Before we get to the topic of Wallace, a bit about this blog. Early on I suspected someday I'd run out of content; yet so far something has flown into my brain nearly a couple of times each month. The seeds for most often take root as I walk - capturing phrases and key points … Continue reading Wallace remembered
Old Oregon
Pondering privilege
Earlier this summer I was invited by the West Linn Public Library and the West Linn Alliance to participate in an interview for a time capsule project called "Celebrate our Stories." Because the interviews were done on the same day, but not as part of the City's Juneteenth Event, I wasn't certain I would participate. … Continue reading Pondering privilege
Portland shipyards, trades and women
I’m certain it is because of Dad’s love affair with our Willamette and Columbia Rivers past and present, that I too feel tied to Oregon’s river highway stories, and those that happened at their banks. Perhaps, more than Dad, I am aware of the environmental and cultural leftovers from some of those bygone eras. It … Continue reading Portland shipyards, trades and women
Preserving Old Oregon: A tribute to John Klatt
John Klatt from Old Oregon website. Our community mourns, celebrates and shares tributes to a special man, John Klatt. I'm not sure exactly when I first met John, or whether it was his wife Jody who I met first. What I do know for sure about this friend: he was beloved by his friends, family … Continue reading Preserving Old Oregon: A tribute to John Klatt
A story hidden in the mist
Lake Oswego Log Hoist building, Sept. 2020 (NOTE: Are you reading this in January of 2023? I'd love to know how you found it on Facebook! Feel free to let me know in the comments - thanks!! DDM) I suspect only those most familiar with this special stretch of the Willamette River can readily identify … Continue reading A story hidden in the mist
A tribute to Clackamas County
This is the first week in awhile I haven't been able to distract myself from all that is going on to continue to focus on my Work in Progress. Most days, even with COVID-19, I get to my day job stuff early in the morning so to try to leave some brain space for late … Continue reading A tribute to Clackamas County
Oaks Park: Portland’s Coney Island on the Willamette
This photograph, taken by F. Sowell around 1912, shows Edward Klees pulling taffy at Oaks Amusement Park. Image credit: Oregon History Project. My oldest memory tied to Portland's Oaks Park mostly reminds me of the Don McLean song American Pie. When it was first popular on the radio, early in the 1970s, I was an … Continue reading Oaks Park: Portland’s Coney Island on the Willamette
In appreciation of Oregon’s Century Farms
Fiala Farms Note: I wrote this blog earlier this year, but never posted it. It was one of three blogs I either crafted or updated to complete the topics I felt needed to be represented in my February 2020 released e-book: THEN, NOW, AND IN-BETWEEN: Place, Memories, and Loss in Oregon. Today, while on a … Continue reading In appreciation of Oregon’s Century Farms
Oregon, football and stadiums: a recap
When I first wrote the blog Early Portland and the flying pigskin I had no idea I was merely scratching the surface of this fascinating topic. And, whereas I frequently remind folks that I am no historian, I do find the stories I have learned to be an interesting and welcoming distraction during these times … Continue reading Oregon, football and stadiums: a recap
Zoom back to the future for football
Photo courtesy of the Multnomah Athletic Club Since you’re watching rerun sporting events on television, why not join the West Linn Historical Society to learn about football and its earliest roots in Oregon? Who were those first football players in Portland and where did they play? When was the first college game played in Oregon, … Continue reading Zoom back to the future for football