Memaloose, Island of the Dead, from the Memaloose rest stop on Interstate-84. Each June for the past decade I've driven the Columbia Gorge Highway, from Portland to Eastern Oregon, to attend a conference for my "day job." (You know, the one that pays for most everything in my life.) The first few years I continued … Continue reading Before the Oregon Trail
Old Oregon
From Zidell to Illahee: put these bunks to bed
I will admit that rarely has a bunk bed been my favored, most comfortable sleeping spot. Decades ago a fall from my brother's top bunk led to a jagged, sloppily sewn scar I still wear today, created after I struck the corner of a dresser drawer. A decade or so later, I suffered through nights … Continue reading From Zidell to Illahee: put these bunks to bed
River stories
My new friend, author Robin Cody, suggested he was my Clackamas River Cousin, the one I didn’t know I had. The one related not by blood but of water, of rivers that run and pool, and carry us from today to tomorrow. How is it I had not discovered his writing until now? As I … Continue reading River stories
West Linn Ignite strikes again
You have another opportunity later this month to join West Linn Historical Society at the (now we can say popular) Ignite West Linn: History on Fire. This dynamic and lively fast-paced event providing glimpses into history will begin at 4pm on Sunday, July 29 at the Willamette Ale & Cider House, and run until approximately 5:30pm. Ignite presenters get … Continue reading West Linn Ignite strikes again
Willamette Falls Locks reimagined today
How many in our bursting metro area know much about our aged Willamette Falls Locks? Ask a longtime local and they'll fill your ear. The Locks opened on New Year's Day 1873 and were operated by several owners prior to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' purchase from Portland Railway Light and Power Company in … Continue reading Willamette Falls Locks reimagined today
Columbia River Bar Pilots: A job like no other
Shortly after my dad died I received a phone call at work from a staff person with the Oregon Board of Maritime Pilots. For the first minute of the call I assumed that this man was calling to offer his condolences about Dad. For, after all - it was widely known that the men and … Continue reading Columbia River Bar Pilots: A job like no other
Ignite West Linn: History on fire
The West Linn Historical Society is pleased to introduce Ignite West Linn: History on Fire next Sunday, January 21 at 2pm. This hour-long event will precede the Society's annual meeting, and offer dynamic and lively fast-paced glimpses into history. Ignite presenters get 20 slides which automatically advance every 15 seconds. Join us to participate and … Continue reading Ignite West Linn: History on fire
Oregon’s past in a deck of cards
Last summer I blogged about the "Portland and Columbia River souvenir playing cards" I was gifted by my Boston friend Jack. Upon the advice of a staff member at the Oregon Historical Society, I scanned the 52 cards, each with a unique image. The cards hold a copyright date of 1909 by the U.S. Playing … Continue reading Oregon’s past in a deck of cards
Maps for Mary
My good friend Mary sent me a short text the other day while she was in the middle of reading My Music Man. "I need a map in the book!! 2nd edition!" I have to be honest: At the time, I was quite satisfied to produce both a family tree and an organized list of … Continue reading Maps for Mary
The Falls: History, stories and lamprey
Willamette Falls. Last week was sprinkled with references and stories about this powerful local cascade. Our Willamette Falls. Its beauty and history poked and prodded at me so many times during the week. Each moment linking the past with the now. It began with an unforgettable memorial service for our dear friend, Chris, in the … Continue reading The Falls: History, stories and lamprey
Dede's Books and blog 