Yes, I have finished my manuscript. I wonder how many versions and changes I have saved in the process of writing this book? Which leads me to realize, that although I wasn't introduced to a personal computer until I was in graduate school - I simply can't imagine finishing a manuscript without one. I was so … Continue reading Pen, typewriter, computer
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
It’s because of the mayor
Now I didn't want to make a big deal about this during campaign season, but I imagine with the elections over, I am free to speak my mind. For after all, how often do we political spouses really get to share the gritty stuff? And you - my handful of readers - will be … Continue reading It’s because of the mayor
Government and secession: now and then
Moving through this emotionally charged 2016 Election Week, I am reminded of the book Ecotopia.When I read it as a Portland high school student in 1975, I was encouraged by what seemed progressive community thinking. This classic 1975 "cult" novel by Ernest Callenbach seemed to address my fears about environmental degradation of the land I … Continue reading Government and secession: now and then
On the eve of Wordstock….still talking about J.K. Gill
As you can tell, I'm often consumed with Oregon history. But I haven't stopped being surprised when I read discussions about the J.K. Gill Bookstore in Facebook groups like Dead Memories Portland or Forgotten Oregon. With the downtown store closing in 1991, you'd have to be 25 now to be alive when Gill's still had … Continue reading On the eve of Wordstock….still talking about J.K. Gill
Ode to Sybil
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
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 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 