Seaside, OR – July 25, 2008: Sandy Cove Inn is excited to partner with the Seaside Museum & Historical Society for this month’s ArtWalk. The motel’s newly remolded lobby will be host to a series of rare archival photos titled “Seaside’s own ax men.” The selection of images highlights the region’s rich logging history.

“I enjoy history,” says Sandy Cove Inn manager Mike Tucker, “especially old photographs.” “For months I have been thinking about a partnership with Seaside’s Historical Society and we’re thrilled to be hosting this series. Archival photographs are not what we normally feature but this selection of images tell such a wonderful story about the people of this area.” Sandy Cove Inn plans to display several more series’ from the Seaside Museum over the next year.

Complimentary baked goods, coffee and tea will be available in the motel lobby. A representative from the Seaside Museum will be on hand for questions and discussion.

From Christine Gonzalez of the Seaside MuseumThe photo is particularly poignant for those of us involved with the Seaside Museum. His name is Pirl P. Gaston, who was the father-in-law of Seaside Museum Past President, current Board Member and long-time museum supporter, Helen Gaston. His parents were early pioneers to Clatsop County and he was an independent logger. The photo was taken in the late 1930’s and its description states “A high rigger who prepared the spar pole (the high lead tree) must be an experienced logger, husky enough to handle the risky job and not afraid of heights. He would usually be equipped with a special belt with a life rope knotted in steel rings, long-spike climbing spurs strapped to boots and legs, and a light axe and one-man cross-cut saw. The life rope was manila line, usually made with a wire core, strong enough to hold the weight of a man under strain of the jerking tree top yet capable of being severed with one axe blow if the tree split and spread, binding his body to the tree. A half-hour’s climb would take the rigger up the tree to the point where the cut would be made, 150 to 180 feet up. There could be 40 to 60 feet ore more of top, bush and crown to saw off in order to shape the spar tree.”

About Sandy Cove InnWe are a family-owned and operated motel, one of the last privately owned motels in Seaside, Oregon. The Sandy Cove Inn was purchased in 2006 when it was known as the Night Cap Inn. Since the purchase, we’ve remodeled the motel by adding an inviting lobby and patio, a suite with an ocean view, and we’ve updated and repaired the guest rooms.

Our mission is to provide lodging that is comfortable and clean as well as an experience with the staff that leaves guests smiling and encouraged. From the moment someone reaches us by phone, email or in person to the moment they return their room keys, we want to give visitors a positive experience that will keep them coming back for more.

About the Seaside Museum & Historical SocietyThe Seaside Museum & Historical Society of Oregon is a non-profit educational institution incorporated by the State of Oregon to collect, preserve and interpret materials illustrative of the history of Seaside, Oregon, and the surrounding area.