The Enterprise - White Salmon, Washington

Farm Credit gives $500 grant

High Prairie News for Aug. 23

August 21, 2012

By Audrey Bentz

365-3600

amsong@gorge.net

At the August monthly High Prairie Community meeting, reflection of our history was a major portion of the event. Gail Amery presented both verbal and pictorial summary dating back to the time when the Klickitat Indians were the primary residents. Pictures of the "first people" included one of Sally Wahkiakus and her father.

There were pictures of the first school called "Hog Heaven," and one of the original post office which is still standing. Evidently, High Prairie was originally called "Wild Cat!"

The cemetery on Hartland Road has many graves, not only of the early white settlers, but also of the Klickitat Indian "first people."

Gail reminded us of the High Prairie Historical Society which was begun in approximately 1980, and thus volumes of pictures, stories, original homestead maps, etc. are preserved for our viewing.

There are plans to resume biannual meetings for those interested in High Prairie history.

The main business item at the meeting was the decision to give $7,300 of the proceeds from the Firehouse Sale to the Fire District #14. The remainder of the sale income will primarily give support to the community center facility.

Zumba for beginners and repeaters is beginning again at the High Prairie Community Center (701 Struck Road) on Saturdays at 10 a.m. There is no charge and anyone is welcome who wants to have fun exercising to Latin American music!