Culture

A 1990 study by Scott Thomas concludes that Grays Harbor ranks sixth in the entire United States, for the area's beauty, amusement and recreation.

Theater and Music

Grays Harbor County is awash in local talent. Almost every weekend brings a choice of performances throughout the year. And access to big-city productions is within a pleasant drive. Although many of the local performing groups are comprised of volunteers, the level of talent and skill in performance are extraordinary. Some of the regular performance theaters include:

  • The Bishop Center for the Performing Arts at Grays Harbor College provides regular performances in its modern 440 seat theater. In addition to performances by the Grays Harbor Symphony Orchestra and the Grays Harbor Civic Choir, programs include ballet, opera, jazz, theater, classical and popular music, lectures and family attractions.
  • The Driftwood Theatre is home to the Driftwood Players, a volunteer theatre company that presents five plays during the year that play for one month each.
  • The Elma Theatre is a 600 seat theater that is now home to the Elma Children's Theater Association.
  • The 7th Street Theatre was built in 1928 to accommodate both vaudeville and motion pictures. Numerous productions are now performed regularly throughout the year.
  • The Quinault Resort in Ocean Shores offers performances by nationally recognized singers and musicians year-round.

Libraries

The Timberland Regional Library is a unique system of 27 branch libraries ranging over five western Washington counties. The library system offers computer access to its collection of 1.2 million books and other materials available through interlibrary loans. The Hoquiam Timberland Library is particularly proud of its beautiful Carnegie Library facility. The John Spellman Library at Grays Harbor College provides changing art exhibits that are open to the public.

Museums

There are numerous museums throughout the region including:

  • The Aberdeen Museum of History in Aberdeen has special exhibits featuring turn-of-the-century photos, artifacts, furnishings and implements.
  • The Chehalis Historical Museum in Montesano was built as a Scandinavian Lutheran church in 1906. It provides displays of historical artifacts.
  • The McCleary Museum in McCleary displays historical photographs, artifacts an seasonal exhibits.
  • The Polson Museum in Hoquiam is a 26 room, restored mansion containing antiques and area history.
  • The Westport Maritime Museum in Westport was a Coast Guard station built in 1940. It features photographs and artifacts of shipwrecks, Coast guard life, whale skeletons and a functioning class #1 (the largest made) Fresnel lighthouse lens. Separate rooms are devoted to the Timber, Fishing and Cranberry industries.
rehershal at Bishop center.

Services

Financial, Insurance and Real Estate

Within Grays Harbor County, there are 11 banks and savings and loans located in 35 offices. There are also 7 public and private credit unions in 12 offices, 5 mortgage companies and 6 investment offices. Insurance is handled by over 40 insurance offices representing most insurance companies and insurance types. There are also over 20 real estate companies with branch offices located throughout the county.

Health Care

Grays Harbor is home to more than 100 physicians, dentists, chiropractors and pharmacists. Over 500 emergency responders provide access to 2 hospitals, 4 nursing homes and several clinics.

The Grays Harbor Community Hospital located in Aberdeen, is a 259 bed, Level 3 Trauma care facility with a New state-of-the-art 24/7 Emergency Department. Services include cardio care, a family birthing center, a newly remodeled Imaging Department with a 64-slice CT Scanner, and many other healthcare services.

Mark Reed Hospital on the east side of the county in McCleary is a 25 bed facility offering emergency, lab, x-ray, inpatient and primary care clinics.

The county's clinics provide cardiology, allergy, dermatology, pulmonary, nephrology, endoscope, oncology and pain care. Patients needing more specialized care are transported by ambulance or life flight to Olympia and Seattle hospitals. There are more than 500 long-term nursing care beds available throughout our County.

Public Transportation

The Grays Harbor Transportation Authority provides a county-wide bus transit system connecting the entire county with daily bus schedules. Residents and visitors alike praise the system for its service, efficiency and Dial-a-Ride convenience.

Taxi service is available in population centers and many car dealers provide late model rental cars at very reasonable rates.

Worship

There are 104 churches in Grays Harbor County representing a variety of faiths and beliefs.

Media

In addition to local and mail deliver of out-of-area and national newspapers, the area enjoys several fine local papers. The area also receives a full range of private and public radio broadcasts in addition to those generated locally. Coast Communications in Ocean Shores and Comcast Cable in the remainder of the county provide more than 150 cable TV channels.

Newspaper and radio stations

GH Index

"I was born, raised and educated in Grays Harbor County and have owned and operated a business here.

It's not only a friendly place to open a business, it's a great place to live, work and play. Raising a family in Grays Harbor is a slow-paced, positive experience.

Think of Grays Harbor as an undiscovered, underutilized, reasonably priced surprise. I love it."

Dennis Morrisette
Former County Commissioner