Thank you everyone for a
wonderful year and please note that you can continue to support the Friends of
Skamokawa and keep the River Life Interpretive Center standing tall by shopping
at our website anytime from the comfort of your own home. See our beautiful 2018
FOS Calendars featuring local photographers and other gift shop and book store
items at www.friendsofskamokawa.org. Available throughout the entire year,
these items can be purchased at www.friendsofskamokawa.org and delivered to
your home through USPS. 😊
Thursday, December 21, 2017
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
Friends of Skamokawa's Annual Holiday Open House Begins Friday November 24th 12:00-4:00 PM
Friends
of Skamokawa's River Life Interpretive Center will be celebrating our annual
Holiday Open House "Deck the Hall" with the grand opening on Friday,
November 24th from 12 noon to 4 pm.
We will
be sharing the merriment of the season with delicious treats, cookies, hot
cider and a wide selection of unique gifts for all ages and tastes. Stuffed
animals, puppets, coloring books and children’s books for the kids, one of a
kind treasures created by local artists, artisans, weavers, crafters,
woodworkers. A well-stocked bookstore and an excellent selection CDs by local
musicians!
The Hall
will be decorated with greenery and lights for the occasion and is a cozy, fun
place to visit on these winter days. Happy Holidays to one and all and we look
forward to having you visit our River Life Interpretive Center in Skamokawa.
Our
Holiday Open House will continue this year through Sunday, December 17th.
We are open Thursday through Sunday from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm and we are
located in beautiful, historic downtown Skamokawa at 1394 State Route 4,
Skamokawa, WA 98647. For further information please call (360) 795-3007 or
email: fos1894@gmail.com.
Friends
of Skamokawa’s Holiday Open House Schedule
Friday November 24th from 12:00 to 4:00 PM
– Grand Opening
Saturday November 25th from 12:00 to 4:00
PM
Sunday November 26th from 12:00 to 4:00 PM
~
Thursday November 30th from 12:00 to 4:00
PM
Friday December 1st from 12:00 to 4:00 PM
Saturday December 2nd from 12:00 to 4:00 PM
Sunday December 3rd from 12:00 to 4:00 PM
~
Thursday December 7th from 12:00 to 4:00 PM
Friday December 8th from 12:00 to 4:00 PM
Saturday December 9th from 12:00 to 4:00 PM
Sunday December 10th from 12:00 to 4:00 PM
~
Thursday December 14th from 12:00 to 4:00
PM
Friday December 15th from 12:00 to 4:00 PM
Saturday December 16th from 12:00 to 4:00
PM
Sunday December 17th from 12:00 to 4:00 PM
– Final Day of the Holiday Open House
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
This Saturday, October 14, at 7:00 PM Robert Michael Pyle Author reading Book Signing at the Skamokawa Resort
Friends of Skamokawa is very pleased to present Robert Michael Pyle ~ Where Bigfoot Walks; Crossing the Dark Divide
This Saturday October 14th at 7:00 PM in the performance room/conference center behind the Skamokawa General Store, renowned author Robert Michael Pyle will be speaking, signing books, and sharing his unique perspectives, research, and findings regarding the incredible phenomenon known as Bigfoot. This new edition published by Counterpoint Press August 1, 2017 includes a brand new chapter! This venue has wonderful acoustics, plenty of seating, parking, and is handicapped accessible. This is going to be a very special evening in Skamokawa.
Links to interviews with Bob on NPR and OPB as well as many excellent reviews are posted below.
Reviews for Where Bigfoot Walks:
"Splendidly lyrical and just as splendidly crusty, Where Bigfoot Walks is the sort of book Thoreau might have written if he had discovered giant footprints of an unknown origin in the vicinity of Walden Pond." —Lawrence Millman, author of Our Like Will Not Be There Again: Notes from the West of Ireland, Last Places
“Where Bigfoot Walks is so haunting and beautiful and bold that I can think of nothing else like it.” —Molly Gloss, author of Falling from Horses, The Jump-Off Creek, The Hearts of Horses, and Wild Life
“A search for the Pacific Northwest's fabled Bigfoot provides a jumping-off point for nature writer Robert Michael Pyle's lyrical ruminations on wilderness, isolation, and the occasional triumphs of mystery over so-called progress. Pyle's well-researched stomping ground is Washington State's Dark Divide in the Cascade Mountains… Pyle's route alternates between desolate clear-cuts and majestic ancient forests, between the inroads of civilization and the dark recesses of the wild. But never does the author get too caught up in proving anything to himself or the reader; this search for Bigfoot has as much to do with locating the wild nature within each of us as it does with finding a legend.” ―Amazon.com Editorial pick
From the Willamette Week Website:
Scientist Robert Michael Pyle is on the Hunt for Bigfoot, Even if He Doesn’t Entirely Believe in Its Existence
Bob Pyle on NPR’s State of Wonder. Bob’s interview starts at 45 minutes into the program:
Bob Pyle on OPB’s Think Out Loud:
The Skamokawa Resort is located at 1391 W. State Route 4, Skamokawa, WA 98647, directly across the street from Friends of Skamokawa’s River Life Interpretive Center. Here is the link to Gmaps for easy directions:
For any questions or more information:
· Phone (360) 795-3007
· Email: fos1894@gmail.com
· Website: www.redmenhall.blogspot.com
· Facebook: Friends of Skamokawa/River Life Interpretive Center
We look forward to seeing you there!
Additional reviews, descriptions, and critical acclaim:
From the Counterpoint Press Catalogue, Page 27:
Where Bigfoot Walks is a spectacular, moving, and witty narrative exploration of not only the phenomenon of Bigfoot, but also the human need to believe that something is out there beyond the campfire, and that wildness remains as well. Awarded a Guggenheim to investigate the legends of Sasquatch, Robert Pyle trekked into the unprotected wilderness of the Dark Divide near Mount St. Helens, where he discovered both a giant fossil footprint and recent tracks. He searched out Indians who told him of an outcast tribe, the Seeahtiks, who had not fully evolved into humans. He attended Sasquatch Daze, where he met scientists, hunters, and others who have devoted their lives to the search, and realized that “these guys don’t want to find Bigfoot—they want to be Bigfoot!” A handful of openminded biologists and anthropologists countered the tabloids he studied, while rogue Forest Service employees and loggers swore of an industry conspiracy to deep-six accounts of unknown, upright hominoid apes among us. In the end, Pyle concludes that if we can hang on to a sizeable hunk of Bigfoot habitat, we will at least have a fragment of the greatest green treasure the temperate world has ever known. If we do not, Bigfoot, real or imagined, will vanish; and with it will flee the others who dwell in that world. “Looking at that tangled land,” he writes, “one can just about accept that Sasquatch could coexist with towns and loggers and hunters and hikers, all in proportion. But when the topography is finally tamed outright, no one will anymore imagine that giants are abroad on the land.” In the years since publication, the author’s fresh experiences and finds—detailed in an all-new chapter which includes an evaluation of recent DNA evidence from Bigfoot hair and scat, the study of speech phonemes in the “Sierra Sounds” purported Bigfoot recordings, Pyle’s examination of the impact of the wildly popular Animal Planet series Bigfoot Hunters, the reemergence of the famous Bob Gimlin into the Bigfoot community, and more—have kept his own mind wide open to one of the biggest questions in the land. ROBERT MICHAEL PYLE is the author of eighteen books, including Wintergreen, Rambles in a Ravaged Land, Chasing Monarchs, The Thunder Tree: Lessons from an Urban Wildland, Sky Time in Gray’s River: Living for Keeps in a Forgotten Place, and the recent poetry collection Evolution of the Genus Iris. A Yale-trained ecologist and a Guggenheim fellow, he is a full-time writer living in southwestern Washington.
“[A] leisurely, gracefully written meditation.” —Publishers Weekly
“Where Bigfoot Walks is a pleasure, whether he is helping a slug across the road, hugging a tree, crawling through a lava tube or discussing the colour of bear excrement, Pyle rejoices in the beauty of the world, and communicates his enthusiasm and expert knowledge with a rare modesty. His book should appeal to anyone with an interest in why people want to believe in the supernatural, when they already live in a world bursting with natural wonders.” —New Scientist
“Celebrated author Pyle, whose Wintergreen won a John Burroughs medal, is fascinated not so much by Bigfoot as he is by the people who believe that Bigfoot exists— and are trying to prove it.” —Library Journal
“[An] absorbing, classily written field report. Pyle makes all the right connections. Best of all, he loves a good mystery and is smart enough, open and radical enough, to never say never.” —Kirkus
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
Robert Michael Pyle, "Where Bigfoot Walks; Crossing the Dark Divide" Author Reading and Book signing, Saturday October 14, 7:00 PM at the Skamokawa Resort
Friends of Skamokawa is very pleased to present Robert Michael Pyle, "Where Bigfoot Walks; Crossing the Dark Divide" Author Reading and Book signing, Saturday October 14, 7:00 PM at the Skamokawa Resort Conference Center located behind the Skamokawa General Store. 1391 WA SR4, Skamokawa, WA 98647
A flurry of excitement has been filling the airwaves, publication shelves, and websites over this long-awaited reissue of "Where Bigfoot Walks; Crossing the Dark Divide", published by Counterpoint Press, August 1, 2017. This handsome new edition is updated with a new chapter of fresh experiences, research, and findings.
Reviews:
“The newly reissued Where Bigfoot Walks by Robert Michael Pyle is a spectacular, moving, and witty narrative exploration of not only the phenomenon of Bigfoot, but also the human need to believe that something is out there beyond the campfire, and that wildness remains as well.” – Counterpoint Press
"Splendidly lyrical and just as splendidly crusty, Where Bigfoot Walks is the sort of book Thoreau might have written if he had discovered giant footprints of an unknown origin in the vicinity of Walden Pond." —Lawrence Millman, author of Our Like Will Not Be There Again: Notes from the West of Ireland, Last Places
Robert Michael Pyle is the author of eighteen books, including Wintergreen, Rambles in a Ravaged Land, Chasing Monarchs, The Thunder Tree: Lessons from an Urban Wildland, Sky Time in Gray’s River: Living for Keeps in a Forgotten Place, and the recent poetry collection Evolution of the Genus Iris. A Yale-trained ecologist and a Guggenheim fellow, he is a full-time writer living in southwestern Washington.
This is a wonderful opportunity to meet the author, get your books signed and support the Friends of Skamokawa Foundation.
Here are just a couple of the radio interviews.
They are wonderful!
Robert Michael Pyle on NPR/OPB’s
State of Wonder: https://www.spreaker.com/user/oregonpublicbroadcasting/aug-12-oregon-eclipse-festival-eastern-o?utm_medium=widget&utm_source=user%3A9497079&utm_term=episode_title
Robert Michael Pyle on OPB’s
Think Out Loud: https://www.spreaker.com/user/oregonpublicbroadcasting/bigfoot-country?utm_medium=widget&utm_source=user%3A9497079&utm_term=episode_title
Call 360-795-3007 or email fos1894@gmail.com for more information.
Thursday, August 31, 2017
A Cornucopia of Wines Auction Benefit and Wine Tasting Saturday, Sept. 9, 6:30 PM
An elegant and festive evening of fun in the heart of Skamokawa. On Saturday September 9 at the Skamokawa Grange - Friends of Skamokawa's annual fundraiser “A Cornucopia of Wines”, Wine Tasting & Auction begins at 6:30 PM! This event draws visitors from throughout the Northwest. There will be fine wines to sample with a delectable menu prepared by Don and Kitty Speranza. Join us for a spirited evening of bidding on exciting auction items including getaways to local bed and breakfasts, paintings, ceramics, blown glass, gift baskets, river kayaking, gift certificates to local restaurants, breweries, farmers markets 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/Central School/Redmen Hall. Here is your opportunity to help keep this beautiful building standing tall.
Advance tickets for “A Cornucopia of Wines” are $15 each or two for $25 and can be purchased at Daisy Chain Floral in Cathlamet, the Skamokawa General Store and at the River Life Interpretive Center/Central School/Redmen Hall in Skamokawa. Tickets sold at the door will be $20 each or two for $30.a
The Skamokawa Grange is located at 18 Fairgrounds Rd., Skamokawa, WA 98647.
For more information please call (360) 795-3007, send an email to fos1894@gmail.com or stop by our River Life Interpretive Center in Skamokawa.
:)
Advance tickets for “A Cornucopia of Wines” are $15 each or two for $25 and can be purchased at Daisy Chain Floral in Cathlamet, the Skamokawa General Store and at the River Life Interpretive Center/Central School/Redmen Hall in Skamokawa. Tickets sold at the door will be $20 each or two for $30.a
The Skamokawa Grange is located at 18 Fairgrounds Rd., Skamokawa, WA 98647.
For more information please call (360) 795-3007, send an email to fos1894@gmail.com or stop by our River Life Interpretive Center in Skamokawa.

Wednesday, August 23, 2017
1894 School House Needs Painting! Update
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 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
• 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!
Here are all of the ways you can donate and thank you to everyone who has donated so far, we are very grateful!
Click:
The Friends of Skamokawa Go Fund Me Page:
1894 Schoolhouse Needs Painting!
https://www.gofundme.com/3wcxmgo
The Friends of Skamokawa Go Fund Me Page:
1894 Schoolhouse Needs Painting!
https://www.gofundme.com/3wcxmgo
The Friends of Skamokawa Website Donate Button:
http://www.redmen.hallblogspot.com (Please specify that your donation is for painting.)
http://www.redmen.hallblogspot.com (Please specify that your donation is for painting.)
Mail:
Friends of Skamokawa Foundation
PO Box 67, Skamokawa, WA 98647
Friends of Skamokawa Foundation
PO Box 67, Skamokawa, WA 98647
Call:
(360) 795-3007 to donate by phone. Let the welcoming desk volunteer (docent) or manager on duty know that your donation is for painting and please include your address so that we can send you a thank you letter and receipt via mail or email.
(360) 795-3007 to donate by phone. Let the welcoming desk volunteer (docent) or manager on duty know that your donation is for painting and please include your address so that we can send you a thank you letter and receipt via mail or email.
Email:
fos1894@gmail.com for links, information, or any questions.
fos1894@gmail.com for links, information, or any questions.
Visit:
Feel free to stop by Thursdays through Sundays 12-4 PM to donate to our painting fund or just to say hello.
Feel free to stop by Thursdays through Sundays 12-4 PM to donate to our painting fund or just to say hello.
This Campaign Needs Your Support. Every little bit helps.
:)

$1,125 of $16k goal has been raised on Go Fund Me along with additional donations received through the mail and at our website. Thank you to all who have donated!
"For the Love of the River" Exhibit Continues through Labor Day Weekend
We’re celebrating river life in Skamokawa through Labor Day weekend.

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