Today, many Portland visitors put Powell's - advertised as the "City of Books" - at the top of their list of sites to see when they stop in the Rose City. Thankfully, we still have popular small independent bookshops, libraries, and a thriving writing community. And - like in so many other places in the … Continue reading Portland Pipe and Book Club
Old Oregon
Biddle’s Rock: A beacon of the gorge
The Columbia River Gorge. Isn't it true, no matter how many times we have traveled along the banks of the Columbia River as it weaves its way through this geologic rich gorge: we are awestruck? We are eager to show it off to those new to Oregon and it inspires us when we are lucky … Continue reading Biddle’s Rock: A beacon of the gorge
From William Stafford to George Rogers and back again
The stretch of the Willamette River adjacent to the trail connecting West Linn's River Road with Lake Oswego's George Rogers Park fills me with calm no matter what is happening in my life or the world around me. It is a stretch that set off my tears for months while riding to work after my … Continue reading From William Stafford to George Rogers and back again
Rights and responsibilities: Jury duty anyone?
Header photo caption: Crowd of women register for jury duty after gaining the right to vote, Portland, Oregon, 1912. Members of crowd include Marie Equi and [presumed from context of photo in source!] Abigail Scott Duniway. 1912 Source OPB, Author: Gardiner P. Bissel, Oregon Journal Just two hours into my time awaiting possible jury duty this week, I … Continue reading Rights and responsibilities: Jury duty anyone?
Early Portland and the flying pigskin
I really don't care much about football. This is not a claim I make lightly in Duck and Seahawk country. Sure, I was excited when our local West Linn High team won state, as they did just last month, or when my brother's team won the state title four decades ago. But really, unless I … Continue reading Early Portland and the flying pigskin
Of blizzards, snow drifts and ice
I have always loved snow. When I was little, I imagined having a winter as Laura Ingalls in the Little House in the Big Woods - sitting under blankets with a horse drawn sleigh. Or as Laura in The Long Winter - digging a tunnel through the snow to get to the livestock in the … Continue reading Of blizzards, snow drifts and ice
Looking back to move ahead
Last month, Portland was lucky to host film producer Dave DeSario as he screened his film A Day's Work. This 2015 tearjerker documentary shares the horrific story of 21-year old Day Davis who lost his life on his first day of work as a temporary worker at a Bacardi bottling plant. During the discussion that preceded … Continue reading Looking back to move ahead
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
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 featuring Dick Curtis as the Oregon Trooper. https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=iigxaFBTAZ4 (Updated note: Longtime actor and comedian Dick Curtis died September 2023 at age 95. Read more about … Continue reading Do you remember Henry?
Dede's Books and blog 