Irene Martin to speak at Stella

Irene Martin, award winning author, fisher, retired Episcopal priest and active supporter of community historic preservation efforts will be the featured speaker at the Stella Historical Society's June 12 meeting at the Stella Chapel. She will give a presentation titled "Ship Jumpers and Mail Order Brides."

Martin was born in England, raised in Canada, and has been a 40 year resident of the United States. She and her husband, a fourth generation Columbia River gillnetter, have fished together in Alaska, the Columbia and Willapa Bay. Martin is well known for her historical research and fisheries publications, including "Legacy and Testament: The Story of Columbia River Gillnetters," "The Beach of Heaven," a history of Wahkiakum County, "Lewis and Clark in the Land of the Wahkiakums," "Sea Fire, Tales of Jesus and Fishing," and "The Flight of the Bumble Bee; the Columbia River Packers Association and a Century in the Pursuit of Fish." She is the recipient of several awards, including the James B. Castles award and the Washington Governor's Heritage Award. She and her husband live in Skamokawa.

The Stella Historical Society invites the public to participate in its 2017 events.

June 12, 6 p.m., Stella Chapel, Potluck dinner and program by Irene Martin.

July 8, Opening Day at the Stella Historical Museum – Kids Day with old time games.

The Stella Historical Museum will be open every Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., from July 8 to August 27. Experienced docents will be available to share the history.

September 9, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Remnants of the Past at the Stella Historical Museum and Stella Chapel. The museum has many items that served farmers and loggers living in the Stella area, a blacksmith shop with one of the last Washington working forges, farm equipment, and an old school bell for visitors to ring. A blacksmith will be working the forge.

December 11, 6 p.m., Stella Chapel, Potluck dinner and program by the Stella Chapel Hand Bell Choir.

The Society meets at the Stella Lutheran Chapel, 124 Sherman Road. From Ocean Beach turn onto Germany Creek for about two miles, then a slight left onto Sherman Road. For more information, call Barbara or Harvey Williamson at (360) 423-3860 or Sue Richards, (360) 423-8663.