PODCLATS-op

This is a conversation between Mary Blake, Sunset Empire Parks and Recreation District Manager (Retired) and Margo Lalich, mother and resident of Clatsop County since 1987. Together, they created inclusive recreation for children with special needs (now ID/DD). Their collaboration changed the community over many years by creating and expanding inclusive recreation, afterschool and summer programs, and creating connection and community between education and recreation for students and children with special needs.

ShawnAnn Hope spoke to us about growing up in Astoria. She went to Star of the Sea and talks about her grandfather who was the first Catholic City Attorney in Astoria.

Interviewed and edited by Jenn Benoit

Sawyer and Sven Houseknecht interviewed their great-grandfather Dan Hess. Dan's family homesteaded about 400 acres of farmland in Astoria, out on what is now known as Wireless Rd. along the river in 1889.

In Part 1 of the interview, the boys asked their great-grandpa about the fun things he did on the homestead, about drag racing, being a longshoreman and more.

Dan also talks about the homestead but we'll put that in part 2.

Edited by Jenn Benoit

Public Affairs Officer Patty Jo Angelini spoke with Jane Donnelly about living in Astoria during the storm in 2007.

Interviewed and edited by PJ Angelini

Claudia Deloff shared the family history of her great-great grandparents: Barney Gallagher 1837-1916; Martha Johnson Gallagher 1851-1931

Bernard Gallagher, an Irish immigrant, arrived in Oregon Country in 1857 at the age of 20 and settled with a land grant near what is now the former settlement of Frankfort, near Grays River, on the Columbia River.  That area was called Barney's Point by settlers.  He built a boat landing there and was a pioneer seiner. 

In 1874 he married Martha Johnson, a Mayflower descendant, and they moved to their homestead on Young's River.  They were farmers. but Barney also had substantial holdings in several Astoria canning firms, including Columbia Packing Company, Fishermen's Packing Company and the White Star Cannery.  They had seven children, four boys and three girls. 

Some of the sons owned the Imperial Grill on Commercial.  Magnus and William "Bill" were employed by August Erickson and worked in the famous Portland bar, Erickson's Saloon, known for shanghaiing.  Bill later established Bill's Tavern in Cannon Beach.

Interviewed and edited by Jenn Benoit

Martha Johnson attended CCC in the mid-1970s.  She studied with John Hauser- Philosophy, John Rupp- English, and Stan Wanlass- Painting, Drawing, Design. After graduating from PSU in 1979 with a BA in Art and in 1981 with an MFA in drawing and painting with a minor in Psychology, she returned to Astoria where she had a career in social service.  

She began writing after she retired and has had poems and prose published in numerous journals - including North Coast Squid - anthologies and online literary sites. This year RAIN accepted one of her poems - A long and winding road.

In 1975 I won contest to paint a huge mural in the Student Union. She provided a few snapshots that can be found on the Voices webpage. The mural was painting over at an unknown date and then destroyed during remodeling. It had lived its course.

Interviewed and edited by Jenn Benoit

It was a pleasure to chat with Betty Cunningham about the many adventures she had growing up and living here in Clatsop County.

We packed in as many of the fun stories as we could.

Betty says she has seen other places and she thinks Astoria is the #1 place to grow up.

In this episode she reminisced with PJ about being a kid and playing at Wilson’s Shipyard in Smith Point and about her first job at St. Mary’s Catholic Hospital.

She talked about picnicking in Cannon Beach and hanging out in Seaside as a teenager.

You have to listen to the end… she really spills the tea!

Interviewed by PJ Angelini

Edited by Jenn Benoit

Lucy Benoit, 9, interviews her grandfather Paul Benoit about his favorite project while working at the City of Astoria.

Here's a hint: It was the Riverwalk.

Interviewed by Lucy Benoit

Edited by Jenn Benoit

Bob Boehmer in Arch Cape shares the stories passed down to him about his cabin in Arch Cape.

He also talks about the unique depression era meal served at all the family gatherings.

He also provided some great pictures.

Interviewed by PJ Angelini

Edited by Jenn Benoit

PJ and Jenn talk to Viviana Matthews about setting up the new Columbia Inn Shelter in Clatsop County and more!

In our first PODCLATS-op episode, Public Affairs Officer PJ Angelini and Communications Specialist Jennifer Benoit talk to Clatsop County Animal Control and Shelter Supervisor Justin Dersham about the Purrfect Storm, pet adoptions and licensing your pet.