Dispatches from The Oregon Territory, 1838-1853

“The Douglas Fir is a Most Noble member of its family, and in the pristine landscape of The Oregon Territory it frequently arises to heights of 200-feet or more. Its Cone is distinctive, its hardiness is impressive, and its huge numbers are an awesome site to beholde.”

--Naturalist John Babbit’s Journals, 1853

“The skye here is of a predominantly grey pallor during much of the Year, but even in the depths of Wynter the low clouds will occasionally part, revealing Noble Mount Hood on the Eastern horizon and providing a Welcome Respite, however brief, of purest blue whych cheers the souls of the populace, both Christian and Pagan alike.”
--Rebekah Quailthwort Diary Entry, 1847

“The notion of High Culture existing so far away from such centers as Boston and Philadelphia may indeed strike you as Most Strange, Dearest Sister, yet in Truth we have among our hardy band here two most competent Pianists – although, alas, only one poore instrument – and quite an Assemblage of Trained Voices.”
--Letter from Margaret Bramble, 1844

“It is a land, yes, of trappers and timber and fisher-men, but yet I believe it also to be most friendly to the pursuits of the simple business man -- such as you know full well myself to be.”
--Letter from Leonard Mandelbaum, 1850

“I have yearned for my dear Cousins most desperately this past year, and now, with Susannah and Beatrice’s arrival in California just months away -- and their subsequent journey to Oregon to follow in the Spring to come -- we give great thanks for the Courage & Skille of the bold leaders of their expedition, George and Jacob Donner.”
--Letter from Kimberly Allenson, 1846

The Last Thing I Saw When I Left Her

The last thing I saw when I left was her cat in the bedroom window.

I remember very little about the long subway ride out to a friend’s place where I stayed for a few days.

And weeks later it was still depressing to look back at the empty bed in my new apartment each morning.

Then about a month ago I spotted her on the street as I was heading home from work.

I followed her for several blocks, but then slowed down and let the city gradually swallow her up.

Since then I’ve tried harder to keep busy, taking long bike rides with my Aunt Dorene, for instance.

I’ve been to a few art show openings with friends.

I’ve also been going through shoeboxes full of old family pictures that my mom left behind.

And I got my own damn cat.