Redmen Hall reopens with demonstrations

After taking some time off for some necessary repairs, Redmen Hall had its grand re-opening on Saturday from 12-4 p.m., with refreshments and a net mending demonstration from local fishermen Kent Martin and Gary Emery.

Martin shared his technique as a small crowd gathered around him. He made cuts to a damaged section of a net and then with a measure of his eye, began to work the new line in with the old. It was a skill he picked up and began practicing at the age of 14 and it has served him well, as nets can cost as much as $19 a pound, he said.

Emery brought out different materials used for nets as well as a sampler showing different shades of material used to camouflage the net in clearer waters. He also brought out other items used in tandem with the nets, including a weighted rope to hold the nets on the river bottom.

Docent Pam Emery mingled, pointing out the older linen nets, needles and other more precious artifacts as visitors moved from panel to panel, learning about the “Legacy of the Columbia River Fishery,” an exhibit created by local historian Irene Martin and artist Keith Hoofnagle.

Redmen Hall is open 12-4 p.m., Thursday through Sunday; the exhibit will continue until August 10.