Active social clubs are an important aspect of enjoyable life for many in Pacific County — I suspect much more so than in Washington’s urban areas.

Some go beyond socializing by doing good deeds, encouraging hobbies or carrying on honored traditions. All are rooted to some extent in making and maintaining friendships. These bonds forged here on the far western edge of the continent seem particularly strong and vital.

The Eagles and Moose in Ocean Park and the Elks in Long Beach are among the strongest groups. All serve as centers for charitable works in addition to acting as valued clubhouses for members. The extent to which their news reaches the Chinook Observer and our readers always largely depends on how much they choose to share with us; we always appreciate photos and community news items sent by Lodge and Aerie members.

The Beach Barons, the American Legion, Rotary, Grange and many others make small-town life more rich and meaningful.

(Religious institutions are a separate category of support. Twenty churches are currently listed in our directory, fulfilling spiritual missions. I’ll write about them one of these days.)

As a local historian, I’ve always been fascinated by a social club that’s nearly extinct. The Improved Order of Redmen was once a big deal, boasting a membership of 519,942 in 46 states in 1921, but now only a few thousand nationwide and none here. Open only to White men, local chapters were called “tribes.” Members dressed in pretend Indian garb and acted out rituals with imaginary connections to Native American lore.

The astounding tone-deafness — some might say racism — of the whole thing is hard to fathom. Our local “tribe” was based in Chinook, although actual Chinooks were of course not invited. The two-story Redmen Hall in Chinook, built around 1910 and lit with acetylene gas, is no longer extant. But the surviving hall in Skamokawa serves as an appealing community center and museum; I recommend it.

As always, I greatly appreciate your support. The Chinook Observer, founded in 1900, continues to thrive because of our readers and advertisers. Thank you.