Bill Greear interviewing early Ryderwood resident, Vernetta Smith.
Last Thursday, Ryderwood was honored with a visit from a remarkable woman who grew up in Ryderwood when it was known as "The World's Largest Logging Camp". If I got the facts straight: she arrived in 1928 and left about 22 years later. She attended and graduated from the Ryderwood School; attended and taught vacation Bible school at the Ryderwood Community Church; married a logger; and her first two sons were delivered by Dr. Sulis in Pioneer Hall.
About 70 Ryderwood residents heard the interview at Ryderwood's historic Community Church as part of AMVETS Post 7010's "Ryderwood History Project".
Several family members accompanied her, including 4 sons. She said she was very impressed with today's Ryderwood - "The streets are paved, the houses are painted and you've got indoor plumbing!"
The Town is gearing up for the August 28 & 29 Garage Sales. Got too much? Get rid of it! Residents having private sales can put their addresses on Map sign-up sheets located at the Library, Café, Community Hall or RISA office. Maps will be available at or near the same locations.
The Women's Club Super Sale at Pioneer Hall is a big fund-raiser for the organization. All proceeds go for the maintenance and upkeep of the historic building, which used to be the logging town's First Aid Station. Donations are accepted most mornings until the Sale begins - please don't leave anything on the porch.
The 13th Annual ARTrails Studio Tour is coming to Ryderwood the 3rd and 4th weekends of September. This is a first for Ryderwood and Cowlitz County. Luthier (aka ukulele-maker) Howard Replogle's studio tour literally puts Ryderwood on the ARTrails Catalog's centerfold map. Ryderwood's ads are on page 16.
Friday night's dinner at the Café will be Chef Andy's BBQ Beef sandwiches with all the fixings. Served at 5 p.m., the all-inclusive meal will include salad, side dishes, beverage and dessert for $9. Please call 295-0875 by Wednesday to make reservations. All readers are invited to enjoy these home-cooked meals that are prepared and served by volunteers.
This Saturday evening is the next Game Night at the Café. Starting at 7, there's always popcorn and sometimes some other snacks, and there's a different game at every table. Pinochle, Scrabble, Backgammon, 5-Crown, Cribbage, you name it. Plan to come out for an evening of fun and games.
Tuesday's Senior Nutrition meal on the 18th will be BBQ Baked Chicken with mashed potatoes, winter veggies and orange slices. The meals are served at noon and a $3 donation is requested. All readers over the age of 60 are welcome to enjoy these meals. Please make or break reservations by 6 p.m. on Monday by calling 295-3813 or 355-7315.
Reminders: Ryderwood Town-Wide Garage Sales, August 28-29; ARTrails, 3rd & 4th weekends of September; Register to vote before October 5th.