February 2021 News

Posted on February 13, 2021 by gardenhomehistoryproject

In this edition: 1915 Valentine’s Day post card, 1913 train wreck post card, reopening of the Old Market Pub and Brewery, website statistics, new Discover Garden Home series.

Welcome to our website about historic Garden Home. In the People and Places pages, you’ll find well over two hundred stories, and over two thousand photos of vintage Garden Home and residents attending our events. You can contact us at GardenHomeHistory@gmail.com or call Elaine Shreve at 503-246-5879 or Esta Mapes at 503-246-5758 or Stan Houseman at 503-679-3691.

News

February 14 Valentines Day and Oregon Statehood:  Oregon officially became the 33rd state just 162 years ago in 1859! Here is a valentine postcard sent to Miss Vivian Tigard with the 1915 Garden Home postmark and simple address (courtesy Steve Bauer).

1915 Valentine's Day postcard to Vivian Tigard - front

1915 Valentine’s Day postcard to Vivian Tigard – front

1915 Valentine's Day postcard to Vivian Tigard - back

1915 Valentine’s Day postcard to Vivian Tigard – back

Steve Bauer sent us a second vintage postcard photo from Ebay, with a 1913 Garden Home postmark from Hillsdale depicting a train wreck. The writer tells Alfred:  “I was over there March 1st. I went over with 2 horses from here. I rode them, it took me about 3 days. I stopped a day with Uncle & Auntie. I might be up sometime next month or July. Best regards to you all.  Andrew” The train photo is marked PRN for Pacific Railway and Navigation Company. Thanks to Steve Bauer for the postcards.

1913 train wreck postcard - front

1913 train wreck postcard – front

1913 train wreck postcard - back

1913 train wreck postcard – back

Old Market Pub is now open for limited indoor dining in addition to the great plastic encased seating outdoors. One of the best outdoor spaces around! When you are inside, take a moment to find Garden Home History’s big vintage postal safe and historic photos from Colin Lamb’s Thriftway store. Visit the Old Market Pub website. Read more about the history of the Old Market Pub.

2021 Old Market Pub and Brewery outdoor seating

2021 Old Market Pub and Brewery outdoor seating

GardenHomeHistory.com website statistics: During January 2021, we had 1,045 visitors with 2,621 page views. During the year 2020, we had 11,149 visitors and 32,999 page views.  The most popular articles generally are our stories on:

Our popular story on Mollie Miles had 102 views just in January 2021. We suspect many of those visitors were actually looking for the Mollie Miles from the Ford vs. Ferrari motion picture. Our Mollie Miles lived over near the Portland Golf Club and has a most interesting story.

Mollie Miles - Oregonian obit

Mollie Miles from Garden Home

New Housing Developments: You have probably noticed the two large housing developments on SW Garden Home Road. Both the Piper Ridge development at SW 87th Ave. and the Garden Home Estates between SW 81st Ave. and SW 78th Ave. will each have 9 new homes developed by Westwood Homes (plus the original homes on the respective lots). Both properties were previously large pastures with horses in the last century. Early Garden Home was platted with large lots for typical family needs such as a cow, chickens, fruit trees, pasture, and a garden.

Discover Garden Home

Have you noticed the 5 flags flying at the Nordia House, 8800 SW Oleson Road? What specific countries do they represent? Take a selfie at the flags, and send it to us at GardenHomeHistory@gmail.com, and look for them here next month.

With the change in Covid regulations, the restaurant at Nordia House, Broder Söder, hopes to be open again on Feb. 15th, call to check, 503-977-0275.

Nordia House grand opening June 2015. Located on SW Oleson Rd near Fogelbo.

Help us find the funny, interesting, or historical places in Garden Home for drive-by or walk-by enjoyment to feature in Discover Garden Home. Take some photos and send them to us at GardenHomeHistory@gmail.com. Each month, we will publish a new Garden Home destination to discover!

Recent Events

Thanks to a generous donor, our special 10th Anniversary Gazette was printed and postal mailed to our entire list of subscribers. Thanks for the many nice comments about receiving this printed Gazette which was postal mailed to almost 400 families for whom we have home addresses. We print and mail our three or four Gazettes each year to those families who have paid an annual $10 for this service. All Gazettes are on our website under Newsletters.

To receive The Garden Home History Gazette and our Updates by email, send us an email at gardenhomehistory@gmail.com, and ask to receive it. It’s free! Or, you can subscribe to the printed editions of the Gazette by US Mail for $10 per year.

GHHP Gazette - December 2020 cover

GHHP Gazette – December 2020 (PDF)

Get Involved

Due to the current public health recommendations in response to the COVID-19 virus, we have suspended our usual slide programs until the Garden Home Recreation Center re-opens. We have interesting programs planned for the future. Take good care of yourselves.
Historic Garden Home street sign

Historic Garden Home street sign

Historic Garden Home street signs: We currently have about 35 of the Historic Garden Home street sign toppers in our community. Each sign was purchased by a friend or family member to honor their loved one. Click here to view photos of the signs and for information about sponsoring a sign.

Our generous donors permit us to print and mail this newsletter for our non-e-mail people and for the Garden Home Recreation Center. We also replace the Historic Garden Home street signs once for signs that disappear, current cost for each sign. We also have website costs, printing, paper, plaques and many other costs of an organization. Donor names are listed on our History Bulletin Board at the Recreation Center. Thank you to all of our donors and to all of our volunteers for their time and skills.

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Patrick Dignan obituary

Posted on February 11, 2021 by gardenhomehistoryproject
Patrick Dignan

Patrick Dignan

February 6, 1931 to January 30, 2021

Born in Albany, Ore., Feb. 6, 1931, Pat died of natural causes this past week. This proud Irishman was the third of four children born to Vera Burke Dignan and Wayne Dignan. Pat attended grade school in Albany and continued high school in Salem, Franklin in Portland, and graduated from Newport High School. Pat put himself through the University of Oregon setting chokers in logging camps. He joined Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and, in 1952 – 1953, was elected Student Body President of the University, as well as editor of The Daily Emerald. Pat was an Oregon track athlete under coach Bill Bowerman. He met his future wife, Andy Dignan, at the U of O and they married in the summer of 1953. Pat and Andy have three children … Todd, Laurie, and Ted … the pride of their lives.

Following his University graduation, Pat entered the Air Force as a Lieutenant and retired two years later as a Captain. He was based at Roslyn Air Force Station on Long Island, N.Y. Returning to Portland, Pat immediately joined Northwest Natural Gas Co., retiring 32 years later as Vice President of Marketing. He played and coached the Gasco Tailblazes, a company intramural basketball team for employees.

Pat was named Portland’s Junior Chamber of Commerce Junior First Citizen in 1960 and chaired the fifth annual Jesuit Auction, one of his many volunteer positions associated with his children’s interests. He was the chair of the 1997 Portland Homebuilders Street of Dreams. The family owned Blazer tickets from the team’s founding until 1996. A 50 plus year family member of Portland Golf Club, Pat’s dining room attendance surpassed his rounds of golf over the years! Pat and Andy were Quarterly Club Dance Club members for over 50 years and U of O Alumni Association members.

Pat is survived by his wife of 68 years, Andy; and children, Todd (Twyla), Laurie, and Ted (Magen); grandchildren, Peter Mohling (Michelle), Kristina Lawson (Ben), Jenny Martens (Danny), Sean Dignan, Mitchell Dignan, and Seamus Dignan; great-granddaughter, Chloe Martens will be joined by Baby Boy Martens in April; sister, Connie Dignan Gainer; as well as many loving nieces and nephews and beloved friends and neighbors are wishing God’s blessing on Patrick and yourselves … “May the luck of the Irish enfold you.” Memorials may be sent to Albertina Kerr, 424 N.E. 22nd Ave., Portland, OR 97232 or a charity of your choice. The family is grateful for the loving care from Fieldstone Cornell Assisted Living and wonderful Hospice.

[Editor] Read more about Patrick Dignan:

Pat Dignan beside Century Home plaque

 

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Z. Ruth Croft obituary

Posted on January 26, 2021 by gardenhomehistoryproject
Z. Ruth Croft

Z. Ruth Croft

Z. Ruth Croft, October 24, 1930 to October 10, 2020

An amazing woman entered the Kingdom of Heaven Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020. She lived a life that many only aspire to, having loved, comforted and inspired her family and friends.

Z. Ruth Croft was born to Joseph and Lissy (Willis) Worthey Oct. 24, 1930 in Kansas City, Mo. She was the youngest of five children, following Juanita, Marvin, Rosemary, and Lorene. The family moved to Oregon in 1938 and settled near Bridal Veil. Ruth attended school in Portland and graduated from Clinton Kelly Commerce High School in 1948. Ruth’s given name was Zelma, something she did not like. She often shared the story of going to school and telling her teachers her name was “Ruth.” Her mother was not happy when she learned that Ruth had not told anyone at school her legal name was Zelma. Many of her family knew her as Zelma, or “Aunty Zelma” while other family members had no idea that was her given name. She married Lester “Ray/Bud” Croft in 1950 and they had four children: Judi, Carrie, Merrianne and Skip.

Ruth spent most of her life in the S.W. Portland areas of Garden Home, Multnomah and Tigard. Since 1950, Ruth shared her energy and love of people at Multnomah Presbyterian Church, where she was a member, wedding coordinator, and a board member of Dove Christian Preschool. She was a resident of Walla Walla, Wash., since 2018.

She was the manager of Crescent Grove Cemetery from 1964 until 1994, serving as a board member until June 2014. She established an outdoor Easter Sunrise Service at the cemetery in 2001 which continues today. Ruth was also the first woman to be elected as President of the Oregon Cemetery Association, serving from 1982 – 1984.

In 1978 Ruth was involved with saving the John Tigard House and forming the Tigard Historical Association where she was a charter member. She had a large circle of friends from her involvement with Washington County Extension and a local antique club. The antique club toured the Willamette Valley to expand their knowledge of antiques and local history. She was an avid antique collector and enjoyed quilting and knitting. Ruth also loved spending time gardening, working in her yard, and home canning.

Ruth was very interested in her children’s and grandchildren’s activities and loved seeing photos and talking on the phone about their most recent sporting event, accomplishment or 4-H/FFA project. Her calendar was always filled with important dates, birthdays and anniversaries. She had a genuine fondness for babies and weddings.

Always a die-hard Blazer fan, Ruth was a season ticket holder for many years. She had an extensive collection of Portland Trailblazer memorabilia, and never missed watching or listening to a Blazer game.

Ruth is survived by her four children, Judi (Steve) Graeper, Carrie Mullen, Merrianne (Brian) Key and Skip (Judi) Croft; and 13 grandchildren, Melyssa Graeper, Emily (Preston) Stanfill, Hillary (Jordan) Beck, John Mullen, Ben (Jenny) Mullen, Thomas Mullen, Hannah (Josh) Figini, William (Jenny) Mullen, Isaiah Mullen, Marcus (Lauren Anne) Key, Alli Key, Courtney Croft and Coleman Croft. Ruth will be missed by her 15 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Tigard Historical Association/John Tigard House Museum, P.O. Box 230402, Tigard, OR 97281 or Multnomah Presbyterian Church, 7555 S.W. 45th Ave., Portland, OR 97219.

A viewing will be held from 1 – 4 p.m., Friday Oct. 23, 2020, at Springer and Son/Aloha Funeral Home, 4150 S.W. 185th, Aloha, OR. A private service for immediate family only will be held Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020. A Celebration of Life memorial service for family and friends will be held in 2021.

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Daniel James Gustafson obituary

Posted on January 26, 2021 by gardenhomehistoryproject
Daniel James Gustafson

Daniel James Gustafson

Daniel James Gustafson,  July 13, 1955 to January 6, 2021

Daniel James Gustafson of Vancouver, Washington, died January 6, 2021 of pancreatic cancer. He was 65.

Born July 13, 1955, to Leonard and Louise Gustafson in Portland, he was raised in Garden Home and graduated from Beaverton High School in 1973. He spent his 20s working for newspapers in Portland, Milwaukie, Eugene, Springfield, Gresham, Beaverton and Anchorage, Alaska, all the while chipping away at his college degree. He earned his bachelor’s degree in 1985, the same year he joined The Oregonian, where he worked as a designer and editor for 30 years until his retirement.

In 1996 he went to Tijuana, Mexico, with members of his church on a house-building project. On that trip he got to know Susan Morgan, who had been a neighbor of his, and they fell in love. They were married less than a year later. Theirs was a marriage of great respect, love, joy and travel, particularly their annual trip to Kaua’i.

He is survived by his wife, Susan; his father-in-law, Kenneth E. Herman of Papillion, Neb.; stepchildren, Anna Benz of Portland, Joseph Bogner, and his wife, Jahnavee Soul, of Vancouver; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and seven nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a time and date to be determined at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Vancouver. A celebration of life will take place outdoors July 13, 2021, Dan’s birthday. Memorial contributions may be made to the church’s Building Fund or to one of Dan’s favorite charities, Kaua’i Albatross Network, 80 North Country Road, Setauket, NY 11733.

[Editor’s note: Daniel’s father, Leonard Gustafson, taught 8th grade and served as principal at Garden Home School in the 1960s. Daniel’s mother, Louise, was a piano teacher in the community.]

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Lou Anne Azar obituary

Posted on January 26, 2021 by gardenhomehistoryproject
Lou Anne Azar, May 11, 1930 to January 5, 2021

Lou Anne Azar, May 11, 1930 to January 5, 2021

Lou Anne Azar, May 11, 1930 to January 5, 2021

Our hearts are once again saddened by the passing of our mother, Lou Anne Azar. She passed away peacefully Jan. 5, 2021, surrounded by her family. She was 90 years old.

Mom was born May 11, 1930 to L. Dene and Emma Norris Hickman. Mom was a good wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend. She will be greatly missed. Mom enjoyed working, playing golf, and card games.

She first started working for the Army Corps of Engineers in 1950. There she met our dad, Al Azar, and they were married in 1951. In her last job she was the attendance secretary for Buckman Elementary School and spent 12 years there until her retirement.

She and our dad enjoyed many years of traveling and playing golf together as well as enjoying their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She leaves behind a son, Richard (Lona); daughter, Kay (Doug); grandson, Cody (Liesl); granddaughter, Baylie (Zak); great-granddaughters, Lyra and Etta Rose; and her brother, Clark “Doc” Hickman.

She will be interred with our dad at a later date due to covid-19 restrictions. We sincerely want to thank all of the nurses and staff at Courtyard at Mt. Tabor and the Providence Hospice nurses who took such wonderful care of our mother.

Betty the St. Bernard with (L-R) Cousins Bill Norris, Doc Hickman, Lou Anne Hickman and Eilene Norris.

Betty the St. Bernard with (L-R) Cousins Bill Norris, Doc Hickman, Lou Anne Hickman and Eilene Norris.
Courtesy Doc Hickman. See post.

1938 Garden Home Grade School, 3rd and 4th grades

1938 Garden Home Grade School, 3rd and 4th grades. Teacher, Miss Waltman. Front row, L to R: Bill May 4th, _______, _______, Harry Feldman 3rd, ___________, Clark Stephens 4th, _________ Jim Bernard 3rd.Back row, L to R: Barbara Lyons 3rd, _________, Shirley Redding 3rd, Alice Burns 4th, Ann Coey 3rd, Rosella Niebert 3rd, Lou Anne Hickman 3rd, Madeline Koester 4th, Betty Schaefer 4th, Evelyn Knudsen 4th
Courtesy Clark Stephens. See post.

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