5124 NE 34TH Avenue - Portland, OR 97211-7452 - http://www.coasttrails.org - (503) 335-3876
NEWS RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE
Al LePage, Director, NCTA/ 503-335-3876
Pioneer "Robert Newell"" to Host Wedding At Historic Newell House in "Champoeg"
A prominent American pioneer will host a wedding and dinner reception for a lady and
a gentleman as a first-time "living history" event set in 1853, with a very famous guest!
The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will be sponsoring a special interpretive event featuring "Robert and Rebecca Newell," "Archbishop Francis Blanchet," and "Peter Skene Ogden," at the Robert Newell House Museum in St. Paul, Oregon on Saturday, May 18th. Volunteers with backgrounds in acting and first-person character interpretation will portray these historic figures of Oregon's past. This "living history" event, "Here Comes the Bride!" begins at 12:00 Noon and continues until 2 PM; regular admission is $2 for adults, and $1 for ages 4 -11. Children under age 4 are free. This event is one in a series of events called "Discover Oregon's Lost Years," bringing Pacific Northwest history alive along the "Alexander McLeod Trail."
The event scenario is simple. "Robert and Mrs. Newell" will welcome guests "Archbishop Francis Blanchet," the first Catholic priest of the Oregon Country, and "Chief Factor Peter Skene Ogden," manager for the British Hudson's Bay Company at Fort Vancouver. The wedding ceremony will be performed for an American lady and gentleman and then followed by a special dinner reception. Dinner-table discussions, passing comments, and stories galore are sure to make for interesting conversation. The wedding cake will be served, some music, and a surprise visit will be thrown in for good measure. The dinner and wedding cake served will be authentic in terms of the period being portrayed. Although the food will look and smell great, it is only for those at the dinner table. The public is welcome, though, to watch and listen during both the ceremony and special wedding dinner. The time being interpreted is 1853, around the time the original Newell family home here was completed, and when the influence of the Hudson's Bay Company was finally coming to an end.
"This event shouldn't be missed by anyone with an interest in Oregon history," says Nancy Canning, DAR State Curator of Museums. "It's going to be fun, exciting, and make history come alive."
The volunteers who will portray these people of the past have varied backgrounds. Michael Gilbert, portraying "Robert Newell," is an actor who also volunteers at the historic Philip Foster Farm in Eagle Creek, Oregon. Thea Clark, portraying his wife "Rebecca," recently acted in a play directed by Gilbert. Ken Bierly, whose principal venue for living history interpretation is Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, will portray "Archbishop Francis Blanchet." Tom Laidlaw, appearing as "Peter Skene Ogden," portrays this and other historic characters, performing in various venues.
"What a great opportunity for people to attend an event that really brings history alive," says Al LePage, executive director of the National Coast Trail Association. "What a rare opportunity to use your imagination and travel back in time. Just think, you'll be in the presence of Robert Newell, Archbishop Blanchet, and Peter Skene Ogden!"
Robert or "Doc" Newell, brought the first wagon across the plains and mountains to the Willamette Valley via the Columbia River in 1841. He was a member of the legislative committee that formed and framed the first laws of the Oregon territorial government in 1843. He owned land and resided in Champoeg for 20 years beginning in 1844. The flood of 1861 destroyed his store and warehouse, and during the next few years turned to Idaho to try to retrieve his fortunes. He became a special commissioner and interpreter to the Nez Perce Indians, and spent the last years of his life on a 5-acre plot of land ceded to him by his Indian friends. He was everything from a mountain man to a businessman, married three times over his life, and was the father of many children, all in the span of 60 years!
The Newell home was located along the historic routes from both Oregon City and Salem. It was a popular place sought by travelers as a goal to reach by the end of the day, and hopefully in time for the evening dinner. Robert and his wife's hospitality not only included a meal, but also providing such visitors with lodgings for the night. Newell was a well-known member of the local community and beyond, and people like Blanchet and Ogden most likely had heard of him. Therefore, the scenario being brought to life, is quite probable.
The Newell house was built on the bluff overlooking the Champoeg townsite about 1852. The original house was torn down during the twentieth century, and the Oregon State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution reconstructed it in 1959.
#####
The National Coast Trail Association (NCTA) has worked in cooperation with the McLoughlin Memorial Association to bring you this event. The NCTA is a non-profit organization working to "Keep The Coast For Everyone" through recreational trails, public access, and the preservation of historic and natural environments.
The Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.) owns and operates the Robert Newell House Museum. Besides the reconstructed Newell House, containing Indian artifacts, a unique collection of historic gowns, and other items, the museum includes both the 1850 Butteville Jail and a typical one room schoolhouse.
__________________________________________________________________
ATTENTION NEWSPAPERS: High-resolution photo for use provided with the permission and courtesy of the National Coast Trail Association. Crop photos as needed.
__________________________________________________________________The Robert Newell House, located near the Champoeg State Park entrance.
_________________________________________________________________
NOTE TO THE MEDIA: An extensive on-line media-kit with a detailed calendar of events, other press releases, high-resolution print quality photos for newspapers, event posters, relevant links to other websites and other useful information can easily and quickly be accessed. Visit www.coasttrails.org and simply click on "Discover Oregon's Lost Years!" and "Press Releases & Photos"
________________________________________________________________