Sherwood Historical Society

2012-01-28T19:46:00.001-08:00

Sherwood Historical Society President June Reynolds has left a table filled with old photographs... but no one knows who or what most of them are of!

2012-01-28T17:50:00.001-08:00

2012-01-16T23:34:00.000-08:00

Rose Hess and Annie Sax, probably around 1906. The Sherwood Historical Society is searching for more photographs of this old Sherwood family.

Ezmeralda meets the Renaissance Singers!

2011-12-04T16:31:00.001-08:00

2011-10-26T10:02:00.000-07:00

Sherwood historian and banjo player Clyde Ray List in the lobby of the Oregon Historical Society Building, Portland. October 15, 2011. There was a Wall Street Protest taking shape just a block further down the street at that moment. It was almost as informational as the historic protest photo displayed on the wall!

2011-10-22T17:25:00.000-07:00

Malynda Hart and family are the proud owners of two historic baby books she purchased in a Portland antique shop recently. The books belonged to the family of Sherwood town founder J. C. Smock's son Ira. Sherwood Historical Society President June Reynolds is explaining what she found out about the people mentioned in the two books. Photo was taken at Morback House Museum.

2011-10-15T16:12:00.000-07:00

During a Sherwood Historical Society project, Sherwood Archer Glen 3rd Graders complete a cardboard mockup of Old Sherwood Town.

Then, a few minutes later at Sherwood City Hall, the City Planner explains just how important maps can be!

2011-10-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

They say things go bump in the night at the Morback House in Old Sherwood Town. Just this summer, the Sherwood Historical Society was involved in several formal "ghost surveys" by some very serious ghost hunters.

The Washington County Museum and the Sherwood Historical Society join forces in October to showcase a few of county's locally haunted places. June Reynolds of the Sherwood society will present stories about the strange sights and sounds people have reported at these allegedly haunted historical sites.

The evening begins with a brief tour of the Morback House and a tour of another "haunted" site a few blocks away. Learn who lived - and perhaps died - decades ago in these local places some people say are now laced with supernatural overtones.

Bring your questions, your own ghost stories and join us as we explore the unexplained. Come see for yourself - if you dare.

Admission: $3; free for Washington County Museum and Sherwood Historical Society members. Wednesday, Oct. 19. 7 to 8 p.m. at the Sherwood Heritage Center, 22552 SW Park St. (First and Main) Sherwood, Oregon
Program sponsored by the Washington County Museum, 17677 NW Springville Rd | Portland OR 97229 | 503-645-5353 | www.WashingtonCountyMuseum.org

2011-08-01T17:12:00.000-07:00

Another New Event in Old Town Sherwood!
The HOOT! at Morback House Museum
Sunday, August 14 · 3:30pm - 9:00pm

Clyde List on Banjo	The Morback House Band
The Crowd!	June Reynolds and Kin

MAKE YOUR MARK at: The HOOT Facebook Page!

2011-07-27T21:50:00.000-07:00

An animated postcard of Sherwood Oregon USA. Enjoy the energy and the diversity of the crowd we see here. Look! There goes a man in a weird hat, followed by a boy on a skate board. Followed by some horsing around by two Board Members of the Sherwood Historical Society. It's a world Walt Disney and Rod Serling yearned for and thought we had lost: A peaceful summer day in small town America. Thank you, Music on the Green sponsors, for helping it happen!

And likewise, a spontanious Thank You to all those who give away so much of their valuable time during events like this!

Click HERE for more information about Music on the Green!

Boy Scout Merit Badge Winner leads Train Room

2011-07-18T16:08:00.000-07:00

During this year's Robin Hood Festival, an expert model train engineer explained why Sherwood had three tracks... and other details about 1900 Sherwood which even the Society itself did not know. And he's only Eleven years old.

2011 History Camp Video

2011-07-14T14:37:00.002-07:00

A Gabriel Maitreya production featuring the Sherwood Historical Society's President, June Reynolds. This is one of several videos the internationally known filmmaker produced during his recent visit to Sherwood.

At Emigrant Springs

2011-07-13T20:02:00.000-07:00

The Sherwood Historical Society was present and accounted for at this year's Oregon Trail Travelers display at Emigrant Springs Historical Area. SHSociety President June Reynolds and SHSociety Secretary Clyde List are on the right.

History Camp!

2011-07-02T08:05:00.000-07:00

Oh oh! It looks like things aren't going too well for the government here! Hula hoops in hand, the People of Sherwood rise up in outrage. It's a scene from a History Camp production of a famous medieval ballad where Robin Hood and his merry crew win again!

2011-06-07T17:03:00.000-07:00

"Dear Mom, We had just started the Oregon Trail and we just stopped at a museum in Old Town and we are in the school house and I am writing to you with a feather. We just walked 1 mile and we have about 5 more miles to go. I am having so much fun except my foot got run over by the wagon. See you later!"

History Camp! Looking into the Future!

2011-05-24T07:45:00.000-07:00

What is this I see? The Sherwood History Camp Beaver wants to know. History Camp is when? Hmmmm. The answer is a mystery. The only clue we have is that the Camp happens in two different months. Hmmmm. We'd best test the HISTORY CAMP FORM link above! We'll find more clues there, perhaps.

2011-05-15T08:31:00.000-07:00

Out-takes of a video made by Clyde Ray List yesterday at Champoeg State Park. Look for more Sherwood Historical Society involvement there soon.

A Sherwood Business Man discusses History

2011-05-01T07:46:00.000-07:00

JOHN ALTO of Alto Chevron, Sherwood, discusses another history preservation project he has in mind. This video was made at The Annual Historic Gas Engines Show yesterday, April 30.

2011-04-30T19:01:00.000-07:00

Something New!

2011-04-15T18:36:00.000-07:00

Now! See us on ooklnet!

It's something new! "The great thing about ooklnet.com is that it encourages us to market ourselves better." Visitors from around the world are encouraged to explore Sherwood, Tigard, Tualatin and Newberg all together to save time and money.

Calendar Update!

2011-03-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

"Come to the History Workshop April 23!" --June Reynolds, President

•4th Grade Pioneer Days is May-June week.

•History Camp will begin June 27.

•Next business meetings will be April 25, May 23 and June 20. The announced program on The 40's has been canceled, owing to re-construction at Morback House Museum.

Clyde Ray List Commentary: Somewhere Albert Einstein is Smiling.

2011-03-24T19:05:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not. Sherwood's bedrock once caught the attention of Albert Einstein. The rocky layer is part of what is known as the Columbia River Basalts. A controversial scientist named Immanuel Velikovsky wrote a paper about the basalt and presented it to Albert Einstein. E. was so impressed with this and other things V. said, that he mentions V. during his final (1955) interview with the Scientific American.

Last night, I asked the geologists, archeologists and paleontologists that meet under the roof provided by the Tualatin Historical Society whether they had ever seen the manuscript. I expected them to call me crazy, as so many people have done over the years. But this time they did not. They had never heard of Immanuel Velikovsky.

It was a very enjoyable and thought-provoking meeting.

SPECIAL BONUS! See what a Native American has to say about Pacific Northwest geology!

Walk with the Experts May 14

2011-03-24T06:03:00.000-07:00

The Tualatin-Sherwood geology tour

Expert guidance in conjunction with the Song Bird Festival at the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge. A project encouraged jointly by the Tualatin and Sherwood Historical Societies.

How Ice Age Floods shaped Our Landscape

2011-03-24T05:51:00.001-07:00

Dr. Robert G. Waits, whose research confirmed that multiple flood events carved our region over a 3,000 year period starting about 15,000 years ago, speaks at 7:00 pm, April 13 at Tualatin Public Library. Dr. Waits asserts that rich soils carried by the floods and scoured from hillsides along the way were the major reason people settled in the Willamette Valley. The evening program is sponsored by Tualatin Historical Society, Lower Columbia Chapter of the Ice Age Institute, and Tualatin Library. There is a $3 suggested donation.

Dr. Waitt has led ten Missoula Floods field trips in conjunction with the Ice Age Floods Institute and has been instrumental in bringing awareness of the floods story to the public. He was a featured expert in a documentary about the floods produced by OPB as well as the NOVA segment "Mystery of the Megafloods". He also served as a member of the Ice Age Floods Task Force that laid the foundation in 1992 for the Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail which will create a trail covering the four state floods region: Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon.

Note: Dr. Scott Burns, Tualatin’s expert geologist, will be speaking April 23 at Tualatin Library.

NOTE: The etching is by Gustave Doré (1833-1883). It illustrates an event recorded in the 10th Chapter of Joshua, the Bible. It also illustrates a point being made by more and more geologists lately: The difference between geological time and historical time is not so easy to define anymore.

What a Talented Bunch of Kids!

2011-02-19T21:00:00.000-08:00

Sherwood's February 19 Hootenanny was a rousing success! The next one will be on St. Paddy's Day March 19 1:30-4:30 and after 6:00. See you at the Morback House Museum.

Morback House Museum gets a face lift!

2011-02-04T15:15:00.000-08:00

The porch was promising to drop away when the City Fathers came to the rescue. The foundation was weak, but the contractor also discovered the porch pillars to be hollow. "They're barely strong enough to hold up the roof." he said.

It was a Historically Significant Moment

2011-01-25T08:26:00.000-08:00

The Sherwood school children in this video never imagined that they were involved in an Historically Significant Moment. According to the February 2011 Sherwood Gazette, the Old Sherwood Town barber chair belonging to Dale Smith may never turn again.

History Mystery at 6 Corners

2010-12-28T16:07:00.000-08:00

We know Photos 1 and 2 were taken where Walgreens is now. We wish we knew who's helping his dad pump gas. We wish we knew what make and model that nifty car is!

3. That's some gas truck! Must be brand new for someone to take a photo of it. Those frame houses were also standing until a few years ago. All gone now!
4. This house stood on the right hand side of the filling station. It and the Feed Store in back were standing until fairly recently. Those cabins on the far-most right have been beautifully restored and still exist!

5. The name of the filling station almost appears in this scene: Kjarvestad. The truck offers two (probably hand lettered) signs as clues to the mystery of just what year a person named "Ruth Smith" took these photos. 6. As the 1939 Road Map of Oregon suggests, there weren't many highways heading North and South when these photos were taken. Sherwood's prospects were bright... even if she gets bumped from this map by Rex!

2010-12-19T20:06:00.000-08:00

Forget Rudolf. We have the Christmas Cow!

2010-12-05T10:54:00.000-08:00

2010-12-03T19:44:00.000-08:00

Two photos in one: Smock House and Morback House stand ready for Sherwood's Christmas Eve,

December 4.

Let's Play Ball!

2010-12-02T10:00:00.001-08:00

A Special Sports Edition of The OE History Night
Thursday, December 2, 2010
7:45 pm (doors open at 7:15)
McMenamins Mission Theater
Free, minors with parents welcome

Kerry Eggers presents "Beavers v. Ducks: Over 100 Years of Civil War"

The Oregon Civil War--one of the country's longest-standing rivalries in college football--will rage again on Saturday, December 4th. For over 100 years, the Oregon State Beavers and the University of Oregon Ducks have been meeting on football fields up and down the Willamette Valley, inspiring the unflagging loyalty of generations of Oregonians. Sports writer Kerry Eggers traces the annual game to its beginnings (in 1893), looks back at ten of the top Civil War games of all time, and talks about how the Civil War has become such an important part of our state's sporting culture.

Kerry Eggers has been writing sports professionally since he arrived in Portland in 1975. He has written four books, including Wherever You May Be: The Bill Schonely Story, and Clyde the Glide: The Clyde Drexler Story.

2010-11-16T17:52:00.000-08:00

It was a Slient Night in Sherwood Oregon USA too, 100 years ago. The air was so silent that people argued about whether they could hear the water falls at Oregon City or not! That is the story the kids in this 2008 photograph are hearing. These were a few of the wise boys and girls who visited the Sherwood Museum at Morback House as soon as the Tree Lighting at 1st and Pine was over at 7:00PM. Hopefully we will see them again after this year's Tree Lighting!

Calling All Oregonians!

2010-10-31T07:06:00.000-07:00

Learn about the Fur Trade from an Expert at the Oregon Historical Society November 18, 2010!

A Great Day for Third Graders!

2010-10-13T14:59:00.000-07:00

Third Graders from Clyde Hopkins School enjoy a ride in Dale Smith's barber chair. They also sang a song for "Sesame Donuts."

Clyde Ray List Commentary: Should Sherwood be more like Leavenworth, WA.?

2010-10-11T11:27:00.000-07:00

In Leavenworth, Washington they decided to create history rather than preserve it. It was a risky move, erasing your own history and replacing it with someone else's. But this time, it was an excellent move.

Learn to do Interviews!

2010-09-28T17:13:00.000-07:00

History Camp 2010 and Governor Whatsizname.

2010-09-26T10:14:00.000-07:00

Gov. Gibbs: The Second Governor of the state of Oregon lived on Chehalem Mountain on the Yamhill County side. That is why we were on Gibbs Road! The schoolhouse we were at is called "Gibbs School." Also the graveyard we visited is called "Gibbs Cemetery."
--Mrs. Reynolds

Trick Photo

2010-09-16T13:25:00.000-07:00

There's something slightly wrong with this photograph. Can you tell what it is?

The Bizarre Geology of Sherwood-Tualatin!

2010-09-13T10:55:00.000-07:00

September 15, 2010-- Wednesday Evening at 7:00PM at the Tualatin Public Library: Rick Thompson, incoming president of the Lower Columbia Chapter, Ice Age Floods Institute, will speak on the effects of the cataclysmic floods on NW Oregon and SW Washington. Here is a chance to learn first hand from an expert what we need to know about the Missoula-Ice Age Floods thousands of years ago and their impact on today's land use decisions, open space, building, flood waters, channels and your own back yard

This program is a first time partnership between the Tualatin Historical Society, the City of Tualatin and the Lower Columbia Chapter, Ice Age Floods Institute to educate the many officials who want and need to know the continuing impacts of what made the Tualatin, Willamette and Yamhill River Valleys what they are today.

I hope you can make it and please pass this on to anyone you think might be interested. (Signed) President Polly

All That's Left of the Sherwood Train Depot!

2010-08-13T16:10:00.000-07:00

Tualatin Fire and Rescue had a new concrete saw they were anxious to try out, and so they helped saw the window out of the train depot wall. 1978 photo by Clyde List

Sherwood Train Depot in its glory days, circa 1925.

Sherwood Historical Society Secretary Clyde List ripped this ticket window out of the circa 1895 Sherwood Train Depot just minutes before the building was bull dozed to the ground in 1978. The artifact spent another quarter century in Clyde's garage. Now the window is at Morback House waiting for visitors. President June says it would make an excellent puppet theater.

Japanese visit Sherwood Heritage Center

2010-07-28T18:05:00.002-07:00

Visitors from [Edogawa, Japan] being lectured by Sherwood Historical Society web master Clyde List this morning. The visitation has become an annual event.

On the Road with the Sherwood Historical Society

2010-07-19T10:59:00.000-07:00

Sherwood Historical Society President June Reynolds doesn't just teach at Sherwood. She teaches everywhere. On a trip through the State of Oregon, the lesson will be about the people, the flora and the fauna of the Pacific Northwest. Every turn along the highway, it seems, will take you to a place she's already visited years ago. She will introduce you to folks as genuine and down home as the people we see in this video.

GET EXTRA POINTS!
Identify the critter JR is wrestling with here.

A Rainbow Steals the Show at History Camp

2010-06-24T19:04:00.000-07:00

Robin Hood came to show the kids how to sing and play. But the session was interrupted by an even more cheery sign in the heavens. Join [June Reynolds' Facebook] page and see a ton of History Camp photos!

2010-05-31T18:13:00.000-07:00

Little John stopped by on Memorial Day to take a close look at what the Sherwood Robin Hood Festival Association was doing today. Apparently he approved. The RHFA was taking pictures of the new Festival Court. Stay tuned for more pictures around town!

Sherwood Police Chief Eugene O. Hatcher

2010-05-30T13:22:00.000-07:00

He was not one to mess with. This clip is from a very long interview we did with him and his wife when they turned up at Rebekah Hall Coffee Hour last Saturday.

As late as 1962 Old Sherwood Town was still being patrolled the way it was in the 1890s, by one incredibly brave man and (perhaps) a deputy. Captain Hatcher hasn't met our current Chief, but he expressed great admiration for former Chief Middleton.

Car Show and Robin Hood Festival Advisory:

2010-04-29T10:50:00.000-07:00

Special Message from Strawberry Shortcake and Popcorn provider Polly Blankenbaker, Morback House Museum (at First and Main in Old Town).

Have you ever wondered how the Robin Hood Festival got started? Come to the Heritage Center to find out. Have you ever wondered what happened to the Robin Hood tea cloth that used to hang in the vault at U. S. National Bank? Come to the Heritage Center to see it. Have you ever wanted a bird’s eye view of an 1800’s Sherwood complete with a model train? Come to the Heritage Center to see it. The answers to these and other pressing issues will be revealed at the Heritage Center. The Heritage Center which is located in Veteran’s Park includes the Morback House Museum with it’s changing exhibits and the new Smock House exhibit. Many of our Sherwood neighbors have donated furniture and other household goods to create the Smock House exhibit. We are so lucky to have these great historical facilities, please come and enjoy them.

We will be selling popcorn and strawberry shortcake on the front porch of the Morback House Museum soon. Stop in!

Meanwhile, Have a Cookie on Mom!

2010-04-06T14:41:00.000-07:00

PHOTO CREDIT: © 4774344sean | Dreamstime.com

Until May 10 (Mothers Day) it's all about Cookies and Cookie Jars at Morback House.

Here are some interesting cookie history trivia for you...
* According to culinary historians, cookies evolved from test cakes used to test oven temperature. Small amounts of cake batter were dropped onto pans to test the temperature of the oven before the cakes were baked.
* Cookies are believed to date back to 7th century Persia (one of the first countries to cultivate sugar) and spread throughout Europe as a result of the Muslim conquest of Spain.
* By the 14th century, cookies were common throughout all of Europe.
* By the 1800s, cookie recipes were being published in cookbooks as 'small cakes.' In fact, the term 'cookie' comes from the Dutch word koekje or koekie which means little cake!
* What we call 'cookies' in the United States are called biscuits in the United Kingdom and Australia, galletas in Spain, kels in Germay, and biscotti or amaretti in Italy.

History of Cookies in the United States

* The history of cookies continued with their journey to America during English and Dutch settlement in the 1600s.
* Throughout the 19th century, most cookies were baked at home as special treats because of the high cost of sugar. Many early cookbooks included recipes for macaroons, jumbles, and gingerbread. Recipes for cookies in a variety of styles and flavors increased in the early 1900s, and continues today.
* Ninety percent of home bakers bake cookies, making them the most common home baked good. Half of all home baked cookies are chocolate chip.
* The official state cookie of both Massachusetts and Pennsylvania is the chocolate chip cookie that was invented by Ruth Graves Wakefield in 1930 at the Toll House Inn Restaurant in Massachusetts. Mrs. Wakefield sold the recipe to Nestle, who began manufacturing chocolate chips in 1939.

Special from Tualatin

2010-04-05T07:40:00.000-07:00

If you missed the successful live production at Winona Grange, Tualatin Valley Community Television will be replaying the February 14 celebration of Tualatin's "we did it" women. Seventeen women (some portraying themselves) share stories of life in Tualatin then and now. The show was written and narrated by Loyce Martinazzi and Karen Lafky Nygaard. It can be seen on cable at the following times next week:
Ch 21 Tuesday, April 6, 2010 11 PM
Ch 11 Wednesday, April 7, 2010 5:30 AM
Ch 21 Wednesday, April 7, 2010 4:00 PM

Cookie Report from President June!

2010-04-01T19:41:00.000-07:00

Today was the Day of
The Big Cookie Bake-off
at Rebekah Hall

22550 Washington Street, Old Town Sherwood

Contestants brought most of the wet ingredients for the cookies. Flour and walnuts were provided.

Bakers showed up at 12:00 (High Noon)

to register and hurried to the starting line. Audience members were welcome at 1:00 pm. The photos speak for themselves.

Rebekahs honor Historical Society Secretary

2010-03-31T18:01:00.000-07:00

Sherwood Historical Society Secretary Clyde List sports a Rebekah Lodge medallion he received last week. In order to wear this ornament you have to be the Left Supporter of the Vice Grand, which List now truly is. He even wore his new overalls so he'd look good in the group photo. "There are people across the nation who take this stuff pretty seriously." List commented, "But us Sherwood people are baffled by it." List only joined the club after the Sherwood Historical Society learned that there was no other way to save Rebekah Hall than to keep the group alive.

Saint Patrick Comes to Clancy's Bar

2010-03-17T17:56:00.000-07:00

Ah it was a great day in Old Town Sherwood today. Clancy's Pub was keeping people out, so as to not violate the fire code. And no wonder. Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue was playing the tune, begorrah!

Sherwood Historical Society Secretary Clyde List finishes the video we posted here with a tune he sure wishes the band would play sometime: "Salley Garden." (This part of the show was shot at the Morback House Museum.)

Cat-Tas-Trophy

2010-03-06T19:41:00.001-08:00

When you've got Sherwood High School Media Center Director June Reynolds as your Historical Society's President, you never know what to expect. The Cookie Show has been a very well attended event, thanks to June's creative spirit.

A Tribute to a Good Friend

2010-03-01T11:30:00.000-08:00

A Memorial Tree Planting in honor of

Loretta Labahn "Beloved Teacher" 1923-2009

was held Friday, March 5, 2010 3:30 p.m. in J. Clyde Hopkins Elementary School Courtyard. The event was produced by Raindrops to Refuge and the Sherwood School District.

"Abraham Lincoln’s Intriguing Connections to Oregon"

2010-02-18T17:04:00.000-08:00

7 P.M., March 4, 2010 at the Washington County Museum-- More than 16,000 books have been written about Abraham Lincoln, more than on any other American, but none have provided a thorough overview of Lincoln's strong connections to the American West--until now.

Now, just to set the record straight, Dr. Richard Etulain presents Lincoln Looks West: From the Mississippi to the Pacific (2010). Etulain, a western historian with strong ties to the Northwest, will focus his attention upon Lincoln’s intriguing connections to Oregon.

This very important finding, Lincoln Looks West: From the Mississippi to the Pacific, will be available for purchase at the Washington County Historical Museum. A book signing will follow the talk.

Richard W. Etulain is professor emeritus of history and formerly director of the Center for the American West at the University of New Mexico, where he taught from 1979 until retirement in 2001. He is the author or editor of more than forty books, most of which focus on the history and literature of the American West. They include Conversations with Wallace Stegner on Western History and Literature and Beyond the Missouri: The Story of the American West.

Methodist Cookies!

2010-02-17T11:06:00.000-08:00

Here is a cookie recipe that Clara Sanders made and brought frequently to the Saturday Morning Doughnut Sale when it was run entirely by the Sherwood United Methodist Church. Clara frequently worked as a cashier at the Doughnut Sale. The recipe is found in the 1973 Sherwood United Methodist Women Cookbook that was put together by the Sarah Circle of the SUMC Women's Society.

Blend together by hand the following:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk (not Evaporated)
1 pkg (1 C.) Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
1 pkg (1 C.) Butterscotch Morsels
1 C. coarsely-chopped walnuts
1/1/2 C miniature marshmallows

Mix well and press mixture into FOIL lined 9" square pan.
Bake at 350 degrees F. for 30-35 minutes.
Cool an hour or more and cut into squares.
Double recipe for a 13 X 9 " pan.

Sugar Cookie Recipes (Yum!)

2010-02-17T10:54:00.000-08:00

Here is another recipe from the 1973 cookbook put together by Sarah Circle, Sherwood United Methodist Church. This recipe was submitted by Mrs. A.E. Sherk (1882-1978). She and her son, Ronald wrote an early history of Sherwood. She was the long-time librarian at the Sherwood Public Library. I don't have a picture, but maybe you do. The recipe is very brief and limited instructions, not like today. An internet search says that a "quick oven" is a setting of around 400 degrees.

2 eggs
1 c. sugar (heaped)
1/2 c. butter or shortening
1 tsp. vanilla
2 tbsp. milk
2 tsp. baking powder

Mix soft. Quick oven.

June Reynolds Video showing at Champoeg, Feb. 13!

2010-02-04T17:39:00.000-08:00

Oregon's Birthday is February 14. If you visit Champoeg on February 13 at 4:00 PM, you will see the first public showing of

June Reynolds History Play-- The Video

starring Sherwood ex-Mayor Clyde List (as Governor Currey, at Left) in three different roles, and playing a 5 String Banjo too yet! This is an incredible honor to two of Sherwood's finest and you do not want to miss it!

"Can You Play Jingle Bells?"

2009-12-21T18:07:00.000-08:00

This year, the Corvallis Book Fair was serenaded by Sherwood's own banjo meister, Clyde List. The place didn't get hopping until a group of carolers from the local University dropped in.

New Columbus Day Storm Pictures Emerge.

2009-12-13T11:18:00.000-08:00

"After recently reading about the progress of the redevelopment of the Portland Canning Co. site, I came across these photos taken the day after the Columbus Day Storm. As you can see, Portland Canning lost almost all of it's rolling stock stored in the pine grove north of the canning building." --Dennis Lively

COMMENT: The storm happened Oct. 12, 1962. The cannery closed in 1971. The processing of Sherwood area farm products continued for a while, after the Columbus Day Storm, but the axe was falling. This photo could just as easily be a cartoon about what the global economy did to a very important Sherwood enterprise that rescued a lot of families from starvation and sent a lot kids through college!

A New Book about Small Town Life

2009-12-09T11:11:00.000-08:00

Ever since Sherwood Historical Society Secretary Clyde List served his one term as Mayor of Sherwood Oregon USA (1980-2), he has wondered about all the other people in America who have survived that job. A new book offers a glimpse into their lonely, desperate lives: MAYORS ACROSS AMERICA by Ed Morris.

The Latest on Robin Hood!

2009-11-29T22:19:00.000-08:00

The latest research on Robin Hood puts the legendary outlaw back in Sherwood Forest instead of Barnesdale. Just where we need him. The article is deep, but a photograph of the source material is a pretty sight to behold.

(Click Image to Enlarge. Note the Highlight on the words "Robin Hode" and "Sherwoode.")

Clyde List Editorial: Thanksgiving Day 2009

2009-11-24T10:04:00.000-08:00

The First Thanksgiving
by J.L.G. Ferris
Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

NOTE: The Sherwood Historical Society does not endorse Clyde's Comments.

Thanksgiving is the celebration of a very positive historical incident that happened between some white people and the Native Americans a long, long time ago. But there was a lot more than that to celebrate. Please go to:
Forgotten Founders.
Spend some time imagining what America might been like if only the story had not taken such a desperately wrong turn. The page will make you very angry. Sorry to spoil your holiday! Happy Thanksgiving anyway.

Photo Refurbishing

2009-11-14T19:31:00.000-08:00

It's amazing how much detail can be brought out of an old family photo. Here is a before and after portrait from the Aebischer family. The original was found among a large collection of photographs donated recently. Most were taken around the Mountain Home area. This photograph was artfully copied and retouched by our Sherwood Historical Society computer geek. (Click to Enlarge.)

Chet's last Go Round

2009-11-14T17:51:00.000-08:00

The caption for this post card photo reads:

IN APPRECIATION--
This is to express my appreciation of your friendship during my thirty years as your Rural Carrier -- Chet Tooze.

England is Paying Attention!

2009-11-11T09:23:00.000-08:00

A book by the Sherwood historian June Reynolds has just appeared at
Amazon.co.uk. Please leave a review so that people will know how much fun it is.

Clyde List Editorial: The Road to Butteville

2009-10-24T09:23:00.000-07:00

It's too bad you can't walk from Sherwood to Butteville anymore. Butteville's where you caught that most charming of all American Frontier inventions: a stern wheeler. This ship might carry you North to Oregon City or South to Albany and Eugene. To experience this thrill (alas, no longer available to us today) you merely pointed your nose South and started walking. You followed (what we now call) Main Street onto Ladd Hill Road. Then you came to the Willamette River and caught the ferry boat across to Butteville. To an historian, the best part of the story is that Butteville has close ties to the most historically significant place in the entire Pacific Northwest: Champoeg. As historians, our task is clear: We must begin searching for people who lived along Ladd Hill Road, in order to get a clearer picture of Old Sherwood Town's relationship to the historical epicenter of this place called "The Oregon Country."

President Polly Rises (from the Dead as It Were!) to Say:

2009-10-07T11:49:00.000-07:00

I DARE THE CHILDREN OF SHERWOOD TO JOIN ME on October 23rd and again on October 29th, 30th and 31st for music, zombies and thrills when the Sherwood Heritage Center presents

a "Thriller" Haunted House

featuring Michael Danforth as Michael Jackson.Smock House, built in 1868, and Morback House, older than time itself, will provide the backdrop for a very thrilling Haunted Halloween. Stories have been circulating for years about the Morback House being a place of REAL hauntings. This year we give you a chance to

SEE FOR YOURSELF!

Halloween activities will include pumpkin decorating, face painting, games, concessions, and an age appropriate haunted house. Activities for ages 11 and under will take place from 4 - 6 p.m. The cost is $3.00 per child and is free for accompanying adult. From 7 - 10 PM we ramp up the thrills for ages 12 and 70. The cost is $5.00 per person.

On Halloween night come prepared to participate. We will have prizes for the best Halloween costume and the best "Thriller" scream! Proceeds go to the Sherwood Heritage Center/Museum of course. If you would like to be a scare-er instead of a scare-ee, then call 503-625-4813, or the Museum itself (503-625-1236) Be one of the

Zombie dancers in the Thriller recreation.

We may not be able to match London or New York but this will still be a lot of fun.

On a serious note, the date for The Sherwood Historical Society's Annual Membership Meeting has been set for November 30, from 4:30 to 6:30. We will have election of officers, a projected budget, and discussion about next year's projects. Cookies and punch will be provided. You should be receiving a Historical Society newsletter soon which will include your membership dues notice for 2010. (You will notice the dues have remained the same; as a matter of fact, they've never been increased. Do you think it's time for an increase, or is this a particularly bad time for an increase. Let us know what you think.)

On a lighter note, this weekend is your last chance, Friday and Saturday, at 7 p.m. to see an original work of our own: A June Reynolds Play being performed at the Frogpond Grange, 27350 SW Stafford Rd., Wilsonville, OR 97070. "A Ferry Tale, Wilsonville, Oregon's Transportation Town" is a play performed by the Wilsonville Theater Company about Wilsonville's early years. Tickets are $10 for Adults, and $7 for children & Seniors. Former Mayor of Sherwood Clyde List is a prominant member of the cast.

We'll see you soon. Brewhahahaha! Polly Blankenbaker 503-625-6435

June Reynolds Play at Wilsonville

2009-10-02T09:40:00.000-07:00

Sherwood Historical Society member Clyde List plays his banjo in "A Ferry Tale", a play by Sherwood author-historian June Reynolds. The two act play opened October 2 and played for two weekends at historic Frogpond Grange in Wilsonville.

Old Sherwood Town Protest.

2009-09-26T16:24:00.000-07:00

What are these people protesting? Why have they come to Robin Hood for help?

CLICK HERE for the ANSWER.

Sherwood Banjo Picker at Champoeg

2009-09-07T13:16:00.000-07:00

Sherwood Historical Society Secretary Clyde List plays while the story teller waits for more customers at Champoeg September 6, 2009. It was the annual Champoeg Farmstead Day. The picture was taken by noted artist/photographer Fred K. Hahn of Lake Oswego. Fred has produced a large collection of oil paintings illustrating traditional tradesmen at work and historical characters of the 19th century.

"My Life is in Danger!"

2009-09-01T16:57:00.000-07:00

Those were the very words Anna Reisner said to the Sherwood Town Council. It's an outrage that such a thing should happen here in one of America's finest small towns! What are we fine citizens of Sherwood Oregon USA going to do about it?!

We'll let it happen again of course. Why not? (We should probably add that the year was 1896, and that Anna was the saloon keeper's mother in law.)

Come to the Historical Society's 8th Annual Trail Days Festival Saturday or Sunday, September 26 & 27, 2009. The walk begins on the corner of First and Main in Old Town at 10:00AM and 1:00PM.

The Mayor of Sherwood (the one we have now) will give a speech to save poor Anna, just in time for Oregon's 150th Anniversary.

Learn to Talk Chinookan!

2009-09-01T16:38:00.000-07:00

Re-Visioning This Place: Chinookan Communities on the Lower Columbia River. Saturday, September 19th – 10:30 am – 3:30 pm. Special day rate: $2 off each admission

You are invited to a very special day of crafts, demonstrations, presentations and delicious food with leaders of the Chinookan Nation. The Center for Columbia River History and the Oregon Council for the Humanities are teaming up with the Columbia River Maritime Museum to celebrate Chinook history and culture.

Make a button blanket, string beads or watch carving demonstrations on the Museum plaza. Enjoy a discussion on early trade materials by Dr. Ken Ames, from Portland State University. Learn the Chinookan jargon (Chinuk wawa) with Evan Gardner. Jim Sayce, Washington State Historical Society, and Charlie Funk, Chinook Nation, will examine the importance of Middle Village.

This one day event is designed for adults and children and will feature arts and crafts of a time when the Chinookan communities dominated the landscape. Imagine a time when canoes plied the Columbia River and its tributaries and controlled all trade into the interior. Learn all about the Chinook culture from Ray Gardner and Sam Robinson, Chair and Vice-Chair of the Chinook Nation.

Those of you familiar with the CHINUK ili’I (pronounced chin-ook-e-lee-e) food tent at Sunday Market will be happy to know that Don and Jody Abing will be selling their delicious Chinookan Fry Bread in various forms at this historic event. Look for their tent on the Museum plaza. The specifics of the day’s scheduled programs are listed on THE COLUMBIA RIVER MARITIME MUSEUM’s web-site at CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION!

Robin Hood goes to Salem.

2009-08-26T16:02:00.000-07:00

Robin Hood AKA State Representative Wingard takes a stand on poaching. Sherwood's State Representative Wingard actually sported a Robin Hood hat recently when he rose to speak about House Bill 3089, which imposes large fines for poaching in Oregon. According to his web site, "In the spirit of Sherwood's annual Robin Hood festival, Rep. Matt Wingard rose on the Floor last April to recall the story of Robin Hood, who was outlawed for poaching deer in the royal forest. Because the killing of the king's deer was considered treason, the fine was punishable by death." Representative Wingard actually opposes poaching, unlike Robin Hood. But then again, so do we. Be patient. The narrative will work itself out. AT RIGHT: Rep Wingard on the Floor of the Salem House, August.

Your Civic Ancestors, Continued

2009-08-24T06:07:00.000-07:00


		So far we can only identify five of the WWI Vets in our 1939 Legion Hall Photo: Otto Ficken, Fred Rucker MD, Ken Blankensop, Earl Reiser Sr., and Art Rupprecht are pictured above. Click the Legion Hall Photo [at Left] and leave a comment if you can identify more than that. Every one of these champions deserves to be remembered.

Something New from Upstairs!

2009-08-20T06:32:00.000-07:00

The Oregon Encyclopedia is a brand new production well worth a glance.

News from Tualatin!

2009-08-17T11:59:00.000-07:00

Hello TUALATIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY members and friends,
We have another great outdoor Summer event for you. Join us for theatre on theTualatin Heritage Center patio this weekend to see a modern adaptation of slapstick comedy known as Commedia dell'arte originating in Italy about 1450. A troupe of Portland area actors known as Masque Alfresco performs Goldoni's "The Liar" on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings at 6:30 p.m. Bring your own lawn chairs and picnic and enjoy some fun for the whole family. While the event is free, a hat will be passed at the end of the show to express appreciation for the actors' talent and time. See http://www.masquealfresco.com for more details. Regards, Larry McClure and Lindy Hughes
Tualatin Heritage Center. 503-885-1926

What Else? We Have No Idea What This Man is Talking About...

2009-08-17T11:48:00.000-07:00

...but it sounds interesting. As follows:

"Our August "train trek" will leave Tualatin's WES station at 8:59 a.m. and connect with MAX to travel to Gresham for a stroll in the historic downtown area and enjoy a coffee break. We will then head back to downtown Portland for a tour of the Portland Classical Chinese Garden ($7.50 for seniors) and lunch on your own in the Pearl District. For those who want an option to the Chinese Garden, we have Portland Art Museum entry passes from Tualatin Library. Our downtown adventure will also include a visit to Multnomah County Library's new (free) traveling exhibit "Lewis and Clark and the Indian Country". We return to Tualatin about 4:30. Please register by 2 p.m. Tuesday, August 18 by calling the Tualatin Heritage Center: 503-885-1926."

Ghost Hunters at Morback House!

2009-08-15T20:11:00.000-07:00

What do real ghost busters look like? Forget the National Lampoon movie! These guys are for real. They are the North Oregon Paranormal Investigators!

Click the Image to see the YouTube video!

Lilly Morgan's Chicken Escapes (Again)!

2009-08-12T20:27:00.000-07:00

Lilly Morgan did it again. She chased her pet chicken all the way to the other side of Mount Hood. The kind folk of Dufur said they would watch out for it. In the meantime they fed her steak and potatoes and danced along when she rewarded them with her rendition of the Chicken Song. The DUFUR THRESHING BEE was going on, as it always is during the second weekend of August. If you want to know what Sherwood used to be like, that's what Dufur is today. Except that Mount Hood is in the wrong direction.

Nigerian Scam Revisited

2009-08-12T07:07:00.000-07:00

Here's another heart breaking Letter received in our Email this Morning. This time it's from Senegal instead of Nigeria.

Hi My Dear,
Good-day to u over there, how is life over there in your country?, I hope that you are in atmosphere of peace and love...
Please do not be surprise or get offended for receiving this message from me, It just that I have been obliged to lay a mere trust on you due to my situation here in the refugees camp. Having searched through the internet from where i get your email address i strongly believes in my heart that you must be honest and sincere person for me to disclose my life secrets for you to help me.
Let me first of all introduce my self to you, and I will require the best of your honesty after you knowing about me and whom that I am, I will really like us to have a good relationship in-spite of anything because I have this feeling that you will be honest and trusted person and you will not betray me.
I decided to contact you because of the urgency of my situation here and after reading your profile today i whole-heatedly decided to let you know more and more about me, Who knows? maybe you will be my savior, from this conditions i have found myself.
My name is _______________. The formal managing director of true capitalist industries Ltd in Monrovia the capital city of my country years past. My late father was one of the most richest business man in my country, in anything pertaining Gold and diamonds, but he was assassinated by the rebels and the treedy fellows in my country during the war, on his way down to the village with my two younger ones.
Therefore I am constrained to contact you because of the maltreatment I am receiving from my step mother. She planned to take away all my late father's treasury and properties from me since the unexpected death of my beloved Father.
Meanwhile I wanted to escape from Africa to any where in the world but she hides away my international passport and other valuable traveling documents. Luckily she did not discover where I kept my father’s File which contains important documents. So I decided to run to the refugees camp where I am presently seeking asylum under the Private charity organization for the Refugee here in Republic of Senegal. Life here in the refugees camp is very stressful and i honestly prays to move out from here as soon as you help me.
My late father of blessed memory deposited the sum of (Nine Million Seven Hundred Thousand US Dollars) in a Bank Europe with my name as the next of kin. However, I shall forward you with the necessary documents on confirmation of your acceptance to assist me for the transfer of the funds to your bank accounts, on my behalf.... As you will help me in an investment and i will like to complete my studies in your country, as i was in my 1st year in the university, when the crisis started.
After the transfer you will arrange for my trip joining you over there. I tried all my possible best and explain my conditions here to the bank in Europe but they told me that my refugees status in Senegal does not permit me to such a transactions, unless i look for someone to help me,(maybe my relatives, trusted friends or partners).
To be sincere with you, i prefer to tell my secrets to a stranger because he/she will not have a mind to cheat me or betray me, not somebody here, if people here know that i have such funds i tell you my life will be in a total danger and risky here, that is why i am disclosing this to you with all my hearts and confidence that you will keep this confidential for my safety reasons and life purposes, i sincerely want to let you know that we will invest the fund together me and you, or if you don't intend staying with me then It will be my pleasure to compensate you with 15% of the total money for your services and the balance shall be my investment capital.
This is the reason why I decided to contact you. Please all communications should be through this email address only for confidential purposes.. I this contact will lead us to a long term relationship that may lead us to somewhere better if we work well on it.
Well, as soon as I received your positive response showing your interest to help me, I will put things into action immediately. I will send the contacts of the bank in Europe so that you will contact them immediately for them to transfer the funds to your bank accounts, please this is a legitimate money and the bank is also aware that i am the next of kin because i have send them the documents where my late father written my name as the next of kin and they have also confirmed it and say that i should look for someone to help me facilitate the funds transfer, since i am in refugees camp.
In the light of the above, I shall appreciate an urgent message indicating your ability and willingness to handle this relationship and transaction sincerely.I am waiting for your urgent and positive response.
Please do keep this only to your self please I am on my kneels in the name of god, do not disclose this secret to anybody till i come over to your country, once the funds has been transferred.
Contact me on this email adderss is (________.mohamed@yahoo.fr)
I will give you my phone number to be reaching me in my nest email...

Yours Sincerely,
F______ M______

The Music Man at Stella Olsen Park

2009-07-26T11:34:00.000-07:00

BACKSTAGE in the GREEN ROOM Actors getting ready to perform The Music Man at Stella Olsen Park. In other words, my fellow Sherwood citizens, these people have come hither to deceive you. Yes! Right here in Sherwood Oregon! They will make you believe things that are not true. The year is 2009. Everyone knows that. But these rascals will convince you that it is really 1909. If you listen to them, you will wind up like a member of the Sherwood Historical Society, always searching through Old Town Sherwood for the way back!

The Music Man could have been about any Turn of the Century small town in America. The story about a shyster trombone salesman was perfect for Sherwood. We had it all: The controversy about pool halls, a barber shop quartet, a town band, and vaudeville shows. Once, the whole town emptied out and filled back up again-- just like the stage did Saturday night-- because of a false rumor that Farmer Peters had been gored by a bull. He must have been surprised by all the attention he got in one day! Any stranger in town got the same level of attention. A Music Man-type blew through in 1895 except that he was selling telephones. He walked off with $130 of the Town's money. Our own town father, J.C.Smock, was accused of swindling by the Hillsboro press. He was selling lightning rods that nobody needed. These stories, and more, can be found in the Old Town Minutes and newspapers.

Music on the Green

2009-07-23T15:55:00.000-07:00

(BELOW) PHILOSOPHERS PLATO AND SHELLY AGREE: You shall not leave Music on the Green without a song in your heart and a Sherwood Historical Society Strawberry Shortcake in your belly.

Sherwood Oregon USA Robin Hood Festival

2009-07-18T10:39:00.000-07:00

This video was made by Friar Tuck, this year's Grand Marshal.

Sherwood Historian Knighted!

2009-07-18T10:06:00.000-07:00

JUNE REYNOLDS
Kids call her weird. Now she's a weird Lady!

Heavenly Signs and Wonders

2009-07-14T10:46:00.000-07:00

A few years ago during an Old Sherwood Town Tour, my guests and I were distracted by a circle around the Sun. Here's more information about such a strange event:

"Report from the Dominican Republic."

The best part about this link is that it was written by Mary Otte, a foolish beatnik who fled Sherwood as a child and now writes very thoughtful criticisms of the Mafia for the New York Post. (Woah! No wonder she's looking heaven-ward!)

Robin Hood meets George Washington

2009-07-04T19:46:00.000-07:00

If you went to History Camp, you already know all about the connection between Robin Hood and George Washington. Alas, the Sherwood Robin Hood Festival has to explain it all over again every time we go to Hillsboro to help celebrate the Fourth of July!

The cry 'Rob from the Rich. Give to the Poor' did not receive so many puzzled looks this year!

A Portland Rosarian even offered us gifts!

It's common knowledge that the American Revolution was a Robin Hood Festival that got carried away. Lots of old battle flags have Robin Hood-friendly images on them.

Visitors from Portland

2009-07-01T18:08:00.000-07:00

A Century ago a visitor would be front page news in Sherwood. Now that two national magazines have labeled Sherwood one of the most livable towns in America, we've been getting all kinds of visitors.


	TOP LEFT: Saturday's tour was organized by Metro and led by historian Laura O. Foster. The tour on the right is the annual one led by our good friend Peter Chausse. We're at Dale's Barber Shop in this photo. BOTTOM LEFT: About twenty children from Tigard visited Morback House today (Monday, July 1).

History Camp at War

2009-06-25T18:47:00.000-07:00

The business community of Old Town Sherwood survived several kid-raids today. Much metal was collected for the War Effort, along with "zillions of business cards." Bill Maplethorpe dropped by to explain the things that really mattered.

Welcome to History Camp!

2009-06-22T19:55:00.000-07:00

What a Ball We had at Parrett Mountain Farm!
:

This 4th Grade was the Last of Its Kind!

2009-06-08T16:20:00.000-07:00

This crop of 4th Graders was the last students in our school system who were born in the 1900s. No one after them will ever feel quite the same amount of sympathy for we who suffered through World War II and Viet Nam and the Hindenburg and all the rest. But we did our best to leave a good impression.

Sherwood 4th Graders at the Heritage Center

2009-06-01T20:46:00.000-07:00


Guests from the Sherwood School District began their week long trek to the Sherwood Heritage Center today! We were happy to see so many Fourth Graders, but the ghost on the stairs at Moback House wasn't quite so sure!	The great thing about spending all Monday washing clothes was that you could look forward to spending all of Tuesday ironing them. No wonder so many European emigrants simply went out to the woods to live with the Native Americans!

HISTORY CAMP JUNE 22-26!

2009-05-30T13:51:00.000-07:00

[CLICK TO ENLARGE]

CLICK THIS IMAGE. PRINT IT OUT. BRING IT IN. This form is all the PAPERWORK you need to enroll in History Camp in 2009. Mail it to us or bring it along when you show up throughout June 22-26.

The Town of Middleton Revealed!

2009-05-20T16:21:00.001-07:00

CLICK TO ENLARGE

Now we know what Middleton Oregon USA looked like from the air.

The place must have looked a lot like Sherwood, except that the streets were laid out long before there was a railroad. Harrison Street, Pearl Street, and Main Street (Middleton Road) are still traveled today.

Robin Hood Festival Video

2009-05-17T11:21:00.000-07:00

Historian and Former Mayor Clyde List interviews Magician and former City Councilor Julian Thornton about his current career as King Richard Lion Heart. We would assume Thornton has gone completely mad, except that everyone else in the picture is suited up as well. It's a publicity photo shoot for the Robin Hood Festival (which doesn't happen until the 3rd week end in July). The conversation took place at Stella Olsen Park Saturday May 9. See the Robin Hood Festival Web Page for more photos.

Tualatin Historical Society All Set for Summer

2009-05-11T23:57:00.000-07:00

Check Out Tualatin's Events Calendar!

Sherwood Oregon as the Brits see Us!

2009-05-08T21:56:00.000-07:00

People Around the World are asking about this curious little town in the U.S. that makes such a big deal of the Robin Hood Legend.

View from the Heritage Center

2009-05-02T21:56:00.000-07:00

Ah yes, Sherwood in May. Robin Hood would have loved it.

According to the Sunday Oregonian: "A short but severe thunderstorm Saturday afternoon killed one person, cut power to about 30,000 people, capsized two sailboats, clogged traffic and knocked over trees across the Portland area."
--May 3, 2009

Call for Artists!

2009-04-27T08:19:00.000-07:00

The Parrett Mountain Farm is pleased to announce a call for artists to participate in the “Impressions of Nature” at The Parrett Mountain Farm-Art in the Woods Event. This project is supported in part by a grant from Yamhill County Cultural Coalition funded by the Oregon Cultural Trust, investing in Oregon’s arts, humanities and heritage.

Contact the Impressions of Nature Committee:
Kari, Elizabeth, or Leann

Lilly and Clyde at the Gas Engines Show

2009-04-26T22:08:00.000-07:00

Sherwood Historical Society hill billies Lilly and Clyde staged their annual protest at the Antique Gasoline Engines Show again this year. Of course, like all the other times, their protest fell on deaf ears. "We should do away with all these new fangled contraptions." Lilly explained, "I can't even hear the water falls at Oregon City anymore." Clyde's bluegrass banjo didn't help quiet things down much either.