Trip Report

After leaving Eugene in a light mist we encountered dry weather as we drove north and had a very pleasant, often sunny, day from then on. Heading towards Salem to pick up Blanche Bailey, leader Bette Hack gave a short talk about the history of Jason Lee and the Mission he founded. The information was taken from Nancie Fadeley's book, "Mission to Oregon," which she wrote as a state legislator. It is an interesting account to read before visiting the Mission State Park and everyone enjoyed looking through this historical book; proceeds from its sale were used to establish the Jason Lee Memorial. Our first stop was at the Wooden Shoe Bulb Farm a short distance from Woodburn, where there was still color in spite of the early season. Although it was somewhat wet underfoot, people enjoyed walking among the gorgeous colors. Some bought bouquets, others postcards, and everyone took the free catalogue. We drove back to Brooks along Old 99 and went west, heading for the Willamette Mission State Park and along the way stopped at Schreiner's Iris Gardens to view the dwarf iris now blooming. They have arranged a nice walkway along which they have planted all the varieties. They gave us a free colorful catalogue, which proved a popular item on the bus. We had coffee, "Bette Bars" and cake at the park and then almost everyone chose to walk along a well-groomed walkway to the electrically-operated Wheatland Ferry which crosses the Willamette River. We stopped at the Jason Lee Memorial, location of the Mission which has been washed away by floods. We walked onto the ferry and rode over and back, providing an interesting conversation piece for those in cars. We then returned to the park, had lunch and then left for the Settlemier House in Woodburn. Elma Doris Havemann gave a short talk on her experience visiting the Settlemiers. We had a tour of this historic, restored mansion, took pictures and visited the gift shop. Bill Eaton bought an antique adding machine. We were home by 5:30. Driver Baxter Shaw was very helpful in finding our way by back roads.

Riders were Murray & Wilda Agate, Blanche Bailey, Helen Beck, Ingrid Carmichael, Clair Cooley, Helga & Virginia DeMers, Bill & Marge Eaton, Rita Gallagher, Gladys Grancorvitz, Jan Gund, Elma Doris Havemann, Dorothy Hayes, Jane Hilt, Micki Hutchison, Tilde Jensen, Charlotte Lemon, Mary McLaughlin, Natalie Morgan, Frances Newsom, Dean Patterson, Virginia Prouty, Myrtle Sagen, Ethel & Robin Steussy, Lila Smith, Mildred Weatherby, Christy White and Bette Hack (leader).