MARY'S MEMOIRS

I live on the Columbia River outside of Longview. Reading this diary from 73 years ago it pretty much is the same. They just finished fishing salmon here the other day. People would go out and sometimes they were lucky and sometimes they weren't. Some of the fish I saw were beauties!

Sunday, Sept. 4, 1949

Ruby, Earl and Sam went out fishing and I slept in. When I got up at 10 it was quite hazy and trying to rain. Very cool out. Cleaned camp and got things ready for breakfast. Very quiet here as everyone is fishing. They got lost near the fish trap. They came in around noon and I cooked breakfast as all were hungry. The men each had a nice salmon. They weighed about 6 pounds apiece, but the men were happy. We sat around the camp and had a good time. Then in the evening we went out again but no strikes. It got fairly rough, so we came in. Saturday evening was a beautiful sunset and Sam thought surely it would be a good day, but it was cool and not very nice. We went to bed late. Everyone was tired. Ruby and I picked up a lot of driftwood on the beach. I made a couple of arrangements.

Monday, Sept. 5, 1949

There were very few fish caught. The weather was bad, and it tried to rain so by noon a lot of camps were empty. At nine o'clock we all went out fishing but not a strike! But we had a good time. Home and ate breakfast and sat around until evening. There were several cars from Bremerton that left. All wishing they could stay. For dinner we had corn beef hash, and it was good. Then in the evening we went out fishing again but no luck. The moon came up like a big yellow cheese. Oh, it was beautiful. Made tea and lunch for the folks before they left. The Don Bancrofts ate with us. We had a merry time. To bed early as it's been a large weekend. Very quiet out tonight for most of the campers are gone.

Tuesday, Sept. 6, 1949

Today we slept late and were really rested when we got up as there was no noise last night. So many have gone. The camp looks deserted. We had coffee and toast around 10 a.m. then went to Ilwaco to shop for dinner. We asked McCalls to eat with us this eve. Very cool out and wind is starting to blow. We ate potato pancakes for breakfast after we came home. Sam cleaned all his plugs, and I cleaned up camp. It looks good and we are ready for company. In the evening we had Mac and his wife to dinner. We had lamb chops and salad, peaches and cream. Had a nice time. Then about 8 Pinky Williams came in, so I made coffee for him. To bed late as the neighbors came over and we popped corn. At midnight Piper came in and got in the tent with pink. A full house. He invited himself.

Wednesday, Sept. 7, 1949

Today we got up at 5:20 a.m. and Mac and Bradfords and our group went to Ocean Park to Wickbergs and got their clam guns. We went to the beach, and all got our limit of clams. Wickbergs came out and helped us. Then home and packed my stuff and Piper got breakfast. And oh, did he burn the bacon! Home to Belfair at 3:15 and saw Mrs. Squires about the roses. Took a paper to Emmett, Sam got ready. Put some of my stuff away and cleaned up for Chapter. Then to Belfair with Eddie Fischler. We had a nice time and they elected Alma Sundstrom an associate conductress. Told them a little about General Grand Chapter and ate lunch downstairs. Home early. Tired. A big day. Lovey called. She must have a big phone bill she talks so long.

Thursday, Sept. 8, 1949

Slept late and when I got up Evelyn and Bill were away. To Gorst and got my hair done. Got my driver's license. Then at Belfair gassed up my car for Friday's trip to Megler. Evelyn Edmiston was down. She will use flowers from Saturday. Ruth Small gave me a silver chaffing dish so I'll make an arrangement in that. Got my stuff all ready for Chapter. Evelyn Edmiston came down to look at the flowers. Then another woman came to see the place so together with seeing Squires about roses I had little time. To Chapter, picked up Lovey and got there early. There were 90 people out including the officers. A nice meeting. A memorial for Eddie Stevens and balloting. Grand Chapter reports and they were good. Ate in new lunchroom. It's very nice. Madeline Beachwood is leaving as her husband lost his job. Home at one o'clock.

Friday, Sept. 9, 1949

Today Billy called me at 7:30 a.m., so I got up, ate and packed the car. Made a zinnia arrangement in the dish Ruth Small gave me. Evelyn Edmiston came up with Mrs. Boa for flowers. So, I gave her my arrangement to take to the fair. Then I left at 9:30 and arrived here at the river at 1:30. Stopped in Aberdeen for cards. Mrs. Pete Morrison and her husband were here but left at 2. Then Piper left after lunch, so we are three again. Cleaned camp good so I know where everything is. Looks good too. Brought flowers so we have some in camp on our table. To Ilwaco where we got our pictures. They were very good. Queenie got sick on fish bones, so we have to tie her up. Tonight, we ate fried clams. They were delicious and so was the corn. The McCalls came over too so we talked around the fire. To bed early.

Saturday, Sept. 10, 1949

Today the men got the boat out in deep water at 6:15 a.m. so when we went down a little over an hour later, we could get out easy. Rode as far as the jetty where the lighthouse is, then we started to fish. We arrived home at 1. Nary a strike. I got seasick three times but the sun came out nice and warm, so I got a little more tan. Home and watched the trollers go out. They came in like a swarm of bees from up the river. A beautiful sight! At 12 they started to set their nets so our men will fish tonight, then call it quits for 1949. Made tea and soup, tasted good. The men went to Chinook for butter and popcorn. Mac did not go out as Mrs. still ill. Windy this afternoon but the sun is out. Very pleasant. I found a good place to camp next year. By the apple tree. We had clam chowder for dinner and McCalls came over later. We popped corn and spent a pleasant evening around the campfire. To bed early.

■ Clydene Hostetler was a longtime Belfair resident and historian. She now resides on a classic wooden boat on the Columbia River. She has been researching Mary Theler's life for the past 17 years. She can be emailed at [email protected]