Columbia Gorge Genealogical Society: December 2020

Our deepest condolences goes out to the Ihrig family. Howard "Bill""William Ihrig and his wife Sandy were long time members of the CGGS.

Bill’s passions were genealogy and outdoor activities such as fishing and hunting. Bill and his wife did genealogical research for family, friends, and strangers, with over 300 projects completed. It was very gratifying watching each family’s story unfold. His Ihrig family came to America from Germany where a “nest” of Ihrig families remained in a small village called Falkengasse for over 200 years. Bill had a photographic memory for genealogical details and was best known for his contagious sense of humor and dry wit. When he got together with his brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews, he kept the whole family laughing continually by telling adventure stories of their ancestors and of his colorful youth.

Bill was a member of The Mayflower Society, The Jamestowne Society, The American Legion, and the IBEW. Bill has made friends with Ihrig families all over the world. Bill's dad always told him if they carry the name Ihrig, they are probably a relative. Bill didn’t know if that is true or not; however, he was forever trying to find out.

Bill passed away November 17, 2020 in Madras, Oregon.

2024 Program Schedule

January 6, 2024 - America's Extension Service - Resources for Genealogy - Georga Foster
February - Original Courthouse History Forums- Members are encouraged to attend.
March - Darrelll Jabin - Oregons Traveling Historian- March 23, 2024
June 10, 2024 - Hood River Museum Meetup - 1:00pm
July/August - Summer Break
September 14, 2024 - Solutions To Geneaogical Research In Todays Economy
October 5, 2024 - Thomas MacEntee LIVE
Nov. 9, 2024 - FamilySearch Workshop -LDS LIbrary
December- No Program- Merry Christmas

Pioneers of The West

Header Photo: Helen Lundeberg created this painting while employed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), a New Deal program that employed artists during the Great Depression. Like other WPA artists, Lundeberg depicted a hopeful view of the United States during a time of turmoil and uncertainty by showing a dreamlike image of western expansion. The group of pioneers, with their backs to the viewer, follows an ox-drawn wagon into a valley. The monumental figures appear strong and assured in their forward progress. Rising mountains melt into the sun. Lundeberg's style of mixing fantastic images with reality is evident in the background: The pink, rolling mountains blend into the orange, pink, and bluish haze of the sky; it is difficult to determine where the mountains end and the sky begins. The careful use of space and dreamlike elements in Pioneers of the West is representative of Lundeberg's postsurrealist style. This movement, derived from surrealism, purposely combined fantasy with reality and was predominantly found on the West Coast. (Helen Lundeberg, Pioneers of the West, 1934, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Transfer from the General Services Administration, 1985.8.27) GSA: Information and images created or owned by the GSA unless otherwise indicated, are considered in the public domain. They may be distributed or copied as permitted by applicable law.

In Memoriam - Howard "Bill" William Ihrig

Merry Christmas !