Like magic, the rain stopped.  The balloons went up, the signs were posted, the musicians arrived,  and the party began.  It all went by in a happy blur of laughter and hugs and greetings — old friends from afar and promises to get together when we can “really talk!”  Cookies to die for, cakes to choose between, bubbly galore! Docents took groups on house tours, Ute introduced the cannon salute on her German Hunting Horn, badminton and petanque and croquet were in play.  There was even a song written especially for the house!

SYDNEY & NYEL’S HOUSE BIRTHDAY SONG

by Cate and Starla Gable
(to the tune of “I’ve Got A Mule and Her Name is Sal”)

There once was a house, we don’t know her name
150 years on the Willapa Bay

She’s a good old house with a good old frame
150 years on the Willapa Bay

She’s grown some children in her day
Four generations, come what may

And every year there’s more to say
150 years on the Willapa Bay

(chorus)
High roof, highest in the town
Four doors with lots of people comin’ round

Well you always know your neighbors
Their stories and their ways
if you’ve ever lived for decades on the Willapa Bay

In 1852 the Crellins came to stay
150 years on the Willapa Bay

One brother built a house with another on the way
150 years on the Willapa Bay

Four doors, we always got around
in boats or on horses, or walking into town

And every year there’s more to say
150 years on the Willapa Bay

(chorus)
High roof, lots of gingerbread
Once it was a dairy now it’s even got a head

Yes you’ll always know your neighbors
Their stories and their ways
if you’ve ever lived for decades on the Willapa Bay

Great grandfather Espy bought the little house
150 years on the Willapa Bay

He filled it full of preachers, and one of them was Crouch
150 years on the Willapa Bay

Then Sydney and Nyel got married on this ground
They surprised their inlaws when the party came to town

And every year there’s more to say
150 years on the Willapa Bay

(chorus)
High roof, highest in the town
Four doors with lots of people comin’ round

The house has looked on lovingly
through every single day
Now we celebrate its birthday on the Willapa Bay

(repeat)

Yes, the house has looked on lovingly
through every single day
now we celebrate its birthday on the Willapa Bay

It was, indeed a Grand Affair!  We had a glorious time!