Archive center opens café, gift shop

The Appelo Archives Center in Naselle has expanded its facility to include a larger gift shop and a new café.

The Café and Gift Shop are located in the downstairs level of the center. The gift shop will be selling books, gifts and on consignment by members of the community.

The new café, run by Beth Johansen, offers homemade soups, artisan breads and baked goods Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"I'm hoping folks will see this as a gathering place for the community," Beth Johansen commented. "I'd also like to see groups meeting here and folks feeling free to use the tables and space for working or just meeting friends over a cup of good coffee."

Samantha Hollo, archives center manager, will be setting up the consignments and sales areas so those coming to the café will have plenty of space to peruse through the books and wander through the items for sale.

Lisa Bighill is a regular customer at the café. She commented that she comes for "the pleasant, warm fellowship." She also said, "It's a place to meet with neighbors and find out what's going on in the area."

Each day Beth prepares a different soup and usually there is the Finnish bread, rieska, available. Each day fresh baked goods are prepared including, pies, cookies and other sweets.

In the gift shop, a new book on Knappton will soon be available. They are expected to be for sale by February 25. The new book will contain information gathered from the center's collection of materials relative to Knappton, including Carlton Appelo's book on Knappton, work done by Linda Amaya, Abbie Laine and Mrs. Alta Meserve. Over 65 photographs are included.

For more information on the café, the consignment opportunities at the gift shop or the new Knappton book, contact Samantha Hollo at the Center at (360) 465-7103 or stop by the Archives Center's Cafe at 1056 State Route 4 in Naselle.