James B. Thayer Oregon Military Museum

 

Recently I had the honor to attend the documentary "Jungleers in Battle" at the Civic Auditorium.

What a great history of the Oregon's National Guard and the 41st Division who's military efforts in WW2 were outstanding.  Attendance was large to hear the progress of raising funds to make the museum  a reality. The museum is located on the grounds of Camp Withycombe in Clackamas Oregon. Its a extraordinary effort to preserve the history of thousands of veterans who served in WW2 and beyond. The museum is named after Brigadier General James B. Thayer one of Oregon's finest military and civic leaders. Incidentally, James Thayer son Thomas (Tommy) Thayer is the lead guitarist of the rock band KISS. Tommy and  band leader Gene Simmons have given countless hours supporting our soldiers and veterans through concerts and personal appearances. Please read articles about KISS'S efforts in the links below . And please visit the museums website to see what is in store for our effort to preserve military history here in Oregon.  

 

http://tommythayer.com/news-updates/2012/05/all-star-salute-to-the-oregon-military

 

http://blog.oregonlive.com/oregonatwar/2012/04/united_by_a_historic_horror.html 

 

http://www.oregonmilitarymuseum.org/

 

To make a donation or volunteer for this effort , please visit the Historical Outreach  foundation site:

 2013 All-Star Salute Fundraiser:

http://vimeopro.com/videomedia/oregon-military-museum

 

http://www.historicaloutreach.com/

 

Georga Foster

 

March Program Recap - Lois Smith

 

The
meeting Saturday was great fun. In
addition to our members we had several members of the Retired Teachers
Association in attendance. Lois kept us
entertained and enthralled as she wove the stories of her mother and one room
school houses through a series of vintage photographs of school houses and
children. She emphasized the community nature
of the local schools and the varied activities that took place from church
services to dances and picnics. She also pointed out that the day usually
started out with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer and that the students had
chores at school, lessons, and drank from the same dipper. She set up a
display table which included many school related ephemera items including the
authentic slates on which Russ’s parents had learned to write. Several audience members participated in
“show and tell.�? The unexpected grand
finale came when Mark held up his brand new tablet and the vintage slate. They are both the same size which shows that
good ideas are timeless. Lois also shared her research processes and provided a handout to the audience. If you need a copy let Sandy
know.