ORLCTHF: March 2000 Newsletter : Vol. 2, No. 2

Oregon Chapter of the
Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation

March 2000 Newsletter : Vol. 2, No. 2

Oregon Chapter Newsletter
Vol. 2, No. 2 March, 2000

President's Corner

Lewis and Clark activities, nationally and locally, are rapidly coming to a "rolling boil" as the bicentennial approaches ever closer. On March 2, Oregon's final prioritized package of some 60 bicentennial projects, along with those of 10 other states, were presented by the National L & C Bicentennial Council to the Congressional Lewis and Clark Caucus in Washington, D.C. Total funding request was $350 million (one/third of this amount was requested by Clatsop County, OR alone for new road and highway construction). For a complete listing of projects check the National L & C Bicentennial Council's web site at www.lewisandclark200.org under Projects -> Oregon. Reports from those attending the D.C. March 2 caucus meeting with Oregon's congressional staff were very optimistic.

Two million dollars of the above request would be used to develop Columbia County's Prescott Beach (the L & C campsite of November 5, 1805). This project has taken on a new and greater vision with the offer by PGE to donate a major portion of its 500 acres at the former Trojan Nuclear Power Plant for a new state park. The project would include: removal of the huge cooling tower (at a cost of $ 3-4 million); turning the visitors center into a major L & C Interpretative Center; and restructuring the training building for an education and conference facility. Some 170 campsites, plus group camping with yurts, two boat ramps, hiking and biking trails and a restaurant are planned. The new park could become a major L & C Bicentennial destination point between Portland and the coast, and a much needed asset for Columbia County. I attended a St. Helen's community meeting on March 6 and can affirm the enthusiastic support of the community, Co. Historical Soc., County Commissioners and state park officials for the project. Interestingly, several people have suggested naming the new park after York. Some people, however, thought the tower should remain as a landmark.

Plans for developing a tri-state web site of important L & C points of interest for tourists, with narratives, maps and photos are progressing well. The information will also form the text for a tourist brochure for OR, WA & ID. Our VP, Jay Rasmussen, along with Doc Wesselius and Don Popejoy, from the WA Chapter, are leading this project.

Efforts to refurbish "Pomp's" burial site in the Jordan Valley are also underway, thanks to Roger Wendlick, despite having a grant request for the project denied by the NPS. Roger has made two visits to the site, bringing together key county and state agency players as well as the amiable owners of the property. A major news story in The Oregonian will soon address his efforts, including a request for public contributions to up-grade this important historic (albeit off the trail) site.

Chuck Sawhill, Glen Kirkpatrick and Doug Erickson have been working jointly to determine exactly how far up the Willamette River Capt. Clark explored. A report on this project and other L & C points of interest in the Portland area and the historical accuracy of their location and interpretation is planned. Glen's recent paper on "The Columbia River Gorge of the Corps of Discovery" with numerous historic photos, has been accepted for publication in WPO.

Last, but not least, please mark your calendar for our spring field trip on Saturday May 6th at The Dalles. A full day of interesting events and lunch is scheduled (see further details below).

Keith Hay

Chapter Logo Contest
Oregon Chapter members are encouraged to let their creativity flow and submit proposals for a chapter logo. Submissions will be gathered and presented at a future chapter meeting for selection by vote of the members.

Proposed Logo

Chapter member Anita Walker has submitted the first design, which is shown above. Regarding her logo submission, Anita writes: "My personal choice is the eulachon (candle-fish). The candle-fish is a uniquely 'Oregon' symbol since it was first brought to Lewis' attention in February of 1806 while the corps was wintering at Ft. Clatsop. It represents an agreeable exchange with the Clatsop Indians who brought 1/2 bushel of the fish to the fort for trade. Lewis bought the fish and later dispatched a group of his men up river to fish for more. Lewis described the fish in detail for the scientific community in the East. He made a life-size sketch of the eulachon in his journal. (Clark rendered duplicates in his journal). They both proclaimed it the tastiest fish they'd ever eaten. Lewis also described the method used by the Indians to catch the fish, by skimming or scooping nets, and recommended the Indian style of preparing the fish."

"For these reasons - the positive connections with the Indians, the importance both captains attributed to the fish, the life-size sketch both captains included in their journals and the familiarity most people have with these sketches, plus the undeniable 'Oregon' connection - I hope the membership will consider the eulachon (candle-fish) as our chapter logo."

Submit your logo entries to:

Jay Rasmussen
1190 NE Birchaire Lane
Hillsboro, OR 97124-2635
info@lcarchive.org

Republication Notice
The long out-of print classic reference, "A History of the Lewis and Clark Journals" by Paul Russell Cutright is being reissued from University of Oklahoma Press in paperback form this month. The ISBN number is 0806132477. It is highly recommended reading!

Welcome To Our New Members!
With these additions we now boast a membership of 172 . . . and growing!

Vernon & Paulina Burda	David Fryday	Gene Griswold
Barb Kubik	Al Lepage	LeRoy & Judy Newport
Scott & Jo Overton	Henry M. Reeves	Jack Remington
Mike & Dera Von Derahe

Please note: According to our records, a number of our members have not yet renewed for the 2000 - 2001 membership year. For those members a renewal slip is enclosed along with this newsletter. Please fill it out ASAP and continue your participation in and support of the Oregon Chapter! Thank you.

Lewis & Clark : Question & Answer
By Mike Carrick

Was York's first name "Ben?"

Answer

There was a letter to the editor in a recent issue of the Salem newspaper, Statesman Journal, about "Ben York" of the Lewis & Clark Expedition.

York was Clark's black servant, and he was a significant contributing member of the thirty-three-member group that traveled from St. Louis to Oregon and back in 1804-1806. Contrary to all custom of the period, he was allowed to carry firearms on the expedition, and was a successful hunter. He and the Indian woman, Sacagawea, were allowed to vote as equals in important decisions. We know that they were quite intelligent, because they voted to establish the permanent winter camp on the Oregon rather than the Washington shore of the Columbia River.

But, nowhere other than fictional novels, is York called "Ben York". I urge readers not to take their history of the Lewis & Clark expedition from Anna Waldo's novel. Her novel is just that: fiction.

In an earlier Q & A column there was a question about "Captain" Clark's actual rank. In that article you stated that there was "an effort underway now to appeal to Congress to commission William Clark as Captain." Has there been any progress towards this goal?

Answer

YES! House Resolution #3621 was introduced on February 10, 2000. The resolution is shown below.

H.R. 3621
106th CONGRESS, 2d Session

To provide for the posthumous promotion of William Clark of the Commonwealth of
Virginia and the Commonwealth of Kentucky, co-leader of the Lewis and Clark
Expedition, to the grade of captain in the Regular Army.
_________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 10, 2000

Mr. Bereuter (for himself, Mr. Hill of Montana, Mr. Pomeroy, Mr. Bateman,
Mr. Bliley, Mr. Blumenaur, Mr. Goode, Mr. Lewis of Kentucky, and Mrs.
Northup) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee
on Armed Services.
_________________________

A BILL

To provide for the posthumous promotion of William Clark of the Commonwealth of
Virginia and the Commonwealth of Kentucky, co-leader of the Lewis and Clark
Expedition, to the grade of captain in the Regular Army.

1	Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
2	tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
1	SECTION 1. POSTHUMOUS PROMOTION OF WILLIAM
2	CLARK, CO-LEADER OF THE LEWIS AND
3	CLARK EXPEDITION, TO THE GRADE OF CAP-
4	TAIN IN THE REGULAR ARMY.
5	(a) POSTHUMOUS PROMOTION: William Clark, of
6	the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Commonwealth of
7	Kentucky, co-leader of the Lewis and Clark Expedition of
8	1804 - 1806, shall be deemed for all purposes to have held
9	the grade of captain, rather than lieutenant, in the Reg
10	ular Army, effective as of March 26, 1804, and continuing
11	until his separation from the Army on February 27, 1807
12	(b) PROHIBITION OF BENEFITS: No person is enti-
13	tled to any bonus, gratuity, pay, or allowance because of
14	the provisions of subsection (a).

Send your L&C Q&A questions to:

Michael Carrick
1230 Hoyt Street SE
Salem, OR 97302-2121
toll-free fax 1-888-394-7798 or e-mail carrick123@aol.com.

May 2000 Chapter Meeting

The Spring Council Meeting of the Oregon Chapter will be held on Saturday May 6, 2000. Members who would like to take a short hike on rocky ground to view ancient petroglyphs (carved into the rock) and pictographs (painted onto the rock) should arrive at Horsethief Lake State Park, in Klickitat County, WA, near White Salmon and Bingen, across the Columbia River from The Dalles at 10:00 am.

She Who Watches

A Washington State Park Ranger will lead a group of 25 people to view these works of art, including Tsagaglalal or She Who Watches. If more than 25 people wish to view the art works, a second group will follow after the first group returns. For those not up for the morning hike, the next portion of the meeting, including lunch, will be held in Sorosis Park in The Dalles, OR (see map). An overlook from the park provides a beautiful view of the town and the Columbia River in the background. The tentative schedule is as follows:

TIME	AGENDA
10:00 am	Horsethief Lake State Park, WA. The Washington State Park Service will provide a special guided tour of the petroglyphs and pictographs. Note: 0.5 mile walk on uneven ground.
12:00 noon	Sorosis Park, The Dalles. Lunch and gab-fest. Lunch, which will be catered by Johnny's Cafe, will consist of broasted chicken, choice of two salads, beans, chips, pop or coffee. The price per person is $7.95, which includes the gratuity. Keith Hay will also provide enough baked salmon for everyone to have a portion with their meals. If you wish to partake of the catered lunch, then RSVPs are required to assure an accurate head count. You can RSVP by contacting Glen Kirkpatrick via one of the following methods: 1) Email to glenkirkpatrick1@juno.com 2) Letter to: 15100 SE Gladstone Dr., Portland, OR 97236-2445 3) Calling (503) 761-3492 and leaving a message.
1:00 pm	Business Meeting / Program, to include a short talk by Sue Huntington (The Dalles Chamber of Commerce) regarding their local L&C efforts to complete the 1930's WPA L&C Memorial and adorn it with a bronze; a talk by Keith Hay about the Indian trading networks from Celilo and a talk by Glen Kirkpatrick regarding geology, followed by information on upcoming events and a solicitation of ideas and input from members.
1:40 pm	Caravan to Rock Fort site. A short hike on uneven ground will allow viewing the brass plate monument.

May Meeting (cont'd)

Also note, the Trail Band is scheduled to present their new "Lewis & Clark" show the following afternoon (Sunday, May 7, 2000) so some members may want to plan an overnight stay in The Dalles and make a weekend of it. The show is scheduled for 3:00pm. Tickets are on sale now. Information on the event is available on The Granada Theatre's website at www.thegranada.com and available for purchase at (541) 296-3355 with Visa/Mastercard.

Map of The Dalles

Map of The Dalles showing Exit 84 off I-84 and Sorosis Park (#14).

Other Events
Sacagawea, Beyond The Shining Mountains With Lewis And Clark
On April 9, 2000, the US Army Corps of Engineers at Bonneville Lock & Dam will be hosting a living history performance by Joyce Badgley Hunsaker portraying Sacagawea, the teenage Shoshoni girl who accompanied Lewis & Clark on their epic journey from St.Louis, Missouri to the Pacific Ocean and back. It was on April 9, 1806 that the Corps of Discovery camped in the vicinity of Bonneville Lock & Dam. Joyce will be presenting two one-hour performances on Sunday, April 9, 2000 at Bonneville Lock & Dam's Bradford Island Visitor Center. The performances will take place at 12 Noon and 2:00 pm in the main theater. There is no entry fee at Bonneville Lock & Dam and the performances will be free to the public. Seating in the theater will be on a first-come-first-served basis. Bonneville Lock & Dam can be accessed by taking Exit 40 off Interstate 84. Contact the Bradford Island Vistor Center at (541) 374-8820 or via email at Bonneville-PageMaster@nwp01.usace.army.mil for further information.

Reading & Booksigning ~ Free to the Public
Landon Y. Jones
Editor, The Essential Lewis & Clark

This newly-released volume, a handy, accessible version of the Lewis & Clark journals published by HarperCollins, "does an excellent job of picking out what is essential and leaving out the rest", says Steven Ambrose. Landon Jones is the former editor-in-chief of Money and People magazines.

Oregon History Center
1200 S.W. Park Avenue, Portland
Thursday, April 13, 2000 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Sponsored by: Lewis & Clark Bicentennial in Oregon (the statewide coordinating coalition) Lewis & Clark Trail Heritage Foundation (Oregon Chapter) Lewis & Clark 2005 (the Portland-Vancouver commemoration group) & The Oregon Historical Society

Dayton Duncan : "What Lewis and Clark Mean to America"
On Friday, April 14, 2000 at 7:30 pm, journalist and historian Dayton Duncan will present a lecture entitled "What Lewis and Clark Mean to America". It will be held in the LaSells Stewart Center at Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR. The LaSells Stewart Center is located at the corner of 26th Avenue and Western Blvd. in Corvallis, OR.

Discovering Lewis and Clark
Visiting Professor James Ronda, the H.G. Barnard Professor of Western American History at University of Tulsa, will be teaching a special class at Portland State University from 9:15 am - 11:35 am on July 10 - 14, 2000. You can earn two college credits while listening to one of the foremost Lewis and Clark scholars. Call PSU at (503) 725-3276 for further details about HST 410/510. Other interesting classes include African-American West and Distant Horizons: The Frontier 1803 - 1893. The former class (4 CU) will be taught by Darrell Millner (PSU) and Quintard Taylor (Univ. of WA) starting June 19 from1:00 pm - 3:20 pm. The latter class (4 CU) will be taught by Anne Luyat (University of Avignon, France) starting June 19 from 10:30 am - 12:50 pm.

Looking West: Western Studies Lecture Series
Portland State University, the Oregon Historical Society and the Cannon Beach Historical Society are presenting a series of free lectures this summer. One set of lectures will be held on Thursdays at 12:00 noon at Portland State University in the Vanport Room, 338 Smith Memorial Center in Portland. The other set will be held Fridays at 7:00 pm at the Cannon Beach Historical Society.

Thursday, June 22, 2000 12:00 noon PSU	In Search of Western Freedom: African-Americans in the Trans-Mississippi West	Quintard Taylor Scott & Dorothy Bullitt Professor of American History at the University of Washington
Friday, June 23, 2000 7:00 pm CBHS	Racing West African-American issues and individuals in the 19th century American westward movement.	Darrell Millner PSU Professor of Black Studies
Thursday, June 29, 2000 12:00 noon PSU	A Tribal Perspective on Discovery	Bobbie Conner Director, Tamastslikt Cultural Institute
Friday, June 30, 2000 7:00 pm CBHS	A Tribal Perspective on Discovery	Bobbie Conner Director, Tamastslikt Cultural Institute
Thursday, July 6, 2000 12:00 noon PSU	Making Oregon History: Collecting, Preserving and Presenting the Oregon Story	Chet Orloff Executive Director, Oregon Historical Society
Thursday, July 13, 2000 12:00 noon PSU	Lewis and Clark and the Age(s) of Discovery	James Ronda H.G. Barnard Professor of Western American History at the University of Tulsa
Friday, July 14, 2000 7:00 pm CBHS	Lewis and Clark: The 'Core' of Discovery	James Ronda H.G. Barnard Professor of Western American History at the University of Tulsa
Thursday, July 20, 2000 12:00 noon PSU	Romancing the West Myths & stories of the West	Molly Gloss Author of "The Jump-Off Creek"
Friday, July 28, 2000 7:00 pm CBHS	Romancing the West Myths & stories of the West	Molly Gloss Author of "The Jump-Off Creek"

Elderhostel : Lewis and Clark Trail
Elderhostel, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing educational adventures to adults 55 and over. Participants come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences but have in common an unquenchable curiosity and desire to learn. This summer a series of six Elderhostel programs will trace the path of Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery. Participants will set out by motorcoach from St. Charles, MO, and follow the Missouri River into the Dakotas and westward across the Plains and through the Rockies to the Columbia River and the Pacific Coast.

Through this unforgettable 17-day program participants will begin to understand the drama and adventure of Lewis and Clark's remarkable journey. Field trips to historic sites, museums and regional interpretive centers, hands-on examination of maps, journals and historic artifacts, lectures, boat excursions and living history presentations will provide insight into day-to-day experiences of the Corps of Discovery.

These programs will continue at least through the Bicentennial. To register for a tour and/or to get onto the Elderhostel mailing list, call registration at (877) 426-8056. Additionally, you may want to consider being an Elderhostel instructor. Positions are currently filled for this summer's programs but they are interested in hearing from Chapter members who may want to instruct future L&C Trail tours. Applicants should have the following qualifications: a broad understanding and knowledge of the Corps of Discovery's journey; teaching experience (high school or college level preferred); enthusiasm and the ability to share information effectively. Interested individuals should contact Betsy Miller at (503) 786-8080 or by email at betsyhm@frontiernet.net.

Jean Baptiste Chabonneau
By Roger Wendlick
In October last year I volunteered to be project manager for the re-furbishing of the gravesite of Jean Baptiste Charbonneau. Little did I know at that time the importance of this historic plot; the controversy surrounding it's history; the impact involving various governmental agencies, bureaucracies and private land ownership rights. After meeting with all parties associated with this site, I found my greatest challenge would be in proving that this is truly the burial site of the son of Sacagawea and Toussaint Charbonneau.

Fortunately, I had available to me at Lewis & Clark College all of the files of the late scholar of the Charbonneau Family, Mr. Irving Anderson. Through the generous contribution of his wife, Lynn and surviving family members, I had before me an assemblage of documentation that made my research easy. Add the help of Archivist and Special Collections manager, Doug Erickson, my job was quick and complete.

The chronology of the life of "Pomp" is well documented throughout history. Following is a listing of his lifetime events as recorded.

Feb. 11, 1805	Born at Knife River Mandan-Hidatsa village to parents Toussaint Charbonneau and Sacagawea
Apr. 7, 1805	Leave on expedition with parents and Lewis & Clark
Aug. 17, 1806	Return to Mandan-Hidatsa village with parents
Dec. 28, 1809	Baptized in St. Louis
1810(?)- 1820	Adopted by William Clark and educated in St. Louis
1820 - 1823	Early fur trade, living with Indians and learning various native languages
1823 - 1829	Traveled Europe with Prince Paul Wilhelm
1829 - 1830	Returned to America and worked with the American Fur Co.
1831 -	With Joe Meek
1832 -	With Jim Bridger
1833 -	At Fur Rendezvous, Wood River (Big Piney, Wyoming)
1839 -	With Louis Vasquez and Andrew Sublette
1840 -	On the Platte River and met with John Fremont and later Willard Smith
1842 -	Met Rufus Sage
1843 -	Settled family claim in St. Louis, met William Clark Kennerly, drove wagon for William Stuart party over South Pass
1844 -	At Bents Fort on the Arkansas River
1845 -	With Thomas Fitzpatrick
1846 - 1847	Guide for the Mormon Battalion under Col. Cooke from Santa Fe to San Diego, Calif.
1847 - 1848	Alcalde (mayor) St. Louis Rey Mission, Calif.
1849 - 1859	With Jim Beckwourth gold mining on the middle fork of the American River
1860 -	Placer County, Calif. listed on the census
1861 -	Clerk of the Orleans Hotel at Auburn, Calif.
1866 -	Died at Inskip Station at Danner, Oregon (currently Jordan Valley, Malheur Co.)

Obituaries listing Jean Baptiste Charbonneau's death at Inskip Station, Danner, Oregon are:

1. Placer Herald - Auburn, Calif. - July 7, 1866
2. Butte Record - Oroville Calif. - July 14, 1866
3. Owyhee Avalanche - Ruby City, Idaho - June 2, 1866

Last year I talked with "Andy" (as friends called Irving Anderson) about "Pomp" and found he was thorough in his research. Now, after reading his papers and those compiled by other historians on this subject including Clyde Porter, Anne Hafen, Arthur King Peters, William Clark Adreon, Blanche Schroer and Barb Kubik, I conclude the preponderance of evidence overwhelmingly suggests the gravesite near Jordan Valley, in Southeastern Oregon is the final resting place of "Pomp", Jean Baptiste Charbonneau.

Now, to proceed on . . .

Use Your Chapter Website

Members are reminded to make use of their chapter website. Since newsletters are published quarterly, the website allows us to provide more up-to-date information to our membership, as well as archives of previous newsletters and meeting reports. If you haven't visited it lately go check it out at:

www.lcarchive.org/or_lcthf.html

Other websites of interest include:

National Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Council This site contains an event calendar and lists of bicentennial projects.	www.lewisandclark200.org
National Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation The National Foundation's web presence.	www.lewisandclark.org
Lewis and Clark Bicentennial in Oregon (LCBO) This new site provides an on-line presence for the LCBO organization, which is the official entity coordinating bicentennial events in Oregon.	www.lcbo.net
The Columbia River Connection Member Don Popejoy's web site.	www.rutnut.com/crc/

Headlines Abound for "Rediscovery Hikes"

Chapter member Al LePage has been getting lots of good press, spreading the excitement of the Lewis & Clark saga and doing something he loves. As Executive Director of the National Coast Trail Association, Al has hiked the entire 1,800 mile West Coast Trail. He recently staged two "Rediscovery Hikes". Following in the footsteps of William Clark and party, Al retraced as close as he could, Clark's November 18-19, 1805, hike from Station Camp to McKenzie Head in Fort Canby State Park. He followed this feat, with a "Hike & Paddle", retracing Clark's January 6-8, 1806, journey from Fort Clatsop to Ecola Creek. Al hopes to "inspire residents to envision how north coast communities can begin to create a legacy that gives everyone an opportunity to personally rediscover history there." Articles in The Daily Astorian and The Chinook Observer covered Al's hiking adventures heightening awareness of the Lewis & Clark story.

Chapter Committees - Get Involved!

Below is a list of Chapter projects and their chairpersons. If your are interested in helping out, please contact the chairperson at the next Chapter meeting!

Guidebook Project: Victoria Cummings & Molly Coyle Smith
Goal: To develop a comprehensive listing (from Eastern Oregon to the coast) of all the principal Lewis and Clark related sites and an in-depth interpretive narrative for each. Appropriate entries should be extracted from the journals. Accurate site locations to be made on the latest state highway map. When completed, this document will be used to prepare a tri-state (ID, OR, WA) t ourist brochure for the Pacific Northwest and for the development of a chapter web site.

Chapter Web Site Project: Jay Rasmussen
Goal: To produce a comprehensive web site with maps and interpretive information developed for the Guidebook Project. The web site could be continuously refined from public input and provide travelers an invaluable source of updated information at no cost.

Oregon Lewis & Clark Lecture Series Project: Michael Carrick & Dr. Albert Furtwangler
Goal: To arrange a series of three (or more) lectures between now and 2003, involving distinguished Oregon Lewis and Clark scholars (including, if possible, Native Americans) addressing different regional perspectives on the national and international significance of the Expedition as it relates to the Pacific Northwest and the lessons learned and meaning for Americans in the 21st Century. The lectures would be scholarly, without being too academic, and all audience questions and answers would be recorded and become part of the lecture series. These lectures, together with a similar series by the Washington and Idaho Chapters will be combined into a small (150-200 page) document that would be of general interest and readability. The bicentennial book would be published and distributed by a regional publisher such as the Oregon Historical Society.

Jean-Baptiste Charbonneau Gravesite Restoration Project: Roger Wendlick
Goal: To prepare a landscape design plan for the restoration and enhancement of the gravesite area, including suggestions for a wayside rest area, toilet and interpretive signage on nearby Oregon State Highway 95. To assist in the future construction and refurbishing program for the site and seek transfer to, or permanent maintenance by, a public agency.

Clark's Ascent of the Willamette Project: Charles Sawhill
Goal: To research and clarify the extent of William Clark's exploratory excursion up the Willamette River and to catalog the plaques, statues and other interpretive measures that commemorate this event. This effort might include an attempt to determine the location of his campsite and how the mouth of the Willamette has changed over the years. Also, find and catalog all the Lewis & Clark plaques, statues, locations (OHS, 1904 World's Fair site, Governor Hotel, Washington Park, Lewis & Clark College, etc.) in the greater Portland area.

Lewis and Clark Educational Programs: Larry McClure & Dick Hohnbaum
Goal: To find the ways and means to assist and encourage local schools, libraries and other institutions in educational pursuits and curricula related to the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

St. Paul Gravesites Project: Keith Hay
Goal: To locate, document and commemorate the gravesites of the non-permanent party French Engagés buried in the St. Paul Parish Cemetery.

Jean-Baptiste Charbonneau Gravesite Project Update
By Roger Wendlick
My second trip to the Jordan Valley Community was for a meeting with ODOT Regional Manager,Tom Shuft and District Manager, Bob Graham; Roger Pence, Oregon Parks and Recreation; Russ Hursh, Malheur Co. Judge; Jim Kimberling, County Surveyor; Roger Carson, County Roads Maintainance Manager; property owners of the site, Bruce and Joni Boyle and Mike Hanley, local rancher and historian.

Our meeting was held at the Old Basque Inn, a quality-eating establishment owned by Gary and Barbara Moran. They served up a hearty meal and provided us a space to address our agenda. The discussions were very positive. First, we addressed ODOT issues, signs and a possible rest stop. Signs to identify and direct visitors to the site should be in place by my target date of June, 1. ODOT was already considering a possible rest stop nearby on Hwy. 95 in the year 2002. Both Tom and Bob need to be commended as acting representatives for ODOT in their cooperative response to the needs of this project. Roger Pence said that Oregon Parks and Recreation would assist in providing signs at the site and was excited to be a part of the restoration effort. All of the County participants were anxious, eager and ready to provide a work crew, road-grading equipment, a truck and gravel to upgrade the roadway and parking area. The Boyles are more than willing to work with the county in a land transfer deal so that work to refurbish the gravesite and Inskip Station can begin soon.

We left the Inn and drove to the site for more discussion. By noon we all felt as though the day was a great success. Ha, I remember listening to the news and hearing on the weather report that it was 48 degrees and raining in Portland while in Jordan Valley it was clear, sunny and a balmy 67. My visits to Southeastern Oregon have been rejuvenating in a sense.

Even though the trip had a very positive overture, the end of this update has a bit of a sour note I must share. The NPS cost sharing grant that I had applied for to help finance the project was rejected leaving the project unfunded. I'm currently working with the Idaho Chapter for possible donation of fence posts and related materials. Needed materials include: rough-split posts with 3 holes for the rails to pass through (34 total), round treated posts 4'x 6" (20 total), bumper posts 4'x 10" (10 total) and some clean "peeler" logs 12"-16" dia. about 4-8 feet long for benches (8-10 total). Anyone who may know someone in the lumber business with a willingness to help provide these essentials please contact Roger Wendlick at 503-285-1963 or 503-768-7266 or email wendlick@lclark.edu. Of course, tax deductible cash donations can be sent to the Oregon Chapter Lewis & Clark Trail Heritage Foundation designated for the JBC Project.

Lewis & Clark encountered many insurmountable obstacles and challenges along their epic journey. The Corps of Discovery would not be deterred from fulfilling their mission. Collectively, they procured materials for building canoes and constructing forts. Working together as a team they succeeded. This project too will succeed. Now, to proceed on . . .

For information on joining the National Lewis & Clark Trail Heritage Foundation click here.

For information on joining the Oregon State Chapter click here.

Return to Oregon State Chapter Main Page

Return to L & C Archive List

Updated: July 5, 2000

Send Questions, Comments and Corrections to Jay Rasmussen

Oregon Chapter of the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation

March 2000 Newsletter : Vol. 2, No. 2

Oregon Chapter of the
Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation