CHRISTMAS IN 1953 VS CHRISTMAS IN 2013

NOW that I'm just an old white guy siting around I have time to compare Christmas in the past years to today's.

Hard to believe the Christmas of 1953 boys of all ages was having a hard time waiting for Santa to bring them a one special request.
How many thought it  would be a gun of some sort? Boys of all ages wanted guns, cap guns to hunting rifles.

Christmas of 53, I believe was the year I wanted a Red Rider BB Gun. I don't remember any year that was not some kind of gun I wanted.

Was almost the same thing with my son as he grew up age in 1975. I remember he wanted guns & Cowboy's football gear, as ever other male child.

I have no idea of what girls my age wanted, but my daughter wanted dolls, & easy bake oven stuff when my age.

 Have you noticed in 2013 the difference in boys and Christmas? Today boys wants
vidio games, clothes, ipod, mp3, and sports equipment. The girls money, gift cards, music, ipod, mp3, concert tickets, makeup, jewelry, new phone, clothes, shoes, etc.

As for today I feel boy are being pushed into something other than young men.

As I remember dads and sons (sometimes daughters,) ( I had to say sometimes, because my wife went out with her dad). See I just said "how men are not men today!" went out looking Thur the woods for just the right tree. Moms and small children left home would get ready to set the tree up.

I do remember in the wood shed (kids today know not what a wood shed is) I helped dad build a tree stand & mount it to the tree. If I remember right a lot of things happened in that shed, not all to my liking.

Today you have so much red tape to go Thur to even get to a place you can cut a tree then pay to cut it. Or just stop by a tree stand on about ever corner and take it home to the kids. Even worse is just pull that fake tree from garage or basement.

When I was growing up Christmas was a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And of course Santa. Today this is all trashed by non-believers even Santa is being trashed today.

Christmas has been made into a commercialized Holiday with out any values for family or religions.
I believe Christmas of old, guns and all was much better represented than any Christmas in the last 20 years!

What is this old crap Happy Holidays anyway?

HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEARS

 

Valsetz Archives

I'm sure most Valsetzers and people that never knew about Valsetz feel as strong about the history as I do when it comes about what Valsetz was all about.

Sorry to say I got information on News Paper Archives of Valsetz history but don't remember from who. I'm thinking it was  from e-mail or posted by a Valsetzer on Face book.

I do apologize to this person.

Recently I found my note about the Archive, after poking around in the archives I become so involved the evening had become into the next day.

In the Archives you will find articals about Valsetz, The People, and Valsetz School Sports.

I must have spent hours going Thu this history of Valsetz finding new paper items that sent me back to memory lane this last week.

You will find Valsetz History By Clicking on The url below! Enjoy!

https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&gl=us&tbm=nws&q=Valsetz&oq=Valsetz&aq=0&aqi=d2&aql=&gs_sm=1&gs_upl=3890l26526l0l31607l22l22l13l5l10l0l91l359l4l4l0#q=Valsetz&hl=en&gl=us&tbm=nws&source=lnt&tbs=ar:1&sa=X&ei=9x9lT8ajHcXciQK62YSjDw&ved=0CBUQpwUoCg&fp=1&biw=1280&bih=929&bav=on.2,or.r_cp.r_qf.&cad=b&sei=pthUUcWAOaq6igKkrYCoDA




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GUN CONTROL

 

If I remember correct, from the first time my dad placed a gun in my hands he taught me about gun control.

Starting with Handling, pointing, aiming, and firing. This is gun control!

The first gun I had was a 3230 Winchester given to me by my dad to use when we went hunting. My dad used this gun on the bean farm in Colorado.
 
I remember hunting deer at night on the farm with dad and other farmers in the forties ( today they would call that poaching) The farmers hunted the deer for two reasons, one the deer ate the bean plants, & two for the meat. After the kill the deer were gutted, skinned, & butchered then my mother and other farmer's wives would can the deer meat for the winter.

After all the time my dad spent teaching me gun control I was not let out of the house on my own with a gun until I was about 10 years old, and that was a BB gun.  I got my first 22 at the age of about 14. I as many young Valsetzers spent many days walking up and down the rail road tracks plunking with the 22.
After dad died in 1959 I went deer hunting with a friend in Valsetz. As we were walking in the woods a few shots came our way. that was the last time I went deer hunting. To this day I don't know if it was being shot at or not hunting with dad that ended my hunting.
I did, as my dad done for me, I give the same lessons to my son in gun control except we never hunted.

Today Gun control has a whole different meaning. Gun Control is code for take the guns away from you, as you the citizen. If you are a Valsetzer you more than likely have been around guns all your life. If you took your car to school chances are you carried your rifle in this vehicle and  parked in the school parking lot. Don't you or any member of the family go near a school today with a gun in the car!

Today war has been declared on legal gun owners. If parents, & grand parents and the community don't control teaching in schools in I predict in10 years owning a gun will be illegal.

I had a visit last Xmas from my 3 year old great grand son. I may have gotten this kid in trouble with his pre-school, possible a suspension because I taught him how to do a finger fast gun draw.

These gun control freaks have started brain washing our kids as they have on other things like smoking.When will they start on brain washing our kids on using POT? Have you seen the stories about how and what kids are being punished for? It's as if they were brandishing a real gun.

I believe it's time communities take back the community schools and make them teach the values & curriculum they are being paid to do, and the politicians run the community's with the same values we were given!

It's to damn bad all schools of today are not made to follow VALSETZ CURRICULUM

Untill next blog have a Valsetz Type day!

TWO DAMN FAT!

The Government is telling us that our kids, and grand kids of to day are to damn fat, and the cause is the parents because they to are to damn fat also!

I happened to get behind a school bus the other
day,  following the bus to my house  I got to noticing these kids getting off the bus were over-weight and very few were thin.

As I reflected back on my own youth in the fifty's I could not think
of many kids being over-weight in both Valsetz high and grade Schools. But when I was In school recess was play time, we played soft ball, dodge ball, red rover, tag. During P.E. Class  I remember running from the school grounds to the dam and back (I hatted that). Bad weather we had P.T. in the gym, for lunch we walked to from  the only store to buy candy and sodas. After school we played and had activities until the time we were to be in the house.

 Meat and potatoes, sausage & eggs were the main staples of the Valsetz folks,Yet few adults were over-weight.

So how did the folks of today become so fat? The government tells us it's your fault. But I don't see it that way, I believe it started with the government.

I believe it started when government started taking over our schools, it was when schools started removing the recess activities,as Dodge Ball, running on the play grounds, and all the other things we done that keep us thin, trim, and healthy. Then comes the video games, kids get no exercise at school and now they don't get out side and walk or play with other kids because they are playing one another from their bed rooms a bloody video game.

Have you noticed kids in public are playing hand held games and Text Messaging one another sitting in the same Room?

It's same old thing when it comes to the government, It causes the problem and create more problems in trying to fix the problem.

As of today I'm over weight by 15 lbs, that is 15 lbs. over my high school weight.

I was 75 lbs  until I started eating half of what I would normally eat
including fast foods and restaurants. I also started walking daily, and
doing a 30 min a day exercise you can find at
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mt_hUkaRoOo

Valsetz Memorial

Come Monday the 28th of May 2012 of this year is  Memorial Day. But unlike many my Wife and I
won't be jumping in the packed out car and head out to the camp grounds for a week end of camping,  fishing, and other activity's. In today's world I get the feeling that few of the last generations don't know what Memorial Day stands for, It's just another party week end to them. 


When Doris And I was living in the Dallas area we spent time at the Cemetery's of Doris's Dad and my Father and Brother. After Moving to Reno Nevada in late seventies we still made trips for these visits. After Doris' Mom Winnie And my mom Lois passed, today we try to visit at least once a year after attending the Valsetz Reunion. We have not been able to make the trip last few years due to my health but on Memorial Day I find the time to think about and talk to my family about the four of us in Valsetz.
I always try to go over the names listed on the memorial wall on the Valsetzoregon.com  web site
giving all the old Valsetzers their due. I then turn my mind to all that have fought, giving life and body's to protect all of us from this country's enemy's.


This year if you are of the younger generation, and read this please take a few minutes read below article and say thank you for your service.

On Memorial Day: Thank You, Veterans

posted byBeyond Blue

I was going to write my own thank you note to all of the men and women who have served to protect this country, but I think John Grohol does such a beautiful job on his site. He writes:

This Memorial Day in the U.S. — like every Memorial Day — we commemorate and remember those who’ve given their lives for our freedoms and our nation. “Given their lives” is really not accurate, though, as Andy Rooney noted — these soldiers died, plain and simple. They died so that in the future, our country might be safer or democracy might be nurtured in an otherwise hostile environment. They died so that great evils could be done away with in WWII (and WWI). They died so that politicians could wage endless, unwinnable wars for political ideals (Vietnam, Korea, and now Iraq). They died, quite simply, so that we could enjoy the freedoms we so often take for granted in our country.

For every veteran and every active duty soldier and individual in military uniform — thank you. Thank you for the sacrifice you continue to make every day on our behalf. And for every family who’s lost a soldier due to service to their country — thank you. Thank you for your family member who’s made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. No words can ever express the debt we owe these brave men and women.

VALSETZ THE COMMUNITY THAT CARES

Valsetz, Oregon was always known as a community when some one needed help to get some thing done. To help a neighbor financially this little town stood up and done all they could to aid in the situation

Even years after Valsetz was burned and dozed I believe the people that lived and worked in this little community and their off spring still carry that valuable trait today.

The Valsetz community of today is still alive and well even after twenty eight years

from it's demise. This community stays in touch with one another Thur annual reunions, Face book and other means.

A need has arose for the help from this community again.

Frank Wheeler And family need all the help you can give.

From Kristi Wheeler

To all of Frank's friends, my
name is Kristi Wheeler and I'm Frank's wife. As many of you know Frank had a
major stroke on February 24, 2012 and he was moved to Evergreen Windsor Health
Rehabilitation Center in Salem from OHSU yesterday to continue his recovery for
an unknown period of time. Visitors are welcome and
encouraged.I want to thank you all for your
thoughts, visits and continued prayers. Frank is the primary provider for our
family and we currently have no income. I am working to get his benefits
started, but we don't know how long this might take. Meanwhile we have no way to
pay our monthly expenses. I have set up a bank account at MAP's Credit Union
that can be accessed by asking for The Frank Wheeler Medical Fund if you are
able to provide financial assistance.Frank is making slow, but steady progress and we appreciate
all of the support you have been providing for our family; especially your
prayers; please keep them coming.

Please Help Frank's family with donations to Frank Wheeler Medical fund at MAP'S Credit Union.

DONATIONS must be MAILED or HAND CARRIED into MAP's Credit Union.

ENVELOPE should have: Special Account For Frank Wheeler Medical Fund!

P.O. Box 12398
Salem, OR 97309

If you have any questions Please E-Mail Kristi Wheeler @ gthiel1@bmi.net

IF YOU HAD PLANNED TO DONATE TO THE VALSETZ WEB SITE THIS YEAR PLEASE DONATE TO FRANK WHEELER"S MEDICAL FUND INSTEAD!
I thank all you for your help in these times!

The New Valsetz

When I started the Valsetz Web Site way back when, I
discovered a tool that help me look like I knew what I was doing. All I had was
photos, videos, a few memories and another Valsetzer pushing me.
As the years pass, the site got larger. Then we had a man
named Ronan Feely come along,and make a video. This video made Valsetz the
attention of the world. Right behind him came Ken Jeske and other Valsetzers
that even brought Valsetz more attention by giving Valsetzers a week end
reunion in Valsetz with first showing of Ronan's video. The first reunion in
Valsetz since Valsetz closed in 1984 Plus the first viewing of Ronan Feely's
Video at the end of June brought new attention toValsetzers,
it was like having a new Valsetz arise from the old Valsetz site.
As Ronan's film keep getting showings and awards Valsetz
got more popular.This has been a great thing for Valsetzers. I believe all the
old Valsetzers that have passed are also very proud and very happy about their
new Valsetz.
As I stated at the start of this writing I had found a
tool to aid in building the Valsetz web site. This tool has now became a tool
for out siders to sell products using the Valsetz Name and has pushed many items
a side I used this tool for.
When I started the web site I learned about Search
Engines,and how to use them. With a Search Engine I found many facts
and information & pictures I used on the website.
I used Google search when I started, I still run Valsetz
& Valsetz Oregon search a few times a month. I always find something new or
to add to the web site. Unfortunately the name of Valsetz has been muddied by
opportunism of Company's and people to make a buck on the Valsetz name all the
good people spent decades to make.
By now you may have found my tool was google Search
Engine. Even after seeing What has happened to the new Valsetz I will still use
that web site old tool because (see below)
Thanks to Jayson Chase after his note he placed on
Face book has helped to simmer me down a bit about the #@!@*&* opportunism.
Use his information you will be wiser
Here is Jayson Chase's note: If anyone is interested in
reading old newspaper article's featuring Valsetz newspaper articles, head over
tonews.google.com then type valsetz in the search box, click on magnifying
glass. You will receive this message, "your search-Valsetz did not match any
news results." But here is the hidden gem, on left side of your screen you will
see more options. Select ARCHIVES: Screen will reload with currently 983 articles
from yesteryear.

I CAN DO IT

Do you like making stuff? Is there times when you will buy something, then think if I knew how I could make this, it would be better and a damn site cheaper.
With Valsetz & Stuff you will have that chance! Just watch for the Valsetz Blog articles for a heads up, or check I Can Do That page on Valsetz & Stuff.
About I Can Do That: You will find small projects you can do in spare your time with the computer that will save you time & money. You will find step by step instructions how to do it,( I'm talking about the projects ) what you will need to finish the project, and aproxmently the cost.
It looks as if I might be wasting your time and mine on this site looking at the amount of votes on the polls I posted.
As of now I have to much time on my hands ad this will keep me busy for awhile during the day. But when it looks like I'm not helping someone have a better day then I will have to say " good bye. "
The first project to be wrote on "I can Do It page" will be how to use your own pictures to make a item that looked expensive to own, and you will want to keep it around when you finish the use of this item without paying a premium price .
Know what it is? Find out In the next week on I Can Do That!
You will need computer, printer, And about $10.00 if you want make a very nice gift for another, or yourself.
The things change ever day o Valsetz and Stuff Keep so checking

Comments (0)

SO YOU WANT TO MAKE A MOVIE WITH SOUND AND EVERTHING.

I made my first video in 2000, it was from footage I shot
with a sonny video camera of the 1997 Valsetz Reunion held in Dallas
Oregon.
I spent many hours finding out how to make that video,
then made still pictures into slide video with music. I spent a fair amount of
cash on gizmo's and software to make my firsts computer videos into
a DVDs. Today it takes me about an hour to make
then put up on the Internet.
With today's advancement in computer and software you can
also make your own video. It may take a you few times to do one in an hour but
the best thing it is FREE!
When I tell you about computers and soft wear I'm
referring to windows versions, ( mainly Vista and Windows 7 ) HOW EVER the program
I will tell you about will work on XP and ME Windows as well.
The next part may be boring, so if you are computer
literate may want to skip parts of what I'm about to write on finding this
software.
Most videos on You Tube will show you how to use this
program, but won't tell you where or how to find the program on your
computer.Windows Move Maker is the program I'm
talking about. You can make slide shows with voice and music, or make a movie
from another, by removing old voice and or music then adding your own
How do you Tell if you have Windows Movie Maker on your
computer? Open program file, search for Windows Movie Maker, if not there click
on accessories in programs, search there, if you find it right click on it drag
it to desk top. If you don't find it don't fret, go to your search engine and
enter download windows movie maker 2.6. Or click http:microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=34 follow
instructions (remember the down load tips in my down load tutorial). Windows 7
come with a new version, I don't care much for it but it will take videos the
2.6 version won't except. I use Windows 7 version to copy the video as is, then
with the copied movie I can use it with the 2.6 version. In addition if you
have Windows 7 Movie maker you can down load the 2.6 version on windows 7 it's
will work fine. As a final note to this part, Microsoft Movie Maker may not be
the best but it's free and good enough for most of us. If not and want a movie
maker software with a lot more bells and whistles you
may buy it.
Tips on making your movie:
1. Plan what your movie is going to be about, pictures,
film, the sound, tags, and etc. when the plan is ready you are ready for next
step.
2. Go to computer section, open Libraries.
3. Click pictures, then click new folder, name the new
folder ( like, first movie ) Exit then start putting
the pictures for your movie into folder.
4. Now for the fun! Open Movie Maker program. At the top
you will see CAPTURE VIDEO there you will see IMPORT pictures, movies, audio or
music.
5. I suggest you view help, watch videos, and then play
around with Movie Maker by importing a few photos and sound.
BELOW you will find a few suggested how to
Videos.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9rRh7z5Tcs
BREAK A LEG!

THE NEW VALSETZ WEB SITE

Every body enjoys pictures, but not ever one likes taking pictures. (More on this later)

I started taking pictures in the fifties with an camera that was bought from a comic book. This camera was a simple, took black & white pictures, no flash, and maybe a grade higher than one made from a box.

I took many a pictures with that camera with a great passion. I would have to say it was one of the first point and shoot cameras. This camera had no settings at all just point, focus, & shoot.

I lost that camera somewhere after high school.

I served my time in the US Army and, I found myself in Germany. I then got the photo bug again when I found my assigned post offered photo & dark room classes.

I bought a a nice German made 35 mm camera with all the bells. I took pictures for two & 1/2 years not just b/w but color slides. A few Buddy's and my-self

would take photo trips around city's of Germany & local towns. (back to ones that don't like taking photos) For army folks I would say about one in 20 had a camera.

German folks on weekends were walkers. When out on weekends you would German family's walking all over the county side, but you saw very few cameras.

Again after getting back to the USA I again got lax taking pictures other than of family and again lost the camera.

Years after moving down to Reno, Nev. I again got into Photography. This time I went whole hog I even set up a complete dark room.

My wife started it all when she gave me a nice 35 mm camera for my birthday. I thanked her by spending 2 hours taking pictures at the Golden Gate Bridge as she set there in the car. Doris (my wife) from that day on said "she regrets giving me that camera for my birthday even today.

After buying all the lens I thought I needed, and setting up the dark room, I got into video and upgraded to developing color images in my dark room. all was fine until around 1995 then all the camera was taken from our home. I replaced the video camera with one that you could take still images from. Never got back into photo taking until around 1997 I went to Dallas, Oregon for the Valsetz Reunion I then got back into the reunions then the Valsetz web site. I have bought two new cameras since 2007, but only have used them on occasions.

Here is the news: there will be a new web site called Valsetz Stuff, I hope to have it set up as a interactive site allowing exchange photos and information between members, allow reunion and other videos I have made to be downloaded to your computer, free soft wear and other downloads for your computer, advice and how to do it instructions.

Please check in for progress of the site at valsetzmall.com



Comments (0)

History was made in Valsetz,Oregon over the weekend ( 6/24 Thru 6/26 2011 ) The first Valsetz Reunion to be held in Valsetz Oregon since 1984 took place. The Valsetz Going home reunion was a 3 day event, starting on Fri.the 24th and ending on Sunday the 26th.

This writer not having gone to this event may have missed the event of a life time! But as I understand it may have another chance in 3 or 4 years to attend the 2nd reunion in Valsetz.

The was a big success, & a lot of fun had by all. The main attraction was the showing of a film made by Ronan Feely.

Ronan will show the film at the anual Valsetz Reunion on 8/6/2011 at the Falls City Park. To order your own copy please go to

http://www.catch-films.com/

If you can make it to a Valsetz Reunion, This One Is the one is the one to catch! 8/6/2011

Sorry, I have been so lax on the Blog but health problems have taken it's toll this year.

Hope to see you at Falls City THIS YEAR!

Valsetz Web Site History
During a conversation with another Valsetzer back in late 90's at the annual Valsetz Reunion the topic of having a Valsetz web site arose. Out of this conversation I some how became the person to begin and become the Web Master of the Valsetz, Oregon Web Site. I had no idea where and how to begin. I believe I took on this project to help pay back the old Valsetz community for what in had done for my family. At first I used what I had collected from reunions,photos, annuals, and new paper clippings. Slowly the site has been built for what it is today.
The Future Of The Valsetz Web Site
I have enjoyed building the web site, the long hours, & the time I spent will always be with me, I could never have built the Valsetz site to what it is today with out the help and encouragement from all of the Valsetzers. The only thing that's hard and sad that I dislike doing is, receiving the name of a Valsetzer that has passed. I recently received a e-mail with the name of a Valsetzer that had just passed.I had went to school, worked with at the Polk Co. Sheriff Office, and expected to see at the yearly Valsetz Reunion.This year I did not make it to the 2010 reunion, he did. With my last visit with him in 2009 I thought he was in a lot better shape than I. After receiving the e-mail and placing his name on the site's memorial page sadly I done a memory research and said good bye to the long time friend. I sat in front of the old computer wondering about my time and the time left for the Valsetz website.
What To Do
In the past I put up a few polls and made a attempts to gain funding to keep the site going as long as it could. I had one person to donate to the site, and one person buy from the shirt shop. So now I have decided that you the Valsetzers that wanted and supported building the Valsetz Web Site will decide if it ( old political term ) withers and dies on the vine or is funded after I pass on.

As long as I am able to fund the Valsetz Web Site I will give it the complete funding as I have from day one. I will also remain the webmaster until I'm unable make & remove the post.


I would like to set up a fund to keep the Valsetz Web Site up long after I pass on.
I plan to build web site with complete Valsetz store open to public
Will need donations for future funds for site space
To train and work with people to become webmaster when I no longer can post or remove post.

To do this ,will take commitment from Valsetzers to keep Valsetz alive as long as an Valsetzer or kin is alive.
To aid in this program please e-mail me at www.valsetzmail@aol.com

THAT WAS MY DAD

On The Bean Farm In Colorado Before Brother Pat Arrived

John (Slim) Blackwell, Lois Blackwell, & Jerry

These writing are about some of my best memories of my dad.
My last blog spoke of my dad, this time I'm writing about some of My memories I have retained of my dad in the short 17 years I was able to spend with him as he passed away from cancer of the throat June 16 1959 at the age of 47.
If you remember back in the fifties (in Valsetz) when a truck load of planner ends would be delivered to your home, more than likely it was your chore ( and as I hated it) to stack it in the wood shed. Your mother used this wood to cook your meals, and the wood your dad keep throwing into the furnace or wood stove to keep your family warm. The Man that brought that wood to you by the truck load WAS MY DAD John H. Blackwell known as Slim!
April 24 1912 was the month dad started life and left life in June 16 1959, 2 years after the loss of my brother Patrick Leon in June of 1957.
My memory of dad begin before our family got to Valsetz, I must have been about 5 or 6 years old.
I remember riding down this old dirt road with mom and dad heading to our bean farm when dad spotted a pheasant sitting in the middle of the road. No not a local person but a foul, a bird. Dad hit the gas not the break, the old Chev pickup hit the bird head on right smack in the top of the grill as the pheasant tried to fly out of the way of the pickup. After stopping the pickup dad and mom jumped out, mom grabbed that pheasant dad grabbed a small tub from the bed of the truck. Mom got back in the truck putting the bird on the floor board of the truck then covering it with the tub. Dad said, "son we having a special dinner tonight".
Years later I found out it was not pheasant season, and that was why the bird went under the tub not in it, which was lucky because the bird was not dead but just knocked unconscious for a long time. When that bird came out of his stupor all hell came from the tub. if he would have been in it the tub there may have been serious injury to one or all of us.
The first time I can remember dad loosing his temper (and the last time) was when the the three of us (there was no brother at that time) again on the dirt road dad slammed on the brakes of the old pickup. Before the old truck came to to a complete stop dad was out of the truck swearing and jumping around like a crazy man. dad then pulled the hood off that old Chevy and tossed it over a barbwire fence.
At that moment mom said"your dad has lost his temper " after dad got the hood back on the old Chevy and as he was climbed back into the truck. "I ask him if he had found his temper". with this (if you knew my dad) that big smile came out then dad said "Yes son I did, let's go home".
Dad and the other farmers did a lot of deer hunting at night not only was it at night but was not during hunting season.
I remember going out and riding in back of the old pickup and spotlighting deer. Mom and the lady folks of dad's friends butchering and canning the venison. For the ones that don't know what venison is, it's deer meat, Bambi. Venison was a main staple of the farmers in the forties And earlier years.
Not only was deer hunting for food but it helped to keep the deer population down saving their crops.
I remember when Dad became quite sick during harvesting season of the pinto beans. All the hired hands except one white guy ( dad's jack of all trades Foreman) were local Navajo from the near by reservation. they had camp just a few hundred yards from the main farm house.
I remember one day dad came home very sick and spent the day and night in bed.The Navajo spent all night showed how concerned and how much they liked my dad that night when they began trying to drive the sickness spirits from dad's body.

It must have worked, dad was up the next day and telling mom he was working no matter how bad he felt because he was not about to be keep awake another night with the whooping and dancing all night.
I can remember how I played my dad when he took me into town on a Saturday where he spent the afternoon playing cards with friends. Dad would drop me off at the movie theater then he went to play poker. I had it made movie money plus goodies money.
I learned real quick that after the show was over to find dad before spending the money I had left over from the movies. I would find dad playing poker,as usual. I then would walk up behind him and observe the game for a few minutes then tug on his arm and say"dad are you ready to go home yet? I want to go now". Dad would look at me and and say" son I can't leave right now, take this and have some fun". Depending how much longer he was to play poker was the deciding factor of how much money he gave me not if he was winning or loosing. There was times he played longer then he expected, then I was back again tugging on his arm. It worked ever time! Not once did my dad make me believe he was upset with me.
Dad always had a heart of gold no mater what or who you wereI remember only one time dad let me down. A good friend of the family and dad was building dad a boat ( If you read my blog about Mr. Brown, this is the boat I used) I spent some time helping them but should have helped more. They finished the boat just about the time fishing season was to start.
To kick off fishing season in Valsetz they had what was called the Fisherman's Ball, as they did come hunting season, (also called Fisherman's Brawl and of coarse hunters brawl).
As most fishermen do in Valsetz they attend this Ball drinking & dancing. Well dad did as others had done those nights, drank way to much and couldn't get out of bed the next morning.
After I became a young adult and become a member of the Polk Co. Sheriff's office I worked these festivities and was able to understand what happened to dad. Perhaps I will blog about these balls at a later date.
Come the next morning my brother and I was up at dawn, and very exited about going fishing in our new boat. As time ticked by hour after hour our disappointment mounted. About noon dad emerged from his room looking worse than I had ever seen him before. With apologies flowing about not taking us fishing. By 3 PM Pat and I were fishing with dad and our new boat.

My Christmas gift during my eight grade year in Valsetz I received a 22 rifle. I wanted a deer rifle but I enjoyed many hours with that 22.

Come freshman year I wanted to play football more than hunting.
Mom was against me playing and I'm sure she put dad between a rock and hard place. A week or so before foot ball practice dad and mom set me down and made me the following offer.Dad Said " son mom don't want you playing football she don't want you to get hurt. If you don't play I will give you my old 3230 deer rifle. (I flashed back) dad using that gun in Colorado on the bean farm. I accepted the deal. I don't know who looked the sadder, dad or me. I moped around the house the next few days. I had not touched the rifle sense the deal I made with my folks. Some how dad knew I was unhappy with the deal and finally could not contain him-self. Dad told me "I'm sorry about you not playing football I want you playing and you don't have to stick with the deal we made.( with that Dad's famous grin appeared) he went on to say you keep the rifle I will handle your mom". I could see mom was pissed at dad for a few days.
I was very happy to see both my mom and dad at the games. I only had one injury ( a sprained ankle ) Both mom and dad was at that game. After the game Not a word was said about me getting hurt.
Each memory brings to mind another wonderfully memory of my dad.

When I see a child throw a temper today (this is like ever time I'm in public) I always think
back to how my folks handled the situation in a swift
manor with one swift swat to the butt.

One night dad was replacing a lamp cord and having a tough time of it. My brother & I was not helping with our foolishness. After a few warnings dad grabbed the light cord, I was in my shorts, and dad nailed my butt good with one swing. Dad instantly begin apologising
then I blew it. I said " the hell you are" YES, Dad nailed me again. That was the last time dad ever heard me swear again.

I will write about this one last memory and close this blog. There is more family memories I will write about at a later date.
I believe it was during summer before my freshman year one of Valsetz mills longest strike took effect. This strike hurt many of the Valsetz workers. My dad and mother worked in the fields to get us Thu until the strike was over. Even when the strike ended we were in bad times and very short on cash. My family was just getting by.
After football season was over there was the traditional letters being given out to the players. At that time the letter was put on a Letterman's sweater if you owned one. As a freshman I of coarse had none. I knew of coarse that money was tight and there was no way I would have a sweater to wear to that event.
Come the night of this event after dinner Dad said" its was time to go and get Jerry's letter". With that dad excused him-self leaving the room. Mom started talking and I told her I had to get my coat. as I started out in came dad wearing his big grin and a blue and gold Letterman's sweater with a gold cougar on the back.
That night could have been 100 plus degrees I would have never taken that sweater off.
I believe my dad was the best father any kid could ever have. I have always wondered what it would have been to spend more of my teen and adult life with my dad. John (Slim ) Blackwell
The man that Valsetz loved
The man I've tried to live up to That was my Dad

Valsetz's Gold Fish Pond

Are you wondering what in the world is a Gold Fish Pond doing with in Valsetz History or do you have a big smile on your face because you have your own knowledge of the Valsetz Gold Fish Pond.
I wrote about the fish aquarium in my last writing. What I did not tell you was that my wife and I are reminded of gold fish in Valsetz when viewing fish in an aquarium.
When I speak of Gold Fish I'm not talking about a small one inch fish. But as large as one foot plus.
As the story goes, the superintendent of the valsetz Mill (as many people today) had built a fish pond in the back of the home then stocked it with gold fish (which is carp)
In Valsetz in case you are not aware was touted as the wettest place in Oregon. To be the wettest place in Oregon you will have a lot of rain. After a lot of rain this fish pond had to collect water to a over flowing condition.
Not only was the fish pond over flowing but the man made lake not to far from the fish pond was also over flowing.
The lake flooded over so bad the pond and lake become one.
After the lake water receded the fish pond was left empty.
The Valsetz lake up into the sixty's was well know for the naive trout fishing, German Browns was one native trout that made you a fisherman if you was to bag a large one.
I became disenchanted with fishing in Valsetz in the mid sixty's due to someone had entered bass fish into the lake and had destroyed trout fishing in the lake.
As a freshman in high school I was caught skipping school by one German Brown Trout.
I was suckered in by a very nice day and our boat was closer to my house then the school. I just had that feeling it was my day to catch a old Brown Trout. Not really I just skipped school to go fishing.
I had spent most of the day paddling around the lake trolling, still fishing,and become bored from not catching any fish. But before I could go home I had to wait until school was out or mom would have knowned I had skipped school.
Then it happened this old Brown trout grabbed my baited hook and I spent what I thought must have been hours landing that big brown.
With out thinking I headed to shore grabbed Mr. Brown and headed to the company store (The only general store in Valsetz, it was company owned) where they would give my brown a place of honor on ice and show my name for catching that big brown.
I come out of the store beaming more than a full moon beam off the calmest of lake water. Then it hit me, crap it was only 2:00 pm and the date and time was on the information about Mr Brown's being my catch. I then started to brace myself for the evening. In trying to make myself believe my dad would not know for a few days then mabey it would be to late for punishment. I was very pleased with my self but unhappy as I was not able to share my catch with my family.
That evening when dad got home I knew he knew I skipped school that day
when he asked me how was school today. Dad had never before ask me how was school today. I did get to share the catching of Mr. Brown with my family.
One time when Dad, my brother, and I were out in the boat fishing in the Valsetz lake when from a distance we see this large fish jumping around and looked as large as a beaver.
I never seen my dad get so worked up and exited about a fish in all my life. I swear he grabbed the oars and made it to where this fish was before you could say bait my hook. This fish jumped as if it was coming into the boat and then disappeared. Dad took the boat straight to dock and rushed us home told mom get in the car and headed straight to Falls City's store that sold fishing gear. When dad came out he had a heavy duty pole, reel, line, and great big jigs and lures.
Then back to home we went. We knew just what dad had in mind to do.
By the time we got back home and had traveled 32 miles of crooked gravel road my mom, brother, and myself could not contain our-self's
any further and begin laughing out out. Dad started to get mad then he saw the comedy of what had happened. Dad took the fishing gear back to the store with out even trying to catch his dream fish. This is one fish that did get away.
Dad found out later the fish that was seen by us, was what was know as a Loch Leven trout a subspecies of the German Brown.
Back to the gold fish. The gold fish from the pond was now in the man made lake. The gold fish pond was a short distance from water around the mill. AS the mill water was a lot warmer then the lake water it was natural for the gold fish to wind up around the mill. The gold fish grew not only in size but in numbers. The gold fish were seen in the water around the mill. The mill now had it's own gold fish pond.
I as others remember seeing the gold fish when we went cat fishing at night around the mill, others have been said have seen gold fish in other parts of the valsetz lake.
I would just about bet there was no larger gold fish ponds than the Valsetz Lake was.

WAY BACK WHEN

Valsetz Mill & Log pond During mid 1920's

It's been a good month old February 2010 has. I guess it all started by making the wife happy on her birthday with flowers and sweets. Keeping her happy over Valentine's Day by making her forget Valentine's Day.

This was done by keeping my promise of finding a 55 gallon fish tank and getting it setup, I finished his task by putting the fish in the tank this week. Now the snow is melting and sun shining, the week end should be just great.

The best part is at the first part of February I received a e-mail from A Mr Donald A. Davis with his Valsetz Story and told me he would send pictures. Then I received this large envelope containing pictures dating back into the Valsetz day's of the 1920's and 1930's. Now I had pictures to go along with this very fine story about life in Valsetz from a man that was born and lived in Valsetz in the 1920's and 1930's. This man wrote his own story at the age of 82.

The only part of his story I'm telling you about is the parts about Western Oregon University in Monmouth, Oregon.

Please see : http://www.valsetzoregon.com/ WAY BACK WHEN for Mr. Davis's story.

Again February has been great. While working with Mr Davis on his story and getting it in print I receive a email from Phillip Clay also from Valsetz, but many many years later than Mr. Davis. Come to find out both of these Valsetzers had something in common. " Western Oregon University".No they were not alumni of W.O.U. in fact nether went to W.O.U.

Nether new the other or about the stories each had.

Do I have your attention yet?

Mr. Davis had in his story: "I had no problem by starting school in our small town or having teachers right out of normal school in Monmouth." That school now is known as WOU, Western Oregon University in Monmouth, Oregon .

The e-mail from Mr. Clay stated he had recently learned of a dinning hall called Valsetz Hall located on WOU in Monmouth. It seems as when he visits family in Monmouth Or. he takes walks on the WOU Campus with family members living in Monmouth.

Before I could get back To Mr. Clay he had solved the mystery. And I thought Philip was a lawyer not a detective, But wasn't there a called lawyer Perry Mason that was also a great detective? I will tie the two stories together in a few minutes after we find out what Mr. Clay Found about The Valsetz Dinning Hall and it's history.

Mr. Clay wrote " The University was founded in 1856 as Monmouth University. Other names followed: Oregon Normal School, Oregon College of Education and Western Oregon State College. Its mission for years was the training of teachers for Oregon schools but has expanded to achieve University status to include a broad range of educational studies but its graduate program still appears to be oriented to educators. Valsetz Hall, would be a good destination for any old Cougar."

If you remember the quote from Mr. Davis "I had no problem by starting school in our small town or having teachers right out of Normal school in Monmouth." Mr. Clay had contact with a WOU faculty member who had a long association with the university. She explained that it had long been the policy of WOU to give buildings only generic names. She believed that she remembered that Valsetz Hall had originally been called simply, the dining hall. She went on to explain that in the early 1980's, about the time that Valsetz was being closed and was much in the local news that the committee charged with naming the hall learned that a large number of teachers who had gone on to teach in Valsetz had been graduates. She did not recall the precise number but indicated the percentage of Valsetz teachers who had graduated from the University was stunning. This led the committee to select the name, Valsetz Hall. She also indicated that in the foyer of the building is a tribute with photographs to the town of Valsetz, with pictures contributed by many of these same teachers.

Isn't it intriguing that two different times in Valsetz history could bring one story together.

Just a note: I want to thank Mr Davis and Mr. Clay for there Stories, and as a result I plan to add a new page to the Valsetz Web Site called Did you Know? Please watch for it .

VALSETZ VALENTINES

Valentine Day, The days of your life you were groomed to celebrate differently as you went Thur the stages of your life well into adult hood, to believe the day of Valentines cards, love, dances, dinners, diamonds and flowers for the ladies.

This is a story most guys may not be into but I believe the ladies may enjoy it and both may learn something about karma.

Many years ago in a little mill town that sat in a valley of the Oregon coast range mountains comes a story about a Valentine's day school dance. Few Valsetzers know of this story, but many more know the people but not of their involvement in the story. I will not reveal names or date this dance occurred on, or will I confirm your inquires of whom you believe it to be.

But first lets all sit back in the chair, close our eyes and remember your last Valentines school dance and grade school Valentines days.
Remember back in grade school we were taught we must give Valentines to the other kids in the class even at times when boys disliked girls. Most of us have passed it on to our children and they to theirs. What happens to the guy that breaks that tradition is what this story is about.

A great many years ago in Valsetz, Oregon the yearly February plans were being made for the Valsetz school Valentine Day's dance that would be held in the Valsetz gym. The decorations and trimmings committee were busy making decorations and plans to trim the gym for the dance. The girls were all Gitty and excited. The guys were talking about who they were taking to the dance and the young male talk.

Then there was a few guys that were busy making a bet that blank couldn't get date with this one cheer leader. The bet went like this: You will have to get this girl named blank to accept your invitation and have witness she accepted.

Finally the scene was set for the boy to ask the girl to the dance. After a couple attempts the guy finally got nerve up and asked the girl with-in ear shot of the others for her to go to the Valentine's Dance. The Girl accepted
his invitation. The boy won his bet and was happy with himself. The girl
was looking forward to going to the dance.

Come the day of the big Valsetz Valentine's Dance the girls were getting their hair done and all the things they do before a big dance date. The guys were all doing their thing.
Come the night of the dance all the guys were picking up their dated and heading out to the dance.

That is except the guys that bet blank couldn't get the date. They were hanging out at the Rec Hall with no intentions of going to the dance.

When the time came to pick up the girl at her home this guy was wearing jeans and walking up to the Rec Hall door eager to collect his bet from the others at the pool tables with no intentions of picking up the girl for the dance let alone telling her. The pretty young cheer leader didn't know she was being stood up by a jerk.

After hearings others at the school talk about the dance, and seeing the girl he had stood up ( who ignored him, as he deserved) started to think just how bad he had screwed up.

That is the story of what happened, I know because I was a member of that group of numskulls.

Now comes the part of the story about the revenge the pretty young cheer leader got upon the jerk that stood her up.

That Year after school was out the young cheer leader and her family moved out of Valsetz.

Jumping ahead about 3 years the jerk also moving out of Valsetz. It so happened that the jerk moved to the same town as had the cheer leader.

That summer the jerk was driving around town with a friend when the jerk observed a girl walking down the street he knew was from Valsetz. Stopping and asking her if she wanted a ride. After she accepted the jerks friend and the girl hit it off right away. Riding around in his car the jerk found out the girl was staying with a friend that lived in the town and was from Valsetz.

After spending a few more hours riding around town, a plan had been made by the girl and the jerks friend as followed.

His friend and the girl wanted to go to the drive in theater, his friends car was broken down so they needed the jerk to date the friend she was staying with. Great plan the jerk must have thought, a blind date. The girl (no cell phones in that day and age) wanted to go to the home of here friend to make arrangements for the movie date.

When the three arrived they found the girls good looking friend on the front porch reading a book. I swear, no one knows where it came from, but the jerk just hollered out the window to the girl's friend, saying " if you want to go with us, get in the car." The girl walked over and got into the car not saying a word. After the girl got into the car she was introduced to the two guys. The jerk must have thought what a great blind date this will be.
The jerk thinking this good looking girl looked familiar but not able to place her. The girl knew who the jerk was right away but never said anything about their previous meeting. As the four drove around town they all decided to go to the drive in that night.

That evening The guys walked up to the porch to pickup the girls, rang the bell and when the door open only one girl was at the door. She spoke to say " I don't think (blank) is coming with us, wait on the porch I will see for sure." When she came back she was with the cheer leader.
It was latter found the jerk had the cheer leader's mother to thank for saving the jerks date with the cheer leader. The cheer leader was going to stand up the jerk just as he had done her at the Valsetz Valentine's Dance.
That date turned out to be the start of summer dating and the two couples
done and went ever where together. During the summer not one word was said about the Valentine Dance But it was told the jerk had it in the back of his head all summer that she might dump him to avenge his Valentine stunt.

This story could end here but I have a little more story about the jerk and cheer leader. The jerk was doing fine untill he pulled this stunt.

Everybody was ready for the Wagon Train to arrive in Independence, Or after coming from Independence, mo. When the jerk and his friend brought the girls home from the drive in on a Saturday night they promised they would take the girls to see the wagon train arrive in Independence. Come Sunday morning and time for the girls to leave for the train arrival, no jerk and friend. The girls waited and waited then waited some more. Come about 5P.M. the two showed up at the door. The jerk was told the cheer leader was in the kitchen. The jerk did not know what he was walking into. As the jerk got to the kitchen door he saw the cheerleader doing dishes and in her hand that soon came his way was a hand full of knives forks and spoons.
To my knowledge that was the last time the jerk ever stood up that cheer leader. The jerk and cheer leader have now been married forty some years.
It's been told the jerk said "if it had not been for karma and his mother in law he may not have been married to a girl out of his league, and that he has to be very careful around Valentine's Day".
Happy Valentine's Day All.