Holy Toledo

Tucked into the store fronts which line Toledo, Oregon’s Main Street is a little-known holy place. At least some of Toledo’s “faithful” think it’s a “hallowed hole in the wall.”
But, the Holy Toledo tavern is more than just another revered watering hole to those who enter its sacred halls. High priestess & owner, Jackie, told me that services are usually full of faithful worshippers.
This church is very understanding of differences in doctrine and allow their brethren (like me) who have switched to “unleaded” libations to worship with them; offering us ice cold Odoul’s.
The sanctuary has its icon of their patron saint, Saint Hamm (shown here) along with sacred writings from such learned names as Budwiser, Coors, Miller, Heineken and of course, Saint Pauli Girl.
Rumours were going around that a new high priest had come to the shrine. But, it turned aut he was only an itinerate preacher filling in for Jackie while she was ill.
Things are back to normal now and you are invited to their Friday night praise & worship service.

Toledo Wooden Boat Show

They have been building wooden boats in Toledo since the photo above was taken in the late 1800’s
The last week each August the town celebrates this heritage by “floating their boat(s).” Below are some examples of their handiwork this year.

Newport’s Mayor confirms existence of Yaquina City PU!

As I was strolling through Toledo’s exhibit of wooden boat technology I spied the Rail Road exhibit. As this rail line features prominently in my Tales from Yaquina City articles, I had to check it out.
After touring several cars I came to the mail car where a volunteer host struck up a conversation with me. He introduced himself as Bill Bain, Mayor of Newport, much to my embarrassment at not recognizing him.
As our conversation continued I was explaining my love for Yaquina City when he interjected that even though he was not running for re-election in Newport, some wanted him to run for mayor of Toledo AND Newport. Once elected, he went on, they would combine the two cities and call it “Yaquina City.” …See, I’m not crazy.Seems the Parallel Universe (PU) is making its presence known even at the highest levels of local government.