Columbia Gorge Genealogical Society

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.

Lois Smith - One Room School Houses on March Agenda

Lois Smith of Hood River will be the featured speaker at our March program on March 9, 2013 at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. Lois has done extensive historical research on one and two room school houses. Her family resided in Gilliam County, her mother taught school in Olex and Endersby and her Great -Grandmother ran a eatery in Arlington Oregon .

Recap February's Program

We had a small but energetic group who willingly shared questions and answers throughout the afternoon. Everyone had a chance to present a problem or brick wall, and we all had a chance for input. Of course, my attempt at organization and time limits immediately went south, but we had a good time and I think everyone who came, left with some information they didn’t have when they came in. The object was sharing and laughter, and we excelled in both. The consensus is that the Genealogy Jar needs to be dusted off and brought every once in a while.

Sandy Bisset

Bend Genealogical Society Spring Seminar

The
Bend Genealogical Society is excited to announce our 2013 Spring Seminar,
featuring author, lecturer and professional genealogist Christine Rose, CG, CGL,
FASG. Visit her website to learn all
about her: http://www.christine4rose.com/

The
Spring Seminar events will include a social evening with Christine on Friday,
April 26th, and an all-day seminar on Saturday, April 27th. The attached information sheet gives full
details, including the seminar topics.
Registration is required, and the fee includes all events, meals and
syllabus.

All questions about the Seminar should be sent via e-mail to: bgs@bendbroadband.com; or call BGS at (541)
317-9553.

2026 Programs and Events

January 10 - Social History and Your Genealogical Research
Febuary- All Saturdays of the month- Original Wasco County Courthouse History Forums
March 14- Kenneth R. Marks - How to Develop Critical Online Newspaper Research Skills
April 11 - Ft. Dalles Tour
May - IOOF Photo Requests
June 5 - Membership Luncheon
Summer Break- July and August
September 19- Brian Rhinehart-Navigating the Records From The War of 1812
Oct. 17 - National Family History Month - Sanctuaries of the Mind - Little Lula

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.