OYSTERVILLE, Wash. Two young men, only recently arrived from the East Coast, paddled cautiously through fog that Wednesday morning in April 1854. They had a rendezvous with Old Klickeas on the west side of Shoalwater Bay. They were on time, but they hadnt bargained on the smoky nor-wester that had enveloped them suddenly and completely.

Isaac Clark and Robert Espy, one a staunch Methodist and the other a devout Baptist, decided to pray. They had barely composed their thoughts when they heard a rhythmic thumping off the bow to the left. Following the sound, they soon arrived at a salt marsh where they found Klickeas beating a pine knot on a hollow log.

The next morning, Klickeas kept the promise he had made to Espy the previous autumn. Leading the men out on the tide flats, he showed them reef upon reef of little native oysters as far as the eye could see, Espy would later relate.

Later that same day, Espy and Clark began cutting alders for a 10-by-12-foot log cabin that the Indians helped them erect not far from the salt marsh where they had come ashore the previous day. And so Oysterville began!

On Saturday, April 12, this year, Oysterville will celebrate that event, which is considered the founding of the town 160 years ago. Festivities will begin in the historic Oysterville Church, located at 33590 Territory Road, at 11 a.m. with a welcome by Tucker Wachsmuth, Oysterville Restoration president, and a re-enactment of Espy and Clarks rendezvous with Klickeas by Shoalwater Storytellers Dave Immel and Kitt Fleming.

Included in the program will be Music a la 1854 by Oystervillians past and present Katherine Holway Smith and Bradley Huson. They promise an audience sing-along, as well. Think Stephen Foster, says Huson.

The Honorary Oysterville Militia will be on hand to fire off their cannon, a replica 1841 mountain howitzer, purchased for the celebration of Oystervilles sesquicentennial in 2004. According to T.H.O.M. General Nyel Stevens, Oysterville had a cannon back in the early days. It was ever used in an adversarial situation only to add solemnity or excitement to important occasions.

The day will conclude with a potluck picnic at noon in the Oysterville Schoolhouse, where attendees will be encouraged to share their Oysterville Stories recent memories or, perhaps, tales told to them of the pioneer days when Oysterville was the county seat. Bring a beverage and a dish to share.

The public is encouraged to attend and participate in the days festivities. Its another history-making opportunity here in Oysterville! says resident Sydney Stevens. Come join the fun!