Hidden Treasures - Did You Know?

Hidden Treasures – Did you know?
Here are some interesting and fun facts about South Columbia County. If you know of fun facts or interesting information that should be considered for posting on this site, please email us at mgr@sccchamber.org

St. Helens is the home of Oregon Hill Farms, a family-owned production facility for gourmet jams, jellies, and syrups. Each is made from the Pacific Northwest's finest fruits, selected at their peak of ripeness and most flavorful stage. Every product is carefully prepared in small batches so that every ounce of the natural flavor and jewel-like color is preserved. To find out more about this very special line of products, visit their web site http://www.oregonhill.com.

The only lighthouse in Oregon not on the Pacific Coast, is located at Warrior Rock on the northern tip of Sauvie Island east of St. Helens. The lighthouse is located within the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area. The light cannot be seen directly from the town - it must be viewed by boat or via a 7-mile round-trip hike to the lighthouse. (Note: The Sauvie Island Wildlife Area is open from mid-April to September. The rest of the year a hunting permit is required.) From the parking area, there is a trail that will take you north. You will quickly arrive at a beach on the Columbia River side of the island. The lighthouse is visible for a distance on the beach. You can hike to the lighthouse all the way on the beach.

Michael Curry Designs, located in Scappoose, is home to one of the world’s leading production designers. He works widely in both conceptual and technical development with the foremost entertainment companies such as Disney Theatrical Productions, Cirque du Soleil, the Metropolitan Opera, London’s Royal National Theatre, and Universal Pictures. Michael has received many prestigious awards, including several awards for his puppet and costume work on Broadway, and for the Olympic ceremonies.

James Westall, a celebrated water colorist came to the Chapman area in 1970, where he built the house he still lives in. Before moving to this area he lived on the east coast, and he was in WWII as a pilot. He has been and active artist since 1965, and galleries through out the west have sold his water-color paintings. He has been awarded many prizes for his work, with his most cherished award being for the Ducks Unlimited Print of the year in 1985. At 84 years of age, he is still painting, though not as busily as in earlier years.

A local and international artist and designer, Bruce Brickman is one of Columbia City’s newest Hidden Treasures. He has done work with Michael Curry and Portland Center Stage. He was commissioned to paint murals at the Portland Children’s Museum, Sony, and Orion International. As well, he was commissioned to paint portraits of Sony’s president, Mr. Akio Morita. However, do not think of him as being too sophisticated for the ordinary crowd. He is skilled at faux finishing, kitchen murals, and visual problem solving for those who know “something needs to be done”, but aren’t sure what that would be. Bruce comes to us from Santa Fe, and we welcome him to this area. We expect to see much more of his work gracing businesses and homes here in Columbia County very soon.

Scappoose has had the pleasure of drawing some very unique and creative crafters & manufacturers:

Composites Unlimited manufactures custom airplanes
Oregon Aero produces specialized goods for the military, aviation, and other industries that prevent and eliminate pain, reduce noise, and improve impact protection
West Coast Shoe Company (WESCO) produces high quality work boots often sought out for use in movie productions
Empire Board Company manufactures custom skate boards
USIA manufactures and ships SCUBA gear worldwide. USIA makes dry suits, underwater weapons bags and a variety of other gear that has been valuable to our military as well as the military units of our allies.

Have you been to Goble Falls? Though it may be somewhat difficult to find it is truly a treasure worth looking for. With raw beauty to offer, it is an out-of-the-way spot that you will be glad to discover. Take a day to drive north to Nicolai Road and explore. See what sights there are to treasure.