05/25/2026
History Tidbit
In 1945, the members of the Narcissa Garden Club decided to take on a project to create what they described as “A Living Memorial” to the boys who had given their lives in World War II. During 1946 and 1947, members of the Club raised funds through flower and food sales and donations to meet the goal of $2,000. More support was offered by the City of Ilwaco, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, local businesses, and others.
Work on the site for the memorial began in May 1946 when members of the Bear Troop of Boy Scouts gathered at the Black Lake location to clear and burn debris in preparation for placement of the native-rock monument designed by Charles Fitzpatrick, Ocean Park.
In 1947, the Memorial was dedicated with much fanfare. The Ilwaco Tribune reported that “Mrs. Vernon Brumbach, Narcissa Club president, conducted the program, opening with America sung by the assembly, and led by Chas. Doupe with Mrs. Stuart Harder at the portable organ. Rev. Harold Dixon of Ocean Park Methodist Church gave the invocation, followed by Mrs. Brumbach's welcome, and introduction of Gold Star mothers, each presented with a large gold-colored chrysanthemum corsage. Introduced and speaking briefly was Long Beach Mayor Geo. J. Buri, representing the Spanish American War Veterans; E.B. Sires for the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Ilwaco’s Mayor Norman A. Howerton representing the American Legion.” The rest of the program consisted of songs and speeches culminating in a firing squad salute from Tongue Point Naval Base and the playing of taps.
The Black Lake Memorial stood alone by the side of the highway for 45 years. In 1991, members of the Don R. Grable Post 48 of the American Legion, led by Commander Derald Robertson, proposed an additional monument to honor the Peninsula men and women who have died in service with the U.S. Coast Guard. The memorial shares a similar design with the original WWII memorial but is built from Camas rock, the same material used to construct the North Jetty. Working alongside members of the Charles B. Strauhal Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3721, funds were raised, and the memorial was completed. A dedication ceremony was held on May 17, 1992.
The Black Lake Memorial continues to serve as the site of American Legion and VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) ceremonies on Memorial Day and Veterans' Day.
Monday, there are ceremonies at the following locations: Veterans' Park Surfside - 8:00 am; Oysterville Cemetery - 8:30 am; Ocean Park Cemetery - 9:00 am; Lone Fir Cemetery - 10:00 am; Ilwaco Cemetery - 11:00 am; and Black Lake Memorial - 12 Noon. (Times are approximate.)
Sources: CPHM files; The Ilwaco Tribune
CPHM Charles Fitzpatrick Photo Collection: War Memorial, Black Lake, Ilwaco
CPHM Summer hours are Wednesday - Sunday, 10 am - 4 pm.
Admission is FREE, thanks to the Port of Ilwaco and our Rising Tide Members.
