"New" Appelo Archive Center founded

The Appelo Archive Center in Naselle has announced it is now a newly formed independent non-profit. Since 2004, it has operated under the legal nonprofit status of the Wahkiakum Community Foundation. In February, 2010, the Center registered with the State of Washington to become a stand alone non-profit. A brand new board met for its first meeting on April 2, 2010. New Board members are Carlton Appelo, Founder of the Center, Burton Appelo, Theresa Bakken, Bonnie Linquist, Nick Nikkila, Bryan Penttila, Anita Raistakka, Don Raistakka, and Merle Reinikka. Officers are Nick Nikkila, President; Bryan Penttila, Vice-President; Anita Raistakka, Secretary; and Bonnie Linquist, Treasurer.

Karen Bertroch, Center Director since 2004, remains on staff as the Executive Director. Donna Klint is staff genealogist. The Center is open Tuesday - Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., then for the summer months, the Center will also be open on Saturdays. A grand opening is planned for early June, including a reception to be held for Carlton Appelo honoring his 88th birthday on May 12.

"It's our hope the Center will become a community gathering place for folks to share stories, family history and artifacts that help tell the stories of our area. We have a wonderful overall sense of community, as well as mini-communities, here in the Naselle-Grays River area. If we fail to preserve and remind ourselves of our local history, we run the risk of losing that community spirit. What a tragedy and loss that would be," said Nikkila, Board President.

"We need to start building a stronger relationship with the Naselle-Grays River School District so all students learn to value their local heritage. We're also interested in developing a strong emphasis on the Finnish history that's so important to the Lower Columbia. I hope folks will consider gifting or loaning to the Center important historic pieces that share our important local heritage. Our intent is to honor, protect, and present important local history so it is not lost to future generations," said Bertroch.

Located at 1056 State Route 4 in Naselle, the Center fills the entire second floor of the former Appelo Store. For those who have difficulty with stairs, a stair lift chair is available to help folks get to the Center.

For more information, contact Karen Bertroch at (360) 484-7103 at the Center.