FREE TAKE ONE!
Your JOURNEY Begins Here 2009 - 2010
Guide to
Destination
Grays Harbor
Grays Harbor
A Supplement to The Vidette
Page S-2 Destination Grays Harbor, The Vidette 2009-2010
Welcome To A Wonderful Way of Life
THE PORT CITIES OF ABERDEEN, HOQUIAM AND COSMOPOLIS
AND THE COUNTY OF GRAYS HARBOR
Presented by The Grays Harbor Chamber of Commerce
& Visitor Information Center
P ORT C ITIES ~ POINTS OF INTEREST
Our Success Story… Grays Harbor Historical Sea- by timber merchant Robert the Broadway Hill Victorian of downtown Aberdeen. It has
T
he Grays Harbor area and its largest city port: Home of Washington Lytle, the owner of the first mansion area of Aberdeen. facilities for swimming, fishing
Aberdeen were singled out from 219 small State’s flagship the Lady mill that had electrical power Beautiful historic inns are also and picnicking, as well as a fish
cities as being one of the 10 best micropoli- Washington and the Hawai- and an electric saw on the frequently available for you. hatchery.
tan areas in which to live in the U.S. In his book, ian Chieftain. The Lady Wash- West Coast. He envisioned his Grays Harbor YMCA Family Port of Grays Harbor: A view-
“Rating Guide to Life in America’s Small Cities,” ington was built in Aberdeen mansion on a hillside in Hoqui- and Aquatic Center: It offers a ing tower and boat launch at
Scott Thomas ranked what he refers to as Ameri- and is a historic reproduction am, started construction in three story water slide, bubble 28th Street in Hoquiam gives
ca’s “micropolitan” communities, taking into con- of a ship sailed by Captain 1897 and finished it in 1900. pool, wave machine, river visitors a view of cargo being
sideration environment, climate, economics, edu- Robert Gray, the American Elton Bennett Nature Trail: channel, 8-lane lap pool, work- loaded on ships bound for
cation, health care, transportation, urban proximi- who charted Grays Harbor in Elton Bennett was a promi- out rooms, gymnasium, racket national and international
ty, housing, and public safety. 1792. nent artist who contributed ball courts, teen room, com- ports. A viewing tower near
The City of Aberdeen has 280 acres of parks, 190 Driftwood Playhouse: Is greatly to the Harbor. The walk puter library and so much the jetty in Westport gives visi-
of which are developed, with a 24-acre athletic home to great local theatrical has extensive graveled trails more. tors the opportunity to scan
complex located at Pioneer Park. The new 40-acre productions. (Aberdeen) that wind through a forest Polson Park and Museum: the horizon.
Bishop Athletic Complex includes an amphithe- Hoquiam Railway Station: next to creeks. (Hoquiam) This restored 26-room man- Treaty Negotiations Mural:
ater, 3 ball fields, 4 soccer fields, and trails. Built in 1914, it served as a Grays Harbor Public Market: sion, filled with antiques and Along the mighty Chehalis
Hoquiam has approximately 100 acres of city terminus for three transconti- Established in 1974, the Mar- area history, is completed by a River, before it flows into the
parks and 20 parks for your enjoyment. Olympic nental railroads but saw its last ket & Craft Fair is one of the gift shop, picnic area, and rose bay, is the Indian Treaty Site
Stadium is the home for school and youth sports paying passenger in 1955. oldest in the Washington State garden. (Hoquiam) Mural marking the place the
and the annual Loggers Playday Competition. 7th Street Theatre: One of Association of more than 60 Grays Harbor National Wild- territorial governor met in
Cosmopolis’ 57 acres of parks include the Indian the few remaining atmospher- farmers’ markets and has a life Refuge: This area in Hoqui- 1856 with Indian leaders repre-
Treaty Site, Mill Creek Park, Lions Park, and Makar- ic theaters in the nation, hosts consistent membership of am is a stopover for hundreds senting several local river and
enko Park. community concerts, old time about 40. They are more than of thousands of shorebirds coastal Indian groups.
Golfers can enjoy the Grays Harbor Country Club movies, kids theater and com- a Farmers’ Market, they are during their spring and fall 8th and 9th Street Landings
in Aberdeen, Highland Golf Course in Cosmopolis, munity dramas. (Hoquiam) also a Craft Fair. (Hoquiam) migrations. A festival is held in Hoquiam and Morrison Riv-
Oaksridge Golf Course in Elma, Locks Landing in Olympic Stadium: An histor- Aberdeen Museum of His- here during their peak migra- erfront Park and Aberdeen
Lake Quinault and Ocean Shores Golf Course. ic wooden outdoor arena is tory: Special exhibits feature tion each April. Waterfront Walk in Aberdeen
the home for school, youth photos, artifacts, furnishings, Johns River Game Area: A offer beautiful walks, picnic
and adult sports, festivals, cir- and implements showing a controlled game preserve with and barbecue areas along the
Ask the Grays Harbor Chamber of cuses, concerts, movies on home, general mercantile, and ample opportunities for river.
Commerce & Visitor Information Center the lawn and Loggers Playday. a one-room schoolhouse, circa observing and photographing Beautiful Mill Creek Park in
for a “Free 130 page book about Grays (Hoquiam) 1880 to 1920. elk and other wildlife. the heart of Cosmopolis has
Harbor” and a complete diversions list, or Rotary Log Pavilion: At Mor- Compass Rose: A work of Hatcheries: A unique oppor- trails for strolling and chil-
rison Riverfront Park in public art, the 32 points of the tunity to learn about the life dren’s fishing pond, while
pick up your copy of “The Coast & Rain
Aberdeen. compass are inlaid with 1800 cycle of salmon in and out of Lions Park features ball fields
Forest of Washington Grays Harbor Grays Harbor Street Market: bricks. This 40’ compass also the hatchery environment. and a community center.
County 2009 Visitor’s Guide” at On Broadway in downtown offers a wonderful vantage Visitors can visit the hatcher- Majestic Makarenko Park
506 Duffy Street, Aberdeen Aberdeen. point of the confluence of the ies at Quinault, Humptulips, presents 39 acres of nature
(360) 532-1924 Historical D&R Theatre: Chehalis and Wishkah Rivers. Grays Harbor College, Lake trails, soccer fields, a commu-
Home to concerts in down- A Harbor View B & B Self Aberdeen and Elma. nity garden and play areas.
www.graysharborchamber.biz town Aberdeen. Guided Walking Tour: This Lake Aberdeen: This lovely
email: info@graysharbor.org Hoquiam Castle: Was built walking tour takes you through spot is just a few minutes east
2009-2010 Destination Grays Harbor, The Vidette Page S-3
Destination Table of contents On the cover
Grays Harbor
Map of Grays Harbor S-05
A free publication of
McCleary, Mark Reed, ORV park S-06
Road Trip: McCleary to Monte S-08
Bear Festival S-09
Founded February 1, 1883
Published every Thursday The Grays Harbor Historical
by The Vidette, periodicals Oakville S-11 Seaport celebrates 20 years of
p.p. at Montesano, WA changing lives this summer. The
(USPS 360-860) not-for-profit port is based in
Road Trip: South Bank Road S-11 Aberdeen and is home port to the
brig Lady Washington, the official
Editor & General Manager ship of the State of Washington,
Leif Nesheim Elma S-13 and her companion ship Hawai-
Reporters ian Chieftain.
Tommi Halvorsen Gatlin The seaport will celebrate with
Jerrad Kellogg
Grays Harbor Raceway S-15 an anniversary party from 4-9
Office Manager p.m. June 29 at Aberdeen Land-
Joyce Powers
Advertising
Satsop: From whoops to success S-17 ing, 701 E. Heron St., Aberdeen.
The event includes VIP tours of
Gloria Kilwien the ships and maritime music.
Elaine Rydman Montesano S-19 Tickets are $50 per person. A
Ad Production Manager
table may be reserved for $500,
Debi Meredith
which includes two tickets to the
Legals, Community Notes On the Trail: Friends Landing S-20 July 4 evening sailing. To reserve
Marisa Chatt
Flashback, Web site
space for the anniversary party,
Anna Harbell Aberdeen: Come as you are S-21 call 800-200-5239 or visit www.
historicalseaport.org.
The ships arrive at Westport
P.O. Box 671 Aberdeen: On stage S-22 Marina as marquee attractions for
Montesano, WA 98563
Rusty Scupper Pirate Daze June
Tel: (360) 249-3311 26-28. The ships will welcome
Fax: (360) 249-5636
Road Trip: Aberdeen-Raymond Loop S-23 visitors for walk-on tours June 26,
E-mail: 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., and June 27, 10
editor@thevidette.com a.m. to 1 p.m. Three-hour Battle
Community Hospital S-25 Sails — recreations of a typical
Yearly Subscription Rates: 18th century naval skirmish —
Grays Harbor County - $25 Out of Hoquiam S-26 are scheduled for June 27 and 28
county - $34 at 2 p.m. A three-hour family-ori-
Out of state - $38 ented Adventure Sail takes place
Seniors (in county) - $21 South Beach S-31 June 28 at 10 a.m.
(Postmaster: Send address changes On Independence Day, Lady
to above address) Washington and Hawaiian Chief-
On the Trail: Twin Harbors S-31 tain welcome visitors during the
The official, legal newspaper for annual Aberdeen SPLASH festi-
the cities of Montesano, Hoquiam, val, located along the Chehalis
Oakville, Clam Digging S-34 River at Morrison Riverfront Park.
Cosmopolis, Elma, McCleary, and Public tours of the ships are sched-
Westport,
Ocean Shores & North Beaches S-35 uled for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A Battle
and Grays Harbor County.
Sail is scheduled for 2 p.m., and a
A member newspaper of
Fireworks Sail takes place from 9
Stephens Media LLC Road Trip: Quinault Lake Loop S-36 p.m. to midnight. The boats will
also open for public tours Sunday
Member of WNPA July 5 from noon to 4 p.m.
On the Trail: Quinault Loop S-36 The ships depart for their annu-
al Puget Sound tour on the eve-
ning of July 5. They return to
Calendar of Events S-37 Grays Harbor Sept. 18.
Page S-4 Destination Grays Harbor, The Vidette 2009-2010
So Many Great Things
Happening in Our Community...
At Grays Harbor Community Hospital, great things are happening
every day. With a staff of professionals who provide the kind of care
that rivals large metro areas, we also have what larger hospitals
struggle to provide: the sense of personal caring and friendly spirit
that comes from being a member of a tight-knit community.
The
Harbor HealthWorks Wound Healing Center
Opening Summer 2009 Now Open Opening Fall 2009
Along with the exceptional care which we provide
day-to-day, we also invest in the latest technology
and create new programs to meet the needs of
the community. Grays Harbor Community
Hospital’s vision is to provide each patient
superior service and safety, exceptional by
any standard.
www.ghchwa.org ● 360-532-8330 ● 915 Anderson Drive, Aberdeen, WA 98520
2009-2010 Destination Grays Harbor, The Vidette Page S-5
Welcome to Grays Harbor
Map courtesy of
Washington State
Department of
Transportation
Page S-6 Destination Grays Harbor, The Vidette 2009-2010
McCleary: Tip of the Harbor
By Tommi Halvorsen Gatlin — not the man) which was also built by Henry
Vidette Reporter is especially McCleary, two years before the
known, the annu- hotel was constructed. In 1941, the
McCLEARY — When Henry al Bear Festival year before the town was incorpo-
McCleary arrived in the far east- the second week- rated, the Simpson Timber Co. pur-
ern reaches of what is now Grays end in July. chased the door plant, one of the
Harbor County in 1897, he was The McCleary largest anywhere.
there to stay. When the timber Hotel at the cor- McCleary is an all-around
baron, who hailed originally from ner of Summit homey town with restaurants that
Gurnsey Co., Ohio, founded the H. McCleary and Beck was include fast food to family dining,
town named after him, he was built in 1912 by grocery stores, the McCleary Tim-
determined to build a life for him- Henry in order to accommodate berland Library, the McCleary
self and his family in the lush visiting friends. Since 1985, it’s Museum and more.
area — especially since it had all been owned by Evert and Penny Seven-acre Beerbower Park, for
those trees to facilitate his earning Challstedt. example, is equipped with play-
a living. The three-story structure, which ground equipment for the young- The quaint town of McCleary looking down from a hill. (File photo)
If he were there today, besides hosts the annual Thanksgiving- sters, picnic tables, a barbecue and
being about 148 years old, Henry themed citizen-of-the-year ban- kitchen area, restrooms and lighted later sold to the Simpson Timber fun’s always in the works. For
would no doubt enthusiastically quet, contains original furniture baseball field, tennis court and bas- Co, which donated the impressive more information on the town that
invite all visitors to “his town.” In and woodwork in more than 7,000 ketball court. piece to the city in 1962. Henry McCleary realized was a
particular, he’d likely urge guests square feet of space. The park is also the current The town is also about 15 min- great place in which to live and
of all ages to attend the event for The hotel sits across the street home of a locomotive that Henry utes from the Grays Harbor Coun- play, visit the city’s Web site at
which McCleary (the town, that is from the Simpson Door factory, McCleary purchased in 1905 and ty Fairgrounds, where something www.cityofmccleary.com.
Take your Helping to get
you back on the
fun off-road mend since 1956
By The Vidette Staff Since 1956, Mark Reed Hospital has
been providing health care to East Grays
If you brought a motorcycle, ATV or Harbor County. In 1948, William R. Reed
4x4 vehicle to Grays Harbor, you are in donated $100,000 to start a hospital fund
luck, because East County is home to one in the memory of his father, Mark E.
of the premier off-road vehicle parks in Reed, a former president of Simpson Tim-
the state. The Straddleline ORV Park, ber Company. The building program
located off Highway 8 near the border of began in 1950, with doors opening in
Thurston and Grays Harbor counties, September 1956.
boasts more than 100 miles of riding trails In 1982, voters approved the formation of
that traverse into the adjacent state Capitol Grays Harbor County Public Hospital Dis-
Forest, a four-wheel-drive obstacle course, trict No. 1, the Mark Reed Hospital District.
a sand drag strip, along with flat and Today, the hospital is a critical access hos-
motocross race tracks, as well as facilities pital with 24/7 emergency care. A critically
to accommodate campers both in tents and The ORV Park offers challenges to injured patient can be stabilized at Mark
recreational vehicles. every level rider. (File photo) Reed before being transported by helicopter
The park opens each year in April and or ambulance to a trauma facility. Stopping
remains open until the last week in Octo- Two major events at the park are Dino at Mark Reed for stabilization has been
ber. Gate hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Days and the World Off Road Champion- instrumental in saving the lives of heart
Thursday through Monday and 8 a.m. to ship Series. Dino Days in early June include attack and stroke victims and those involved Nurse Practicioner Tammy Davis at
10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The moto- a collection of vintage vehicles, races and in motor vehicle accidents. work. (Mark Reed photo)
cross track hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and shows, while the nationally televised On average, Mark Reed’s ER patients are
the park’s quiet hours are observed from WORCS is a three-week event at the begin- seen within 15 minutes of registration. two Advanced Registered Nurse Practicioners.
10 p.m. to 8 a. m. ning of August. The hospital’s new Swing Bed/Skilled The clinic is open from 7 a.m. to 6
The park has undeveloped camping sites Pets are allowed in the park, but they Nursing Program hosts patients who are p.m. Monday thru Friday. Mark Reed
for $15 and sites for RVs with electricity and must be kept on a maximum eight-foot recently out of surgery and need a bit accepts many insurance providers,
water hookups for $25. Individual sewer leash, and owners must clean up after their more recovery time before returning including Medicare and Medicaid. Often,
hookups are not available, but a trailer dump pets. home. The hospital provides fresh, same-day appointments are available for
station is located on-site for no charge with After Oct. 25, Straddleline will be closed made-to-order meals, round-the-clock established patients. Laboratory, CT scan
the purchase of an overnight stay. Firewood until next spring. For more information, call personal attention by its nursing staff and X-ray services are also offered on-
is available for $5 per bundle. the park at (360) 495-3054 or e-mail info@ and a quiet setting in boutique-style site. Family planning counseling, diabe-
The cost to enter the park is $5 per non- straddlelinepark.com. The park also hosts a recuperation rooms. tes education and CHOICE Regional
rider and $15 for riders to access all of the Web site with its full season schedule at Mark Reed also has an expanding health Health Network consulting are also
park features. www.straddlelineorvpark.com. care clinic boasting two medical doctors and offered to patients.
2009-2010 Destination Grays Harbor, The Vidette Page S-7
l
annua
CITY WIDE GARAGE SALE
Every 3rd Sat. in Sept.
Visit McCleary
Located at the corner of D n’t
September 19, 2009 Miso This!
s
4th & Maple, McCleary
M C eary
Chamb
C mmerce r f
New hours
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 9:30–5:30
Wed ~ 9:30–6:30. Closed Saturdays.
www.hartmansjewelryrepair.com
(360)495-4089 For information call (360) 495-3667 ext 151
McCleary Chamber members:
Just a couple of minutes from the highway on your way to the beach.
Located in McCleary, we offer the simplicity of Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
small town, country life, complete with scenic drives,
quiet neighborhoods and shopping within walking We offer
distance. independent, assisted living
and memory care. Rain Country
When living at home is no longer an option
call a caring place.
ALL LEVELS OF CARE
Restaurant
Please Call for a complimentary Monday & Tuesday Specials
Lunch and Tour today! (360) 495-3555 All-You-Can-Eat Selected Dinners
French Toast $7.99 2 for $20
We’ve been busy bees remodeling & updating.
Come See!
(360) 495-3600
Convenient location. Front door parking. Stop by and browse…
McCleary Side Door Antiques
STOP IN TODAY!
“We fill you up, but don’t weigh you down.”
Open: Weekdays 10 am to 6 pm
227 W. Simpson Avenue, McCleary, WA 98557 McCleary
(360) 495-7827 (SUBS)
$$
5cents to 5bucks
Nothing over 5 bucks!
...and everything in between
$$
$$
INCOME & COMMERICAL PROPERTY
RESIDENTIAL HOME & LAND
$$
Basic $$
Needs at Great Prices!
$$ Helen Lake, Owner/Broker
$$ McCleary Real Estate
$$ $$
Down town McCleary! 223 Simpson Ave.
Get
Page S-8 Destination Grays Harbor, The Vidette 2009-2010
Try the old highway for a scenic East County trip
By Tommi Halvorsen Gatlin no’s eastern entrance on Pioneer
Vidette Reporter Avenue, set an eastern course and
go for it.
Taking a short trip on the back Welcome a sense of peace and
road from McCleary to the county serenity while following the two-
seat of Montesano is a refreshing lane country road that often twists
change of pace from whizzing through towering conifers and
along on the highway — massive big leaf maples,
whether starting in passes by pastoral scenes
McCleary and heading with green fields and
west or beginning in ROAD grazing cattle or
Montesano and
traveling east. TRIP sheep, winds near
meandering Wild
Either way, there Cat Creek and cross-
are no turns to miss — es over the Satsop
or to remember to take River.
— unless a side trip is The area is home to
desired. numerous small farms, many of
Forget trying to figure out which offer their crops for sale in
whether the byway is still Simp- season, both edible and ornamen-
son or Pioneer Avenue, Highway tal. And, even though a sign in the
108 or Main Street — it’s all of burg of Brady warns of “congest-
those, depending on what town ed area,” it doesn’t seem to know
you’re in or passing through. But the meaning of the term.
between Montesano and Elma, it’s There is seldom any trouble
simply known, appropriately, as finding a place to pull over and
the Monte-Elma Road, and enjoy a sandwich or snap a photo,
The country road between Elma and McCleary is waiting for sightseers who are looking for nature’s
between Elma and McCleary, it’s and just when thirst makes itself
just the Elma-McCleary Road. apparent, a small country store is beauty. (Photo by Tommi Halvorsen Gatlin)
From McCleary, head west on likely to come into view.
Simpson Avenue from city hall The entire distance is only 17 hour or less. But why hurry? It’s a not want to hike, bike, swim or Just set out and enjoy the tranquil-
and keep going. Or, at Montesa- miles and can be traveled in a half great pastime for folks who might chase golf balls around the course. ity.
McCleary Bear Festival
Why spend hours waiting in the ER?
50 YEARS
Mark Reed has 24 hour emergency services... Our patients often walk
LIVE
ENTERTAINMENT in, register, are seen, treated, and home in the time it probably would have
IN THE PARK! taken them to get through the waiting room line in another facility.
Need time to recuperate after surgery?
If you or a loved one needs time to heal after surgery or injury, Mark
Reed offers a Skilled Nursing Program, quiet and caring atmosphere with
Arts & Crafts, Food Vendors and Softball in custom meal plans, round-the-clock care, and lots of special attention. Stay
the Park. Car Show on Sunday. close to home in McCleary in one of our cozy boutique-style rooms!
FRIDAY, July 10
Kids Day starting at Noon! Coronation 7 pm in the
Park, dance to follow
SATURDAY, July 11
Looking for a Medical Home?
Our healthcare clinic has four providers (one who was named 2009
Methodist Church breakfast 7 - 10 am Outstanding Rural Health Practitioner from the WRHA!) You don’t need to
Kiddie Parade 11:45 am, grand parade at noon travel around for different services. We can do your Men’s & Women’s Well-
Bear Stew immediately following parade ness Checks, your lab work, CT scans, x-ray, and much more right on site!
Silent Auction 1 - 4 pm, VFW Hall, lunch available
SUNDAY, July 12 Get Your We accept many
Methodist Church breakfast 7 - 10 am Bear insurances,including
Car Show on 4th St., 10 am - 4 pm Festival Medicare/Medicaid
Entertainment in the Park. Buttons
mcclearybearfestival.org $1
2009-2010 Destination Grays Harbor, The Vidette Page S-9
McCleary’s Bear Festival: A 50-year tradition
By Tommi Halvorsen Gatlin
Vidette Reporter
Then & Now
McCLEARY — Traditionally scheduled
the second weekend in July, this year’s
McCleary Bear Festival is special — it’s the
Bear stew is a tradition. Left,
50th — planned for Friday through Sunday,
volunteers in the 1970s prepare
July 10-12.
As always, the weekend will be packed the meal. Right, their modern-
with activities for all. For the first time, this day counterparts prepare the
year’s festival will even include a car show stew for the 2008 festival.
from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday on Fourth St.
Admission to most events all weekend
long is by a $2 Bear Festival button, available
at the festival, as well as for $1 before Satur-
day from this year’s princesses, Cassie Hall
and Heather Hudson. Guitar Hero and Dance Dance Revolution jockey and assorted music in the park the kitchen, combined with special spices and
One of the young ladies will be crowned will be available in the park with a ticket entire weekend, in addition to baseball, as cooked all Friday night to perfection.
queen at a coronation ceremony at 7 p.m. purchase, and the popular Black Hills Gold always. And, of course, oodles of food ven- And, yes, there really is bear meat in the
Friday at Beerbower Park and will preside band will play for an adult dance from 9 p.m. dors, arts and crafts booths and more will be stew. The meal also includes baked beans,
over the gala parade that begins at high noon to 1 a.m. Saturday at the VFW Hall. Cost is tantalizing festival-goers throughout the roll and watermelon.
the next day. A free teen dance will follow $10. weekend — all the makings of a great com- To honor the town’s history, the McCleary
the coronation. Breakfast will be served from 7 to 10 a.m. munity event. Historical Society will again host the annual
Friday will also be Kids’ Day, with assort- Saturday and Sunday at the Methodist Hometown Reunion from noon to 4 p.m.
ed activities for the younger set starting at church, 426 S. Third St., and there will be a What’s in bear stew? Sunday at the McCleary Museum, located at
noon, and a Kiddies Parade will pull out at silent auction by Methodist church members Arguably, one of the most popular parts of 314 Second St. Root beer floats will be sold
11:45 a.m. Saturday, just before the grand from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the VFW Hall. the festival is the traditional bear stew, a feast from noon to 4 p.m. both Saturday and Sun-
parade, which is always followed by bear A light lunch will also be served there. that includes all the best stew ingredients, day at the museum, and a dessert auction is
stew in the park. Entertainment will also include a disc peeled and otherwise prepared in the park set for the same time there Sunday.
Page S-10 Destination Grays Harbor, The Vidette 2009-2010
Elma has it all!
Visit Elma…Home to Grays Harbor Fair & Event Center, World of Outlaws, Grays
Harbor Raceway, Golf, Antiques, Unique and Quaint Shops, Historic Buildings and
Murals, Triathlons, Hiking, Paintball, Disc Golf, Veterans Memorial…and much more!
Elma Outlaw Days
Sept 4-7, 2009
While the racers prepare to race at the Grays Harbor Raceway,
Elma has many great activities for the whole family…
Hunt by Timberland Library
A Show
For Your Customized
Cars & Motorcycles - Aug. 1, 2009
Come show off your pride and joy – bring your family too!
Located on Main Street from 9am – 3pm.
$10 entry fee with a free commemorative t-shirt. Outlaws Day Parade at 1pm
3rd Annual Grays Harbor County
Elma Chamber of Commerce
Seafood & Wine (360) 482-3055
Festival www.elmachamber.org
Jan. 23, 2010 Schedules are subject to change
Held annually at the Grays Harbor County
Fair Pavilion in Elma. Join us as music and
ambiance set the tone for sampling Don’t forget to bring the kids
delectable foods and wines. Trick or Treating in downtown
Elma on Halloween!
Elma has great food and great deals in our local shops!
2009-2010 Destination Grays Harbor, The Vidette Page S-11
Oakville: Horseback bank robbery is just the beginning
By Marisa Chatt 4 each year.
Vidette Staff This year, the grand parade starts at 11
a.m. Saturday, July 4, complete with horses,
The City of Oakville, home to approxi- floats, clowns, bands and all the ingredients
mately 1,000 people, boasts of abundant that make up an American parade. The
wildlife, scenic drives and many places for weekend also includes two days of the Black
outdoor recreational activities, including the Hills Wranglers Junior Rodeo, featuring
Capitol Forest. Wildlife that can be spotted bronc riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling
from the road and in the forest include and bull roping. The rodeo will begin after
eagles, hawks, great blue herons, trumpeter the re-enactment of the last horseback bank
swans, a wide variety of ducks, deer, elk, robbery. Cost is $4 per car.
coyote and black bear. The Zucchini Festival, celebrating the har-
Oakville began as a lumber town, shipping vest in East Grays Harbor, is set for Satur-
more tonnage than any other town west of day, Aug. 29. The festival features fried zuc-
Chicago in the 1880s. Logging supported the chini, a zucchini cook-off, Kid & Kritter
town until the middle of the 20th century. Parade, music and a street fair.
The logging industry was gradually replaced The town concludes the year with an old-
by small farms, dairies and even a cheese fashioned tree lighting ceremony Friday,
plant in downtown Oakville. Dec. 4, at the post office. Carols and refresh-
The Oakville National Bank was robbed ments bring the town together to celebrate
several times in the ’20s and ’30s; the rob- Mounted riders take part in Oakville’s annual Fourth of July festivities, which the holiday season.
bers were usually apprehended. However, include a re-enactment of the state’s last bank robbery on horseback. (File photo) For more information about any of these
the bank’s last horseback bank robbery, activities, call the Oakville Chamber of
which is also the last in Washington, is to the hills and were never captured. The enacting the robbery on horseback imme- Commerce at (360) 273-2702 or visit www.
still unsolved. The robbers reportedly took city celebrates the historic event by re- diately following the grand parade on July oakville-wa.org.
Oakville to Elma is a gamut of greens
By Tommi Halvorsen Gatlin maple trees.
Vidette Reporter The road also offers delights for other senses.
Pull up on a wide spot in the road, crank the win-
If green’s your color, you’d probably enjoy a dows open — and listen. Especially if the day is
short road trip on the South Bank Road that runs young, motorists will likely be treated to a con-
from the little burg of Oakville to the slightly cert by a choir of winged creatures offering
larger town of Elma. their chirps, tweets, trills and whistles to the
In late spring and summer, the decidu- morning sky.
ROAD
ous trees add their emerald-toned It might also be possible to hear a
boughs to a variety of Washington’s creek whispering by under a small
native evergreens. Fields are car-
peted with lush grasses, and in TRIP country bridge. And taking a deep
breath can invite an awareness of
places, even dry parts of the Chehalis the delightful aroma of fresh growing
River’s bed underneath a gracefully things.
curving bridge exude a soft mossy hue. Other “wildlife” along the South Bank
To get to the South Bank Road in Road includes cattle and horses, with farms Above, glimpses of yesteryear seen on the South Bank Road. Below, Birds
Oakville, turn south from Highway 12 onto dotting the way. (An astute traveler might also love this stretch of the road … listen. (Photos by Tommi Halvorsen Gatlin)
State Street, which runs by the town’s tiny post catch sight of a “marshmallow” farm. Actually,
office. Continue on that road because it soon those huge cylinders with the protective white
becomes the South Bank Road. And just keep covering are full of hay — but it’s fun to imagine
going for a delicious reprieve from the hustle and them as something roasting on the end of a very
.
bustle of life in the fast lane. large stick over a very large campfire.)
When Gerrard Creek Road comes in sight, keep Not far from milepost 10, the motorist will
going straight, unless a lengthy side trip to need to make a decision: Turn right to return to
Brooklyn (not New York) is on the day’s agenda, Highway 12 at the little community of Porter or
or to Artic (that’s the correct spelling) at the junc- hang a left toward Elma. Going left, continue on
tion with Highway 101 about 33 miles down the another six miles or so until another sign to Elma
line. points around a gentle right curve and, soon, over
Green isn’t the only color offered by the coun- the Chehalis River again. The road becomes
try road that runs along the south bank of the Wakefield Road, leading quickly into town — or
Chehalis River, though. Depending on the season, to that bustling highway leading back to the fre-
the 17-mile stretch of country by-way presents netic pace of life that’s great sometimes to avoid.
travelers with pink salt spray roses, purple or Of course, the order would be reversed for trav-
white fox gloves, dazzling orange blossoms of elers who prefer to begin at the Elma end of the
honeysuckle and, in autumn, brightly cloaked South Bank Road and head toward Oakville.
Page S-12 Destination Grays Harbor, The Vidette 2009-2010
HIT THE GREEN!
.
in this ad
Bring for the
OAKSRIDGE GOLF COURSE Get 2 e of
pric fee!
n
1 gree
360.482.3511
Come join us for a relaxing, casual atmosphere. TAKE ADVANTAGE
OF $15 TUESDAYS
OPEN ALL YEAR – SEVEN DAYS A WEEK! AND GOLF ALL DAY!
Join our Men’s or Ladies Club. Pro Shop merchandise. ATTENTION LADIES!
Yearly Green Fees available. Covered driving range. Beginning Golf for Ladies $10.
Have your company tournament here. Power cart rentals. Tuesdays, 5:30 pm. Range, 5 pm.
Starts June through good weather.
Club House available for events. Golf club rentals. Golf lessons.
No tee times required. Clubs available.
COFFEE COOP Come visit us
at our other
ESPRESSO Location…
Across from the Lacey Post Office
e
Fre
8
1210 Clearbrook Dr.
Lacey, WA
ATM 360.455.9966
2009-2010 Destination Grays Harbor, The Vidette Page S-13
Elma: The home of Outlaws and the Fair
By Tommi Halvorsen Gatlin
Vidette Reporter
ELMA — Before 1860, Elma was a trad-
ing center for homesteaders settling in Che-
halis River Valley. In 1888, the town was
incorporated, especially through the efforts
of Joseph Young and James Long Waldrip.
Agriculture has always been important to
Elma, and even now the areas surrounding
the town are very much agricultural.
In various seasons, visitors and residents Agriculture is a central part of life in the
alike can find potatoes, tomatoes, some of Elma area. (File photos)
the sweetest corn available anywhere, pump-
kins, squash, strawberries, beans, eggs and nurseries.
much more. Elma also has two drive-in restaurants and
Of course, there are also lots of flowers other eating establishments that include
and plants that aren’t necessarily good to eat, Mexican, Chinese and American fare for
but which lend to the quality of life. hungry visitors. Outlaws of all sorts have fun at Elma’s
For those who want to map out a trek to the Events take place all year round at the Outlaw Days in early September.
area’s farms, a good resource is the Grays Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds, just east
Harbor WSU Extension’s “Farm Fresh of town. The county fair is always in August After the parade, head to the fairgrounds for
Guide,” with more than 30 listings in the — this year the 5th through 9th — and filled the Celebrity Go-Kart Races by the World of
county, many of them on the Monte-Elma with good fun for all ages. Outlaws drivers. Then, the Outlaws race is
Road, the old highway that runs between Elma’s annual event, Outlaw Days, cele- scheduled for 7 p.m. that evening.
Montesano and Elma. The guide is available brating World of Outlaws racing at the Grays The Elma Timberland Library will have Fairgoers get a view aboard a Ferris
on the Web site at http://graysharbor.wsu.edu/. Harbor Raceway near the fairgrounds, is set an art walk/scavenger hunt from 1 to 4:30 Wheel at the county fair.
Just taking a leisurely drive along the for Labor Day weekend, Saturday through p.m. Saturday beginning from the library,
15-minute route between the two towns can Monday, Sept. 5 through 7. The weekend located at 118 N. First St. Elma Chamber of Commerce at 482-3055 or
seem like a mini-vacation. And, depending will include citywide garage sales, breakfast The traditional “Run from the Law” is visit elmachamber.org. For more information
on the time of year, there can be lots grow- with the drivers at the fairgrounds and the tra- also being planned. For more information on on Elma, visit the city’s Web site at www.cit-
ing and going on at the various farms and ditional parade at 1 p.m. Monday downtown. that and other Outlaw Days events, call the yofelma.com/.
Grays Harbor County
Fair & Event Center
Grays Harbor
WHAT A GRILL!
County Fair
August 5 – 9
Entertainment during the Fair:
The Little River
Band; Jake Owen;
Jamie’s R&R
Legends, featuring
Elton John, Tina
Turner and Elvis. Don’t miss the Bull
Blast and more! Call for tickets.
Year round activities and events, check out our Web site.
www.ghcfairgrounds.com
Fairground Facility Rentals
Taco Tuesdays
Pavilion, Exhibit Hall, Two Large Meeting
Rooms and an Indoor Arena. Tables, chairs
and camping with hook ups all available.
Call for details.
The Little River Band
& after car races
Office Hours: 32 Elma McCleary Rd. on Saturdays
Monday – Friday 8 to 5 PO Box 1229, Elma, WA 98541
Call today to schedule your event. (360) 482-2651 (360) 482-1276
Page S-14 Destination Grays Harbor, The Vidette 2009-2010
10,000 square feet of floor space!
V & S Variety Store
OLD FASHIONED VARIETY STORE
Quality Quilting Fabrics – 5,000 bolts and counting!
Craft Supplies of all kinds, huge selection of Yarns.
“The largest independent fabric
and craft store in southwest Washington”
325 W. Main St.
Elma, WA 98541
Mon-Friday 9:30-6 (360) 482-2411
Sat 9:30-5:30
Sunday 11-4 Coming August 1st: www.countrygirlsquilting.com
WANTED: Can-do companies seeking a convenient location in the center of it all, wild and wonderful Southwest Washington!
is cover Satsop Development Park
D
An Economic Powerhouse Creating Jobs And Investment
Why not Satsop!
1.866.5SATSOP or 360.482-1600
business@satsop.com
Grays Harbor Public Development Authority
50 Enterprise Lane, Elma, WA 98541
Bring your Business to the Satsop Development Park – bring your family to Grays Harbor – to live, to work and to play.
2009-2010 Destination Grays Harbor, The Vidette Page S-15
Grays Harbor Raceway:
High speed thrills in Elma
By The Vidette Staff
ELMA — If you find yourself in Grays
Harbor on any Saturday night during the
summer months and are looking for some
good old-fashioned dirt track racing action,
then the Grays Harbor Raceway at the Fair-
grounds in Elma is the place to be.
Year in and year out, the hottest ticket at the
raceway is for the World of Outlaws sprint car The Modified Class is one of the more competitive series at GHR. (File photos)
tour in early September. In addition to the
Outlaws sprint tour, the American Sprint Car
Series is scheduled for appearances in mid-
July and September. Former track manager
Full Service Florist & Wholesale/Retail Chocolates
Fred Brownfield, who died after helping to
refurbish the track in recent years, is memori- The 360 Sprints are the fastest show on
alized each year with a weekend of racing in the track with speeds topping 100 mph.
his name. This year the memorial is planned
in conjunction with the ASCS in July. banked clay oval and can hold more than
Visits from nation-wide sprint car tours 7,000 spectators. Parking is available for
are the highlight of the season at the race-
way, but each week drivers from all over the
West Coast vie for points in several racing
1,700 vehicles, including recreational vehicle
spaces and campsites.
For race and ticket information for various
SUMMER HOURS
Mon – Fri 9 – 5
Sat 10 – 2
Image
Flowers & Fine Chocolates
WINTER HOURS
classes including Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, events, visit the track’s Web site at www. Mon – Fri 9 – 5:30
360 Sprints, Cruisers (two-person driving graysharborraceway.net or call (360) Sat 10 – 2
From Your Heart ‘To’ Theirs
team) and the Hornets. 482-4374. For camping information, call the 117 N. 3rd St., Elma (360) 482-2044
The raceway boasts a one-eighth-mile fairgrounds office at (360) 482-2651.
Juel’s Unique Nursery
You never know what you’ll find growing here!
UNUSUAL PLANTS AND TREES
Everything you need for
the great outdoors.
Open 7 Days
360-482-2441 A Week: 9-6
Overlooking the Satsop River during season
February-October
Look for signs in Satsop
www.juelsuniquenursery.com
“Read All About It” at...
313 W. Main
D E OWNTOWN LMA Finders Keepers
Antique Mall
open:
Thursday - Friday 10 - 5
5 Locations
Saturday 10 - 4
360.350.2223
501 4th Ave E.
At Jefferson
Open 7 days
Mon-Sat:
To Serve You
e-mail: coppermt@msn.com downtown Olympia 10:30 - 6
360.943.6454 Sun 12 - 5
Page S-16 Destination Grays Harbor, The Vidette 2009-2010
Visit Montesano Stop in for great shopping
& delicious food.
Historical Car Show 14th Annual Festival of Lights
July 18, 2009 Golf Tournament December 11-12, 2009
Sponsored by Network
Car Entry Registration Services Northwest
begins at 8 am
August 1, 2009
Dash Plaques and goodie bags
for first 200 cars
lunch after the tournament
Montesano Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Information Center
2009-2010 Destination Grays Harbor, The Vidette Page S-17
Whoops!
Nuclear mistake makes way for economic boom
By Leif Nesheim some 30-35 businesses. Several banks and
Vidette Editor credit card processing companies maintain
databases on site, as do telecommunications
A
pair of massive cooling towers hulk atop companies. Olympic Composites manufac-
Fuller Hill overlooking Highway 12 south of tures parts for Boeing, and Simpson Door and
Satsop. Instead of becoming a shining exam- SafeHarbor have facilities at the development
ple of tomorrow’s energy today, they are the con- park.
crete ghosts of a costly mistake. Whoops. “It’s just kind of all over the map,” said
More accurately, WPPSS, the unfortunate acro- Tami Garrow, business park manager. Busi-
nym for the Washington Public Power Supply nesses are attracted to the park because of the
System. WPPSS started in the 1950s as a means to capacity for high-speed telecommunications,
guarantee electric power in the Northwest. access to power, distribution and an ability
Agency officials intended to build five nuclear to draw on a regional workforce, she said.
power plants around the state. Construction on One of the larger developments came in
Nos. 3 and 5 began in Satsop in 1978. November 2008, when Brown-Minneapo-
Cost overruns, a decline in need for electric- lis Tank Company signed a 15-year extend-
ity, increasing difficulty borrowing the money able lease with the Grays Harbor Public
needed to complete the project and a growing Development Authority for the Turbine
aversion to nuclear power shut down con- Building complex and 10 acres of sur-
struction on Fuller Hill in 1983 after $3 rounding property.
billion had already been spent. Similar Power was generated on Fuller Hill
problems plagued and shut down plants 1 for the first time in April 2008, when
and 4 east of the Cascades. Only No. 2 Grays Harbor Energy fired up a gas-
near Richland was completed. powered turbine at its development
At Satsop, No. 3 was 75 percent fin- park facility in the shadow of the
ished; No. 5 was 16 percent complete. defunct cooling towers, exorcising
All the high-tech computers, controls, the nuclear facility’s long-dead
turbine engines and steam genera- ghosts.
tors were left to rust. Now, every- Check out the development
thing is hopelessly out of date and park’s Web site at www.satsop.
derelict. com for more information.
Worse, ratepayers and inves-
tors were left on the hook to
foot the bill because the elec-
tricity that was to pay for
the project never was gen-
erated. Whoops, indeed.
Legal wrangling
finally ended in 1995
when the last lawsuit
was settled.
Since then, new
life has come to
Fuller Hill with
the construc-
tion of the
S a t s o p
Develop-
ment Park
beginning
in 1999,
n o w
home
to
Page S-18 Destination Grays Harbor, The Vidette 2009-2010
Life has its challenges. Some of them
– an accident, a chronic illness, major
surgery – can be tough to cope with.
That’s why we’re here. To help families through
the inevitable health crises that are a part of
life. From long-term skilled nursing care to
short-term rehabilitation, we offer a full range of
health care services designed to help individuals
achieve the highest possible quality of life.
In our warm and caring environment, we’re
able to focus on developing the abilities and
strengths of each patient. Through a wide range
of therapies – physical, social, recreational and
nutritional – we provide the support and tools
to help our residents realize their potential for
health and happiness.
Montesano Center
Health & Rehabilitation
LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR, BUY OR RENT…
STATE FARM IS THERE.® the choice is yours.
WE LIVE WHERE YOU LIVE™
Burkhamer Property
Services, LLC, is a
full service property
management company.
Specializing in…
residential
properties
representation in
For your insurance and nancial needs, real estate sales
see State Farm Agent:
Duane Lovell, Agent
304 W. Pioneer Ave.
Montesano, WA From left, Jeanne Belcher, Sandra Burkhamer, MPM, and Sandy (Sam) Jarvis.
(360) 249-3006
“Excellence in Service is our Goal”
LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR STATE FARM IS THERE.®
338 W. Pioneer Ave.
www.burkhamerpropertyservices.com
statefarm.com®
P026038 04/02
a Master Property Manager (MPM) designation.
2009-2010 Destination Grays Harbor, The Vidette Page S-19
Montesano: The hub of Grays Harbor County
By The Vidette Staff
M
eaning “mountain of
health,” Montesano was
first settled by I.L. Scam-
mon, later becoming the county
seat in 1860. It is one of the oldest
settlements in the county.
Attractive homes in established
neighborhoods lend charm to this
rural community. The historic
homes and buildings in the city are
detailed in a walking tour brochure
available at the W.H. Abel Memori-
al Timberland Library, 125 S. Main
St., and the Chehalis Valley Histori-
cal Museum, 703 W. Pioneer Ave.
The historical museum — open
from noon to 4 p.m. on weekends
— and the private Carriage Muse-
um in the nearby Wynooche Valley
— call (360) 249-3645 for direc-
tions and hours — offer another
option for glimpses into the past.
But if a stroll through history
isn’t your thing, there’s still plenty
to do in and around town.
The city’s two popular drive-up
burger joints — Crow’s Nest on
Main Street and Gene’s Stop & Go
on Pioneer Avenue — serve up
some tasty Americana burgers and
shakes. The iconic Bee Hive Res-
taurant at the corner of Pioneer and
Main is a favorite stop for locals
and visitors, and there’s a wide
variety of cuisine available at the
town’s other quality restaurants.
Once you’re all fueled up, you’ll
need someplace to burn off the cal-
ories. Lake Sylvia State Park is
located at the north end of town. It
offers opportunities for fishing, The stately sandstone county courthouse has looked out over Montesano since it was built in 1911 and is a defining feature of this
camping, hiking, mountain biking, Norman Rockwell-like village of 3,700 residents in the heart of timber country. (Photo by Leif Nesheim)
swimming and picnicking. Sur-
rounding the park is the 5,000-acre biking opportunities and is open to available at city hall, 112 N. Main For something extra special, the plete with hometown holiday cheer:
city forest — the nation’s first tree horseback riders. It is accessible St. A newly-minted Montesano city gets decked in glittering lights — Yule log, Santa, Christmas carols in
farm, founded in 1941. The city through the state park and sur- brochure is available at shops complete with bus tour — for the courthouse and Fleet Park and a
forest offers additional hiking and rounding logging roads; maps are throughout town and at city hall. December’s Festival of Lights, com- festive light-filled parade.
Road Building
Land Developing
Excavating
Dump Trucks
Backhoe & Loaders
Vessey & Sons, Inc.
(360) 249-4811 22 Vessey Lane
Montesano, WA 98563
Call Us. WA. ST. CONTR#VESSESIO150B
Page S-20 Destination Grays Harbor, The Vidette 2009-2010
A quick
get-away for
family fun
By Leif Nesheim
Vidette Editor
Friends Landing is a great
place for a quick stroll, camp-
ing, fishing or just getting away
for a little while.
The trail is a 1.7-mile loop
around 32-acre Lake Quigg, a
former gravel pit. The trail is
either paved or a boardwalk the
whole way and level.
Friends Landing The trail has interpretive sta-
tions located throughout its
length. Each interpretive station
How long: 1.7-mile loop
tells of the wildlife and habitat
of the Chehalis River, Lake
How hard: easy; handicap-accessible Quigg and the surrounding
wetlands.
How to get there: From Highway 12, take the Devonshire Road exit at Overlooks provide places for
Montesano’s west end. Take the road south to Katon Road; turn left and follow tranquil viewing of the lake or
the road to the end. Park either next to the sign at a trailhead or near the boat river. Overhead, sunlight dap-
launch a little further in (the trail runs right by here too). ples through a canopy of green
maple leaves. Salal, salmonber-
ry, ferns and other foliage fill
Above, an accessible dock on the Chehalis River provides fishing and boating access for all. Below left, a bridge crosses a tribu- out the understory.
tary to Lake Quigg. Below right. Salmonberry blossoms alongside the 1.7-mile loop trail The Friend family donated
152 acres, previously an old
gravel pit, with one-mile of
Chehalis River frontage, to
Trout Unlimited in 1988.
Friends of Friends Landing
now manages the private, not-
for-profit park.
Eighteen RV sites with elec-
trical and water plus eleven tent
sites define the campground.
There’s also a dump station.
Folks may camp from March to
November by making reserva-
tions at (360) 249-5117. Reser-
vations are for folks with dis-
abilities only, others may camp
on a first-come first-served
basis.
There are also fishing, boat-
ing and picnic opportunities
and playground equipment.