Ilwaco Cannerymen Fight the Introduction of Catfish
Local industry experts warn that catfish will destroy the salmon population in Washington waters.
“It is the filthiest of the finny tribe.”
Stories from Ilwaco
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The Midnight Saloon Heist in Ilwaco
When a business dispute turned into a border-crossing caper, one saloonkeeper decided to settle the ownership question by boat in the dead of night.
“The strange part of the disappearance was the fact, that Mr. Black had taken his own goods and had removed them from Washington into Oregon under cover of darkness.”
The Bold Bid for a New Pacific Emporium
Speculators and city-builders are betting millions on a new town at the mouth of the Columbia River, hoping to eclipse Portland and Victoria as the premier trading hub of the North.
“The new city, next to San Francisco, will have the best location on the Pacific coast, and will eventually command all the trade of Oregon, Washington and the mines of British Columbia.”
The Tragic Final Voyage of the Schooner Frank W. Howe
A lumber-laden schooner breaks apart near Ilwaco after a week of suffering at sea, claiming two lives.
“One of the lost was the Chinese cook, who was carried overboard by a breaker after bravely taking a trick at the wheel.”
Tragedy in Ilwaco: A Hunting Accident
A 12-year-old boy accidentally kills his younger brother while showing off a gun after a day of hunting.
“The little fellow, without a moan, fell dead at his brother's feet.”
Tragedy at the Mouth of the Columbia
A broken hawser on a tow line claimed the lives of three sailors in a sudden, violent accident off the bar of the Columbia River.
“The bitts, around which the hawser was fastened on the bark, broke, struck the forecastle, and killed three men in their passage overboard.”
The Great Columbia Salmon Run Was Dying — and Oregon and Washington Couldn't Agree Who Should Save It
In 1894 a Portland memorial to Congress warned that the Chinook were vanishing: a $31.5 million trade, thousands of jobs, and a two-state turf war over who got to regulate the river.
“From these facts we are naturally led to infer that our grand Chinook salmon of the Columbia river will become extinct.”
The Next Governor Hits the Campaign Trail
Republican gubernatorial candidate John H. McGraw receives a hero’s welcome in the coastal town of Ilwaco during a rain-swept campaign tour.
“You couldn't have found a Democrat in Ilwaco all day with a fine-tooth comb.”
The Gold Rush on the Pacific Beaches
A Tacoma syndicate aims to extract gold and platinum from the sands of Beard's Hollow near Ilwaco.
“The ocean beach has been thoroughly prospected, and gold has been found everywhere, but not in paying quantities except at the point named.”
Calling for More Lifesavers on the Pacific Coast
After several shipwrecks at the Columbia River bar, a report argues that the Twelfth District is dangerously under-equipped and neglected by Congress.
“Considering the extent of the coast and the danger of its navigation, the nominal appropriation... is ridiculous.”
The Salmon Came Late: Freshets Held the Columbia Run at the River's Mouth Until It Was Nearly Too Late
Ilwaco packer B. A. Seaborg says the fish only began running two weeks ago — and the August 10 close season will shut the nets on thousands of them.
“Thousands of fish will be in the river and no one will be allowed to catch them.”
The Forgotten Navigator of the Pacific Northwest
A call to honor Captain Robert Gray, the man whose discovery of the Columbia River and Grays Harbor secured the region for the United States.
“It seems to me to be both right and appropriate that the people of Oregon and Washington Territory should contribute towards erecting some suitable monument that will show the world that we at least are desirous to make such honorable mention of his name.”
A Cougar Attacks in the Salmon Hatchery
A hungry cougar terrorizes a local salmon hatchery, leading to a desperate defensive battle involving dogs and a rifle.
“The animal was so hungry that it is thought had a person passed the road while it was lying in wait it would have tackled them.”
From Ilwaco to the Russo-Japanese War
A local physician departs for the front to serve as a surgeon for the Russian government.
“He says it has been the dream of his life to see active surgical service on the field, and when the news of his appointment came he was overjoyed.”
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