Astoria has a story to tell about its history, given that it is the oldest American settlement  west of the Rocky Mountains. Before the American settlement there were Native Americans who lived sustainably in the area for hundreds of years (maybe 10,000 – 20,000 years or more). Women and immigrants have a prominent role in building Astoria – women and Chinese immigrants worked in the salmon canning industry. Immigrants from Finland, Sweden, Norway and other European countries settled in Astoria to become loggers, fishermen, farmers and small business owners.

The Historical Marker Database at hmbd.org. gives a comprehensive list of Astoria’s historical markers. That list includes historical sites that are marked with several types of signage.

The focus of this list is Astoria’s more permanent markers engraved in bronze or brass, or carved in granite or marble. There are a few prominent painted signs thrown in for good measure. I’ve included plaques I see on walks around town. Many are historical, some relate to art installations or early city infrastructure, some commemorate people, places or fraternal groups, and some are purely decorative.

The Barbey Maritime Center for Research and Industry. 2042 Marine Drive (part of the Columbia River Maritime Museum 13-acre campus).

Sign on the Masonic Temple/Masonic Lodge building at 1572 Franklin Avenue. Masons were chartered in 1853 and the Masonic Lodge was completed in 1923. From the Chamber of Commerce website: “During its earlier days, the Lodge was home to several Masonic bodies consisting of the Royal Arch and Cryptic Masons, Knights Templar, Scottish Rite Lodge of Perfection and Eastern Star. As with most Masonic Lodges, many of the areas prominent citizens were members…”

The Astor Library. 450 10th Street.

“Enlightenment for a wave is when it realized it is the water.”

Astoria City WaterWorks constructed in 1895. At the entrance to Shively Park, near 1530 Shively Park Road.

Soldier’s Monument. Located at the intersection of Columbia, Bond, and West Marine Drive. Monument was constructed in 1926 and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Commemorates the site of Astoria’s first electric generating station in 1885. Recognizes the contribution of Astoria’s “pioneers of the electric industry”.

A beautiful bronze relief map of the City of Astoria and the surrounding area. Located at the Astoria Column, on the walkway leading to the Column. It was donated in 1966 by the Angora Hiking Club, a group of hiking enthusiasts that has existed in Astoria for over 100 years.

An homage to the Native American Chief Comcomly. Also located at the Astoria Column.

An old marker embedded in a city street.

Explains the art installation titled Light Capsule No. 4. Located at 254 9th Street. For the full effect of this art, visit after dark.

Ft. George garden marker. 1460 Exchange Street.

“Nowhere is it written that you walk grass-strewn meadows while others climb mountains.”

Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks. 453 11th Street. Group was chartered in 1891, the second BPOE charter in Oregon.Plaque inside the Elks Lodge commemorating members lost in WWI.Plaque for the Whispering Giant carving. Located on the west end West of town, on the south side of US Hwy 101, about a block east of the traffic circle. Easy to access from parallel Taylor Ave.

6th Street Riverpark Dedication.

Plaque denoting an historic building’s history. 892 Marine Drive. This is the first permanent building to be completed after the historic and catastrophic fire of 1922.

“Dedicated to the people of the Pacific Northwest who work the waters of the world.”

Shively Fountain Restoration plaque. The Shively Fountain is on the Riverwalk under the Astoria-Megler bridge, behind the Finnish Brotherhood building, and adjacent to the Maritime Memorial Park. The original fountain was created in 1906 and this restoration was done for Astoria’s 200th anniversary as part of the Bicentennial events in 2011.
The Warnock Commons & Model Boat Pond, part of the Columbia River Maritime Museum’s 13-acre campus. City of Astoria 17th Street Tour Boat Landing.

“In Remembrance Of Those Colleagues Known To Be Lost On The Bar.” In front of the Columbia River Bar Pilots building on the Riverwalk.

Marker denoting the corner of the Astoria business district that was lost twice to catastrophic fires. “This marker is near the SouthWest corner of the business district of Astoria, Oregon that was destroyed by fire in 1883 and again in 1922.”

Marker for the Patriot Hall building on the Clatsop Community College campus, 1650 Lexington Avenue. The building honors Clatsop County soldiers of all wars. “The Last Full Measure of Devotion”

The location of the first United States Post Office west of the Rocky Mountains, established in Astoria in 1847. Marker is on 15th Street between Exchange and Franklin.

Commemorates the original location of The Astoria newspaper, established July 1, 1873.

Commemorates the women cannery workers who helped build Astoria. On the east end of the Riverwalk, a few steps east of the entrance to Pier 39.

Columbia River Maritime Museum recognition plaque on the CRMM campus.The Fisherman and The Logger.

Pilot Boat Peacock signage at the Columbia River Maritime Museum campus.

Fire Station No. 2. At the fire station building, 2968 Marine Drive (at the intersection of Marine Drive and 30th on the far left of the building).

Even though the building is no longer a bank, The After Hour Depository remains to remind us of the pre-ATM era of banking.

Arcade Building in the Downtown Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Sanborn Building in the Downtown Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places.

There are multiple signs and plaques at Fort Astoria located at 1498 Exchange Street, including the Fort Astoria marker. The Fort is recognized as a National Historic Landmark.

Site of the Original Settlement of Astoria.Daughters of the American Revolution symbol on lower left of the Fort Astoria Settlement plaque.

Signage commemorating Ranald MacDonald, a navigator, whaler, tutor, interpreter, and writer. He was born at Fort Astoria. His father was an officer of the Hudson’s Bay Company and his mother was a Clatsop Chinook, the youngest daughter of the leader Comcomly (his tribute is at the Astoria Column). 

On the bell tower of the Lutheran Church at 565 12th Street.

Captain George Flavel Mansion sign at the Flavel House Museum at 714 Exchange Street.

Also on the grounds of the Flavel House.

The sidewalk adjacent to The Garden of Surging Waves at 1095 Duane Street has Astoria’s history laid out on a timeline. There are several brass elements in the Garden, including engraved quotes.

Outside the Clatsop County Courthouse at 749 Commercial Street.

Plaque inside the Astoria Post Office at 750 Commercial Street.

Plaques inside the Clatsop County Courthouse, 749 Commercial Street. Construction was started in 1904 and completed in 1908.

First Federal Building West of the Rockies.

Two Clatsop County lawyers, Charles Abercrombie and Murray Wheat, were killed in the first World War – this plaque behind the judge’s chair memorializes them.

Engraved bell at Coast Guard building.

Brass plaque decorative feature on a home in Astoria.

Another plaque for art – the Tantler sculpture at Clatsop Community College campus.

Clark Gable (on Exchange, east of 12th).

Engravings that are part of the Maritime Memorial Park on the Riverwalk (10 Bay Street).

Uniontown-Alameda Historic District sign (on the Riverwalk).

Ghader Party signage (on the Riverwalk).

Waterfront Bridges Replacement Project dedication.

Astoria Sesquicentennial (corner of West Marine Dr. and Taylor Street) close to the Welcome to Astoria sign just past the roundabout on the west end.

The Astoria Pioneer Cemetery or ‘Hillside Cemetery 1865-1897’. Located northwest of the intersection of 15th and Niagara.

Shively-McClure National Register Historic District sign, 15th and Jerome.

photos coming soon:

Uniontown Curfew Bell, 301 W. Marine Drive, West Marine Drive near Melbourne (west of the bridge and east of Kick Ass Coffee).

Brass Plaque for the Indian Burial Canoe near the Chief Comcomly memorial at the Astoria Column.

For more information about the designation of downtown Astoria as an historic district: https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/18ddee1b-571f-4abe-ae1f-b80f86de598a

© 2024 Carol Merwin, All Rights Reserved. Images may not be used without permission.

When you walk into someone’s home, the things you see give an indication of their personality, interests, tastes, travels, etc. Likewise, walking around Astoria gives a sense of the unique personality of this place. I have come to love the diversity, artistic sensibility, creativity, political activism, and sense of humor that is often evident. I like to keep my eye out for something unexpected that I haven’t see before. I am rarely disappointed!

I photograph from sidewalks; I never intrude onto private property. If a photo is taken indoors, it is a building in Astoria with public access. I might take a picture of something in a window, but again only from the sidewalk and only something intentionally displayed and meant to be seen.

I love to encounter the artistic, philosophical, political, whimsical, humorous, or ephemeral.

So much of life is here for a brief moment and then gone. A quote that resonates: “[The aim of life] was to teach man to concentrate himself upon the moments of a life that is itself but a moment.” — Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray

© 2024 Carol Merwin, All Rights Reserved. Images may not be used without permission.

The place to view maritime artifacts in Astoria is the Columbia River Maritime Museum. It is home to artifacts large and small, displayed in the outdoor courtyard and inside the museum. The outside artifacts are popular photo opportunities; people in the photo give perspective to the enormous size of some of them. The fee for entry to the CRMM is well worth the price.

There is also a sizable collection of artifacts in storage. The Maritime Museum is in the process of planning for a second building, Mariners Hall, to get these treasures out of storage and on display to the public. The artifacts are interesting to see, but they really need to be displayed in a way that explains their purpose, history and story – so this new exhibit space is something to look forward to seeing when it opens in 2026.

There is also a full-size ship, the Lightship Columbia, to see, as well as a smaller vessel, the pilot boat Peacock, that sits out of the water on the Maritime Museums’ property.

Things to see on the plaza outside the entrance to the museum.

Here is a brief glimpse of items stored and catalogued, some of which will be displayed in the new Mariners Hall. Can’t wait for these stories to be told, and these items placed in the larger context of Astoria’s maritime history.

At other locations along the Riverwalk.

Here is a large anchor you’ll see driving through downtown.

And you’ll see buoys and anchors in people’s yards all around town.

© 2024 Carol Merwin, All Rights Reserved. Images may not be used without permission.

There are beautiful tree-lined streets, steep inclines and staircases, and walking paths on city right-of-ways. There are a surprising number of paths that take you through beautiful, mature trees within a short walking distance from downtown.

The Astoria Riverwalk is my favorite path to walk. It is over 6 miles of public access along the Columbia River with so much to see and do along the way. There are some fantastic photos on Facebook at Astoria Riverwalk Fans.

When you get inside, there are walkways and stairways with the beautiful patina that comes with 100 years of history. I like to imagine the life experience of people who have walked here – what have they seen and done in their lifetime, how has Astoria changed and evolved in that time? It makes me happy that some things don’t change. They’re still here. Maybe a bit more timeworn, but still here. 

© 2024 Carol Merwin, All Rights Reserved. Images may not be used without permission.

The intricacy and variety in the architecture of homes and businesses in Astoria is fantastic. These are some doorways and entryways that have captured my imagination during walks around town. Every building has a story, with the entrance its opening line.

What attracts my interest? It might be the bright color of a door, the historical architecture, the patina of the hardware, the signage, the beautiful plantings, or a unique archway that makes an entrance memorable. In each case, someone put thought and care into the presentation.

I love a gate, door, or entrance that makes me wonder what’s on the other side.

I capture random images on my walks. What’s fun and interesting is to tour Astoria with architectural historian Eric Wheeler. He speaks about the features that denote specific styles of architecture, the history of Astoria’s buildings and neighborhoods, how architecture evolves from one style to the next, and how architecture is influenced by the broader social-political-cultural environment of a given time in history. Eric’s talks give a meaningful context to a town that has evolved generation to generation, over centuries. I always learn something new from participating in his ‘rambles’ around town.

© 2024 Carol Merwin, All Rights Reserved. Images may not be used without permission.

Even a difficult day holds a moment of joy, as the sun sits low in the sky, lighting up the brilliant color of flower petals in the garden. The brief instant of magic sets things right.

© 2024 Carol Merwin, All Rights Reserved. Images may not be used without permission.

Poem 133: The Summer Day

Who made the world?
Who made the swan, and the black bear?
Who made the grasshopper?
This grasshopper, I mean—
the one who has flung herself out of the grass,
the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,
who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down—
who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes.
Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.
Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away.
I don't know exactly what a prayer is.
I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down
into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,
how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,
which is what I have been doing all day.
Tell me, what else should I have done?
Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?

—Mary Oliver

If you wonder why you see me walking around town enjoying the beauty of this magical place, idling away an hour or two roaming around taking photos, this poem and quote is your answer. I am practicing keeping my eyes open to the divine and mystical. Practicing paying attention with an open heart. Practicing enjoying and savoring this beautiful and precious life.

© 2024 Carol Merwin, All Rights Reserved. Images may not be used without permission.

Friends laugh when we walk together and say things like, “Carol, did you just take a picture of a dumpster?” and I’ll laugh because my answer is “yes”. The weather created by the Columbia River meeting the Pacific Ocean can be relentless and brutal, creating an opportunity for an exquisite patina to emerge.

Things also look weathered because Astoria has been here a very long time. It was founded in 1811 as the first permanent American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. What survives here is rugged.

There are parts of Astoria that are picture-postcard perfect. But I’m drawn to the authenticity of the aging and weathering happening here; it has its own beauty apart from the new and pristine. In my daily wanderings I notice and appreciate the Wabi Sabi, the perfectly-imperfect.

Here are glimpses into the beautiful patina of an historic town.

© 2024 Carol Merwin, All Rights Reserved. Images may not be used without permission.

Why I look at the sky…

There are days when Astoria has grey skies. Some days a color photograph looks like it was done in black and white. Some days you can’t tell where the water and land stop, and sky begins. But most days have transitions from one weather system to another, giving opportunities to capture clouds, rainbows, and blue skies. The forces of nature are at work here and the resulting skyscapes are a joy. There are days when every glance out the window, or turn in the road on a walk, brings an exciting new vista.

© 2024 Carol Merwin, All Rights Reserved. Images may not be used without permission.

Maritime Museum Exhibit Storage Facility (an inside location not normally open to the public). 1792 Marine Drive. These large-scale murals were painted by Astoria muralist and artist Jo Brown, when this building was Astoria Builder’s Supply.

Knight Cancer Collaborative at 1905 Exchange Street. Depicts  the iconic ‘Blue Marble’ image, from the photo taken December 7, 1972 by NASA astronauts from Apollo 17. This is an interior space not open to the public. Painted by Astoria artist Jo Brown.

Plane Tree Mural in the Healing Garden at the Knight Cancer Collaborative, 1905 Exchange Street. Referred to as a mural, this art is a 2-ton bah relief ceramic tile mosaic of a plane tree. Designed and created by Astoria ceramicist Richard Rowland to inspire healing through nature.

Custard King Mural at 1597 Commercial.

Shallon Winery at 1598 Duane.

U.S.S. Akron mural. The Airship Akron, a helium-filled rigid Navy airship, was based on the West Coast in May and June of 1932. This image is on the Shallon Winery building; view from Commercial or Duane on the west side of the building.

Fort Astoria Mural, in Fort Astoria Park at the intersection of 15th and Exchange. This mural depicts the original Fort Astoria settlement.

Lovell Auto Co. sign is a remembrance of the car dealership that was the original purpose of this building when it was built in 1922. Location is 1483 Duane Street; view on the East side of the George Lovell Showroom.

Ghost signs at Reach Break Brewing, 1348 Duane Street, view on the wall above the food carts.

Restored historical ‘Sunflower Dairy’ sign at 1315 Duane Street.

Luminary Arts painted mandalas and geometric designs. 1296 Duane Street. This business is at the Duane Street end of the 13th Street Alley Mural.

The 13th Street Alley Mural, ‘Ehkahnam’ or ‘Gathering Song’, depicts an abstract interpretation of different types of landscape in Astoria using a color palette taken from native elements. Location is the alley on 13th between Duane and Commercial. Created by Astoria artist Andi Sterling.

’19 M.H. Smith 24′ restored sign at 1263 Commercial. There is faux brick to the left of the doorway and restored sign lettering with gold detail above the doorway.

PEACE sign painted in the front window of Old Town framing Co. at 1287 Commercial. Each letter in PEACE contains the word ‘peace’ in several languages. Painted by Jo Brown as part of a temporary holiday window display several years ago, it has remained in place.

Ghost signs for ‘Astoria Drug Co’ and ‘Donnerberg’ can be seen above Gimre’s Shoes at 239 14th Street. Can also be seen from Marine Drive or the Riverwalk in various locations.

Mo’s Seafood and Chowder Restaurant mural at 101 15th Street. This is a 3-dimensional scene of the Columbia River inside the restaurant’s entrance.

Astoria Riverwalk Murals – murals depict scenes of workers on the historic riverfront incorporated into the building’s architecture. Painted by Astoria artist Jo Brown. View between 11th and 12th on the Riverwalk.

‘Mason, Ehrman & Co.’ ghost sign above the Astoria Riverwalk Mural. This building is now Astoria Food Hub/Astoria Brewing but used to be the Sears Building. There is an homage to this with the business name incorporated into the imagery.

‘New England Fishing Company of Oregon’ restored sign on Buoy Beer. View from the Riverwalk at 6th street. This sign is 150′ long, with 4′ tall letters large enough to be seen by ships on the Columbia. Unfortunately, part of this sign was lost when the roof of Buoy Beer collapsed in 2022.

Historic Fisher Brothers Building has ‘Fisher Bros Company’ ghost sign and ‘The Linen Thread Co. No.42 7th St.’ ghost sign at 42 7th Street.

Astoria Arts Celebration ’98 Mural. View from the Riverwalk at 11th Street. This mural of a historic photographer was created for the 1998 Arts Celebration.

Pencil mural. View from the Riverwalk at 2nd, on a vacant and somewhat derelict building.

Josephson’s Smoke House at 106 W. Marine Drive. This business has signage on all sides; the ‘A. Josephson Fish Co.’ ghost sign is viewable from the Riverwalk.

There is a mural depicting a Native American woman and child, and frontiersmen, on a closed restaurant building at 12 Marine Drive, on the west side of the building, partially obscured by plants. This location is just west of Josephson’s Smoke House on the same side of the street.

TLC Credit Union mural at 85 W. Marine Drive, on west side of the building. Be careful viewing during bank business hours as this is a banking drive-through. Mural depicts views of historical Astoria, the Astoria trolley and the waterfront. Created by Jo Brown, it is currently being restored by her (summer 2023).

At the same location on the side of the building facing Marine Drive.

Lewis and Clark Expedition Mural next to Dots ‘N Doodles Art Supply 303 Marine Drive. This mural, just west of 4th, on the back wall of the art store’s parking lot, tells the history of Lewis and Clark’s journey to Astoria. It is very weathered.

The Dragon Mural adjacent to Children’s Park Playground, depicts a dragon and other symbols honoring Astoria’s Chinese heritage. View from 6th and Commercial.

The exterior of Merry Time Bar and Grill, at 995 Marine Drive, depicts athletes from the 1930s and 1940s on two sides of the building.

Galactix’s wall of ghost signs. By day there are faded signs on an exterior brick wall at 254 9th Street. At night, projection mapping shows images of the original signs that can barely be made out during the day. Portland-based light artist Craig Winslow installed his first permanent ‘light capsule’ here in Astoria. He researched the ghost signs on this wall, then created light projections of the signs as they appeared in Astoria’s past.

Imogen Gallery’s ‘The Wave’ was inspired by Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai’s woodblock print ‘The Great Wave Off Kanazawa’. 240 11th Street, on the north-facing wall of the building.

Imogen Gallery’s Tom Cramer ‘mural’. The doorway entrance to the gallery is painted in the signature style of Portland artist Tom Cramer. 240 11th Street.

Geometric Mural next to Keepsake Tattoo Studio at 253 11th Street. This is a mural of dynamic black, gray and white geometric shapes.

Silver Salmon Grille at 1105 Commercial Street has a painting on the side door facing 11th of a salmon wearing a chef’s hat.

‘Thiel Bros. Cigars Billiards Lunches’ sign on the back wall of 1105 Commercial (between 11th and 12th on Duane) has recently been restored. An homage to a business that is no longer there.

Botjoy Mural at the 11th and Duane food cart space depicts 73 tiny robots. This mural, created in 2021, is part of an international series by Portland muralist Gary Hirsch.

There are also small painted signs at this location. While not technically murals, these small art pieces serve as signage for various carts.

Hotel Elliott at 357 12th Street, has a mural seen from their rooftop garden that disguises and blends equipment into the panoramic view of the Columbia. This was restored by Jo Brown and her daughter in the summer of 2023.

The Liberty Theatre has a mural on its roof that can be seen from the Hotel Elliott rooftop garden (it was originally created to improve the view from the Elliott). It is currently weathered and in need of restoration.

© 2024 Carol Merwin, All Rights Reserved. Images may not be used without permission.