Oregon150

Natives

M.J. Damewood
the Past

by M.J.  Damewood
Portland, OR
We call ourselves Natives. With no clear definition of what makes us so. We’ve been here longer than you. Can remember when that corner used to be this and when that strip mall used to be a meadow. There is a compulsion that motivates our fervent pride. We are the keepers of [...]

The Natural History of Ashland’s Landmark Hotel

Karolina Wyszynska
Ashland

Karolina Wyszynska
Ashland, OR
Just twelve years ago in November 1997 the old Mark Antony- Ashland’s neglected landmark hotel, originally known as the Lithia Springs Hotel and once the tallest structure between San Francisco and Portland- closed its doors and was boarded up. That was a cold winter that followed and the spirit of the vacant [...]

American Women in History

Liz Anderson
Champoeg

by Liz Anderson
Salem, OR
As Oregonians spend this year celebrating the 150th birthday of our State, it is only fitting that we recognize the citizens who have helped preserve our history.
The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution acknowledges the outstanding contributions of women through their Women in American History Project. DAR Chapters [...]

Susan Lindsay’s Oregon Story

Susan Lindsay
Portland

Listen to Susan Lindsay’s Oregon Story, as told to Jill Severson on Statehood Day, February 14th, 2009.

Grape Lane Poultry Farm, An Original Oregon Pioneer Farm

Jayne Miller
Turner, OR

by Jayne Miller
Jefferson, OR

Grape Lane Poultry Farm is an original Oregon Pioneer Farm settled first by the Calapulia and next by William Frazer on the first wagon train to Oregon in 1843. In 1901 the first permitted building was constructed. A rare and still standing 2-story brooder chicken house. In 1915 my [...]

Journey to Damascus

Sue Fagalde Lick
Damascus, OR

By Sue Fagalde Lick
South Beach, OR

I sit cross-legged on a dry patch of grass in the Damascus Pioneer Cemetery and introduce myself to Refucia Maria Alviso and Jean Fagalde, my great-great grandparents on my dad’s father’s side. My husband Fred and I, California refugees, only live three hours away in South Beach, but it took [...]

The Reverend Robert Robe

Marcia Allen
Oregon

by Marcia Allen
Cottage Grove, OR
Born October 10, 1822 In Ohio, he was the youngest in a family of three sons and five daughters raised by a father who was an active church worker and a strict disciplinarian, as well as a large landowner.
He attended Western [...]

Preachers, Teachers, Loggers, Farmers [& Astronauts]

Jim Allen
Oregon

by James Edward Allen
Tigard, OR
That I attended college at University of Oregon is a coincidence of geography, since I was born & reared near Cottage Grove [at the southern end of the Willamette Valley]. That I went to college at all is no accident, but it certainly wasn’t automatic, either. I come from [...]

My Oregon Story: Governor Barbara Roberts

Gov. Barbara Roberts
Winston, OR

by Governor Barbara Roberts
Portland, OR

As Oregon prepares to celebrate our 150th anniversary of statehood, my head is filled
with so many stories and memories I would like to share. However, I have selected a
personal story of a family search that seems perfect for this year of state celebration.
My family came to Oregon on the [...]

Hillwriting, Grande Ronde Valley: A Poem

Sandra Ellston
La Grande

by Sandra Ellston
Seal Rock, OR
Melt away the excess.
Make invisible what cannot signify.
Leave canyons of plenitude and
gullies of mystical metaphor.
Tattoo arcana, kabbalah,
on slopes of papyrus-to-be.
Make readers of walkers,
new-fangled pilgrims, eyes raised,
parsing your truth with awe.
On these hills that cradle
us, valley of peace, soon
to be cherry-stained, mint-
washed, odorous sweetness
swathing still-pioneers in
Hot Lake mists, now just
waking to words [...]

Timberline Lodge - A Place in History

Jon Tullis
Timberline Lodge

by Jon Tullis
Timberline Lodge
Government Camp, OR

Timberline Lodge is one of Oregon’s 16 National Historic Landmarks. Ordinarily, properties need to be 50 years old to be considered for this important designation. It is felt that time must pass to consider significance. That makes sense when you consider the term “historic” and remember that these landmarks are [...]