If you missed this unique occurrence, here’s an opportunity find out what transpired at the “Finding David Douglas” reception …
Ann Kracke, a volunteer with Portland Historical Society, shows copies of the DLC maps to David Douglas Historical Society Board Member Dolores Wood.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Instead of holding the annual gathering in a meeting room, members and leaders of the David Douglas Historical Society pulled out all the stops on April 9 at the David Douglas High School Horner Performing Arts Center.
They entitled it, “An Evening with David Douglas”.
“We’re preserving the heritage of David Douglas that was inherited by the school district,” explained one of the society’s board members, Dolores Wood, who was welcoming guests at their front table in the lobby.
“We’re trying to inform people about the life of David Douglas,” Wood added. “For example, he named more species of plants than any other botanist in the country.”
The Horner Performing Arts Center lobby is filled with guests and exhibitors at the event.
Proudly holding a copy of the organization’s book, “History and Folklore of the David Douglas Community”, is David Douglas Historical Society President Ted Condon.
The idea for holding a community event began almost a year ago, David Douglas Historical Society President Ted Condon told East Portland News. It was inspired by a film called “Finding David Douglas”, an hour-long documentary film. (A video is available for purchase at the producers’ site: CLICK HERE to buy it through PayPal.)
“Our Society is working to be part of the 21st century,” Condon said. “This means, to become a participating member in the David Douglas community as a whole.”
The David Douglas historical Society began in 1977, he informed. “There is no town, no statue, no memorial, nor park or space with his name,” Condon observed, “but there is a community called David Douglas School District.”
Highland dancers with the Jocelyn Case Dance Studio perform, accompanied by the Sir James Mcdonald Pipe Band.
With the celebration, Condon went on, “we are keeping the memory of David Douglas alive to the students, the faculty, the parents, and the community of David Douglas.
“No one has ever done a celebration of the sort for David Douglas,” Condon added. “We took it upon ourselves to introduce ourselves back to the community. I’m hoping that the District will continue this celebration over the years to come.”
Cathy Spear sings and plays Celtic-inspired tunes. [See her perform on YouTube: CLICK HERE]
> To learn more about, or contact the David Douglas Historical Society, see their website: CLICK HERE to open it.
© 2013 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
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