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West Linn Historical Society Annual Meeting
April 17, 2016, 2:00 PM at the West Linn Public Library
with
A Special Presentation by Member Elizabeth Rocchia
Historical Use of Plants by Native American Tribes in the Northwest 




A West Linn Treasure:  
The Camassia Reserve 



 
In late April and early May, a field of blue flowers appears behind West Linn High School.  These are wild camass whose bulbous root was a staple in the Native diet. The Atfalati and Clackamas tribes depended on the camass root as well as salmon in their diet.  West Linn provided both and both are still here today.  The abundance of flora and fauna in our area provided a good life and, just like our highways today, the Tualatin, Willamette, and Clackamas rivers carried people here for a thousand years.  The Willamette Falls was a major seasonal gathering place where men caught salmon and lamprey and women foraged in the nearby hills. That way of life may have faded but the plants are still here…in our parks, backyards and roadside ditches.  Come find out what plants survive and where to find them.
Find out more about the story of The West Linn Historical Society's model of a Native American plank house created by Board Member, Larry McIntyre and currently on display at the Museum of the Oregon Territory. 
Yurok Plank House located at Patrick's Point State Park, Trinidad, California

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Elizabeth Smolens, President
Danny Schreiber, Vice President
Roger Shepherd, Secretary
Mike Selvaggio, Treasurer
Cheryl Hughlett, Member at Large
Larry McIntyre, Member at Large 
John Klatt, Member at Large
 
MEMBERSHIP

Elderberries

Historically, the Paleo diet was a way of life for local Native Americans. In particular, Elderberries were boiled into a sweet dark purple syrup and used in preparation of many foods. The juice was consumed daily and valued for its health benefits.

Like many of the plants they used, Native Americans found medicinal and practical uses for elderberry bark, leaves, and seeds. Come join the West Linn Historical Society on  April 17, 2016, 2:00 pm at the West Linn Public Library to learn more about how the Native American hunted and gathered West Linn's natural "treasures".
West Linn Historical Society is a membership supported non-profit organization that endeavors to become the principal community organization dedicated to providing education about the cultural heritage of the West Linn area.  A brief annual meeting will be held to elect the 2016 Board of Directors. While events are open to all, membership is required to vote. Membership renewal is recommended on or before April 17, 2016. Not a member? Find out more at membership.
The West Linn Historical Society is a 501C3  non-profit organization founded  in 2014.  Become a volunteer and  share your ideas to help create programs and events that celebrate our heritage.  Find out more at contact WLHS.