Tombstones talkThe ‘”Talking Tombstones” event designed for Halloween weekend was a spooky success. Who says “Dead men tell no tales?” There were quite a few spirits from the early Astoria days sharing their “hardships and trials … the vissitudes they encountered, what sacrifices they made in laying the foundations of the common wealth … unwept, unhonored and unsung,” as quoted from an 1890s’ Daily Astorian account.

Astoria High School student Rachel Roscoe revealed details of Emma Burke, a young woman who was laid to rest at the tender age of 17 and now resides in the old Pioneer Cemetery atop the hill at 15th Street. Braving the intermittent rain showers, about 10 spirits entertained and educated, telling their stories to a record turn-out Saturday afternoon.

“It was a huge success with an estimated crowd of more than 450,” said McAndrew Burns, director of the Clatsop County Historical Society. “Everyone seemed thrilled with the event so I am sure we will do it again next year.”LaRee Johnson, who submitted this photo of Roscoe, wanted to thank the Historical Society for researching some of the area’s famous (and infamous) Astoria characters, such as Mrs. Shively, the first divorced woman in Astoria; Capt. Farnsworth, compatriot of Capt. George Flavel; George Evans, the real and unrecognized first person to discover gold in California; Cyrus Olney, attorney and supreme court justice, Robert Shortess, who apparently is buried under the street, and many others. Some very good spirited fun, just in time for Halloween!

“Check out other fascinating stories at the Research Center and Archives of the Heritage Museum, which is a great resource for our community,” Johnson said.

The Historical Society’s leaders wish to thank Ben Frisch, John Goodenberger, Deac Guidi, Rebecca Harris, Matt Hensley, Clarissa Johnson, Owen Kytr, Shanah Lindquist, Steve Nurding, Adrian Pollit and Rachel Roscoe, who is pictured. “They all did an excellent job with their portrayals of the deceased”, said Sam Rascoe of the society. “We also wish to thank Ann McGregor and Dorene Schmitz for their assistance with costumes. And a great big thank you to Astoria Granite Works for making this event possible.”

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Alert’s Haunted Ship, held Oct. 30, was a resounding success, Coast Guard officials told the Ear.

More than 1,000 members of the local community enjoyed the ghoulish spectacle and contributed more than 900 pounds of nonperishable food items. The local Coast Guard Spouses Association and Clatsop Community Action will use the donated proceeds to create Thanksgiving food baskets for area families.

The Alert’s crew members, led by Food Specialist 1st Class John Lopez and Storekeeper 1st Class Lee Balcom, planned a tour route and decorated five areas onboard the Alert with themes such as “The Phantom of the Opera,” an insane asylum, and a gory surgical operating table to scare and thrill the guests.

Approximately 30 crew members and local Coast Guard family members dressed up to guide and scare visitors along the way.

“We had a great turnout this year,” Ensign Beth Roscoe said. “The Haunted Ship was a wonderful way to interact with the local community and the crew members really enjoyed creating this event. We hope to continue the tradition in the following years.”

“Out with the old” was the cry at the Liberty Theater Saturday. Liberty Restoration Inc., sold 330 of the theater’s 800 seats. Buyers from came from as far away as Washougal and Stevens Pass, Wash. A liquidator will take the remainder. Following plaster repair and painting, new seats will be installed next March.

With energetic help from Tongue Point Job Corps Center students Leticia, Moises, Rosa, Tania, Grecia, Paloma, Mirella and Elizabeth, the children of Emerald Heights were treated to fun and games at a Halloween party Sunday afternoon. The little ones had their faces painted, played games and received treats. The party was hosted by KC McGee with help from Linda Oldenkamp, Phyllis Cook, Donna Wright, Carlitta Dunagan and witch Margaretta. But it was truly the efforts of the Job Cops students who gave these children such a delightful afternoon, organizers said.

Election Day was a big day for one Manzanita family, but when the dust settled, the tally stood at one win and one loss. Graduate student Justin Lacche, who has written for The Daily Astorian, was elected president of Oregon State University’s Masters of Business Administration Association. The 30-year-old is working toward his MBA and is slated to graduate next spring.

Lacche’s father, Walt Locke, a banker in Seaside, ran for mayor of Manzanita against fellow Planning Commissioner Hugh McIsAac, but could not complete a sweep for the family, because McIsaac won.

Lacche told the Ear that studying in Corvallis is like a mini-North Coast. “One of the most exciting parts of being at OSU is seeing many of the Seaside High School student athletes I used to cover two and three years ago,” said Lacche, who also worked for the Seaside and Cannon Beach newspapers. “Maggie Olstedt studies at the College of Business and Ashley Flukinger was coach of an intramural softball team last spring. I cross paths with countless other Gulls, all of whom represent Clatsop County very well.”

Send us your ears! If you have an item for In One Ear, send it to Patrick Webb, Managing Editor, The Daily Astorian, P.O. Box 210, Astoria OR 97103 or e-mail pwebb@dailyastorian.com. Include a daytime phone number.