Clatsop Plains Pioneer Cemetery Slideshow with brief history.

Hi- On my back from the Washington Coast, I stopped by the Pioneer Presbyterian Church (founded 1846) near Warrenton, Ore. For years I have been curious about this pioneer cemetery. I was on a time schedule, again, so I only took a few photos. One can find a lot of history on that cemetery land.

Plaque over the front door of the church states; In memory of William Henry Gray and Mary A. Dix Gray. Pioneer missionaries of the Whitman Expedition and Charter members of this, The First Presbyterian Church in Oregon and the oldest continuing Presbyterian Church west of the Rocky Mountains, organized September 19, 1846. The original building was erected on the site by William Henry Gray in 1850.
By their daughter Caroline A. Kamm

Photographs of the bell is of the Gray Memorial Chapel Bell. Donated in 1849 by Chester Bell who removed it from Alderbrook Presbyterian Church in Astoria, when it was closed at the end of World War II.

Cemetery sign says; Clatsop Pioneer Cemetery. Established in 1850 on land donated by Robert Wilson & Irwin Morrison as a "common burying place for all persons wishing to bury in the same, free of expense."

Blog Award was a surprise to me.

Hi- I was surprised to discover this Saturday afternoon that I have received the "Blog of the Day" award. This mention is fun for this new hobby of mine.

Again, thank you to the readers of my blog. Your participation has meant a lot to me.

Craig.

Here is a photo of Fort Vancouver in Vancouver, Wash.

This a good way to spend the afternoon and fun for kids too !

When in Astoria, Ore...

Hi- If you make a visit to Astoria, Oregon, be sure to visit the historic Flavel House. Walk through the rooms of this house to see where Captain George Flavel (1823 - 1893) and his family once lived.

The house is in the Queen Anne architectural style, popular from 1880 to 1910. I enjoyed the detail of the object in the house. The Clatsop County Historical Society has done a great job restoring and keeping the house open to the public.

I may also add, the staff on this property was most courteous and knowledgeable of this Astoria family.

Craig.

Color of the Flowers.

Hi- Once the weather starts to get dreary, remember these colors to make the day happier.
Craig.

Dinner time for these two deer...

Hi- When I was at the Washington coast, I had the pleasure of watching these two deer eat dinner. One of these deer would eventually go to the opposite side of the hedge. Notice the spots on the velvet, horn deer. Autumn is just around the corner.

Craig.

Bugs, Spiders, Oh My !!

Hi- This afternoon my daughter and I attended the Bug Fest at Tualatin Nature Park. This festival has been a winner every time that we have been in attendance. If you are ever in the Beaverton area this time of year be sure attend. Here are just a few photos to illustrate the activities at the Bug Fest. Have a good rest of your summer!
Craig.

Production of Junie's Star, NWCT Summer Session.

Hi- Had the opportunity this morning to see the production of "Junie's Star" (Script by Kelly Stewart) by the North West Children's Theatre Summer Session D1 2008 Cast. The play was held in the N.W. Community Center in N.W. Portland. If you have a chance to see one of these productions, do so.
Craig.

DeShazer-Douglass-Howlett-Fabion Descendant reunion

Hi- My daughter and I attended the DeShazer-Douglass-Howlett-Fabion Descendant reunion on Saturday, August 16, 2008. There was lots of food, sharing of stories, photos of the past reunions, magic by Loran DeShazer, games including horseshoes. The newest member of the DeShazer's was also in attendance. The weather was reaching the 100's that day, but all that attended were in good spirits.

The DDHF Descendant reunion will be at the same spot next summer. These families are interested in building their mailing list. Please contact a member of these families for further information.

I might also add, condolences to the Updegrave family in Moses Lake with the loss of their family member, Melvin Edward Updegrave (1929-2008) on Friday, August, 15, 2008. Their loss was also felt at the descendant reunion on Saturday.

Craig.

Calling all DeShazer-Douglass-Howlett-Fabion descendants !

Hi- Wanted to send out a reminder of the

DeShazer-Douglass-Howlett-Fabion Descendants family reunion coming up this Saturday, August 16, 2008. The reunion will be at Tualatin Community Park at the Rustic Shelter, 8515 S.W. Tualatin Road, Tualatin, Oregon. Lunch is to start at 12:30 p.m., but social time will be 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is a potluck, so bring your favorite dish with your favorite stories to share.

Who are these ladies on your right? This photo post card is from the Barton Hiking Club, Barton, Clackamas Co., Ore. The ladies are Jessie, Irma, Grace, Hazel, Edith, and Maude.

"Be sure to label your photos."

Hi- Ever look at a stack of photo's to notice that one did not get identified? This photo is most likely to have come from the Gibson family. Who are they though?

My mother always told me, "Be sure to label your photos." (Yes, Mother.)

Craig.

Bunnies on the Path.

Hi- On last week's nature walk I saw 6 to 10 bunnies on the path. I have found that the little creatures are difficult to photo graph. The bunnies stay on the path only at a quick moment.
The first photo of the bunny I call, "demon bunny." Look into the eye.

The second photo is a little impressionism.

And last, look at that bunny go!!
Have fun!
Craig.