A Look Back …This week in the Forks Forum

Published 1:30 am Thursday, June 18, 2026

This week in 2001, Coast Guard Appreciation Day was being planned. In Police calls …things were wild …calling party reported two women leaving Timberlane Apts. throwing beer cans as they left; someone was passed out at the transit center, and a man reported his wife was sitting on top of his pickup truck and wouldn’t let him leave. A story about the Pacific Coast Salmon Coalition and volunteers Phillip Borde, Ron Thompson, and Carl Chastain, and their donation of fish to the food bank, was shared (photo). The Rayonier Shay at Tillicum Park was getting some TLC. Forks Thrifty Mart was expanding its parking lot. Dave Robinson was the Lions Club Citizen of the Year (photo).

This week, 50 years ago, a story about Rich and Mae Hsu becoming US citizens was on the front page. They had started the process in 1965. Rich stated, “This is the best place in all the world,” (photo). It was tense times at the school board meeting. In the “Help Wanted” ads in classifieds …some jobs needing to be filled were – slack line hooker, shake packer, bolt cutters, ‘plain’ cocktail waitress, and beautician.

This week in 1969 – issue missing.

In 1954, it was called to the attention of the Town Council that many citizens were building things without getting a building permit. Residents were also reminded to license their dogs. Babies born recently at the Olympic Clinic were Duane Merrick and Jeffrey Wittenborn; both newborns each had three big sisters. The second annual Barrel Float was being advertised; the barrel course would be from Hyas Creek to the Calawah Hwy Bridge. In ads …Father’s Day special at Ruel and Vedder – Hip Boots – $14.95.

This week in 1940, an article reported the CCC was looking for young men ages 17-23. Each enrollee would get board and room, clothing, and medical attention when needed. High school credits were also available. It was reported that twenty-one-year-old Duke Streeter had quite a surprise birthday party. In addition to many gifts, his mother presented him with a 1937 Ford convertible coupe.

This week in 1939, an area in the “Upper Calawah” had been declared “a region of extra fire danger.” People entering the area could face fines and jail time.