Food & beverages, community gathering spots set the scene for the good life

Ihope R.A. Long is not turning over in his grave. The official centennial year of Longview is now here and, as we celebrate all things Longview, the growth of food and drinking establishments may give Mr. Long some consternation. But not to worry. The progressive Long was open to change and new ideas, anything that would improve the quality of life in his city. Yes, he was a teetotaler himself, but he was also a realist. A lot has changed since the days of drunken bars, taverns, gangsters, and rabble rousers. We now have public houses, tap rooms, wineries, and classy bars all over town.

It has been 90 years since the National Prohibition Act ended in 1933, one year before Long died. I’m sure this would have been devastating to him at the time, as Long was a highly religious man. However, I think if he would have lived, he would have realized that the negative effects of a ‘dry’ society would give way to a more realistic approach to the use and demand for alcoholic beverages and their benefits to society, even in the religious community.

In an article published in the Cowlitz County Historical Quarterly in 2013, Cowlitz County Undersheriff Darren Ullmann puts it, “Alcohol is as American as baseball and apple pie. We use alcohol in celebration, and we glamorize its use. ... The more they tried to suppress it, the more criminal activity that bubbled to the surface.”

There has never been a more glamorous time to enjoy and experience good food and drink in our community. All you must do is look around and see the changing landscape in the Lower Columbia area. Log on to Facebook and join the group ‘what’s happening in Longview and Kelso’ or ‘Takeout & Dine-in - Cowlitz County,’ both of which promote small businesses in the area. (Editor’s note: And in a pinch you can always consult the Columbia River Dining Guide, page 28; Calendar of Events, page 36-37; and the content and ads in CRR!)

I believe this trend of creating spaces where people can come together and enjoy good food and drink is just getting started. The need for public places is only growing in response to the isolation and unsatisfying nature of virtual life. Yes, it is here to stay, but it doesn’t have to be the only reality we experience. In fact, for our community to thrive, we need to connect in real time.

But this is not only true for drinking and eating establishments; it is also true for the growth of all public spaces. Mr. Long cared about these spaces. Our city leaders could do more for the community by spending more time and money on adding to Long’s legacy of tree-lined boulevards and beautiful gathering places than immediate problems that end up taking so much time with little lasting results. Where do we want to be in the future?

Another “plus” for community spaces is the dialogue that can happen there. It’s hard to let the things that divide us take over when we are walking the dog, playing with the kids, and talking to one another out where our real lives intersect. We are blessed to have an abundance of grange halls, parks, festivals, clubs, historic buildings, and restaurants and bars. I’m seeing the restaurant and drinking establishments take over as the go-to places to gather for book clubs, discussion groups, music concerts, and political activities, not to mention memorial services, weddings, and class reunions.

What would Long think of that? I’m proud to be a writer and advocate for responsible citizenship. In my humble view, alcohol can play a positive role in creating the climate for constructive conversation that will bring us closer. If I’m right, Mr. Long would be resting in peace, knowing his town is in good hands. •••

Longview resident and former Kelso teacher Marc Roland started making wine in 2008 in his garage. He and his wife, Nancy, now operate Roland Wines at 1106 Florida Street in Longview’s new “barrel district.” For wine tasting hours, call 360-846-7304.