Finland 100 presentation set for April 1 in Naselle

Irene Martin will do a presentation at Appelo Archves Center, 1056 SR 4, Naselle, on April 1 at noon. Titled “Ship Jumpers and Mail Order Brides,” she will talk about why people chose to leave the Scandinavian countries to come to America.

Irene Martin was born in England, raised in Canada, and has been a 40 year resident of the United States. She is a writer, fisher, and recently retired Episcopal priest. Her numerous books include Legacy and Testament: The Story of Columbia River Gillnetters, The Beach of Heaven which is a history of Wahkiakum County, Lewis and Clark in the Land of the Wahkiakums, and Sea Fire, Tales of Jesus and Fishing. Irene is also the author of the video, "Work is Our Joy: A History of Columbia River Gillnetters," produced by an Oregon Sea Grant. Her History of the Columbia River Packers Association and the Bumble Bee Seafoods was published in 2011 by the Chinook Observer Publishing Company.

She is the recipient of several awards, including the James B. Castles award in 1998 and the Washington Governor's Heritage Award in 2000. Irene lives in Skamokawa, with her husband, Kent.

This lecture is part of the Finland 100 events taking place in 2017 to celebrate Finland’s 100th anniversary of independence. There is no admission charge, but donations are appreciated.