A few weeks ago I phoned Salem resident Sybil Westenhouse to learn more about our family history. Although we had never met or talked before, Sybil was friendly, and pleased to talk about old Oregon and Salem. Sybil Westenhouse comes from an old Oregon farming family, but grew up in Salem. On the phone, I … Continue reading Ode to Sybil
Month: October 2016
Politics and elections: then and now
As most any politician will likely profess, it's hard to imagine how your life may change when you enter the political arena - even in small towns in Oregon. And as a First Lady, I am now convinced that those of us who are married to someone in public office should be warned ahead of time … Continue reading Politics and elections: then and now
Winding and carving
All 187 miles of the Willamette River meander through Oregon on its journey to the Columbia, forming the Columbia River's largest tributary. My geologist husband was once incredulous some 35 years ago, when he learned that my only "C" grade ever was from Dave Alt's Introduction to Geology class at the University of Montana. I … Continue reading Winding and carving
Old time radio is coming your way!
I've been thinking about radio a lot lately as I delve into old family history and try to imagine the book chats my grandfather, Richard Gill Montgomery, Sr., provided by radio in early Portland. Many early Portlanders recognized his voice for years as he hosted the chats beginning on KGW from 1925-1933, and KEX from … Continue reading Old time radio is coming your way!
Do you remember Henry?
If you were living in Portland in the 1970's like me, you might remember the Henry Weinhard commercial about the fictitious Schludwiller Beer: California beer attempting an Oregon border crossing. Or, maybe you know enough history to remember that Henry Weinhard, after immigrating to the U.S. from Germany, eventually settled in Portland where he bought … Continue reading Do you remember Henry?
Baseball, bandages and an irony
Late this past August, as I rested on my couch with an elephant-sized bandage on my foot, I decided I would proceed to self-publish my memoir. In fact, just the day before I had crutched out to the mail box against the advice of my surgeon, donning a backpack to carry the mail. I leaned … Continue reading Baseball, bandages and an irony
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