Oregon Spectator, March 19, 1850
OREGON CITY CORPORATION.
Notice is hereby given, that sealed proposals will be received, until the 27th inst., for taking up and clearing off of stumps, from the head of Main Street to the bridge near the tannery; no part of said stumps to be left nearer the surface of the ground than one foot. Said proposals to state the amount for the entire job, and be directed to the mayor. Fred C. Prigg, City Recorder
PUBLIC MEETING.
The citizens of Oregon are respectfully invited to meet at the Methodist Episcopal Church, in Oregon City, on FRIDAY EVENING, the 27th inst., at 6 o’clock, for the purpose of taking into consideration the best means of suppressing the distillation, distribution, and use of ardent spirits in Oregon. All friends to the good order, the peace and happiness of Oregon, are earnestly requested to be present, as the committee are sensible that no subject, at the present time, demands a more serious and impartial consideration from every friend and lover of this new and rising colony. An address may be expected, and a plan for future operation will be presented to the meeting by the committee.
Signed: Samuel K. Barlow, M. Crawford, Andrew Hood, David Ingolls, J. R. Robb, W. H. Gray.
Oregon Argus, March 17, 1860
FUNERAL OF CAPT. SWEITZER – The body of the lamented Capt. Sweitzer was brought up on the Panama on her last trip, and reached here Saturday afternoon, March 10. On the Sunday following the body was buried in the cemetery near this city, with the usual honors of Masonry, of which order he was a worthy member. The Odd Fellows also, of whom he was one, followed him to his grave. Amory Holbrook, Esq., Grand Master of Masons in Oregon, delivered a very appropriate funeral discourse in the Methodist Church before proceeding to the performance of the last rites.
From the Probate File, Capt. Christian Schweitzer:
Amory Holbrook, Esq., To Charles Elevert, account
- To work, labor, and attendance performed by me in procuring the corpse of Captain Switzer (sic) and conveying same from “Humbolt Bay” to Portland, Oregon, including travelling expenses in going to and returning from the wreck of the “Northerner” during the time commencing February 4th and ending March 10th 1860 – $700.00
- Cash paid for Boat, to go to the said wreck for the body – $5.00
- Cash paid for boarding one Ferguson, a gravedigger – $3.00
- Cash paid for Sheet Shrouds – $25.00
- Cash paid for Zinc Coffin – $50.00
- Cash paid for one Wooden Coffin – $9.50
- Cash paid for Double Box for Coffin – $14.00
- Cash paid for services of Grave digger (Ferguson) – $2.00
- Total – $880.00
Weekly Enterprise, March 19, 1870
WEATHER – We have had almost all kinds of weather this week. Last Sunday and Monday we had snow; Tuesday and Wednesday, rain; and from that time beautiful warm spring weather, which shows every indication of a continuance.
The Oregonian, March 19, 1880
THE OREGON CITY SCHOOL CASE.
The Oregon City school contest came up yesterday before Judge Bellinger in chambers, upon a writ of mandamus.
Our readers will recollect the facts of the case as published at the time, namely, that 153 votes were cast, of which, 9 were cast by married ladies. Two of three directors declared the votes illegal, and one protested against this, claiming them to be legal. If these married women have the right to vote, Dr. Norris was elected; and if they have not, Dr. Welsh was elected. The record kept by the clerk and signed by him and the chairman of the meeting, Hon. John Myers, shows these facts. Since then Dr. Norris has qualified as director. W. H. Pope, having a claim against the district, presented to the clerk a warrant signed by one of the old directors and Dr. Norris.
The clerk refused to pay upon the ground that Dr. Norris was not elected director as it appeared by the record. Thereupon Mr. Pope filed a petition for mandamus. Dr. Welch was present in court and Mr. Huelat was allowed as amicus curie to object to trying the question as to who was director in such proceedings, claiming that this question could not be tried except by quo warranto or by regular contest. After argument the court took the matter under advisement.
Both Dr. Norris and Dr. Welch claim to be in office as director, and quo warranto cannot be brought by a person in office. Hence neither will institute proceedings though both are anxious to have the other begin. The decision of the majority of the directors seems a little inconsistent, as widows were allowed to vote, where as the constitutional provision which they claim bars married women from voting applies equally to all females. The probability is that there is a little bit of politics mixed up in the matter somewhere, which will develop hereafter. In case the court shall determine to hear the present petition, argument will be heard on the question of the right of women to vote [in school elections] next week.
The Oregonian, March 15, 1890
The demand for houses by renters at Oregon City continues to increase. It is evident that building operations for 1890 must greatly exceed those of last year if the demand is met.
The usual Sunday mail to Oregon City arrives so late that to accommodate subscribers arrangements have been made for having the package of Oregonians carried up on the steamer Latona. They will be addressed to E. G. Caufield, and subscribers can get their copies of him. The arrangement goes into effect tomorrow and will continue for every Sunday.
A man writes the following letter to the Oregon City Enterprise, which shows clearly the way our tax laws are at present administered all over the state:
I own one acre of land, situated one mile and a half from the city, one-half of which is under cultivation as a garden. The only building on it is a small frame house one-story high. On this property I am taxed this year $13.00. About one mile beyond me is a neighbor who owns forty acres, several acres of which are cleared off and under good cultivation. On this land is a barn and a dwelling house much larger and more costly than mine. The taxes on the whole are $10.30. My nearest neighbor, against whose land my acre juts, has twenty acres cleared off, a part – perhaps half – under good cultivation, the balance in pasture. He has a good-sized two-story house and a large frame barn on the premises. His taxes on this property are $14. I am told this sort of inequality in rating taxes exists throughout the county.
Oregon City Enterprise, March 16, 1900
BUTCHER-KNIVES AND BRICKS.
Two Wrights in this city have gone wrong, and, as usual, there is a woman in the case. Wednesday afternoon an altercation arose between two men, both named Harry C. Wright, which resulted in one having his skull caved in with a brick, which may prove fatal.
As near as can be ascertained, the facts are substantially as follows: As both combatants bear exactly the same name, for the sake of distinction, we will allude to them as the “man” and the “boy,” the reader bearing in mind the man is one who received the blow and the boy the one who delivered it.
Both have been staying in the old Phoenix house run by Mrs. Thurber. Wednesday afternoon the man called the boy out into the back yard and accused him of causing trouble between him and Mrs. Thurber. The boy denied it and some hot words ensued. The man rushed at the boy with a butcher knife and threatened to cut his heart out, but before he reached him, the boy picked up a brick and struck him just above the ear with it, causing a frightful wound. The boy immediately came down to the sheriff’s office and gave himself up. Chief Burns was soon upon the scene and took a large butcher knife from the aggressor. Dr. Sommer dressed the wound and had the man sent to Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland, where they removed a large piece of his skull. The doctor thinks the wounded man will recover. The boy is now in the county jail. He is about 19 years of age.
WOOLEN MILL STRIKE
Last week several hands working in the scouring department of the woolen mill struck for higher wages, and they were invited to call at the office and get their time. They were receiving $1.00 a day and wanted $1.25. There is somewhat of a higher-wage sentiment among some of the hands in other departments of the mills, and some of them are trying to incite a general strike.
SEWER SYSTEM.
The city council has unanimously said, “If the citizens are willing, no more sewage shall pollute the earth’s surface in Oregon City, and the good health of the county seat will be insured.”
To qualify this statement, they are now taking the initial steps to inaugurate a sewer system that will drain all the property between 2nd and 8th Streets by lateral sewers. These sewers will all empty into one main sewer, which will extend the length of Center Street from 2nd to 8th Streets, coming down the bluff at 3rd Street. There is, however, nothing definite about this route, but it seems to be the best one yet hit upon. The pipes used will be larger than the ones calculated upon last year when the sewer question was before the people, but they will not be laid as deep below grade, which will save considerable expense.
Oregon City Enterprise, March 18, 1910
OIL AND GAS NEAR STONE.
The Home Oil and Gas Company filed Articles of Incorporation Monday morning in the office of County Clerk Greenman, with Louis Vierhus, Joseph Grant Mumpower, Lorenzo Dow Mumpower, D. N. Byerlee, Harvey E. Cross and John William Watts as incorporators. The capital stock is $25,000 divided into 25,000 shares at $1 each. The company controls properties in the vicinity of Stone [Carver], six miles from Oregon City, and investigations indicate there is a large supply of oil there. D. M. Watson of Portland, who has made a personal examination, states that there is a plentiful flow 1,500 feet below the surface. Mr. Watson has a machine for testing and locating oil. The new corporation proposes to conduct a general oil and gas business and it corporate powers are wide.
DIRECTORS FIX UP EASTHAM GROUNDS.
The Board of Directors of the city schools has made a light appropriation for the improvement of the grounds surrounding the Eastham building, where the High School is located. The advanced students have already expended about $25 out their athletic fund to place the ground in better condition, and the improvement is not only a benefit to the property but it adds vastly to the general appearance of the Eastham building grounds. The school house is advantageously located on property that was originally dedicated for park purposes. It is the purpose of the students to have a baseball field and a lawn tennis court on the grounds.
GUARDSMEN DRILL OUTDOORS.
An out-door drill was held Monday night by Company G, Third Regiment of Infantry, Oregon National Guard, in command of First Lieutenant W. R. Logus. Uniformed in khaki the guardsmen’s military evolutions were witnessed by a large crowd of people. Target practice on the range at West Oregon City is being enjoyed by the members of the company who are able to avail themselves of the privilege.
Oregon City Enterprise, March 19, 1920
CONTRACT IS LET BY METHODIST CHURCH TO ERECT BUILDING
At a meeting held Monday evening by the board of trustees of the Methodist Church of this city, the contract of erecting a building on the church property at Seventh and Main Streets, the site where the former church and the Price Brothers store were destroyed by fire, was let. The contractors will be Hopkins & Andrews of Portland, but Mr. Andrews is the son of Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Andrews of this city. The work of erecting the building will be started within ten days, and will be ready for occupancy within 60 or 90 days. The building, which is to be a one-story structure, will be built of hollow tile, with plain finish, and will be modern throughout. When completed it will be occupied by Price Brothers. Charles Pope has been awarded the contract for plumbing.
The church also closed the deal Tuesday morning with Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Caufield for their beautiful home on Eighth and Bluff Streets. The property consists of two large lots, a 21 room house of three stories, and will be converted into a church, and the home of the presiding pastor may also be included in the building. The church takes possession about May 1.
This was formerly the home of the late Edward Eastham [and Clara (Caufield) Eastham Morey], and is one of the handsomest in the city, and commands a magnificent view for miles around.
The price paid for the property was $8,500, which is considered by residents of this city as a bargain. The property is close to the elevator and those coming in on the car to attend the services will find they have but a little more than a block to walk after being taken up the bluff by the elevator.
And delayed news…
DECREE IS GIVEN TO DEFENDANT WITH BABY
(March 9, Special) Willard P. Hawley, Jr., defendant in the divorce suit instituted by Mrs. Marjorie Hawley, was today granted the decree of divorce and the custody of his baby daughter, Eva Adele, by George R. Bagley, judge of the Washington County circuit court, who officiated as trial judge when the case was tried in Oregon City two weeks ago.
Judge Bagley awarded the decree to Mr. Hawley upon his supplemental cross-complaint, filed after the trail of the case had progressed for nearly a week and based upon the plaintiff’s charges of unlawful conduct on the part of her husband. The court holds that these charges were not proven.
The temporary custody of the child is awarded to Mrs. Hawley, subject to further order of the court, and Mr. Hawley is required to pay $250 a month for its care until further orders of the court, and the court suggests, but does not order, that Mrs. Hawley be permitted to occupy the family residence until the final determination of the case upon appeal, or if not appealed, until expiration of the 60 days limit for appeal of the case. Should the plaintiff appeal the case, she will be allowed $1,000 for expenses incident to the appeal. The courts directs that the child, who is 28 months of age, shall not be removed from the state and that while she is in the custody of either party, the other shall have the right at all reasonable times to see her.
The decision of Judge Bagley rests entirely upon Mrs. Hawley’s grave charges against her husband. He casts aside the other allegations of cruelty, which he says, is a question of intent. His conclusions, in part, are as follows:
1) Both the plaintiff and the defendant seek a decree upon the grounds of cruel and inhuman treatment, and, therefore, in the light of the evidence in the case, and the charges and counter-charges, we should ascertain what, in law, constitutes cruelty.
“Legal cruelty is such conduct in one of the marital parties as endangers, either apparently or in fact, the physical safety or health of the other to a degree rendering it physically or mentally impossible for the endangered party to discharge properly the duties imposed by the marriage.” (Bishop, Marriage and Divorce, 4th Ed. Sec. 717.)
It is not every little act done or threat uttered while smarting under either real or imaginary slights, or prompted by pangs of rage, or committed in the heat of passion brought about by the aggravation of the other party, that constitutes cruelty. Unintentional acts of indignities, unintentional injuries, the result of temporary passion or rage, unstudied disagreeable conduct, does not constitute cruelty. Cruelty is a question of intent; a mental purpose to wound the feelings of the other party. And while it is true that it is not necessary that actual physical cruelty be imposed and that the studied sneer, willful neglect, or careless regard of the other’s marital rights, may endanger the health of the injured party, yet it must be the result of a mental purpose; a present intent to wound and injure. Parties should not be divorced upon the ground of cruelty because they cannot live happily together on account of uncontrolled tempers or domestic wranglings. Those who enter the marriage state should bear with the ordinary consequences of human infirmities, more or less inherent and uncontrolled in all humans. Mere show of temper, petulant manners, abruptness, shortness of speech, or occasional exhibition of passion, as a rule do not amount to cruelty. It is always the duty of both the husband and wife to avoid quarrels, to bring about concord and harmony, to reconcile their little differences, to forgive and to forget the ordinary troubles affecting the marriage relation. Neither party to a marriage contract can exact nor expect performance from the other of the strict letter of the contract. The marriage status is one wherein the law operates upon the weaknesses as well as upon the strength of human nature, and the marriage contract should not be dissolved except for grave and substantial causes, satisfactorily established by a preponderance of the evidence…
The decree of the Court will, therefore, be that the defendant be divorced from the plaintiff upon the matters and things related in the supplemental cross complaint: that the permanent care, custody and control of the minor child of the plaintiff and defendant be awarded to the defendant; that the temporary custody of the child, subject to further order of the court, be awarded to the plaintiff…
The judge continued on about the “marital state” and there is more to the custody order at: Hawley Divorce.
And in this, the Year of the Woman month, wow have things changed for the better in the last 100 years!
The Week That Was... 