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.

​TOPICS IN PRESERVATION: Monthly Discussions & Conversations
Wednesday, September 18th at 6pm
This month's topic: Wallpaper! Love it or hate it!
Lauri Serafin will be leading a discussion about wallpaper for the historic home. She has tips to share about removal of unwanted wallpaper and will share advice for appropriate wallpaper style selection. She has considerable expertise in this topic and will be ready for questions and conversation about projects people are working on or thinking about.
Join us at 6 pm at the LCPS office on the corner of 12th and Duane - first floor of the Hotel Elliott.
Bring your questions, comments, advice, and stories.
Show & tell is always encouraged!
FREE and open to the public!
Hope to see you there!
Join the conversation!
Wednesday, September 18th at 6 pm
389 12th Street
Downtown Astoria

​Join us for the premiere of our new lecture series, LCPS Presents!
Tuesday, September 10 at 7pm
Pacifick Distillery 55 4th St. Astoria, OR
Lauri Serafin and Eric Wheeler will share a deep dive into the history of the 1892 building that is hosting our series, the Astoria Wharf and Warehouse building (present day Pacifick Distillery). They will be exploring exciting discoveries and knowledge of its use as a bonded warehouse in the 1890s. They will also dig into the legacy of the Carruthers family, who were responsible for constructing it.

This event is FREE and open to the public.
Seating is maxed at 55, so come early and order a drink and a bite to eat!
The lecture begins at 7pm.

For questions regarding this event, please email [email protected] or call 503-468-0139
We'll see you there!

​Planning to restore the siding of your historic home? What about restoring its original porch? Kitchen or bathroom remodel?
This month, the conversation will be all about YOUR summer project plans! Bring your ideas, advice, and/or inspiration!
And, of course, show & tell is always encouraged.
Topics in Preservation
6 pm Wednesday, May 15 at the LCPS Office: 389 12th Street (corner of 12th and Duane) Downtown Astoria
Free and open to the public!

Topics in Preservation
Monthly Discussions & Conversations
April's Topic:
FloorsThis month we'll explore the world of flooring in historic homes. From repairing, refinishing, and replacing to cleaning and maintaining wood, tile, linoleum, and more!
Join us at 6 pm at the LCPS office on the corner of 12th and Duane - first floor of the Hotel Elliott. 
Bring your questions, comments, advice, and stories.
Show & tell is always encouraged!
Hope to see you there!
Join the conversation!
Wednesday, April 17th at 6 pm 
389 12th Street 
Downtown Astoria
Topics in Preservation is a monthly gathering for LCPS members to share ideas and discuss topics related to historic preservation. This event is free and open to the public.

Architecture Film Night at Kala!
An evening of film and discussion about some of the best architecture in the world.
Wednesday, April 10
Doors open at 6:30 pm
Screening begins at 7 pm
1017 Marine Dr. Astoria, Oregon
 
We'll explore two half hour films featuring London's colossal St. Pancras Rail Station and Hotel (1868), and Frank Lloyd Wright's audacious Johnson Wax Headquarters (1937) and Research Tower (1950) in Wisconsin.
Beverages will be available for purchase
Suggested donation of $5

For more information, contact Eric Wheeler: 608-797-7753 [email protected]

March's Topic:
Historic Banks 
Architecture: Then and Now
An interactive presentation with discussion!Drive down the main street of just about any small town in America, and you’ll be sure to find one: an old bank that looks like an ancient temple. The marble, the columns, the pediment. Why were so many banks built like that? And what are small towns supposed to do with those buildings now? How did bank architecture modernize with the changing times? This month’s Topics in Preservation will examine bank architecture and how it evolved over the last one hundred years. In this interactive presentation, we’ll look at bank buildings in Astoria including the colossal 1920s Astoria National Bank building, the Modern U.S. Bank, and, of course, the 1970s remodeled Wells Fargo.
Join us at 6 pm at the LCPS office on the corner of 12th and Duane - first floor of the Hotel Elliott. 
Fun fact: the LCPS office used to be home to First Federal Savings and Loan of Clatsop County. The entryway and interior space were redesigned for the financial institution in 1961 by the architectural firm Wicks and Brown. 
Hope to see you there!