Letter: Inn leaves behind fond memories

The “End of the Lion for hotel sign” article was a bit sad for me (The Columbian, May 6).

Way back in 1960, when the Inn at the Quay opened, I remember my parents getting all gussied up for important parties held there by the company my father worked for, General Construction, who did sub-contracting on the piling that held up this beautiful edifice.

Mom and Dad were also proud to take out-of-town relatives to the beautiful new restaurant, at a time in which Portland/Vancouver restaurant choices were not as many as we have today.

I’ll never forget how one’s level of sophistication was measured by one’s ability to correctly pronounce “quay.”

The sign and the structure can be removed, but nothing will take away those fond memories of me as a little kid being so proud of my fancy parents stepping out for a big night at a brand spanking new restaurant, which will now only live in our happy recollections; even though parts of it will be reused, which is wonderful.

So, Inn at the Quay, as Bob Hope used to sing, “Thanks for the memories!”