When John Jacob Astor VIII was in Astoria for the Sesquicentennial, he had a good time.

It was 1961 and he was 14 years old. He was accompanied by his father, Gavin Astor, Second Baron Astor of Hever, and his grandfather, John Jacob Astor V, at the celebratory events that marked Astorias 150th birthday.

The only dark spot on the trip was that he lost his camera.

At a morning tea at the Flavel House Friday, Mac Burns, executive director of the Clatsop County Historical Society, put things right.

He presented Lord Astor with a box Brownie camera vintage 1960s, or thereabouts.  It was the closest we could find, Burns said.

The gift-giving included some other fun items presented by Burns and Paulette McCoy, director of the Astoria Bicentennial.

They included a locket for Lady Elizabeth Astor, a commemorative coin for son Charles, 20, and an Astoria purse and charm for a bracelet for daughter Olivia, 18.

The biggest laugh, however, was reserved for a 12-inch tall doll featuring John Jacob Astor IV, who was lost on the RMS Titanic when it hit an iceberg in April 1912.

McCoy presented the doll to that Astors granddaughter, Jackie Astor Drexel of New York. 

Burns and McCoy also presented one of the few remaining commemorative coins to her to take home for her son, Nicholas, 23, who was unable to attend the festivities. 

Lord Astor thanked the entire community for its hospitality.

I?think its optimistic to think that myself and Lady Astor, or even Jackie, will be here for the 250th, he said, but I hope Charles and Olivia will return, if they can.