USCG Color Guard raises flag on new pole

Daughter Sharon Fritts Drew addresses the crowd. Helen Fritts, widow of Chief Billie Fritts is seated to her left.

This year's observance featured a special celebration at the Port Orford Lifeboat Station museum.  A new flagpole was dedicated to the memory of Chief Petty Officer Billie E. Fritts.  The Society is grateful to Coast Guard Air Station North Bend for providing a color guard for the event.

Chief Fritts was assigned to the Port Orford Lifeboat Station during World War II - his family, 21 of whom were present at the ceremony, has endowed the museum with the flagpole in his honor.  Chief Fritts passed away in 1983, but he remains one of the central figures in the station's history.

Jim Davenport presents gift of his art work to Society president Viola Cuatt

The Coast Guard art show featuring Coos Bay artist Jim Davenport was a big hit with the crowd.  Jim placed his original oils and framed prints on canvas throughout the crew quarters (museum) building.  Jim is affiliated with the Cottonwood Studios Art Gallery in Coos Bay, and can be reached at 541-267-2448. 

Jim, a member of Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 51 (Coos Bay), donated one of his works to the Point Orford Heritage Society in recognition of today's event, and presented Mrs Helen Fritts with a print of the USCG bark Eagle for her upcoming 84th birthday.

Lt Col Rick Francona, USAF (Ret) acknowledges Mrs Hinderlie's gift

During the ceremony, Mrs Pat Hinderlie, widow of Chief Warrant Officer Art Hinderlie, a former officer in charge of the Port Orford Lifeboat Station, donated the flag used at CWO Hinderlie's funeral.  The Society appreciates this generous gift of a unique piece of station history.