at the Logger's BBQ on Sept. 6. Additionally, they are looking for a café worker to work two days per week. If you're interested, please stop in or email info@appeloarchives.org.

July

18 – West Wahkiakum Farmer's Market at

Rosburg Hall, 1 – 4 p.m.

23 – Meet YA Author Vanessa L. Torres at

Naselle Library, 11 a.m.

23 – Stomp Rockets at Naselle Li brary, 1 p.m.

26 – Celebrating Finnish Heritage at Appelo Archives Center, 12 – 4 p.m.

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

27 – FAFF Meeting at Naselle Community

Center, 4 p.m.

30 – All ages Pour Painting at Naselle

Library, 1 p.m.

August

9 – Ice Cream & Egg Hunt Party at Naselle Library, 1 p.m.

15 – Meet Children's Author Ellie Peterson at Naselle Library, 11 a.m.

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