This past Saturday was a hot one, hitting 95 degrees. That did not stop over 50 residents of our town from meeting to gather under a 200-year-old oak tree at the historic Shute Farm on the East Tualatin Plains. Located at 4825 NE Starr Street, the 1888 farm was the 1st home of infamous banker John C Shute and his wife Elizabeth “Lizzie” Constable. It was a great day for history and for celebrating the greatness of the site, the region, and the rich history of this location where the modern era of the Pacific NW started.
The Hillsboro Historical Society hosted the meeting which is the annual gathering of the group that exists to preserve, and protect historic sites, and educate people about the history of Hillsboro, Oregon, and the Tualatin Valley. The event featured keynote speaker David Ellis who is one of the top archaeologists in the region. In addition, a presentation of a museum-quality handmade maple bowl was made to HHS Board Member Judy Gates Goldmann. The bowl was made from the wood of a historic maple tree from the historic Meek farm North of Hillsboro. Goldmann is the great-grandaughter of Joe and Virginia Meek who founded Washington County and were key players in Oregon’s statehood.
It was a wonderful day with tours of the house, the historic red barn, and the nearby Methodist Meeting House memorial which will be dedicated later this year. The Memorial will commemorate the buried children of Joe and Virginia Meek and the location of the Meeting House which was one of the first places of government and worship in the Oregon Territory.
Find out more about the Hillsboro Historical Society at HillsboroHistory.com. The HHS is active in the community and looking for new members to expand its mission.
