A Century After Captain Gray: Grays Harbor Plans a Grand Celebration

There ought to be a determined effort on the part of all the cities, towns and villages of western Washington, at least to make the Centennial anniversary of the discovery of this state by an American citizen a success on the 7th of next month in Gray's Harbor. The cities of Montesano, Aberdeen, Hoquiam and Ocosta are taking an interest in the matter, and will put forth their best interests to welcome the people of the state to one of its prettiest sections, and to a harbor that is destined to play an important part in the future commercial welfare of the state. During General Washington's administration, May 7th, 1792, Capt. Gray sailed into the harbor which now bears his name, and after remaining and trading with the Indians for four days he proceeded southward and discovered the great Columbia river. Patriotism and a desire to commemorate an event which, after a lapse of one hundred years has led to surprising results should lead to a celebration worthy of the occasion. The Northern Pacific railroad will be running through trains to Ocosta in a few days and the company has promised cheap excursion rates for the celebration which will occur at Ocosta, Hoquiam, Aberdeen and Montesano, on Saturday and Sunday, the 7th and 8th of May. All the newspaper men of the state, daily and weekly, are to be invited to attend, together with state and county officials and others. The ceremonies contemplate a clam bake and addresses at Ocosta, which is within five miles of the place where Capt. Gray sailed into the harbor; a visit to the splendid ocean beach at Peterson's point opposite Ocosta, where everybody can look out on the majestic Pacific, while at their feet roll the breakers; a ride on steamers to Hoquiam and Aberdeen, two interesting cities, at both of which places are great saw mills and other industries; a return to Montesano, the head of navigation on the Chehalis river, and thence to the Sound by rail. The ride on Gray's Harbor from Peterson's point to the two cities will be a treat to many, and the whole trip of two days will be time well spent in inspecting a section of the state which will one of these days contain a denser population nearer to the Pacific ocean than any other place in North America. THE TRIBUNE will take pleasure in calling attention to the anniversary from time to time and in urging a large attendance from all parts of the state.