LCPS Presents January Lecture: 
The Kalevala: the Legendary Finnish National Saga 
​Presented by Professor Greg Jacob 
The Lower Columbia Preservation Society starts off the 2025 LCPS Presents series of monthly presentations and lectures with a program on The Kalevala: the Legendary Finnish National Saga. The stories contain the ancient themes of good versus evil, as well as characters who represent the good, the true and the beautiful. The tales of the Kalevala had been passed down through oral tradition in Finland for centuries and were finally written down and organized into a collection of chapters in the early 19th century. The written compilation from almost two hundred years ago constitutes the saga as read today.
Our presenter, Greg Jacob, is a retired university English professor who currently lives in Hillsboro. However, Greg graduated from Astoria High School and has deep roots in the Lower Columbia region. His mother, Dorothy Luoma, was raised in Knappa Swenson and was fluent in Finnish. His father, Harold Jacob, worked for Palmberg Construction and Barbey Packing Company. Greg’s brother, Robert “Jake” Jacob, was engaged in many civic and business ventures in Astoria including the Cannery Pier Hotel. Greg has maintained many connections to Astoria over the years. Greg is a member of the Friends of Suomi Hall and the lead volunteer on maintaining the historic Lindgren Cabin at Cullaby Lake. He has long been interested in the Kalevala saga and taught a course on the epic at Portland State University in 2017. Greg also authored “Fins, Finns and Astorians” which is available for sale at many venues in Astoria and will be offered for sale at his presentation on the Kalevala.
Tuesday, January 14th at 7pm
Pacifick Distillery,  55 4th St. Astoria, OR
Free and open to the public

Rachel Jensen presents a report on LCPS's research into the history of Astoria's Astor Court neighborhood. She will provide a timeline of the development of the West End area, discuss key figures in the development of the residential Astor Court district, explain how development intertwined with industry and transportation, and introduce other themes that provide context to the neighborhood's history. Come to hear a recap of what we've learned so far, or become actively involved in uncovering this story by signing up to volunteer. 
We are particularly excited to meet current residents of the Astor Court area and anyone with family history and, ideally, family photographs of the neighborhood over the years! Additional opportunities to explore this topic will be available shortly, but this event is an excellent opportunity to get an overview of the project's scope and themes. The presentation starts at 6:00 pm at the LCPS office, and there will be time for questions and discussion. Space is limited; RSVP to [email protected] to reserve your spot! 

​The boundaries of this neighborhood are up for discussion, but we are focusing primarily on the residential areas west of Tapiola Park and south of W. Lexington.