Fish and Timber Yield Livelihood to Kalama Folk
Columbia River Port Surrounded by Valuable Resources Keeps Growing at a Progressive Pace

The Oregon Sunday Journal
July 2, 1922

The progressive little city of Kalama is located on the Columbia river, 39 miles from Portland. Twenty-seven steamship lines pass its doors and trains on three main trunk railroads pass through its gates. With a population of 1,300, business, educational, religious and social interests are well cared for. Kalama's harbor is one of the finest on the river, with a channel maintained at a minimum depth of 30 feet. The widening and deepening of this channel next to the city has enhanced the value of the many industrial sites available at the northwest extremity of the city. The port has been organized and is under survey at the present time.

Timber Stand is Heavy

At the headwaters of the Kalama river are 3,184,121.000 feet of available timber of the following varieties; Red, yellow, white and Highland silver fir, hemlock, cedar, larch and pine, and from the waters of this river an abundance of electric power is developed for all city needs, and for several adjoining towns. Three shingle mills, one lumber mill, and another under construction, are the main manufacturing enterprises, while the Doty Fish company maintains a large cold storage plant, from which is shipped tons of the famous Columbia river salmon, sturgeon and smelt. A good percent of the laborers are engaged in the fishing industry. 

A fund of $40,000 has Just been voted for the construction of two new school houses. Kalama is represented by a Commercial club composed of real live wires, and maintains two fire companies, with equipment for the city's protection. The American Legion and popular fraternal organizations are live factors also.

Water Supply Excellent

The water supply, owned by the city, is tested every six months and found pure and healthful. Many beautiful homes are built on the heights above the business section, and the view from this locality is unsurpassed. Many residents of the surrounding country are actively engaged in the raising of fruits, poultry and truck gardening, while dairying is a big factor. As Kalama is the county seat much business other than that of the city is transacted.

The Pacific ocean is only 70 miles away and those who cannot go to the beaches may enjoy the delightful sea breezes that cool the evening air. Being on the Pacific and Columbia highways, many tourists find, their way through the town, some to cross the Columbia by any of the four regular ferry boats to Goble and thence to the Oregon beaches or to journey on to Vancouver and Portland and perchance stop over at Kalama's inviting little auto park.