Hoki Moir tells about the birth of Hoquiam Loggers Playday

The city of Hoquiam will celebrate its 60th iteration of Hoquiam Loggers Playday. The yearly logging-themed day is important for the residents and visitors alike.

Here’s how it all started, according to Moir, a man who has played an instrumental role for many years with Hoquiam Loggers Playday (HLP). Moir is a longstanding committee member.

The day’s formation started in 1965 with a wonder of how to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the city, which was founded May 21, 1890. The idea turned into a plan, with Hoquiam’s then-Mayor Roland “Omar” Youmans talking to two men — who had been part of successful logging shows outside of Hoquiam — Jack Reynvaan and Bill Anthony.

But for a city named Hoquiam — which translates to “Hungry for Wood,” according to the Washington state Secretary of State’s office — it was clear the city deserved something similar, especially since Hoquiam’s roots are in the timber industry.

Reynvaan and Anthony agreed and they got help from many local loggers and businessmen to aid the endeavor.

Fifty-nine years later, HLP has turned into a city-wide extravaganza. Yearly, there are many vendors, open restaurants and bars, and family-friendly events such as the pancake breakfast in the early hours, the Hoquiam Elks Grand Parade at noon, and the delicious salmon bake for lunch and dinner — 2 to 7 p.m. — which makes Saturday even better.

Back to when it started

Hoquiam Loggers Playday started at Hoquiam’s Emerson Field on Sept. 18, 1965, which was the second Saturday after Labor Day that year. Eleven days later, Youmans wrote to Omar Parker, who was the acting secretary of the event.

“Dear Omar,

Because of the gratifying interest shown in your recent logging show, I have been requested to call a meeting to bring together men who would like to see this show become a yearly event. I would appreciate meeting with you Tuesday evening, Oct. 5, 1965, at 7:30 p.m., in the Hoquiam City Council chambers. Very truly yours, (Roland) Youmans, Mayor.”

The called meeting led to the first official meeting for what turned into Hoquiam Loggers Playday, Inc., allowed the creation of by-laws and incorporated the organization, according to Moir.

“The meeting took place on Oct. 12, 1965 in (Hoquiam) City Hall with 13 founding members in attendance, each donating $20 to open the first bank account,” states Moir.

All paperwork from that meeting was filed with the state of Washington, and Hoquiam Loggers Playday, Inc., was incorporated on Nov. 4, 1965 at 2:55 p.m.

Huge history celebration

Molly Marks, co-chair of the Publicity Committee for Hoquiam Loggers Playday, spoke briefly about how much she loves the day.

“(What) I love most about Loggers Playday is how the whole community comes together to celebrate our history,” Marks said. “A lot of time and work from many volunteers makes this event possible, but seeing the smiles and excitement on the faces of the next generation makes it all worthwhile.”

Signature event

John Larson, director of the Polson Museum in Hoquiam, said as far as a community in America or the world, there “usually” is some form of signature community event that shapes the community.

“Hoquiam Loggers Playday is that one event,” Larson said.

Larson called Hoquiam Loggers Playday “the signature event in Hoquiam.”

“The history we have here with logging and saw-milling and a timber-related economy, that’s where Loggers Playday is so important in celebration that connection to history, as well as to our current economy as well,” Larson said. “It’s a nice bridge between our past and our present.”

Thankful

Moir said he is “thankful.”

“I’m incredibly thankful that Mayor (Roland) Omar Youmans and the founders of Hoquiam Loggers Playday worked together to make our show an annual event rather than a one-time affair,” Moir said Tuesday afternoon. “The fact that our small community has hosted this incredible event for 60 years, and that I get to be a part of it, makes me proud of my Hoquiam roots.”

Carrying a legacy

Don Bell III, who has emceed the event for the last 27 years and been part of Hoquiam Loggers Playday for 33 years, spoke about what the event means to him. His grandfather, Don Bell, was one of the 13 founding members when Hoquiam Loggers Playday started. Bell III spoke about what the No. 1 thing he loves the most about Hoquiam Loggers Playday.

“It brings people together,” Bell III said. “And when you bring people together, you can put together a cause, have a lot of fun, and give the proceeds back to the community, especially the kids. That’s the most important thing about Loggers Playday. It’s about giving back and having fun while you’re doing it.”

Bell III spoke about continuing his grandfather’s legacy.

“It feels absolutely amazing,” Bell III said. “I think every person in their life questions what their purpose is. This is the one thing in my life that I know I was put on this Earth to do, is to stand in front of a crowd and be a part of something to give back. It’s where I feel like I’m supposed to be. As hard as it is to do and as much work as it is, it is my absolute most favorite thing that I will ever do in my life. I love serving the people.”

Contact Reporter Matthew N. Wells at matthew.wells@thedailyworld.com.

Bob Peterson 1965 Loggers’ Playday view of playday at Emerson Field.