Friends of Skamokawa is now officially closed for winter and we will reopen in March 2019

Robert Michael Pyle, Magdalena Mountain author reading/booksigning Sat. Dec. 15th @ 2:00 PM in Skamokawa

Dear booklovers and friends of the Columbia Pacific Region and beyond, we have a very special treat for you coming up this Saturday December 15th at 2:00 PM. Friends of Skamokawa welcomes Robert Michael Pyle reading from his exciting and highly acclaimed new novel Magdalena Mountain. Twists and turns, mysteries and more! This is a wonderful event for families, friends, and out of town guests. A perfect blend of our Skamokawa hospitality and the Grays River grace and magic that only Robert Michael Pyle can bring. Come and join us for this fun afternoon, and feel free to bring the whole family. We have many exciting kids’ books for little ones through young adults. A selection sure to please all tastes, interests, and ages. "Yes way, no way, we ❤️ Skamokawa!"

Robert Michael Pyle - Magdalena Mountain; Author reading & Book Signing Saturday Dec. 15th at 2:00 PM

Award winning author and local treasure Robert Michael Pyle will be reading excerpts from his amazing novel Magdalena Mountain at Friends of Skamokawa’s RiverLife Interpretive Center/Central School/Redmen Hall on Saturday December 15th 2:00 to 4:00 PM. It is always magical when Bob Pyle does a reading here during our holiday celebration. On a clear day, you can see the pink and orange sky sunsets over Vista Park, views of the river and more from Skamokawa's historically elegant gem, Queen Anne style building, built in 1894. We will be serving wine and hors d’oeuvres for your enjoyment.

From Hipfish Monthly; serving alternative style journalism to the Columbia Pacific region since 1997. https://www.hipfishmonthly.com/

"DRAFT AFTER DRAFT, ten in all, over a span of 42 years and fitting it in between all the nonfiction books, Robert Michael Pyle states of his first novel and twenty second published work, “I consider it my long apprenticeship in the art of fiction.” There is no better reader than Pyle of his own works—his fascination and passion that drive his scholarly prowess show up. And no one can better spice up the mating of two insects, in fact maybe even making human sexuality pale in comparison. Says author Molly Gloss, “Fans of Robert Michael Pyle’s nonfiction will not be surprised to find his first novel abounding in details of the natural world—lovingly described plant and animal and insect life across the changing of the seasons on a remote Colorado mountain. What they may not expect is the bold imagination he brings to these pages—an amnesiac who might be the reincarnation of Mary Magdalene, a pantheist colony of monks in cahoots with feminist antinuclear activists, a Yale graduate student on the trail of a mysterious hitchhiking lepidopterist! Magdalena Mountain is thoroughly original, and thoroughly Robert Michael Pyle.” As a boy, says Pyle, he had fallen in love with an all-black butterfly called the Magdalena Alpine, which haunted the high mountain rockslides in western Colorado where his family had a cabin. He thought he would write a juvenile book, much like one called, Wings in the Meadow, by friend and butterfly educator Jo Brewer, but about Magdalena and its dramatic habitat. He quickly got bored with this as it didn’t give him the scope to explore the creature and its life as deeply as he wished. He wanted to write about people too and how they and the black butterfly affected each other. In an interview with Bill Hamm for Coast Weekend, Pyle says, the challenge was becoming a fiction writer, “Early drafts were pretty wooden, characters were pretty flat, dialogue was pretty forced.” As a practiced writer of nonfiction and facts, it was a process of learning to trust the muse. Set in the 70’s when he began writing it, Pyle decided to stay with the setting. Nice. We don’t have to read about the characters social media habits. With the amalgam of colorful characters conjoining, one is reminded of the charm of Maupin’s Tales of the City, except this of course is tales of the mountain. And there is some upstaging of the Magdalena by some pretty serious roaches that character James Mead falls in love with. Of the numerous praise for Magdalena Mountain, The Chinook Observer says it best, “This novel is a fast-paced light-hearted frolic, equal parts nature study, biological inquiry, mystery of identities, and eco-feminist manifesto . . . Humor and wit bubble up throughout, aided by the vast range of Bob’s knowledge of literature and biology.”

Praise for Magdalena Mountain:

“The first novel from prolific nature writer Pyle is bathed in exquisite and venerating descriptions of nature, wildlife, and pristine environments . . . His contemplative novel will be a treat for readers who delight in the tranquility of nature.” —Publishers Weekly

“Only Robert Michael Pyle could’ve written this daring novel. He’s walked in the boots of his colorful characters, whether strolling across the Yale campus or chasing rare butterflies in the wilds. He masterfully describes the seasonal nuances of a singular mountain. His love and exquisitely detailed understanding of the natural world fills these pages.” —Jim Lynch, author of Before the Wind

“Magdalena Mountain is a remarkable melding of all the talents and passions of Bob Pyle. It will tingle your spine, even as it tickles your funny bone. “ —Kathleen Dean Moore, author of Piano Tide

“Robert Pyle is one of the best nature writers in the world, period.” —Brian Doyle, author of Mink River

What: Robert Michael Pyle – Magdalena Mountain; Author Reading & Book Signing

Where: Friends of Skamokawa’s RiverLife Interpretive Center/Central School/Redmen Hall, 1394 W. State Route 4, Skamokawa, WA 98647 (An easy 1.5-hour drive from Astoria, go over the Megler Bridge, take a right to go towards Naselle, then go right onto State Route 4 towards Longview. Past Grays River, Deep River, just over the gentle mountain, is the magically unique and historic town of Skamokawa.

When: Saturday December 15th 2:00 -4:00 PM

Phone: 360-795-3007

Visit: 1394 SR4, Skamokawa

Email: fos1894@gmail.com

Website: www.friendsofskamokawa.org

Blogspot: www.friendsofskamokawa.blogspot.com

Our “Deck the Hall” Holiday Open House Continues through December 16th. We are open Thursdays through Sundays 12:00 to 4:00 PM

We are open Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays 12-4:00 PM through December 16th! :)

We are open 10-4 today, Saturday, Nov. 24 for Deck the Hall, our annual Holiday Shopping Open House Event

We’re open 10-4 today and we’re serving delicious pie (pictured below) made by Skamokawa pie maker extraordinaire, Kathleen Morgain along with hot cider, hot coffee, cookies and treats. Warm and cozy in Skamokawa. Kathleen also shared these wonderful photos of just a few of the unique, locally crafted gift cards available. We’ve got some very special and unique offerings this year. Today’s welcoming volunteers (also known as Santa's helpers) are Paula Culbertson and Kathleen Morgain.

:)

"Deck the Hall" Holiday Shopping in Skamokawa Starts Today, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

We are open today from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and today is a very special day as it’s the grand opening day of our holiday shopping event. We have many wonderful and unique one of a kind treasures and gifts for all ages and tastes. We’ll be serving hot cider, coffee, cookies and treats in a warm and cozy shopping environment. Kathleen Morgain and Pam Emery are today’s welcoming volunteers and will be here to greet and welcome visitors all day. Yes way, we love Skamokawa!

Robert Michael Pyle reading from his new and long-awaited novel Magdalena Mountain. Sat. Dec. 15th at 2:00 PM

Friends of Skamokawa is very pleased to announce the upcoming author reading and book signing of Magdalena Mountain by renowned author Dr. Robert Michael Pyle. 

Join us in Skamokawa on Saturday December 15th at 2:00 PM for this exciting event.

Phone: 360-795-3007

Visit: 1394 W. State Route 4, Skamokawa, WA 98647

Email: fos@gmail.com

Website: www.friendsofskamokawa.org

"Deck the Hall" Skamokawa's Annual Holiday Open House begins Friday November 23rd 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Friends of Skamokawa will be hosting its annual "Deck the Hall" Christmas & Holiday Open House November 23 through December 16. On Saturday December 15^th at 2:00 PM as part of the festivities at the RiverLife Interpretive Center-Central School-Redmen Hall Robert Michael Pyle will be reading from his new novel Magdalena Mountain.

[Skamokawa, WA] Skamokawa’s annual Christmas and holiday Open House "Deck the Hall" will run from Friday November 23rd through December 17th this year with a big opening weekend beginning Friday Nov. 23^rd 10-4, Saturday Nov. 24^th 10-4, and Sunday Nov. 25^th 12-4. The event will continue for the following three weeks, Thursdays through Sundays 12-4 with the final day being Sunday, December 16^th. This is a lovely gift shopping event with a range of unique items for all tastes.

Friends of Skamokawa is currently accepting additional holiday crafters for this event. To sign up or for more information, please call the Friends of Skamokawa office at 360-795-3007 or email fos1894@gmail.com.

“Deck the Hall” Skamokawa’s Annual Christmas and Holiday Open House

November 23 through December 17

RiverLife Interpretive Center-Central School-Redmen Hall

1394 W. State Route 4, Skamokawa WA 98647

Phone: 360-795-3007

Email: fos1894@gmail.com

Website: www.friendsofskamokawa.org

Seeking Vendors for Friends of Skamokawa's Holiday Open House

Upcoming Events Calendar and photos from our current art exhibit "River Wanderings" by Beth Bailey

Photos courtesy of Beth Bailey. Featured in the photos are Friends of Skamokawa volunteer Paula Culbertson and artist Beth Bailey.

"River Wanderings" featuring artist Beth Bailey Artist Reception & Exhibit Opening Saturday, October 13 at 1:00 pm

River Wanderings featuring artist Beth Bailey

Artist Reception & Exhibit Opening

Saturday, October 13 at 1:00 pm

RiverLife Interpretive Center-Central School-Redmen Hall

Friends of Skamokawa is proud to present an upcoming art exhibit featuring artist Beth Bailey, a talented artist from Longview whose primary mediums of choice are pen & ink, watercolor, acrylics, and printmaking. Beth’s illustrations include many variations of scenic northwest Washington and Oregon including coastal scenes, historic buildings, and a beautiful interpretation of the Astoria Column. River Wanderings is the title of this upcoming fall exhibit. The presentation will include twenty unique pieces celebrating river and waterways of the northwest, including the Columbia River, (Cathlamet, Longview, Skamokawa) the San Juan Islands, and more. River Wanderings opening reception will occur on October 13 and the exhibit will run through November 11. You can see more of Beth’s work at the following websites: Broadway Gallery; http://the-broadway-gallery.com/artists/beth-bailey/Columbian Artists Association; http://columbianartists.org/BethBailey.htm.

Friends of Skamokawa presents River Wanderings featuring artist Beth Bailey

Saturday, October 13, 2018, 1:00 pm

RiverLife Interpretive Center-Central School-Redmen hall

1394 W. State Route 4, Skamokawa WA 98647

Phone: 360-795-3007

Email: fos1894@gmail.com

Website: www.friendsofskamokawa.org

Friends of Skamokawa’s 28th annual “Cornucopia of Wines” Wine Gala & Auction

Friends of Skamokawa’s 28th annual “Cornucopia of Wines” Wine Gala & Auction will be held on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at 6:30 pm. This festive evening of wine tastings, live and silent auctions, and a sumptuous spread of delicious hors d’oeuvres is a fundraiser for Skamokawa’s 128 year old historic gem, the River Life Interpretive Center-Central School-Redmen Hall.

The “Cornucopia of Wines” Wine Gala & Auction is a highlight of the year offering a fun, festive, elegant night out in Skamokawa. Advance tickets are available through September 3rd in Cathlamet at First Interstate Bank and Daisy Chain Floral, in Skamokawa at the Skamokawa General Store and the River Life Interpretive Center-Central School-Redmen Hall and will also be available at the door the night of the event. For more information please call (360) 795-3007, email fos1894@gmail.com or visit www.friendsofskamokawa.com.

The annual “Cornucopia of Wines” brings together friends, family, visitors, and community from throughout the lower Columbia region. This year’s event features an authenticated woven Navajo rug from 1976, original art pieces by Don Nisbett, Mike Reese and other talented artists, vacation stays at the Cannery Pier Hotel, favorite local bed and breakfasts, gifts baskets, gift certificates, and much, much more. It’s a wonderful evening of good company and excellent food, a classic beginning to the fall season in Skamokawa.

Our 2018 guests of honor are Andrew Emlen and Jill Hatier. Auctioneer Brian McClain will lead the live auction with his fun and fast paced style. The evening’s festivities begin at 6:30 pm in the historic Skamokawa Grange with the Silent Auction, wine tastings, and delicious hors d’oeuvres.

Friends of Skamokawa’s “Cornucopia of Wines” Wine Gala & Auction

Saturday, September 8, 2018, 6:30-9:30 pm

At the Skamokawa Grange, 18 fairgrounds Rd., Skamokawa WA 98647

Phone 360-795-3007

Email: fos1894@gmail.com

Website: www.friendsofskamokawa.org

​​

Robert Michael Pyle reading from his new novel, Magdalena Mountain at the Skamokawa Grange on Thursday, August 16 at 12:00 pm.

Robert Michael Pyle will be reading from his new novel, Magdalena Mountain at the Skamokawa Grange on Thursday, August 16 at 12:00 pm.

This is a real treat for all who can make it to the event as this will be the very first reading of Bob's very first novel! Thank you to the Skamokawa Grange for hosting this exciting Skamokawa event!

Praise for Magdalena Mountain

“The first novel from prolific nature writer Pyle is bathed in exquisite and venerating descriptions of nature, wildlife, and pristine environments . . . His contemplative novel will be a treat for readers who delight in the tranquility of nature.” —Publishers Weekly

“Only Robert Michael Pyle could’ve written this daring novel. He’s walked in the boots of his colorful characters, whether strolling across the Yale campus or chasing rare butterflies in the wilds. He masterfully describes the seasonal nuances of a singular mountain. His love and exquisitely detailed understanding of the natural world fills these pages.” —Jim Lynch, author of Before the Wind

“Magdalena Mountain is a remarkable melding of all the talents and passions of Bob Pyle. It will tingle your spine, even as it tickles your funny bone. “ —Kathleen Dean Moore, author of Piano Tide

“Robert Pyle is one of the best nature writers in the world, period.” —Brian Doyle, author of Mink River

Student Art Exhibit in Skamokawa Currently on Display

If you haven’t had a chance yet, feel free to swing by Friends of Skamokawa’s River Life Interpretive Center/Central School/Redmen Hall to check out and celebrate the awesomely talented high school and middle school students of Wahkiakum County and their dedicated teachers. These kids did an excellent job creating beautifully representative art, music, architecture pieces, and more. The lovely views overlooking Vista Park are always a treat, rain or shine. Our volunteer Jill will be there until 4:00 pm today (Saturday) and tomorrow (Sunday) Pam will have the hall warm, cozy, and open for visitors from 12-4:00 pm. Here are just a few of the news articles and press pieces that were featured in our local newspapers recently about this unique and interesting presentation. :)

1894 School House Needs Painting ~ Updates and News Stories

Thank you so much to everyone who has contributed to our paint fund campaign. Little by little, bit by bit, we are making our way towards our goal. We are so grateful for your generosity and for all of your donations. We are getting closer and closer to a fresh coat of paint and you are making it happen. Like the little engine that could, we won’t give up and with your help, it is happening! “Where there’s a will, there’s a way”. We’ll see you in Skamokawa. 😊

Thank you so much to the Wahkiakum County Eagle for these two features:

From the May 3, 2018 edition of the Wahkiakum County Eagle:

http://www.waheagle.com/story/2018/05/03/wahkiakum-people/fos-donation-boxes-waiting-for-coins/14524.html

From the June 29, 2017 edition of the Wahkiakum County Eagle:

http://www.waheagle.com/story/2017/06/29/wahkiakum-people/redmen-hall-needs-painting/13186.html

Here are all the ways to donate:

Go Fund Me: https://www.gofundme.com/3wcxmgo

Website: www.friendsofskamokawa.org

PayPal: fos1894@gmail.com

~

Mail: P.O. Box 67, Skamokawa, WA

Phone (360) 795-3007

 

Welcome Home! A sunnier historical perspective of Wahkiakum County!

The portrait on the flyer is by Morgan Bashore, a 2018 Graduate. :-)

We are very excited to announce our next exhibit beginning June 1st and 2nd.

Welcome Home! 

A sunnier historical perspective of Wahkiakum County!

By Sue Garn

Students from the fine arts program areas of the Wahkiakum School District interpret familiar and hidden treasures of residents long gone and still with us. The exhibit at the River Life Interpretive Center from June 1 through September 28, 2018 will host creative works including drawings, illustrations, and painted portraits in mixed media of residents with historic roots in Wahkiakum County by Wahkiakum High School art students. There will be architectural renderings of historic homes and buildings by C. Thomas Middle School architecture students and big band and turn of the century Broadway tunes by middle and high school band members. Peruse video visits from some of our favorite county locals sharing stories from their own and families past. The contemporary work of todays students will pay homage to county members whose family and friends – old & new - will turn up and support the historic atmosphere of the exhibit. Come and experience the history of Wahkiakum County in a way it has never been presented  before . . . Welcome Home! A sunnier historical perspective of Wahkiakum County! The exhibit will be displayed all 2018 Summer long. The River Life Interpretive Center/Central School/Redmen Hall is located at 1394 W. State Route 4, Skamokawa WA 98647. Call (360) 795-3307 or email fos1894@gmail.com for more information.

​

Our Creative Wood Design Exhibit continues through Sunday April 29th, Thursdays through Sundays 12-4:00

Our Creative Wood Design Exhibit continues through Sunday April 29th, Thursdays through Sndays 12-4:00

Featuring five unique woodworking designers, antique decoys on loan from the Cowlitz County Historical Museum, and many other interesting pieces and displays celebrating the art of woodworking and design.

Thursdays through Sundays at the River Life Interpretive Center/Central School/Redmen Hall
1394 W. State Route 4, Skamokawa, WA 98647
(360) 849-9305
Email: fos1894@gmail.com
Website: www.friendsofskamokawa.org

Friends of Skamokawa Creative Wood Design Exhibit Opening and Reception

Friends of Skamokawa
Creative Wood Design Exhibit
Opening Reception
Saturday April 14th, 1:00 PM

River Life interpretive Center/Central School/Redmen Hall

Featuring five unique woodworking designers, antique decoys on loan from the Cowlitz County Historical Museum, and many other interesting pieces and displays celebrating
the art of woodworking and design

Opening Reception—Saturday April 14th, 1:00 PM at the
River Life Interpretive Center/Central School/Redmen Hall
1394 W. State Route 4, Skamokawa (360) 849-9305

Meet the artists and discuss their work
Enjoy cookies, coffee, and historical displays featuring;
Columbia River Canneries
Steamboats, Tugboats, and their Captains
Birds of the Lower Columbia and more!

2018 Annual Members Meeting this Sunday at 2:00 PM

Friends of Skamokawa Annual Members Meeting will be held on Sunday, March 18th at 2:00 PM.   

The annual meeting will involve important membership participation including the Friends of Skamokawa Board Elections. There will be a short report on yearly accomplishments and goal. After official business, Irene Martin will present Canneries Along the Columbia. Pie and coffee will be served and entertainment will be provided. 

Antique Fair in Skamokawa this Friday and Saturday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

This Friday March 9th from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Saturday March 10th from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, come and see Keith Hoofnagle and other uniquely exceptional antique sellers at the River Life Interpretive Center/Central School/Redmen Hall in Skamokawa, WA. We will be featuring antique American pottery, jewelry, home decor, furniture, and more.This is a benefit for Friends of Skamokawa and is our first event of the season so please join us as we begin 2018 celebrating the love of antiques in a beautifully historic building. We look forward to seeing you there! For more information call: (360) 795-3007, email: fos1894@gmail.com, or check out our website at: www.friendsofskamokawa.org. Photo of Keith Hoofnagle by Dwight Caswell from the story "Venice on the Columbia River" Published on June 4, 2015 in Coast Weekend. There is plenty of parking at the top of the driveway and an easy entrance into the building down a gently sloped path. Address: 1394 W. State Route 4, Skamokawa, WA.

Antique & Vintage Fair - Friday March 9 and Saturday March 10, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Friends of Skamokawa re-opens the River Life Interpretive Center/Central School/Redmen Hall on Friday, March 9th. The first event of the year will be our famous Antique & Vintage Fair to be held on Friday March 9 and Saturday March 10, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the River Life Interpretive Center/Central School/Redmen Hall, 1394 W. State Route 4, Skamokawa, WA 98647.
Please call (360) 795-3007, (360) 218-6504 or email fos1894@gmail.com for information.

Painting Fund Update

From our Go Fund Me site "1894 School House Needs Painting!" Site: https://www.gofundme.com/3wcxmgo:

Nestled on a bluff above the Columbia River in scenic Skamokawa, WA stands this 1894 two-story schoolhouse. Central School House sits as a “historical gem.” It served as a school from 1894-1927 and then as a lodge for the Order of the Redmen until the 1950s. It was refurbished in 1985 by civic-minded residents who formed the non-profit organization called “Friends of Skamokawa.’’ Since 1986 it has been home to the “River Life Interpretive Center” with a mission to house historical archives and reflect river life and culture through historical displays and exhibits. Central School House is a 30‘x50’ building. Plans for this painting project include: • Pre-prep pressure wash cleaning with mildew cleaner • Scraping of any loose paint and priming • Caulking around doors and windows • Paint the building with custom paint including the bell tower, doors, windows and trim • Rental of a Genie Lift Please join us in our effort to raise $16,000 for a new coat of paint! 

2018 Annual Members Meeting

Friends of Skamokawa Foundation

2018 Annual Members Meeting

Sunday, March 18th at 2:00 pm

River Life Interpretive Center/Central School/Redmen Hall

1394 W. SR4, Skamokawa, WA

Items on the Agenda will include:

· Election of Board Members

· Membership Status

· Financial Status

· 2017 Accomplishments

· 2018 Goals

· Membership involvement on various committees including:

¨ Events

¨ Maintenance/Landscaping

¨ Refreshments

¨ Docents

Fresh Pie, great friends, wonderful stories!

Guest Speaker:

Irene Martin - “Canneries on the Columbia”

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

Upcoming Events Calendar

Friends of Skamokawa Antique Sale, March 9th and 10th

Friends of Skamokawa will be reopening the River Life Interpretive Center/Central School/Redmen Hall on Saturday, March 9th. The first event of the year will be their famous Antique Sale to be held that weekend on March 9 and 10, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the River Life Interpretive Center/Central School/Redmen Hall, 1394 W. State Route 4, Skamokawa, WA 98647.

        As always, antique lovers from throughout southwest Washngton are invited to participate in this event by clearing out their attics and offering their 'oldies but goodies' for sale. If you have items that could be considered antique, or also this time, "vintage" that you would like to sell to a delighted buyer, please call (360) 795-3007, (360) 218-6504 or email fos1894@gmail.com for information. Various sized tables and spaces will be available. 

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Friends of Skamokawa Foundation

River Life interpretive Center/Central School/Redmen Hall

(360) 795-3007

1394 W. State Route 4

PO Box 67

Skamokawa, WA 98647

www.friendsofskamokawa.org

   Friends of Skamokawa Foundation

       MISSION STATEMENT

To promote, support, and create opportunities

 to enhance the well-being of the Skamokawa National Historic District  and surroundings 

through historical and historically compatible development and through the 

interpretation of the natural and human history of the Skamokawa National Historic District.