My Works
|
Journey through the History of Estacada Featuring stunning a collection of vintage photographs |
|
|
New to Arcadia Publishing’s popular Images of America series is Estacada by local author Kathryn McCune Hurd. This pictorial history boasts more than 200 vintage images and provides readers with a unique opportunity to reconnect with the history that shaped their community. Estacada, incorporated in 1905, is located in the foothills of the Cascade Range. The town owes its existence to the construction of the first hydroelectric power dams along the narrow canyons of the scenic Clackamas River. For eight decades, Estacada was prominent in the timber industry. Today, the main attractions are the area’s outstanding beauty, its growing art community, and its many recreational opportunities such as camping, hunting, fishing, and boating. About 2,400 people live in the incorporated city of Estacada, but the majority of a population of 18,000 lives in the unincorporated towns that surround it. These communities were settled as early as 1847 and boasted their own schools, churches, businesses, and post offices long before the incorporation of Estacada. Their lush histories provide a colorful foundation for the people and areas now collectively referred to as Estacada. Highlights of Estacada include:
Arcadia Publishing is the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States. Their mission is to make history accessible and meaningful through the publication of books on the heritage of America’s people and places. www.arcadiapublishing.com. To arrange a book signing, or presentation at your school, club, or event, contact Kathryn Hurd Phone/FAX: 503-630-4175 |
|
| Kathryn McCune Hurd, who lives in the rural Garfield district outside Estacada, is the author of historical biographies chronicling the lives of prominent Pacific Northwest residents. Images chosen to bring life to Estacada’s past were obtained from individual families during interviews conducted by the author and from the archives of Portland General Electric and the Jacknife-Zion-Horseheaven Historical Society. | |
|
Estacada by Kathryn McCune Hurd Images of America series Price: $21.99 128 pages/ softcover Available: March 5, 2012 |
|
To order your copy print the order form, fill it out and mail with your check
to Kathryn Hurd, P.O. Box 883, Estacada, OR 97023.
click here for the order form
Briarwood
When I was a child, I heard the story of Uncle Remus and Bre’r Rabbit. The way I remember it, Bre’r Rabbit had been captured by Bre’r Fox. He was trying to make his escape, and begged his captor, “Throw me into the river. Toss me over yonder hill. Hurl me onto the tall oak tree. But please, please, don’t throw me into the briar patch!”
Naturally, that is exactly what Bre’r Fox did. Oh, happy day! The rabbit was at home in an area which appeared inhospitable to others. In fact, he thrived there.
The people who settled in Briarwood over the years thrived, too. This was not the “ideal” location. It was somewhat wild. The wealthy would not think of living here, on the river! Only the independent, the courageous, the self-sufficient would consider this a home.
From the introduction to Briarwood Remembered, 1998.
“Dear Kathryn,
It was a pleasure to read your book about Briarwood. What memories it brought back. I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting old friends in our neighborhood that is fast disappearing. Thank you.”
Sincerely, Doris Price
Bruno Paul John
B.P.’s granddaughter, Molly, perceived Bruno Paul John a ‘man’s man’: outgoing and capable, and most comfortable in the company of his fellows. To his relatives he exhibited quirks of character that were both irritating and endearing. His sparse education left him short in math skills. Once when the IRS was ‘on him’, he told his Italian lawyer, “Casiro, just give them a bunch of numbers and confuse them”
He thrived on business-oriented activity, which is how he chose to spend the majority of his time. In fact, his associations with members of his family generally centered on some aspect of the operation of the furniture factory or real estate holdings.
From page 61 of Bruno Paul John, An Oregon Legacy, 2000“
"Dear Kathryn,
Our past business associates welcomed the book about the B.P. John Furniture Factory and the history of Johns Landing. As you know, my mother (B.P.’s daughter), now suffers from Alzheimer’s. But when she held your book in her hands her memory became crystal clear, and she told me stories about her father and their life. She said, ‘This is a very good book.’ Her reaction is worth more than anything else. Our family is happy that we asked you to write this history.”
Yours truly, John Condon (grandson of B.P. John)
The Dwyers.
“Virtue is the only nobility”, so says the motto of the family name of Dwyer. No one exemplified this creed more than Anthony Joseph Dwyer, descended from a long and illustrious line of Irishmen.
A.J. was an Oregon lumberman in the best traditions of the West. His career spanned forest operations in Northern Minnesota, Southwest Washington and Northwest Oregon.
He pitted muscle and know-how, brains and perseverance against tremendous natural obstacles and economic hazards to build a lumber operation of substantial importance. His was one of eleven large sawmills originally operating in his adopted Portland area, dating from 1923. In 1964 when it was sold to Publisher’s Paper, Dwyer Lumber and Plywood Company was the lone survivor.
From page 11 of The Dwyers: Pioneers in the Timber Industry, 2004“Dear Kathryn,
I think you did a wonderful job of putting together this book. I know it was frustrating at times working with lots of input, but the end product is outstanding and I for one really commend you and thank you for doing that. That generation was truly special in their relationships and without this book, the feeling of that would be lost forever after a few more years. Thank you so much for your efforts."
Sincerely, Matt McDougall (grandson of A.J. Dwyer)
"Dear Kathryn,
Since getting your wonderful book, I read it into the night. You did a fine job. Its presentation, pictures, lay-out and style are all excellent.You are to be commended.
The book signing was an emotional evening. Besides the major focus of the book, I saw people I had not seen in person since I was in high school. Meeting you, the author, was a separate highlight of its own. I am so happy to have come from Phoenix to attend, and thank you for incorporating my recollections."
Fondly, Kathleen Dwyer Duyck
Stories from the Hearth:
Once upon a time, there lived a Tzar who had three sons. When they were grown to manhood, the Tzar called them to him and said, “It is my wish that you marry, for I want to enjoy my grandchildren before I die.”
The sons gladly agreed, but said, “Tell us whom we should marry.”
The father gave each of them a magic arrow. He told them to go into an open field and shoot their arrows into the air. Wherever the arrow landed, there would he find his bride.
From The Frog Princess in Stories from the Hearth. 1995
“The roar of thunder and the crowing of a rooster are two convincing sound effects that introduce The Magic Fish, the first Russian tale crisply retold by Kathryn Hurd......This is a solid, impressively performed collection.”
Publishers Weekly, January 16, 1995