The Gordon House

Posted on July 16, 2010 by TKGilb

The Gordon House by Frank Lloyd Wright. Silverton, OR.

The Gordon House by Frank Lloyd Wright. Silverton, OR.

The headlines at the time were horrific! “New Owners Set to Demolish the Gordon House.” Why would that cause a feeling of dread to seep into the hearts of a lot of Oregonians? Because the Gordon House is a Frank Lloyd Wright original–the only one built in the State of Oregon.

The Gordon House was designed by Wright in 1957 for Conrad and Evelyn Gordon, a gentleman farmer and his wife who lived on the south side of the Willamette River near Wilsonville. Construction was completed in 1964 and the Gordons lived there for over 30 years.

Following their deaths, their descendents sold the property to another couple in 2000. The new owners loved the site, but wanted to build their own “dream house” there. So the Gordon House had to go.

Fortunately, a third party stepped in and negotiated a last minute reprieve. In January 2001, the owners agreed to donate the house to the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy as long as it was moved off the property by March 15th. A tight deadline, but the house was successfully dismantled in time and moved 24 miles south to the Oregon Garden. Once there, it underwent a complete restoration and was dedicated as a public museum in March, 2002.

Frank Lloyd Wright is world-renowned for his “timeless” building designs. The Gordon House is no exception. For a farmhouse built almost 50 years ago, it has the “feel” of a brand new upscale urban home. Built of red cedar and cinder blocks, the house has over 2000 square feet of living space with distinctive design features and amenities that make this former residence a work of art.

The Gordon House is located at 869 West Main Street in Silverton, OR. Guided tours are available, but are conducted in between the many special events held here. So, if interested, you must register beforehand. No registration, no guarantee you’ll get inside the house. For more info and a “sneak peek” at the interior, please check their website.

For directions and a map, check here.

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The Gordon House II

Posted on July 16, 2010 by TKGilb
The Gordon House by Frank Lloyd Wright. Silverton, OR.

The Gordon House by Frank Lloyd Wright. Silverton, OR.

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The Roses Are Blooming!

Posted on July 12, 2010 by TKGilb

Rose Hill Garden in Spokane, WA.

Rose Hill Garden in Spokane, WA.

Portland, OR, is known nationwide as the “City of Roses.” But roses seem to thrive all over the Pacific Northwest–in back yards, small parks, and town squares everywhere. One of the prettiest rose gardens we’ve seen is in Spokane, WA.

Rose Hill was developed as a joint venture between the Spokane Rose Society and the Spokane Parks Department. Built in 1950, it was first tended by volunteer members of the Rose Society. But when the garden expanded from about 500 plants to well over 1200 in 1978, the Parks Department took over regular care and maintenance of the rose beds.

The garden now boasts over 150 varieties of hybrid roses of every type, color, and size. Over 1500 roses in all! For close-up photos of some of these beautiful blooms, please check here. Of special interest to visitors are the miniature roses, and just west of the central garden is a collection of fragrant old-fashioned roses, as well.

Rose Hill sits atops a rise in the middle of Spokane’s Manito Park. This picturesque setting is flanked on two sides by towering northwest evergreen trees. A small pebble path runs through the center of the rose beds and also circles the perimeter. The garden is anchored on the north end by a white pergola and sundial. A second smaller pergola was installed during Spokane’s Centennial Celebration.

The main entrance to Manito Park is located near the intersection of 18th Avenue and Grand Boulevard. Directions: From I-90, take Stevens Street and head south away from downtown. As Stevens winds past the hospitals, it will turn into Grand Boulevard. Continue climbing South Hill until you pass 17th Avenue. The park entrance is on the right. You can’t miss it!

For a map of the park, please check here.

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Everything Old Made New Again

Posted on June 29, 2010 by TKGilb

Guitar Player and Pooch by Howling Heights Metal Designs. See www.HowlingHeights.com.

Guitar Player and Pooch by Howling Heights Metal Designs. See www.HowlingHeights.com.

We had one of the coolest, wettest springs on record up here in the Pacific NW, but summer is finally here. And what better way to celebrate the arrival of summer than with an outdoor art festival?

The 5th Annual Recycled Art Festival was held this past weekend, June 26-27, at Esther Short Park in downtown Vancouver, WA. For those who might be scratching their heads right about now, Recycled Art is “eco-friendly art made from recycled material.” In the past, that would have meant things like rag rugs, patchwork quilts, and necktie skirts. But these days, the sky’s the limit.

Over 70 talented artists attended this year’s event. Some of our favorites included: Bells and gongs made from old compressed air tanks by Fairy Forge. Brightly colored bowls, clocks, and jewelry made from vinyl records by Eye Pop Art. Garden art made from reclaimed bowling bowls and marbles by Ta-Dah. Glass serving pieces transformed into vibrantly colored works of art by Blooming Glass. And beautiful metallic wall hangings made from recycled saw blades by Don Perry Metal Art. And that’s just for starters!

So the next time you’re looking for something truly unique, be sure and check out the nearest Recycled Art Festival. You just never know what you might find.

Special Note: Shortly after we arrived at the festival, a group by the name of Too Loose took the stage at the Pavilion. Their unique blend of Cajun and Zydeco music, with its toe-tapping, knee-slapping rhythms, had everyone wanting to get up and dance! Including a handful of toddlers who were bopping happily to the music out on the grass.

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Salmon Run Bell Tower

Posted on June 19, 2010 by TKGilb

Salmon Run Bell Tower in downtown Vancouver, WA.

Salmon Run Bell Tower in downtown Vancouver, WA.

Church bells, clock towers, chimes of any kind. If I’m out and about, walking, there’s nothing like the ringing of a bell to stop me dead in my tracks. I just can’t help but look around for the source of the music.

The Salmon Run Bell Tower in downtown Vancouver, WA, anchors the SE corner of a 12,000 brick plaza in Esther Short Park. Its 35 carillon bells–cast in the Netherlands and shipped to Vancouver–chime every hour from 8 am to 8 pm.

The red brick tower, dedicated in 2002, is 69 feet tall. Four five-foot bronze salmon appear to “leap” from the jets of water streaming down its sides. Over 2 dozen basalt columns, scattered about, serve as benches around the base.

The bell tower also features a Glockenspiel diorama that appears at noon, 2, 4, 6, and 8 pm. The three-scene diarama tells the story of the Pacific Salmon and its importance to the Chinook Indians, the original inhabitants of this region.

The Salmon Run Bell Tower is located at the corner of 6th and Columbia Streets in Vancouver, WA. Driving Directions: From I-5, take Exits 1C-1D. Go west on Mill Plain Blvd to Columbia Street. Turn left on Columbia and follow it all the way down to 6th Street.

Special note: Metered parking only, so don’t forget to bring along some change.

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The Falls at Shepperd’s Dell

Posted on June 15, 2010 by TKGilb

The falls at Shepperd's Dell

The falls at Shepperd's Dell

I love waterfalls, so naturally count myself lucky to live in an area that is “peppered” with them. Some might even argue that we have more than our fair share! But it can’t be helped. Waterfalls are just a natural part of the scenic landscape in the Pacific NW.

Though millions of visitors each year head for the more spectacular displays like Snoqualmie or Multnomah Falls, there are dozens of other “hidden gems” scattered about that are just as picturesque.

Shepperd’s Dell is one such “hidden gem”. Tucked into a steep, narrow crevasse right off the historic Columbia River Highway, most motorists wouldn’t even realize there was a waterfall here if not for the bridge spanning Young’s Creek.

The waterfall and surrounding tract of land originally belonged to a dairy farmer by the name of George Shepperd. As there was no church located near their home, the Shepperd family used the dell for their Sunday morning worship services. A natural cathedral. He donated the site to the City of Portland in 1915 as a memorial to his wife.

The total height of the waterfall at Shepperd’s Dell is well over 200 feet. But because of overhanging vegetation and the twisted shape of the crevasse, only about 100 feet are clearly visible from the trail. Still, the delicate two-tiered waterfall is well worth a visit.

A narrow set of concrete steps located at the east end of the bridge provides access to a trail that leads to the falls. An easy walk from the highway–only about 0.2 mile. The entire length of the trail was cut from the cliff and is still protected by a moss-grown stone railing built by the same masons who, in the early 1900’s, were working on the guardrails for the highway.

Directions: Drive east from Portland on I-84 to Exit 28 (Bridal Veil exit). Turn right on the historic Columbia River Highway and drive approximately 0.5 mile to the trailhead. There is a small turnout alongside the highway (right near the bridge) with space for a couple of cars. Or for those not afraid to stretch their legs a little, additional parking can be found at nearby Larourell Falls. See map.

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Welcome to The Grotto

Posted on June 8, 2010 by TKGilb

The Grotto: A place of solitude, peace, and prayer.

The Grotto: A place of solitude, peace, and prayer.

The Grotto is the popular name given to the National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother. The internationally known Catholic shrine with its acres of manicured gardens and winding paths is located just minutes from the hustle-bustle of downtown Portland. Over 200,000 visitors from all faiths visit this quiet, serene setting each year.

The heart of the shrine is Our Lady’s Grotto, a rock cave carved into the base of a 110 foot basalt cliff. High above a stone altar overflowing with fresh flowers is a life-sized replica of Michelangelo’s Pieta. The statue of Mary holding the body of her son, Jesus, is flanked by two bronze angels bearing torches.

The Grotto was the dream of Father Ambrose Mayer, the first Servite pastor in the Archdiocese of Portland. His lifelong desire was to find the perfect site on which to build a suitable tribute to Mary, Mother of Jesus. He found it here in what then was a bit of rugged, untamed wilderness at the edge of the city.

The land was purchased from the Union Pacific Railroad for $48,000. Work began in September, 1923, and less than a year later, 3000 people gathered for the first Mass and the blessing/dedication of the shrine.

Today, the Plaza Level covers nearly 20 acres of woodland tucked up against the base of the cliff. It includes the Chapel of Mary (see Mass schedule), Stations of the Cross, and the Grotto itself (cave and plaza). Wanderers will find numerous statues set among the towering pines and native shrubs. There is also a Welcome Center, Coffee Express, and Gift Shop.

The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother is a non-profit organization supported solely by the proceeds from its gift shop and donations. It’s administered by the Order of Friars Servants of Mary (Servites) USA Province, who live and work in a monastery onsite.

The Grotto is open year-round. Hours are 9am-8:30pm, Monday through Sunday. For a map and detailed directions, please check here.

Special Note: There is no admission charge to tour the gardens and structures found on the Plaza Level. But to reach the botanical gardens and smaller shrines located at the top of the cliff, a $4 token is needed to ride the elevator.

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Where the Blue Camas Grows

Posted on June 1, 2010 by TKGilb

Thousands of acres of blue camas once bloomed in the Pacific NW.

Thousands of acres of blue camas once bloomed in the Pacific NW.

Blue camas, also known as Quamash or Indian hyacinth, once grew in wild abundance throughout the Pacific NW. Meadows filled with the bright blue, almost purple flowers were said to resemble “lakes of fine clear water.” But when white settlers first came to this region, they plowed under the camas fields and replaced them with acres of wheat or other farm crops. Pigs consumed what the plow couldn’t reach and the “lakes” of blue camas became just a memory.

But blue camas can still be found in the wild. We happened upon this patch while out hiking recently. The plants were blooming profusely in a small meadow nestled among some trees. For close-up shots of this beautiful native wildflower, please check here.

Camas bulbs were once a staple item in the diets of many native tribes living in the western U.S. Baked or slow roasted, they taste very similar to sweet potatoes.

A typical camas roasting pit varied from 2 to 6 feet deep. Gathering rocks and driftwood for the pits was considered men’s work. The women dug up the bulbs, using wooden digging sticks with fire-hardened points and deer antler handles.

The bottom of the pit was lined with fist-sized stones and covered with driftwood which was then set afire. The fire continued to burn until the rocks were very hot. Then the ashes were swept aside, and a layer of leaves and grasses was placed over the rocks. This was topped with a layer of washed camas bulbs, another layer of leaves and grasses, another layer of camas bulbs, and so on until the pit was filled. The Indians then poured water into the pit to create steam and covered the final layer of grasses with soil. The camas bulbs were then left to “bake” for 1-3 days.

Baked camas could be eaten right out of the “oven”. But for winter storage, the cooked bulbs were sun-dried, mashed, shaped into flat loaves, and baked again. Or ground into a coarse black flour which could be used to make porridge or “pancake” batter.

Special warning to any would-be foragers out there: Death camas (Zigadenus venenosus) can be easily mistaken for the more common blue camas variety and is toxic! Be sure of your identification before trying to eat any camas bulb harvested in the wild.

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Silent Sentinels

Posted on May 31, 2010 by TKGilb

Napoleon 12-pound Light Field Cannons. Vancouver, WA.

Napoleon 12-pound Light Field Cannons. Vancouver, WA.

Memorial Day, 2010. The cannon are located on the west end of Officer’s Row in Vancouver, WA, right across the street from the old military parade ground. Nestled in a parklike setting, they serve as magnets, drawing everyone within eyeshot to the granite memorial that stands behind them. The memorial pays tribute to the four Medal of Honor recipients now at rest in Vancouver Barracks Cemetery.

First Sergeant James M. Hill: 5th U.S. Cavalry, The Indian Campaigns, 1873.

First Sergeant Moses Williams: 9th U.S. Cavalry, The Indian Campaigns, 1876.

First Lieutenant William W. McCammon: 24th Missouri Regiment, Civil War, 1896.

Bugler Herman Pfisterer: 21st Infantry, Spanish-American War, 1899.

The monument was erected in the fall of 1991 and presented to the City of Vancouver on November 8th of that year by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. General Colin Powell, then Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, attended the dedication ceremony.

“It is a great honor for me to be with you today,” Powell said to those gathered there that day. “The Medal of Honor is the highest tribute America can give to those who put their lives at risk, above and beyond the call of duty.”

The Medal of Honor Monument is located at the corner of East Vancouver Way and Fort Vancouver Way. Though open to the public year-round, a visit here seems especially poignant during Memorial Day weekend. Visitor parking is available just 300 yards away at the O. O. Howard House, 750 Anderson, Vancouver, WA 98661.

For all you military enthusiasts, the Napoleon 12-pound Light Field Cannons that stand as “Silent Sentinels” for the monument are replicas. For a more detailed description of these historic artillery pieces, please check here. They were meticulously recreated by students from the metalworking and woodworking classes of Mountain View High School. (1990-1992 school years) To ensure accuracy, the students consulted drawings that were more than 100 years old.

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The House on Hemlock Street

Posted on May 27, 2010 by TKGilb

Steidel's Art Gallery in downtown Cannon Beach, OR.

Steidel's Art Gallery in downtown Cannon Beach, OR.

I love this house! It has so much personality. Love it so much, in fact, that whenever we visit Cannon Beach, OR, I always find time to walk by at least once and make sure it’s still standing. But I never had an opportunity to step inside until just recently.

This whimsical old house on Hemlock Street is actually the “home” of Steidel’s Art Gallery.This is, by no means, one of those sleek glass and chrome kind of galleries. The interior is snug and warm with a burnished hardwood floor, lots of wood trim, and a wood burning stove that invites visitors to linger. As indicated by the architectural detail on the outside, this gallery is meant to be “a place of fantasy and wonder.”

Brightly colored prints and paintings cover the walls. A varied selection of greeting cards, designed by the artist, fills two long shelves along one side of the room. There’s also a sculpture or two on display. And if you look very closely, you’ll find the artist himself tucked away in the corner behind his hand-built drawing board, almost hidden by canvas, lamps, and artist supplies.

Yep, that’s him! Bill Steidel. The grizzled gent in the derby hat.

Bill Steidel has been “an integral part of the Cannon Beach arts community since the 1970’s” and is known as one of its “most enduring artists.” His love of birds, nature, high fantasy, and a pasion for flight is reflected in his work. With incredible attention to detail, he creates glowing landscapes “peopled” with fanciful characters. The kind of worlds, and characters, that touch your heart and bring a smile to your lips.

Steidel’s Art Gallery is located at 116 South Hemlock in downtown Cannon Beach, OR. Send me a note when you’ve seen it!

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