North Plains Historical Society invites new members, visitors ...

Early in 2009, Ruth Pasley gathered a handful of area residents for the first meeting of the North Plains Historical Society. The organization now draws about 30 visitors and members to its monthly meetings, said Judy Gates Goldmann, historical society adviser, adding that the level of attendance rivals that of regional historical organizations.

"I think what attracts the core group of residents or former residents of the North Plains area is being able to hear stories taken from people's experiences and add their own information, so there is audience participation. And the stories are close to home," said Goldmann, who is a direct descendent of mountain man Joe Meek.

The organization, which is becoming a tax-exempt community service group, has featured talks about Meek and speakers such as Melvin Van Domelen, a fourth-generation resident, history buff and amateur archeologist. An avid storyteller, Van Domelen has displayed parts of his rarely shown collection of Native American artifacts found by himself and his father.

The tools, arrowheads and artifacts, some of them 8,000 years old, have been authenticated by the Confederated Tribes of the Grande Ronde's archeologist, Briece Edwards, who called the collection one of the finest in Washington County.

The historical society has also explored other little known parts of the area's past. Before her death in 2012, Pasley and the group focused on architecture, Goldmann said. Dolores Stroeder Frantz presented projects on North Plains homes, and the group looked at Pasley's historic home at West Union and Groveland roads, built around 1860. According to the Pasley family, who still live in the home, the property also supports the oldest bearing walnut trees in Oregon.

Goldmann said the historical society invites new members, visitors, topics or speaker ideas. Yearly dues are $10. The March 4 meeting will include a potluck lunch and concern the history of Washington Grange 313. The meeting starts at noon, at the Washington Grange, 16464 N.W. Pumpkin Ridge Road.

For more information on the North Plains Historical Society, call 503-648-9597.

-- Connie Baron
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Source: http://www.oregonlive.com/north-of-26/index.ssf/2013/02/north_plains_historical_societ.html

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