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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 26, 2017)
12 // COASTWEEKEND.COM BEST LOCAL SPORTS TEAM BEST TOURIST ATTRACTION Astoria High School Fishermen, Football Astoria Column Astoria, Oregon Runner-up: The Beach Honorable Mention: Breweries in Astoria Astoria, Oregon Runner-up: Ilwaco High School Fishermen, Football Honorable Mention: AHS Fishermen, Baseball PHOTO BY DANNY MILLER Astoria High School’s Tyler Ranta is tackled making a run during the 4A state quarterfinal game Nov. 12 against Cottage Grove at CMH Field in Astoria. After an eight-game winning streak last fall, Astoria made it to the 2016 4A state playoffs in its best effort since the 2008 football season, but Cottage Grove defeated Astoria 25-21 in the quarterfinals. The Fisher- men finished the season 8-2. Cottage Grove lost to North Bend 35-21 in the 4A state championship game. By PATRICK WEBB The view is worth it. Ascend 125 feet into the blustery sky above Coxcomb Hill and, as you emerge onto the viewing deck, you can enjoy a panorama of Clatsop County, the Colum- bia River and the Pacific Ocean. (Weather permitting, of course.) It’s a toss-up whether the magnificent view or the spi- raling historical murals that adorn the Astoria Column are more interesting. The impressive monu- ment, once again the Read- ers’ Choice for Best Tourist Attraction on the North Coast, was built in 1926. It has undergone renovations in 1995, 2005 and 2015, with workers either sprucing up the exterior or adding enhancements each time. Originally envisioned as merely a flagpole, the Astoria edifice has been described as the “crown- ing monument” in a series of 12 historical markers constructed between St. Paul, Minnesota, and the West Coast. These markers were dreamed up by Ralph Budd, president of the Great Northern Railroad, to cele- brate the early settlers’ roles in expanding the United States west to the Pacific Coast. Italian artist Attilio Pus- terla employed a technique called sgraffito, which used wet plaster and colored powder to portray scenes from the history of the Western states. New York philanthropist Vincent Astor, great-grandson of busi- nessman John Jacob Astor, whose Pacific Fur Company settled Astoria in the early 1800s, helped bankroll the original. The Astor family has continued to support it to this day. For Astoria Mayor Arline LaMear, the Column is “the symbol of Astoria.” Thank you for voting for us! Local Organic Seasonal 1493 Duane Street bluescorcher.coop 503•338•7473 waunafcu.org · 800-773-3236 PHOTO BY PATRICK WEBB If you have ever wondered at the true scale of the Astoria Col- umn here is a closer look at the top, with its narrow gallery allowing people who have climbed all the steps to admire the most stunning view in Oregon. “To me, it’s the must-see sight that visitors should visit,” she said. “They can see all the way across our wonderful river to the Wash- ington side, Saddle Moun- tain and where Lewis and Clark stayed. I think it’s just a wonderful historical record — and it’s unique.” In operating the Column, the city of Astoria is assisted considerably by the generos- ity of the nonprofit Friends of Astoria Column, whose members and supporters have contributed significant dollars over the years to keep the treasured monu- ment in excellent condition. Admission to the Astoria Column is free, but visitors who drive up the hill must purchase a $5 car parking pass, valid for a full year. Thank you ip s! h C & h s i F B e st fo r vo tin g u s BOW PICK ER FIS H & CHIPS 1634 Du a n e S t., As to ria 503-791-2942 Wauna Insurance Services off ers a full line of Auto Insurance, plus, Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP) & Mechanical Breakdown Coverage (MBI). Our Auto Answers auto buying program fi nds great cars for people! Call 800-773-3236 X2870
