Westside Stories

This week, I am continuing my series of spotlights on the vendors at the West Wahkiakum Farmers Market. Since moving here just over four years ago, I have come to know many people in the community. One of the things that impresses me most is the energy possessed by individuals from the generation above mine.

One couple who stands out is Robbie and Marilyn Johnson. They have been a part of this community their entire lives and have made numerous contributions to the area. I recently had the pleasure of visiting their homestead, Seal River Farm, which is located on Raistakka Road. The property has been in Robbie's family for over 100 years. During my visit, they gave me a tour of their extensive gardens and greenhouses. I was genuinely impressed by the unique blend of plants, vegetables, herbs, flowers, shrubs, and trees they are cultivating, which includes many varieties of produce I had never even heard of before.

Robbie's love of learning has fueled his passion for growing, and he continually works to improve the infrastructure they've established. Marilyn focuses on maintaining their gardens and the products they sell at the farmers market. Although they sometimes have disagreements, like most couples do, they genuinely work well together to cultivate their land.

At the farmers market, Marilyn offers a variety of products, depending on what is in season. In addition to herbs, fresh vegetables, and flowers, she sells canned preserves, sachets of lavender, and handmade items. For her, the market is more than a place to sell; it's a way to connect with neighbors and friends and contribute to the community.

Sitting in their newly renovated kitchen which was once Robbie's grandmother's bedroom, they shared stories from their 55-year marriage. Both were born at the same hospital, raised in the same community, and graduated together from Naselle High School in 1970. They began dating that May and were married in December. Their first date? Shooting rats at the garbage dump. Robbie even proposed in memorable fashion by stopping his car at the top of the Astoria bridge to pull out a ring. "Back then, you could stop without causing a traffic jam," laughed Robbie.

Their life together has been anything but idle. Robbie pursued a career in education and administration, while Marilyn became a nurse. Together, they raised three daughters, maintained their farm, and juggled multiple jobs. After Robbie retired as superintendent of schools in Waitsburg in eastern Washington, they bought The Plaza Theater in 2004. The couple then renovated not just the theater but also an apartment and retail spaces. In 2020, they returned home to Rosburg, where they once again took on major renovations like upgrading their home, building additional outbuildings, converting a playhouse into a greenhouse, erecting a larger greenhouse, and creating multiple fenced garden areas.

Their goal isn't commercial success, so much as stewardship and caring for the land with which they've been blessed. In addition to their extensive growing operation, they have hosted weddings and gatherings on the property. Marilyn even dreams of one day building a commercial kitchen to host even more events.

Their involvement in the community extends well beyond their farm. They have made significant contributions to the Finnish American Folk Festival in various roles, and Robbie is currently serving on the Board of the Johnson Park Community Center. In everything they undertake, they bring extensive knowledge, wisdom, and expertise, paired with grace, kindness, and a touch of humor. I have truly enjoyed getting to know both of them over the past few years.

The West Wahkiakum Farmers Market is open each Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. through the end of September at Rosburg Hall. Come down to explore the delicious produce and unique local products!

Westside Happenings

August

15 – West Wahkiakum Farmers Market at

Rosburg Hall, 1 – 4 p.m.

15 – Meet Children's Author Ellie Peterson at

Naselle Timberland Library, 11 a.m.

September

6 – Loggers Reunion at Appelo Archives Center

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

To add an event to 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), where I share additional photos and videos.