The Eagle News October 16, 1975

Because the dates line up, The Eagle has decided to reprint events from 1975. Thank you to the Wahkiakum County Historical Society, volunteer Julie O’Neil and volunteer curator, genealogist and board member Kari Kandoll.

Plaques to mark historical sites

Mrs. Robert Goodfellow, Wahkiakum liaison for the Historical Sites council, has received word that a council representative from Olympia will present plaques for area historical sites next Wednesday.

Henry Mooers, president of the Wahkiakum Historical Society, has called a society meeting at the museum Wednesday at 3 p.m. and the public is invited to attend the plaque presentation meeting.

According to Mrs. Goodfellow, sites accepted by the state include: site of the first cannery on the Columbia, Grays River Covered bridge, Deep River church, Cathlamet Pioneer church, Pioneer Cemetery in Cathlamet and the home of Julia Butler Hansen in Cathlamet.

Other sites under consideration but not nominated include the Redman Hall, Skamokawa, the Blanche Bradley Civic center in Cathlamet and the site of the Judge Strong house (museum) in Cathlamet. The Cathlamet Building Materials held their grand opening on October 17 and 18.

Better school club will show digitor

A Youngster is seated at a table. In front of him an odd spherical machine flashes signs of approval as fast as the learner can “digit” the correct answer. On completion of the program the number of correct responses magically appears.

Sound like something from the year 2000? Although it looks much like a miniature spaceship, this strange machine, called a Digitor, is actually a small computer which is used to sharpen basic math skills. It is one of several educational marvels which will be demonstrated at the next meeting of the Grays River Valley Better School club on Monday, October 20.

Exhibits of educational materials used in the Grays River school is but one of the planned programs for the Better School club meetings during the coming year. Guests at future meetings will be treated to entertaining speakers, grade school presentations, 4-H demonstrations, as well as delectable taste delights.

Recently the club officers sent a letter to would-be patrons listing activities in which the club participates or sponsors and asking for aid and support for the ensuing year. Past accomplishments for the Better School club include purchasing instruments and a sound system for the school, contributing to the AFS foreign student exchange program, establishing the Ralph McGough Memorial Scholarship fund, and sponsoring varied activities of benefit to the entire community as well as the school.

Future activities in the planning stage include the possibility of spearheading a community drive to build tennis courts in the Rosburg area with the help of federal funds.The officers are looking for input to make the club more responsive to educational and cultural needs of Grays River school students and the community at large. If you would like to be a part of a “more responsive” Better School club and educational system, start by attending the October 20 meeting at 7:30 p.m. It’s your chance to do something extra for your child and maybe even someone else’s?

Kenneth Evans

GRV Better School Club