Friends of Chinook School

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Directions: 810 Highway 101
The school is 4 miles going west from the Astoria-Dismal Nitch Bridge, and 6 miles going south from Ilwaco. Turn onto Evelyn Road for more parking.

CALENDAR

October 20, 2012
Oktoberfest
The date for Octoberfest 2012 is Saturday, October 20th! Mark your calendars.

A special farewell to Carol D. Johson, Friends of Chinook School Board member and friend. All memorials can be found Here

OTHER
Rent the Gym!
Call 360-783-2500 to tour the facility and discuss terms

See our most current Newsletter Here

Annual Calendars
with a cover by Carol Johnson are available at the Chinook Store and Chinook Inn, or contact the Treasurer

T-Shirts
T-shirts designed by Don Nesbitt are available at M&D Design in Chinook. Contact Vicki at M& D: 360-777-8778 between 10-5 orEmail

The Friends of Chinook School was founded in 2002 by local residents with a guiding vision to save and restore the historic 1921 gymnasium, the 1924 Chinook grade school and playing fields.  Friends of Chinook School is a non-profit 501(c)(3).

The mission of the Friends of the Chinook School is:
“To refurbish and utilize the historic Chinook School for the cultural, educational, social, economic and recreational benefit of the community.”



More Pictures

Chinook School Gymnasium Events
Center Dedicated
Eileen Wirkkala and Dedication dignitaries
Commissioner Jon Kaino with speakers State Representative Dean Takko, Nancy Gorshe and Construction Project Manager Corky Wilson
Senator Sid Snyder presents the U.S. Flag
Loma Billips intrduces Chinook School Alumni
Historic Picture Gallery
200 guests enjoyed the Dedication ceremonies
Connie Kobes, Ken and Roberta Tetz enjoy
the luncheon



 

On Sunday, March 11th history was made as the beautifully refurbished Chinook School Gymnasium Events Center was dedicated 90 years after it's first dedication.  Over two hundred attendees enjoyed hearing from distinguished guests as the Community honored the work and the benefactors who made it all possible.  Pacific County Commissioner Jon Kaino was the Master of Ceremonies for the event.  Retired State Senator Sid Snyder presented a US Flag that formerly had flown over our Nation's Capitol and given to FOCS by US Representative Brian Baird.  State Representative Dean Takko presented the Washington State Flag.   The event was a wonderful opportunity to publicly acknowledge the leadership of Eileen Wirkkala and Loma Billups who along with Nancy Gorshe and David Jenson saw the value of saving the buildings in 2002.   Together they wrote grants, surveyed and assesed the value to the community, and petitioned funding from the County, the State, other Foundations and individuals.  

The guests at the Dedication were treated to a terrific presentation by Corky Wilson who narrated a slide show of the construction.  Corky reminded us all that this facility would never have been restored to it's present glory without the support of the entire community.  Chinook School Alumni beginning with 8th grade graduating classes of 1931 through 1943 were recognized. Historic pictures placed around the gym brought back memories of the glory days of Chinook School.  Members of Friends of Chinook School, individuals and businesses who donated money, materials, or labor or helped with reduced pricing were all acknowledged with their names posted for public viewing.  Following the enjoyable and sometimes emotional dedication guests enjoyed a light luncheon prepared by Joanne Leech and served by the board members of Friends of Chinook School.  We now have a glorious facility for use by the Community for everything from weddings to theatrical events.  Renovation of the school building received it's first funding this month and work has commenced. For information about renting the facility please call 360-783-2500.