100 Years Ago in Old Sherwood Town

Doc Saylor Brings a Matter Before the Town Council February 14, 1908

From the Minutes Book, Feb. 14, 1908 Dr. A. L. Saylor having a bill on file for $3.00 account, surgery performed on one Bud Knutson, while held for ritous and disorderly conduct on the 6th day of Jany., and it being a question by the council wheather the town was liable for this account, a motion was taken to lay the bill on the table until such a time as the matter could be investigated.

Councilman Smock reported bad condition of town sewer in Mr. Johnstons field below town, apparently being a break in the same. The Marshal [Joe Morback] agreed to make investigation of the sewer in this particular place and if possible put same in proper condition. Upon motion the marshal was instructed to proceed at once to purchase 100 6 inc tile and put the sewer in proper condition as possible.

The question of minors being supplied with intoxicating drinks in the Town of Sherwood was quite thoroughly discussed and inasmuch as the existing town ordinance covering this offense being defective, it was considered advisable to have a new ordinance drafted at once. [Mayor] Hall agreeing to look after the drafting of this ordinance and have same presented at nxt regular meeting.

[Signed] J.E.Morback, Recorder

An Important Sherwood Town Father

For More about the Left Photo CLICK HERE.
This is Matthew M. Fitch. Thanks to Sherwood Historian June Reynolds, we can look into his eyes and imagine what he might have said to us about the city we live in today. Here is what Ms. Reynolds has to say about the photo:

"M.M. Fitch is remembered most as one of our post masters. The Appointment came by telegram from Washington D.C. The appointment was confirmed by the Senate March 10, 1914. The job was considered a "plum" by many in Sherwood.

He was a carpenter by age 15, in Texas. He helped build bridges for the railroad. He came to Sherwood to be an engineer for the Portland Pressed Brick Company. He set up and fired the brick factory. He built what we now call Morback House for J.C. Smock, who sold it to Mr. Robert Alexander, one of the brickyard owners. Fitch married one of Mr. Smock's daughters, Nettie! He and Nettie have many descendents in the Sherwood area today.

Civic Ancestors

Are you new to Sherwood? Then welcome. Let us introduce you to one of your ancestors. You've probably never met him before. You've never seen this face in the family album that you study when you're with your kinfolk on holidays. Even so. Take a moment and gaze into the face. As long as you live in Sherwood, this is one of your ancestors. One of your "civic" ancestors. During his lifetime, many young people saw him as their grampa. I wonder what "grampa" would say to you if you pranced into his place of business on the corner of Main and Rail Road and flaunted yourself as shamelessly as you do now, here in the 21st Century.

Let's Dance!

The Sherwood High School Parent Advisory Council wants to enrich the Sherwood High School's curriculum. The PAC's first (annual) Black & White by Moonlight benefit auction will be held at the Tualatin Country Club, 9145 S.W. Tualatin Road, in Tualatin, February 9, 2008, between 7 to 11 P.M. The cost is $45 per person. For further information contact SherwoodHighPAC@yahoo.com

Another Photograph to Analyze

Here are enlarged details of a photograph taken (we're pretty sure) inside the Carlson & Sherk store. The tall guy seems to be Howard Smith, the same fellow we see smiling in the January 8 posting below (with everybody on wheels). But he isn't smiling at all in this picture. The length of the ladies' garments and the sales woman's Navy blouse suggests we're in the midst of Wilson's War to End All Wars!

Top: Two Sherwood ladies shopping. Middle: Probably Howard Smith and wife. Bottom: Wider view of same images. How many items for sale in this picture might still be found in someone's attic today. To analyze the entire photo for yourself first hand, please visit the Sherwood Heritage Center soon.

History Workshop Wow!

A ninety two year old member of the historic Mandel family came to the Heritage Center today to discover her family's name on a quilt she didn't even know existed. It's an example of how the Heritage Center is enhancing the quality of life in Sherwood. This, our first History Workshop of 2008 also received testimony from the descendants of Emil Lawrenz. His story will make your blood boil the more you learn about it. He pursued the fabled American Dream all his life and was short-changed at every turn. Yet he never gave up his optimism, his loyalty to his adopted country, or his faith in the future. If anyone deserves a bronze statue, it's Emil Lawrenz!

A free traveling exhibit!

Washington County Museum’s “This Kalapuya Land” exhibit will be on display until Feb. 12 at the City of Wilsonville Public Library, 8200 S.W. Wilsonville Rd. It is a free traveling exhibit that chronicles the lives and culture of Native Americans living in the Willamette Valley. The library will also host a series of free educational programs on local history during the exhibit. These programs will occur on consecutive Wednesdays Jan. 9-Feb. 6, 7-8:30 p.m. To accommodate limited seating, the library asks attendees to reserve ahead of time at the circulation desk or by calling 503-682-2744.

The library is open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2-5 p.m. Sundays.

Mystery Photo

Who is this lady? She appears in a photograph that was taken on Railroad Street the day Woodrow Wilson was elected. The year is 1912. Her remarkable face is filled with determination. Whatever that determination might be directed at, however, fails to impress the dudes in the photo's background:

The horse and buggy days are still evident. It all seems a bit unbelievable less than a century later.

An enormous billboard on Washington Street welcomes another type of four wheeled vehicle--the automobile-- to town. (The future Highway 99 is a mere footpath at this time.)

Here is the entire photo. The woman is standing stage center.

Yet more wheeled vehicles appear! People are pushing or riding in them and, except for one good natured fellow, they don't look very happy. They are carrying portraits of Woodrow Wilson along with small signs that praise his election victory. The entire photo is much too detailed to explore here. See June Reynold's history book for a closer look.