Can you guess when this riverboat landed passengers at Oswego Landing?
With so much conversation around the use of the lake and surrounding waters, it's fascinating to look back at how the waters were utilized in history! Can you guess when this riverboat operated?
Stay tuned to the end of the newsletter to find out more!
While the museum has been closed to the public for most of March, that doesn't mean we haven't been hard at work! We emptied out our main exhibit hall in preparation for some big changes with the opening of our new exhibit, The Story Begins: Through the Eyes of One Vietnamese Refugee. We also presented about Oswego Suffragists to a wonderful crowd at Mary's Woods for Women's History Month, as seen in the photo above.
This spring and summer, we've got so many events and programs planned that there should be something for everyone! From going out into the community to inviting people to participate in fun events at the museum, we'll keep you updated on all that's to come...
Kathryn Sinor
Executive Director
Our previous exhibit featured the story of Dora Espy Wilson, an Oswego suffragist who was a big force for change in the area before and after women gained the right to vote. We worked with Dora's surviving family to gather photographs and a closer understanding of her as a person. The family has given us one more gift: a bound book of letters from Dora Espy Wilson's husband, A. King Wilson, to Dora in June 1902 as he traveled.
King Wilson served as one of the earliest mayors of Oswego, from 1915 to 1918. While we are still in the process of reading the content of the letters, King included photographs, menus, tickets, and other things tucked in the pages. We can't wait to share more of our findings!
As the story of our new exhibit begins fifty years ago, in 1975, we thought it would be fun to pull some Lake Oswego photographs from the era. This photo is from the Lake Oswego Junior High School, where 9th grade girls were modeling the dresses they made from Simplicity patterns in their home economics class. Several people commented on the photo when we posted it on Facebook and Instagram, reminiscing about the teacher and their time in the school.
Do you have some 1970s photographs you'd like to share? We're looking to highlight some of the fashion in Lake Oswego at the time.
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SPECIAL INVITE FOR OHC MEMBERS
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Come join us at the Oswego Heritage House on
Friday, April 4th, at 6:00 PM
for a lively 1970s-themed exhibit opening featuring special performances, food, meet-and-greets, and so much more!
The Vietnamese American community in Portland will be commemorating a profound milestone - 50 years since the beginning of a new chapter for many Vietnamese immigrants in America, April 30th, 2025. This moment symbolizes half a century of resilience, growth, and contributions to the city’s vibrant culture. To honor this legacy, we invite you to join us through a series of gatherings celebrating the Vietnamese impact on Portland and American culture.
The 50th Year Commemoration: Vietnamese Heritage Event will unfold into a three part series of exhibits, installations, and acknowledgements —The Past, The Present, and The Future. The events showcase the resilience and achievements of the community, acknowledge its transformative role in Portland, and inspire the next generation to continue this rich legacy.
The Past begins on April 5th, 2025, at the Oswego Heritage House Museum with an exhibit - “And the Story Begins.” This exhibition captures the perspective of a Vietnamese immigrant artist, reflecting on a pivotal moment in his life: transitioning from the familiarity of his home just six months prior to navigating a new country, language, and culture. This collection of art is one experience through the eyes of a Vietnamese man coming to America after the end of a war.
The Present gathers on April 30th, 2025, for “50 Years of Vietnamese Contribution." The event will take place at the Oregon Historical Society in downtown Portland. This public event is to recognize how the Vietnamese community has contributed to Oregon in the last 50 years.
The Future will be held on May 17th, 2025, at the Jeffrey Allen Gallery, to proudly present “Wishes for the Vietnamese American Future.” This event will debut the Mother Spirit Temple (Đền Mẫu Vân Hương) as a recognized Vietnamese artifact and cultural heritage practice, and celebrating its 50-year contribution to shaping Vietnamese identity in Oregon. An art installation will showcase 2nd and 3rd generation Vietnamese American families, honoring the cultural legacy that bridges the past, present, and future.
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Step back in time to the 1920s, when the music was big and the booze was illegal! There will be live jazz music, light dining, and for those willing to bend the rules, for those who have the secret invite, a burlesque show in our speakeasy soiree. Don your skirts that fall above your ankles, put on your best suits and biggest hats, and be prepared for a night of vices, history, and fun.
CONSIDER SPONSORING THE EVENT TODAY
Were you able to guess when this riverboat landed passengers at the Oswego Landing?
This photograph is from 1893, showing the sternwheeler Altona slowing to land passengers at the Oswego Landing by the Oswego Creek!
Three stern wheel boats also navigated the lake itself for commerce, passengers, and towing logs to Durham's and Trullinger's sawmill, including the ONWARD and the HENRIETTA in the 1860s and 1870s. (Thank you Dr. Beckham for providing the names and timeline!)
From our collection: The ship pictured here is classified as a tug, circa unknown.
From the Lake Oswego Public Library's collection: This is the East end of Oswego Lake looking West. Wooded land on right is the present Lakewood neighborhood.
