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As an OHS member and frequent user of the research library, I'm very concerned about the future of the research library and its staff. 

A lot of the discussion online has centered on the need for additional state funding for OHS, which I understand. However, equally important is how OHS chooses to utilize those funds they have. 

In light of the research library closures, it seems odd to me that the OHS is expending funds to bring in popular (and expensive) historians such as Doris Kearns Goodwin and David McCullough to speak in conjunction with the Hatfield Historians Forum.

Admittedly, this series is a great opportunity for the well-heeled in our community, but with the most affordable general admission tickets going for $50, I wonder if the return is meeting (or exceeding) the investment. If so, that's wonderful, and I can rest assured; if not, perhaps that expenditure should be reevaluated in light of the research library closure. 

I, for one, would prefer to have the research library open and operational...it seems one can always catch a Goodwin lecture online or on TV.

posted 4 years, 2 months ago
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Great topic today!

As a minor note, there is a long history of distilling in Oregon and the Portland/Vancouver metro area. As the historian at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, this is one of the more interesting "firsts" claimed at the fort that I look forward to researching more...the first distilling venture in the Oregon Country.

Yes, in addition to a successful brewing venture, the Hudson's Bay Company had a distillery on the waterfront at Fort Vancouver for many years. It was a fairly large building, 132' x 18'. Today, there are several restaurants along the Columbia River waterfront in this original location...little do they know they're serving spirits in a place where they were believed to be first distilled in the area!

Spirits and the Hudson's Bay Company had a love/hate relationship, and to be brief the HBC sought to control the production and distribution of alcohol. That did not keep wily American immigrants and British Navy deserters from distilling their own homemade "hooch" in the 1840s, resulting in several colorful tales which I'd be happy to share.

Anyway, the point is that, indeed, there is a long history of distilling spirits in the Oregon Country.

Cheers,
Greg Shine
Chief Ranger & Historian
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
Northwest Cultural Resources Institute

posted 4 years, 11 months ago
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