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Did You Know? There’s a Rich Dairy History in the Parkersville Area

The fertile lands and proximity of Parker’s Landing for transporting milk and butter by steamboat to Portland, Oregon, made Parkersville and Washougal key locations for dairy farms. The dairy legacy at Parkersville and nearby is celebrated with ice cream at the annual Parkersville Day event held at Parker’s Landing Historical Park. Ice Cream Renaissance will be serving this year on Saturday, June 3, 2023, from 12 pm to 3 pm.

There were several well-known, historic locals who operated dairies.

SHEPHERD – According to the 1880 census, David Shepherd, a 57-year-old dairyman, was a naturalized citizen and married to Helen. Both Helen and David were born in Scotland, David around 1823. They lived and farmed on a donation land claim adjacent to the Ough land claim. David Shepherd and his sons also operated and maintained the earliest graves in the Pioneer Cemetery, now Section A at Washougal Memorial Cemetery.

GOOT – Albert Goot, Sr., born in Switzerland in 1857, milked 35 cows at his Goot Swiss Dairy in Washougal after his arrival around 1889. His dairy was located on part of the original Parker and Ough land claims. On his farm, he also raised potatoes, oats, and hay. A portion of his land is now Goot Park, 303 SE Zenith Street in Camas, near the Washougal River Waterway.

WEBBER – Washougal’s first mayor, Morris Webber, was a pioneer and dairy farmer. A few weeks after Washougal’s incorporation in 1908, Morris Webber and Albert Goot, Sr. opened the Columbia Condensed Milk Company. The company put in a deep well with a storage tank and gained the franchise rights to provide the town’s water. Water rates were 1.25/household/month. By 1910, Morris owned a 600-acre dairy farm on Lady Island.

YINGER – The Yinger Family, noted in the newspaper for their fifteen children, started the Steigerwald Dairy in 1913. They operated a dairy herd in the Steigerwald Lake floodplain, keeping cattle in a large barn located at the present-day Bi-Mart store.

Parkersville
Steigerwald Dairy barn

WRIGHT – David William (D.W.) Wright, a dairy farmer and son of pioneers Emily Durgan and Stephen Wright, Sr., came across the plains in a covered wagon, drawn by a team of oxen when he was three years old. He also served on the first Washougal City Council in 1908. Stephen Grover Wright, David’s nephew, and Nina May Wright Chevron’s brother, was also a dairyman living in Washougal.

CHEVRON – Nina and Lou C. Chevron moved into the VanVleet home at Parker’s Landing in 1931, and established Parker’s Landing Dairy, also called Chevron & Sons. Their dairy truck read, Grade A Milk, L. C. Chevron, Parker’s Landing Dairy. Nina May Wright, born on April 22, 1895, married Louis Charles Chevron on December 25, 1911. The dairy sold raw milk before pasteurization started. In 1942, Lou and Nina Chevron sold their prize-winning dairy herd due to wartime gas rationing. After the cows and equipment were sold, Nina and Lou renovated and moved into the “little green milk house,” adding a kitchen and bathroom to it. Their son, Vernon, and his family remained in the bigger house. Nina lived in Washougal until age 95.

Daily milking, separating the cream, and churning butter, initially done by hand was a lengthy process. Visit Two Rivers Museum, Washougal, to see the equipment used during hand milking.

In the 1940s, milking machines allowed farmers to milk multiple cows simultaneously and grow their herds. At one time, Clark County boasted about nearly 200 dairy farms. Only one remains. 

Learn more about local dairy history at Parkersville Day!

Follow: https://www.facebook.com/ParkersLandingHistoricalPark
Questions? Email ParkersLandingHistoricalPark@gmail.com

Parkersville
Columbia Condensed Milk building
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City of Camas to Host Polish Sister Cities Delegation April 24

CAMAS, WA – The City of Camas will be on display April 24, when officials welcome a delegation from various cities in Poland as part of the Sister Cities program.

Representatives from the Polish cities of Zabierzow, Krapkowice, Morawica, the Opole Province and other dignitaries will visit Camas to meet with elected officials and staff, tour the City and learn more about their American counterpart. 

The visit will culminate with an Open House, Monday, April 24, at 6:30 pm, at the Lacamas Lake Lodge. This event is open to the public and will provide an opportunity for residents and staff to interact with the Polish delegation. 

“We’re excited to welcome members from our Polish Sister Cities to Camas and show them all we have to offer” said Camas Mayor Steve Hogan. “This is also a great opportunity for all of us to see how similar it is running a city, regardless the country.”

For over two decades, the City of Camas has had ties to the country of Poland through the Sister Cities program, which supports cultural exchanges for students and adults.

One Stop
Let the cool furniture at One Stop Home Furnishings transform your home or office. 2140 SE 8th Avenue, Camas, WA 98607. 360-834-1234.
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Downtown Camas Prepares for ‘Spring Into History’ First Friday Events

Camas, WA —  Camas history will be celebrated while ushering in the spring season during the Camas First Friday “Spring into History” event on April 7. This event will run from 5-8 pm and will feature a historic talk and walking tour, a colorful ribbon cutting, art shows, Camas history games, after hours shopping and dining, arts and crafts and more. 

Please note that the event start location will be different this month. Please pick up your passport inside the Fuel Medical building, 314 NE Birch (the building behind Journey where you usually start).

New this Year! Everyone is invited to make some history of their own with the first annual “Capture Camas History” black & white photography contest. Submit your favorite black & white images of Downtown Camas to promotions@downtowncamas.com by Friday March 31st. 

Three winners from each age group (12 and under, 13-18, 18+) will be displayed at First Friday, and attendees will vote for People’s choice. The winner will receive a Camas prize basket. Images will be collected over the years and printed in a “Capture Camas History” album, planned for 2033. For full details about the contest, go to downtowncamas.com/event/april-first-friday-spring-history.

History buffs can learn more about the complex and interesting past of Downtown Camas by attending “Tea with Virginia”  with 98-year-old life-long Camas resident Virginia Warren at Caffe Piccolo (400 NE 4th) from 4pm-5pm. Virginia has established herself as an invaluable keeper of Camas history and enjoys passing her knowledge to younger generations. Tea will be served compliments of the DCA. The educational fun can continue with a historical walking tour led by Brad Richardson, Executive Director of the Clark County Historical Museum. Meet inside Fuel Medical (314 NE Birch) at 6pm to take part in the walking tour.

Camas present and future will be celebrated with the Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening Celebration at The Pink Room, (223 NE 6th), a new women’s clothing and accessory boutique. Owner Madora Doremus is a Camas High School Graduate and former Camas DECA member and has already shown a flair for combining marketing savvy with local support by enlisting current Camas DECA members as her brand ambassadors. Come see the paper fashion displays and photo ops they will have at the shop that evening.

One Stop
Let the cool furniture at One Stop Home Furnishings transform your home or office. 2140 SE 8th Avenue, Camas, WA 98607. 360-834-1234.

Other First Friday Activities include:

  • Play the “Guess About Camas” history passport game in participating businesses and be entered to win Camas themed prizes. This year’s questions are all about the Camas Public Library, which is celebrating its centennial this year.
  • Make paper in the GP Mill Interpretive Lobby, 401 NE Adams, and learn about mill history including the pictorial mill timeline.
  • Celebrate Spring with Golden Egg Hunt Activities for kids at participating downtown merchants. Eggs will have prizes and tickets to win a spring themed prize basket.
  • Peruse the Camas history displays in the Fuel Lobby and learn why Camas is such an exceptional town.
  • Play the “Historic Camas” games with the DCA in the beautiful Fuel Medical Lobby, 314 NE Birch, and earn tickets to win: GP Toilet Paper Toss, Camas Cornhole, Camas History Plinko and the Camas Prune Drop. Play the “course” and be entered to win a GP paper prize package.
  • As an additional nod to our paper history, local artists will be creating Paper Dresses & Accessories that will be modeled throughout Downtown.
  • Art Shows & Receptions at the 411 Art Collective inside the Lara Blair Art/Photography Studio, 411 NE Dallas St,  Attic Gallery, 421 NE Cedar,  Camas Gallery, 408 NE 4th , Pike Art Gallery, 302 NE 6th and the Second Story Gallery inside the Camas Public Library, 625 NE 4th.
  • Juxtaposition, 425 NE 4th, will be hosting the Easter Bunny and treats from 4-7pm and local author Ernie Geigenmiller, owner of Lacamas Magazine, speaking to the recent history of Camas during the pandemic from 5-8pm.
  • Paper Straw Rockets at Fuel Medical, 314 NE Birch, with Kathy Marty of Camp Windy Hill and talking about Michael Barratt, an astronaut from Camas.
  • Kids Crafts and Toilet Paper Pong at LiveWell Camas, 417 NE Birch, with the Girl Scouts
  • After-hours shopping and dining with so many new offerings for Spring.

“I’m a nearly lifelong Camas resident, and I’m shocked about how little I knew about my hometown!” says Leah Nichelson, staff member at the Downtown Camas Association (DCA). “This event combines historical facts with fun history themed games, hands on activities, awesome after-hours shopping, and awe inspiring art shows. We’re excited to see the submissions for the ‘Capture Camas History’ photography contest, and we’re so thrilled to welcome Madora and The Pink Room to the fabulous selection of Downtown Camas clothing stores. History is made every day, and we hope you’ll make some history and some memories at the “Spring into History” First Friday on April 7th.”

First Fridays are free Art, Activities, Dining, and After Hours Shopping themed family friendly events coordinated by the DCA each month of the year to support downtown and develop community. For more information, visit https://downtowncamas.com/event/april-first-friday-spring-history or the Downtown Camas First Friday Facebook page.

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Easter Sunday ‘Camas Egg Scramble’ Creates Another Mad Dash!

Camas, WA — Join Camas Parks and Recreation for the 32nd annual Easter egg hunt, “The Camas Egg Scramble!”  This special event will take place at Crown Park, on Easter Sunday, April 9 at 1:30 pm.

All egg hunting areas start at the same time, so don’t be late! Candy and prize-filled eggs will be hidden in designated egg hunting areas color-marked for age groups 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, and 10-12.  This Easter egg hunt is unique in that all ages start at the same time from their designated areas.

Please provide supervision, as all kids must be accompanied by an adult. Participants should also bring a basket or bag in which to collect their eggs. Adults are not allowed in the hunting areas, except the area for ages 2-3, or to accompany a participant with special needs.  

All abilities are welcome to join us for this fun event. A designated “Egg Stroll” has been developed to prioritize accessibility and enhance this inclusive activity for all ages. If you have needs that the city may help accommodate, please contact Krista Bashaw at 360-834-5307.

Prizes in the eggs will include candy, toys and prize tokens which can be turned in at the event to claim a prize. So, make sure you open all the eggs at the event, and please return the empty eggshells so they can be used again next year. The Traditional Easter Bonnet and Contemporary Hat contest will take place at 2 pm, at the covered shelter. This event will be hosted and sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Cascade Park. And the Easter Bunny will make an appearance at Scout Hall in the park for photographs between 12:30-2:30 pm.

No registration is required for the egg hunt or the bonnet/hat contest.  But please note, this is one of our most popular events, so please allow time for parking, as spaces are limited. In addition, an accessible parking and a drop-off area has been arranged along NE 15th & NE Dallas St. Crown Park is located at NE Everett & NE 17th Ave.

The city could not do this without sponsors, which includes Kiwanis, VFW Post 4278, VFW Auxiliary, and WinCo. 

For details and an event map, visit https://www.cityofcamas.us/parksrec/page/camas-egg-scramble-0 or contact Krista Bashaw at 360-834-5307.

One Stop
Let the cool furniture at One Stop Home Furnishings transform your home or office. 2140 SE 8th Avenue, Camas, WA 98607. 360-834-1234.
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Events: Help Celebrate Camas Library’s Official Birthday on April 4

Camas, WA — 100 never looked so good, and the Camas Library is in celebration mode.

On April 4, 2023, the Camas Library will officially turn 100 years old, and you can help this Camas gem celebrate all-day and into the evening.

On April 4, 1923, the Women’s Club of Camas formed what is now the Camas Public library and since that date, it’s been bringing joy to this community. Now, 100 years later the Camas Library is hosting a full day of events that will include goodies, treats and a scavenger hunt for kids.

In addition to the festivities, every 100th person to enter the library will receive a special prize in honor of the momentous occasion.

At 4 pm, swing music and dancing will kick-off the evening portion of the festivities, which will also include a free raffle at 6 pm.

According to Camas Library Director, Connie Urquhart, this is a great opportunity to invite the whole community to visit the Library.

“It’ll be a fun time, plus it’s a great chance to look back at history,” said Urquhart. “It also gives the community a chance to remember the good times, and to also think about what the future could hold!”

More information at https://www.cityofcamas.us/library

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Events: Call for Artists for the Washougal Art Festival Coming August 12

Washougal, WA — The Washougal Art Festival is pleased to announce a call for artists for its annual event, August 12, 2023. The festival will take place in beautiful Reflection Plaza, nestled in the heart of historic downtown Washougal.

The Washougal Art Festival is seeking artists of all mediums, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, glass, textiles, jewelry, and photography. The festival is open to both emerging and established artists, and applications will be accepted through May 1, 2023.

All entries will be juried based on originality, creativity, craftsmanship, and professionalism. Judging will also consider the expression of a unique vision and style, and the mastery over the artist’s chosen medium. Artists are selected for festival participation by a jury of local artists and gallery owners.

“We are thrilled to invite artists from all over the Pacific Northwest to showcase their talent at the Washougal Art Festival,” said festival organizer, Janice Ferguson. “This is a wonderful opportunity to share your work with art enthusiasts, make connections with fellow artists, and enjoy the vibrant arts community of Washougal.”

In addition, the Washougal Art Festival will collaborate with the Washougal Songcraft Festival, featuring regional songwriters. There will be performances in Reflection Plaza during the Washougal Art Festival, concerts at 54-40 Brewing on Friday and Saturday evenings, and workshops with an open mic on Sunday.

Please visit their website for more information and the Artist Entry Form at https://washougalarts.org/ . Entries must be received by Monday, May 1, 2023.

Washougal Art
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March 8: Burgerville Fundraiser Supports Local Breast Cancer Survivors

Vancouver, WA – Local restaurant chain Burgerville is partnering with a team of local breast cancer survivors to help the team travel to New Zealand next month where they will represent the Pacific Northwest and the United States at the International Breast Cancer Dragon Boat Festival. 

The team, called Pacific Northwest Pink Lemonade, is comprised of twenty-six women – all breast cancer survivors and fighters – ranging in age from 40 to over 80-years old, who are reviving and thriving through the ancient Chinese sport of dragon boat racing. 

Survivors from the Vancouver dragon boat team Catch 22 and Portland team, Pink Phoenix are usually competitors on the water, but they have joined forces to create one team and represent the PNW at the international competition. 

One paddle at a time, this intense sport helps those who have experienced breast cancer feel empowered, build self-confidence and take back control of their lives thanks to the healing power of water, community and the unique camaraderie of connecting and competing with other survivors. 

Ways to support the team  

  • When: Join them on Wednesday, March 8, from 4 to 8 pm.
  • Where: Burgerville, 11704 S.E. Mill Plain Blvd. Vancouver (Mill Plain, just east of I-205)
  • Details: Burgerville will donate20 percent of the sales from guests who mention they are there to support the team. 

Funding for these survivors to participate in the international event is made possible through sponsorships, special team fundraising efforts and the generosity of individual donors. 

You can also support the team by making a donation online. Please indicate that the donation goes to the PNW Pink Lemonade New Zealand Team. 

Cancer
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‘Little Art Camas’ Returns to Downtown Camas March 24-25

Camas, WA — Artists and art lovers will gather to admire and purchase original small-scale works of art at the Little Art Camas event on March 24th and 25th in Downtown Camas. This two-day community exhibition features “little” works of art created by artists of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels, from local professional artists to promising art students. 

Each participating artist has created 3 individual pieces that can each be purchased for $20. Little Art Camas is hosted by the Downtown Camas Association (DCA) and is a fundraiser to further public art efforts.

Local art collectors will also enjoy the new silent auction featured at this year’s event. The auction will be comprised of works in multiple mediums, all generously donated by local artists and galleries. Among other offerings, event goers will have the opportunity to bid on a hand painted and hand thrown stoneware bowl with a Downtown Camas theme by artist Anna Norris, a classic Corvair painted by artist Keith Russel, a patriotic piece of copper artistry by David Gerton, and a hand painted ceramic cat by budding 8 year old artist Lexie Keels.

Tickets to the event are $5 at the door and good for both Friday and Saturday. Children 12 & under are free. The ceremonial ringing of the cowbell Friday evening will kick off the art buying excitement. Art sizes include 5×5, 5×7 and 8×8. The event will be hosted in the beautiful Fuel Medical Building lobby in Downtown Camas, 314 NE Birch.

“Little Art Camas is a special event that makes art collecting and appreciation available for everyone!” says Jan Carter, Marketing & Volunteer Coordinator for the DCA. “The artists truly put their passion and heart into their artworks, and it brings us so much joy to see someone walk home with a new piece of art that speaks to them. The silent auction will be a welcome addition, and we are thrilled about the pieces that were donated to us. This event truly celebrates the diverse and thriving art scene in Downtown Camas!”

The event on Friday, 5-8pm, will have live music by jazz guitarist Bret Malmquist and appetizers and wine will add to the fun. The event continues Saturday, 12-4pm, with an “Art Refresh”. Patrons are encouraged to attend both days, as many new pieces will be added on Saturday. Purchased art can be picked up after the exhibit on Saturday or on Sunday so that all art can be enjoyed both days. See details in the Event Schedule below.

Event Schedule

Friday, March 24th, Exhibit Opens

5-6 pm Art Preview

Preview art and register for your Buyer Number and buy up to 5 “Buyer’s Buttons”. Your Buyer’s Buttons are stickers with your Buyer Number on them. The silent auction will run the entirety of the event on Friday and Saturday.

6 pm The “Cowbell” Rings

The bell rings and buying starts.

6-8 pm Exhibit Browsing and Buying

Use your Buyer’s Button stickers to mark your chosen treasures by replacing the Artwork Number sticker with your Buyer Button. That signals other browsers that this work is taken. You may start placing your Buyer’s Buttons when you hear the “cowbell” ring at 6pm. Return your Buyer’s Card with the artwork numbers on it to the registration desk before you leave for the evening.

Saturday, March 25th, Exhibit Continues with “Art Refresh”

12-4 pm Exhibit Browsing and Buying

Many new art works will be added to the exhibit that were not displayed on Friday.

4-5 pm Art Pick up (continues Sunday).

Both buyers and artists of unsold works can pick up their artwork during this time.

Sunday, March 26th

12-2 pm Art Pick up continues

Please pick up purchases and/or unsold works by the 2 PM deadline. If unable to make these times, please send a friend.

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Pike Art Gallery Features Latest Works by Bond, Pike in New First Friday Exhibit

Camas, WA — Artists Liz Pike and Blue Bond are exhibiting new works at Pike Art Gallery in uptown Camas, located at 302 NE Sixth Avenue. The public is invited to an upscale First Friday Art Walk Reception on March 3rd from 5-8pm featuring delicious appetizers and beverages. The new gallery space opened last month at the corner of NE Sixth and Birch Street.

“In addition to my own works of art, I’m honored to feature beautiful oils on canvas by the talented Blue Bond at Pike Art Gallery,” said Pike. “The public is invited to a welcoming First Friday Art reception each month.” Pike and Bond both work in oils on canvas and have been painting throughout their respective lifetimes.  This new setting is a second location for Pike Art Gallery which opened a few years ago inside a stand-alone building at Pike’s organic Shangri-La Farm in Fern Prairie.”

Bond is known nationally as a prize-winning portrait artist. Pike has been juried into Clark County Open Studios Tour each year since 2017. Pike also shows her work at several regional art festivals including the Fern Prairie Art Fest, Washougal Art Festival, Battle Ground’s Art in the Park, and Camas Vintage and Art Faire. Pike Art Gallery can be reached at (360) 281-8720. Visit LizPike.art on the web.

Pike
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Grand Opening Friday: The Readiness Group Offers Emergency Preparedness Solutions

Camas, WA — The Readiness Group is officially opening its doors on Friday, February 17 with a major Grand Opening event and ribbon cutting from 5-9 pm.

The facility, which is located at 3316 NE 3rd Ave next door to Walgreens and Grocery Outlet, is a store that helps people prepare for emergency and disaster planning. 

The store offers the following services:

  • Emergency preparedness and disaster planning.
  • Smokeless range training
  • Classroom for firearms
  • Taser training
  • Self defense classes
  • Laser training
  • Community classes on first aid and fire safety, trauma, surviving a car accident, how to pack a go bag.
  • Foraging class

The veteran-owned and operated business offers a variety of products, as well: 

  • Ammunition
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Range supplies
  • Eye protection
  • Targets
  • Target stands

The Readiness Group also offers medical supplies, which include first aid, trauma kits, a la carte features with individual kits that are customized. 

They will also sell gun holsters and conceal devices like purses, as well as firearms parts, apparel, body armor, carriers, range bags, sunglasses, watches, belts, etc.

“We are getting in with a lot of phenomenal product,” said co-owner Daniel Stanton. “We have a couple distributors that are new to the Pacific Northwest. We’re not trying to be a run of the mill store. It’s a high quality store. We have a custom holster manufacturer that makes holsters for us. We put a lot of thought in the knives and equipment we sell.”

The company is a partnership with multiple entities, with a division that offers defensive construction, such as safe rooms, home security camera systems, bars on windows, and landscaping to deter criminal activity. 

“Criminals look for ease of access for the haul,” said Stanton. “Make your ease of access look difficult and ensure your appearance deters criminal activity. Keep an eye on your neighbors, which is part of security training.” 

Their Gun Fighting Systems division offers consulting. Their training classes run at night: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

And they plan to offer some self defense and weapons detection courses. It’s really the whole gambit of defense, preparedness and security. 

Website: TheReadinessGroup.org

Find them on Facebook: The Readiness Group

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