Rainier Revisited presents historic look at town

Every year, the town of Rainier gathers to celebrate the trek Oregon pioneers made and their lives in 1853. The reenactment includes members of the community dressed as figures from the time, including local farmers, shopkeepers, blacksmiths, Native Americans, and more. These reenactors recreate different historical events like weddings, dances, school, and military ceremonies. During the event, buildings are also made up to look like they came from the 19th century to represent military outposts, tents, and stores. The reenactment also includes animals such as rabbits and goats.

Rainier Revisited offers the community a chance to learn about what daily life was like in 1853. In addition, it helps educate the participating students and give them a better understanding. Those attending Rainier Revisited can see the changes Rainier has made and gone through since 1853, as well as the changes that have taken place in the world.

Instead of paying a fee to experience Rainier Revisited, the community asks that you bring a can of food for local food bank H.O.P.E. of Rainier to help support members of the community.

Many agree that Rainier Revisited is a great opportunity to learn about the past, while others say it helps to bring the community together. Rainier High School History Teacher Mr. Fish said, “This will be my fourth Rainier Revisited. At first, I was unsure about how it would be, but once I participated, it was an enjoyable way to interact with history and with the community. Getting to dress up in historical clothing is also fun.”

Students from the Rainier Junior-Senior High School History Club not only help set up the event, but they participate in the activities as well. The current president of the History Club is Joseph Elliot-Bach, with Tanc Tygret as vice president, Abigail Kazlas as secretary, and Jackie Robb as treasurer. Jasmine Robb serves as the special events coordinator, while Alex Hale serves as the veterans event coordinator. Along with the history club, community members help make the event happen. Join us Saturday, April 18, beginning at 10 a.m. for a wonderful journey through time. Like years in the past, Rainier Revisited will be held at the Beaver Homes Grange (Beaver Homes Rd Rainier). Sponsors for the event include Educational Maps and Globes, Kirk Fullmer, Hampton Lumber, George Washington Inn, James Basker-Gilder, Lehrman Institute of American History, Sloans Abbey Carpet & Floor, Hometown Pizza, Rainier Eagles #4402, Elliott-Bach Family, D.E. Hale, Rainier Education Association, WASSAR – Alexander Hamilton Chapter, Fort Vancouver SAR, Cornerstone Café, Rainier Oregon Historical Museum, Bill and Lee McDonald, C & J Enterprises, C & C Sutlery, Paul Nys, Oregon Trail Lanes, Columbia County Commissioner Kellie Jo Smith, and Terry Maloney. For more information, contact Rainier Jr/Sr HS History Club Advisor Andrew Demko at andrew_demko@rsd.k12.or.us.