Friday, December 2, 2016

Our annual Holiday Open House "Deck the Hall" continues through Sunday, December 11.




Our annual Holiday Open House "Deck the Hall" continues through Sunday, December 11.

Our open days and times are as follows:

Friday December 2, 12:00-4:00 pm
Saturday December 3, 12:00-4:00 pm
Sunday December 4, 12:00-4:00 pm

And for one more week:

Thursday December 8,
Friday December 9,
Saturday December 10,
Sunday December 11,

We have a wide selection of gifts created by local artists, artisans, weavers, crafters, authors, woodworkers and more! The bookstore shelves are freshly stocked with loads of unique and interesting kids’ books and many new titles in the main bookstore including "Through a Green Lens; Fifty Years of Writing for Nature" by Robert Michael Pyle. A great deal of lovely greeting cards and stocking stuffers too. 

The Hall is decorated with local greenery and lights for the occasion and is a cozy, fun place to shop and gather on these winter days. 

Happy Holidays and we look forward to seeing you in Skamokawa.

We are in beautiful, historic downtown Skamokawa at 1394 State Route 4. 

For further information call (360) 795-3007, email: fos1894@gmail.com or find us on Facebook at this linkhttps://www.facebook.com/Friends-of-SkamokawaRiver-Life-Interpretive-Center-159813360709106/



Thursday, November 3, 2016

Annual Holiday Open House "Deck the Hall" Begins on Fri. Nov. 25, 12:00-4:00 pm

Friends of Skamokawa's River Life Interpretive Center at Redmen Hall in Skamokawa, Washington will be celebrating our annual Holiday Open House - "Deck the Hall" with the grand opening on Friday, November 25 from 12 noon to 4 pm. We have many exciting items this year for all of your holiday gift shopping needsThe Johnson Park Artists displaying their holiday specials, delicious food, and special treasures from our local artists and artisans. Our bookstore is freshly stocked with many new titles for children and adults. You will be able to fill your entire gift list from our special selections. Enjoy hot cider and delicious treats as well. The Open House will run from 12:00 noon to 4 pm, Friday - Sunday November 25, 26, and 27, and continues Thursday through Sunday on the following two weekends, with the final day for shopping on Sunday, December 11th. Remember, shopping local is best!

Thursday, September 22, 2016

This Saturday, October 8th, Art Exhibit opening. Meet the artists between 1-3:00 PM. Tsuga Gallery Presents a Tsunami of Art


This Saturday, October 8th, Art Exhibit opening. Meet the artists between 1-3:00 PM. Come join in the fun and celebration of these amazing local artists. A variety of delicious treats and refreshments will be served. Here is more information: The Friends of Skamokawa/River Life Interpretive Center is very pleased to present works from Wahkiakum County's Tsuga Art Gallery for our final art exhibit this year. Displayed at the River Life Interpretive Center at Friends of Skamokawa, the title of this upcoming exhibit, 'Tsuga Gallery presents a Tsunami of Art' reflects the amazing variety and intensity of our local artists.
Wahkiakum County has collected a talented group of artists and musicians who are making this area a special place to visit. Among the artists will be photographers, painters, ceramists, wood artists, fine jewelers, and some who do a combination of all these.
Included in the group will be Mike Rees, Mitzi Christensen, Dan Tchozewski, Genie Cary, Noreen Fitts, Joan Wren, Ruth Doumit, and several others.
The exhibit will open Saturday, October 8th with a party to meet all the artists from 1 to 3 pm. This exhibit will run to November 20th to be followed by the Hall's annual Holiday Open House, “Deck the Hall”.
Several of the artists will be leaving their work for that event as well.
Friends of Skamokawa’s River Life Interpretive Center is located at 1394 SR4 in Skamokawa, WA and is open Thursday-Sunday from 12 noon to 4 PM.
For more information, please call 360-795-3007 during open hours or email: fos1894@gmail.com

Thursday, September 1, 2016

"A Cornucopia of Wines" Auction & Wine Tasting Fundraiser, Saturday, September 10, 6:30 - 10:00 PM




Saturday, September 10, 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM, advance tickets are available now. See below for ticket purchase locations and more information about this delightfully elegant evening in Skamokawa, WA. Join us for a spirited evening of fine wines, delicious gourmet food, fun community and spirited bidding on silent and open auction items including but not limited to; getaways to great local bed and breakfasts, paintings, photography, ceramics, blown glass, gift baskets, river kayaking, jewelry, gift certificates to local businesses and much more! Auctioneer Brian McClain will be presiding over the open auction with his friendly, fast paced style. Non-alcoholic beverages will also be available. This is our main fund raiser of the year with all funds directed to the maintenance and operation of Friends of Skamokawa's River Life Interpretive Center. There will be a ‘paddle raise’ during the evening to help fund a brand new coat of paint! Here is your opportunity to help keep this beautiful building standing tall. “A Cornucopia of Wines”, Wine Tasting and Auction will be held in theSkamokawa Grange #425 at the Wahkiakum County Fair grounds, 18 Fairgrounds Rd., Skamokawa, WA 98647. The doors will open at 6:30 PM. This event draws visitors from throughout the Northwest. Along with the fine wines to sample will be a scrumptious menu prepared by the experienced caterers Ginger Schmitz and Jake Collins of Sharon's Pizza Mill in Cathlamet.
Advance tickets for “A Cornucopia of Wines” are $15 each or $25 a couple and can be purchased at the Bank of Pacific in Cathlamet, the Skamokawa General Store and at Friends of Skamokawa's River Life Interpretive Center in Skamokawa. Tickets sold at the door will be $20 single and $30 for a couple. For questions phone 360-795-3007, send an email to fos1894@gmail.com or stop by The River Life Interpretive Center during our open hours, Thursdays through Sundays 12:00 – 4:00 PM. We are located at 1394 W. SR4, Skamokawa, WA 98647. We’ll see you there!

Thursday, August 18, 2016

Photos from our Rolling on the River Exhibit - A Maritime History


Photos from our Rolling on the River Exhibit which has been extended through the end of September. Image credit: Genie Cary










Thursday, August 4, 2016

"A Cornucopia of Wines" Annual Wine Tasting and Auction, Sept. 10, 6:30-10:00 PM






The Friends of Skamokawa would like to announce our annual fundraiser “A Cornucopia of Wines”, Wine Tasting and Auction, Saturday, September 10 in the Skamokawa Grange #425 at the Wahkiakum County Fairgrounds, 18 Fairgrounds Rd., Skamokawa, WA 98647. The doors will open at 6:30 PM. This event draws visitors from throughout the Northwest. There will be fine wines to sample with a scrumptious menu prepared by the experienced caterers Ginger Schmitz and Jake Collins of Sharon’s Pizza and More. Join us for a spirited evening’s bidding on silent and open auction items including getaways to great local bed and breakfasts, paintings, ceramics, blown glass, gift baskets, river kayaking, gifts to local businesses and much more! Auctioneer Brian McClain will be presiding over the open auction with his friendly, fast paced style. Non-alcoholic beverages will also be available. This is our main fund raiser of the year with all funds directed to the maintenance and operation of the “River Life Interpretive Center” at Redmen Hall. There will be a ‘paddle raise’ during the evening to help fund a brand new coat of paint! Here is your opportunity to help keep this beautiful building standing tall.
Advance tickets for “A Cornucopia of Wines” are $15 each or $25 a couple and can be purchased at the Bank of Pacific in Cathlamet, the Skamokawa General Store and at Friends of Skamokawa's River Life Interpretive Center in Skamokawa. Tickets sold at the door will be $20 single and $30 for a couple. For questions phone 360-795-3007, send an email to fos1894@gmail.com or stop by The River Life Interpretive Center during our open hours, Thursdays through Sundays 12:00 – 4:00 PM. We are located at 1394 W. SR4, Skamokawa, WA 98647. We’ll see you there!

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Author Peter J. Brix Book-signing. Saturday July 9, 1:00 pm The Brix Maritime Story; A Century of Towboating and Barging



Our “Rolling on the River” Exhibit will feature an author book-signing presentation by Peter J. Brix on July 9, at 1:00 PM.
Here is more information about this wonderful book and its’ author found online at thriftbooks.com:


Weathering over 100 years of economic tides, Brix Maritime (originally, Knappton Towboat Company) became a major contributor to marine transportation in the United States. Recounted by a third generation Brix, who worked from deckhand to CEO of the family business, The Brix Maritime Story is a unique tale. It shows how logging and marine transportation were joined in the early 1900s, with towboats and barges playing a central role in economic growth in Washington and Oregon. As commerce expanded mid-century and locks allowed vessels to pass upriver, Brix boats reached for broader territories and opportunity, ultimately providing service into Idaho, California, Alaska, the Great Lakes, and the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Photographs of over 260 tugboats are shown, and over 170 barges listed, complete with specifications. For the maritime enthusiast, or anyone interested in a personal history of how one family helped to shape an industry, this book is a must-have.

Friends of Skamokawa’s River Life Interpretive Center at Redmen Hall is located at 1394 S.R. 4 in Skamokawa, Washington. For questions, please call (360) 795-3007 or email fos1894@gmail.com. 

Rolling on the River - Historical Maritime Exhibit Opening and Reception, Saturday July 2, 1:00 - 3:00 PM


The River Life Interpretive Center at Redmen Hall presents:
Rolling on the River-An Historical Maritime Exhibit Opening and Reception
Featuring the history of Sternwheelers, Steamboats, and Tug Boats on the Lower Columbia River.
This exhibit will include stories about the Captains of these boats, the River Pilots, the builders, and the histories of the Companies that managed the complex commerce these boats helped to develop.

Featured in this exhibit will be the place these boats and these people had in building today's busy presence on the River. Until roads were built in the 1930's, these boats were the only way to move logs, fish, dairy products, people, produce, and manufactured goods from communities on the River to the markets.

We will also be presenting the development of this traffic and why it is still so important today. This exhibit opens on Saturday, July 2nd, and runs through Labor Day Weekend. There will be special speakers on most Saturdays of the exhibit, starting with Peter Brix, the writer of a definitive history of the tug boat companies from sail to steam to the present day. He will be speaking and signing copies of his book on the history of the Tugboat companies on July 9th at 2:00 PM

Friends of Skamokawa’s River Life Interpretive Center is located at 1394 State Route 4 in Historic Skamokawa, Washington, 98647 
For questions and more information, please call (360) 795-3007 or email fos1894@gmail.com. 

Layton and Pam Elliott in Concert, Sunday, June 26 at 2:00 PM


This Sunday, June 26th at 2:00 PM, Performance #6 in our June Concert Series: Layton and Pam Elliott in Concert!
Friends of Skamokawa presents local singer/songwriter Layton Elliott with Pam Elliott in Concert - fundraiser for the River Life Interpretive Center at Redmen Hall on Sunday, June 26th at 2:00 PM. $5 per person, under 12 free.
Singer/songwriter/guitarist Layton Elliott will be performing accompanied by his wife, Pam Elliott on drums. They will be performing original songs as well as rock, blues and many popular cover tunes in an eclectic show spanning many genres. They have been playing at many local venues, including Friends of Skamokawa’s River Life Center at Redmen Hall.
Layton’s CDs will be for sale at the concert as well as year round in our gift shop.
Friends of Skamokawa’s River Life Interpretive Center is located at 1394 S.R. 4 in Skamokawa, Washington. For questions, please call (360) 795-3007 or email fos1894@gmail.com. Come on out this Sunday afternoon to support Friends of Skamokawa and our local musicians! Refreshments will be served. See you there!
Here is a great video of Layton and Pam Elliott performing at the Puget Island Farmers Market last summer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4CpjXjqUt0&feature=youtu.be

Jerry Ledtke and the Wahkiakum Vibes Band in Concert Saturday, June 25 at 2:00 PM


This Saturday at 2:00 PM, Performance #5 in our June Concert Series: Jerry Ledtke and the Wahkiakum Vibes Band in Concert!
Friends of Skamokawa presents local singer/songwriter Jerry Ledtke and the Wahkiakum VIBES Band in Concert - fundraiser for the River Life Interpretive Center at Redmen Hall on Saturday, June 25th at 2:00 PM. $10 per person, under 12 free.
Jerry Ledtke will be performing with Cliff Garrison, Pat Conrad, Jimmy James and Becky Ledtke. The group will be playing a blend of entertaining original compositions that include lyrics about life experiences, travels, love, environmental awareness, ranching, logging, Wahkiakum County, humorous situations, plus a few classic good time songs.
Collectively, the group members have many years of performance experience; each individual adds vibrant acoustic interplay and accents to the riffs and leads in the songs.
Jerry has released 2 CD’s of original songs and will also share some new songs with the audience.
Jerry’s CDs will be for sale at the concert as well as year round in our gift shop.
Friends of Skamokawa’s River Life Interpretive Center is located at 1394 S.R. 4 in Skamokawa, Washington. For questions, please call (360) 795-3007 or email fos1894@gmail.com. Come on out this Saturday afternoon to support Friends of Skamokawa and our local musicians! Refreshments will be served. See you there!
Here is a great video of Jerry and Becky Ledtke performing at Friends of Skamokawa last year (featuring Pete Davis on mandolin)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4U5HbfbLm9o

Thursday, May 19, 2016

David McKenzie in Concert - Saturday, June 18th at 7:00 PM



The Friends of Skamokawa Foundation is pleased to present David McKenzie in Concert! David, one of the favorite singer/songwriters in this area, will be giving us a wide range of his latest songs, accompanying himself with various instruments he sings of history, nature, friendship, blues, rock and more. Featuring an excellent blend of blues, rock, folk and originals plus a nice variety of cover songs by many different artists! He has been part of the music events in this county for several years and FOS is grateful for his participation in our Summer Music Festival.

This event is a fundraiser for The Friends of Skamokawa Central School/River Life Interpretive Center. $5 per person/under 12 free.

The Friends of Skamokawa/River Life Interpretive Center at Redmen Hall is located at 1394 S.R. 4 in Skamokawa, Washington. For questions, please call our office (360) 795-3007. Hours: Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, noon to 4:00 PM as well as special evening events.


Saturday, May 14, 2016

Hank and Lloyd in Concert - June 12th 2:00 PM (Beth Semar Sheets & Pete "Mandolin Pete" Davis)


Friends of Skamokawa presents: Hank and Lloyd in Concert
Saturday, June 12th at 2:00 PM
Fundraiser for: The Friends of Skamokawa Central School/River Life Interpretive Center at Redmen Hall
$5 per person/under 18 free.

Featuring an eclectic blend of traditional country, old fiddle tunes and original music.
Pete Davis on mandolin, fiddle, guitar and vocals
Beth Sheets on guitar and vocals

These performers have a wonderful range of folk, blues, and 'soft' rock that has been enjoyed by many audiences. They are each masters of several instruments and sing with a true sense of joy and, sometimes, comedy that has entertained all of us. Their music is pulled from many sources including many songs Beth and Pete have written. They will have several of their CD's for sale at the concert.

The Friends of Skamokawa Central School/River Life Interpretive Center at Redmen Hall is located at 1394 S.R. 4 in Skamokawa, Washington. For questions, please call our office (360) 795-3007. Open Hours: Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, noon to 4:00 PM as well as special evening events.

Sunday, May 8, 2016

Robert Michael Pyle and The Cliffs of Cathlamet - An Evening of Music and Poetry, June 11, 7:00 PM





Join us for an exciting evening of music and poetry! 
Saturday evening, June 11th at 7:00 PM

Monday, May 2, 2016

Kerrie McNally Concert June 5th at 2:00 pm

Local singer/songwriter Kerrie McNally performs creative original compositions ranging from serious ballads to fun, rockin' sing-a-longs! This newly recorded artist has something for everyone including blues, country, folk, pop and even some reggae style. Genre: Folk: Alternative Folk. Featuring Layton Elliott on lead guitar!


Thursday, April 14, 2016

This Saturday, April 16th at 1:00 PM Rachael Wolford Exhibit Opening/Reception "Elements" An Exhibit of Painting and Poetry


“The River Life Interpretive Center at Redmen Hall will be showing an exhibit by artist Rachael Wolford. Rachael has been a major part of Redmen Hall since it was restored in 1987 by the Friends of Skamokawa. She is a noted watercolor artist and also a founding member of the St. James Family Center, currently serving as a Deacon and Chairman of the Board. She was trained at the Portland Art Museum and has shown her work at many local exhibits, this being her fourth at Redmen Hall. It is also her final exhibit here, since she is moving out of the area. Her work shows a deep understanding of the Columbia River in all its moods - she and her husband lived in a sailboat and then a house boat until finally coming to land on Puget Island. Her close connection to the River has given her an unusual vision, with her painting and poetry showing her rare insight into the beauty of this unique Lower Columbian Basin. The exhibit opens on Saturday April 16th with a chance to meet the artist from 1 - 3 pm. Refreshments will be served. The exhibit is at The River Life Interpretive Center at Redmen Hall 1394 W.SR4 in Skamokawa. The Hall is open Thursday-Sunday 12 noon -4 pm. For further information call the Hall 360-795-3007 during open hours."

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Last weekend of the Wahkiakum Students' Art and Science Exhibit!


Last weekend of the Wahkiakum Students' Art and Science Exhibit! This exhibit will run through Sunday April 10th. Many of the students have their pieces available for purchase. Prices range from $3, $10, $15 or $20. Come on by the River Life Interpretive Center and support these aspiring local artists. 

Original art work from Mary Moonen’s elementary school students, Tina Merz’s middle school students and Sue Garn’s high school students will be featured.
A combination of art and science projects from Kyle Hurley’s Ag Science class will also be on exhibit.

The River Life Interpretive Center at Redmen Hall is located at 1394 W. SR 4 in Skamokawa, WA. The Hall is open Thursday through Sunday from 12-4 P.M.
For more information call 360-795-8675 email: fos1894@gmail.com or go to our website:www.redmenhall.blogspot.com
See you there!


Photo Credit: Kathleen Morgain

Thursday, March 10, 2016

This Saturday, March 12th, 1:00 PM - Wahkiakum Students' Art and Science Exhibit Opening at the River Life Interpretive Center at Redmen Hall



This Saturday, March 12th at 1:00 pm, The Wahkiakum Students' Art and Science Exhibit opens! This exhibit will run through Sunday April 10th.

Original art work from Mary Moonen’s elementary school students, Tina Merz’s middle school students and Sue Garn’s high school students will be featured.

A combination of art and science projects from Kyle Hurley’s Ag Science class will also be on exhibit. 

On Saturday March 26th, we will be hosting the “Battle of the Robots” presented by Ron Wright’s 4-H Robotics Club, Jeff Pillar’s 8th grade robotics class and Jeff Rooklidge’s high school robotics class. This is a special one day only event from 1-3 P.M. Both the 4-H club and the high school robotics class have competed in district robotics tournaments. The high school team made it to state competitions in the past. All robots are assembled and programmed by the students. This should make for an exciting time!

The River Life Interpretive Center at Redmen Hall is located at 1394 W. SR 4 in Skamokawa, WA. The Hall is open Thursday through Sunday from 12-4 P.M.

For more information call 360-795-8675 email: fos1894@gmail.com or go to our website: www.redmenhall.blogspot.com


Thursday, February 18, 2016

2016 Annual Members Meeting, Sunday March 6th at 2:00 pm

Friends of Skamokawa Foundation
2016 Annual Members Meeting
March 6th at 2:00 pm
River Life Interpretive Center
at Redmen Hall


Items on the Agenda will include:
·         Election of Board Members
·         Membership Status
·         Financial Status
·         2015 Accomplishments
·         2016 Goals
·         Membership involvement on various committees including:
o   Events
o   Maintenance/Landscaping
o   Refreshments (as needed)
o   Docents

Fresh Pie, great friends, wonderful stories!

Guest Speaker:

Charles Funk - “Chinook Tales”

Please RSVP to: fos1894@gmail.com or (360) 795-3007








Thursday, February 11, 2016

River Life Interpretive Center at Redmen Hall Early 2016 Event Calendar-February through April



February 27th
1:00 pm - Birds of the Lower Columbia-Speaker/Lecturer Andrew Emlen
3:00 pm - Keith Hoofnagle Book Signing-Special 50th Anniversary Edition of “The Story of Linda Lookout”
March 6th
2:00 pm - Annual Membership Meeting, Special Guest Speaker: Chinook Artist Charles Funk from Chehalis, WA
March 12th
1:00 pm - Wahkiakum High School Science & Art Class Exhibit Opens. This exhibit will include demonstrations of award winning projects including robotics, habitat restoration, art contests, and other activities in progress!
April 16th
1:00 pm - Racheal Wolford Art Exhibit Opens

Image of Keith Hoofnagle with artwork for "The Story of Linda Lookout" courtesy of the Wahkiakum Eagle.

All bird images are courtesy of Sol Mertz, Rose Creek Retreat, Rosburg, WA

Image of Charles Funk at the River Life Interpretive Center at Redmen Hall courtesy of The Daily News





Friday, January 29, 2016

Feb. 27, 1:00 pm Birds of the Lower Columbia River - Andrew Emlen/ 3:00 pm Keith Hoofnagle Book Signing, Special 50th Anniversary Edition of "The Story of Linda Lookout"


Announcing our opening event for 2016 on Saturday, February 27th here at the River Life Interpretive Center at Redmen Hall featuring two excellent local speakers. These two great programs are sure to inform and inspire!  

At 1:00 pm, Andrew Emlen will present Birds of the Lower Columbia River. Co-sponsored by the Willapa Hills Audubon Society (WHAS) and Friends of Skamokawa, this program will feature life histories of a number of Lower Columbia River birds and special stories of these birds in connection to the Columbia.

At 3:00 pm, Keith Hoofnagle will be here for a Book signing celebrating the very special 50th Anniversary re-issue of "The Story of Linda Lookout"!

See below for more detail about each event and please feel free to call or email with any questions. For parking and accessibility information and directions to the River Life Interpretive Center in Skamokawa’s National Historic District, please call (360) 795-3007. The River Life Interpretive Center at Redmen Hall is located at 1394 W. State Route 4, Skamokawa, WA 98647


Birds of the Lower Columbia River - Andrew Emlen


The life histories of a number of Lower Columbia River birds will be the theme of a program offered on Saturday, February 27th at the River Life Interpretive Center (Redmen Hall) in Skamokawa. Andrew Emlen is the speaker talking about bird species having special stories connected with the Columbia River. The program will begin at 1 pm. Co-sponsored by Willapa Hills Audubon Society (WHAS) and Friends of Skamokawa. There will be no charge for admission, although donations to the building upkeep are always appreciated. 

Since starting the Wahkiakum Christmas Bird Count circle in 1998 sponsored by WHAS, Mr. Emlen has been the organizer and compiler for this count. He has conducted shorebird census for US Fish and Wildlife, helping to establish the Lower Columbia as a national Important Bird Area, and leads field trips for WHAS, Washington Ornithological Society, and the American Birding Association. He is currently co-owner and guide for Columbia River Kayaking.

Following Mr. Emlen’s program, Keith Hoofnagle, retired chief artist for the National Park Service will read from his book “The Story of Linda Lookout”. It is a history of the fire lookouts, originally published in 1965 and re-published recently. Copies will be available for sale after the program, and Mr. Hoofnagle will be signing books.

Photo of Blue Heron: www.public-domain-image.com


Book Signing by author Keith Hoofnagle-


Special 50th Anniversary re-issue of 

"The Story of Linda Lookout"

We here at Friends of Skamokawa are very pleased to welcome local treasure, historian, artist, archivist, author Keith Hoofnagle for a book signing on February 27th following The Birds of the Lower Columbia Presentation. Keith is the retired chief artist for the National Park Service and will be here at River Life Interpretive Center at Redmen Hall to read from his book “The Story of Linda Lookout" which has recently been re-released in celebration of its' 50th anniversary! It is a history of the fire lookouts that was originally published in 1965. Copies will be available for sale after the program, and Mr. Hoofnagle will be signing books.

Photo of "The Story of Linda Lookout": amazon.com