Ear: Gillnetter

One of the publications that is missed by many is the Columbia River Gillnetter, put out by the Columbia River Fishermen’s Protective Union. Well, luckily for just about everyone, the Clatsop County Historical Society has included the Gillnetter in their collection at Archive.org at bit.ly/gillnetter, where 51 issues are available to peruse.

Be sure to check out the Spring 2001 edition for “Mutiny Aboard the Tender” by a Puget Island Norwegian, Elroy Svensen, most likely the very same Elroy Svensen who rescued Mrs. Olsen during the island’s tsunami. The story starts in 1942, when he was trying to get home from an Alaska fishing trip, and took a job on a tender. The complications, mutiny, death threats and running aground ensue from there.

“The Last Word on Lutefisk” by Gary Legwold is in the Spring 1997 edition. Few would agree that “like an opera, a lutefisk supper is full of anticipation, a build-up to the climactic scene,” but hold your nose and read it anyway.