Forest Grove Plants Its Roots In History

Local authors chronicle the history of one of the first settlements in the Oregon Territory.

BOOK SIGNING AT LIBRARY:

Saturday, August 14, 1 to 3 PM

Arcadia Publishing will be hosting a book signing for the new pictorial history of Forest Grove written by local authors Lisa Amato, MaryJo Morelli and the Friends of Historic Forest Grove.  Forest Grove, the newest title in Arcadia Publishing’s series Images of America, has over 200 vintage photographs along with tales of adventure, determination, hardship, heroism, and mostly love that have made up one of the Oregon Territory’s first settlements.  Be among the first to own a copy!

Forest Grove owes its name to its many varieties of trees.  The first Euro-American settlers arrived in West Tualatin Plains in 1841 and were soon joined by other missionaries, including those fleeing the tragedy of the 1874 Whitman Massacre. Anticipating the inevitable emigration. The missionaries hoped to teach the Native Americans about farming and religion.

Without any academic prospects, the area would not appeal to families.  Two remarkable men, Rev. Harvey Clark and Rev. George Atkinson, and a feisty, lovable old woman named Tabitha Brown were determined to establish a school.  Thanks to their combined efforts, and orphanage that began in a log cabin would grow into the prestigious institution of higher learning that exists today—Pacific University.

Highlights of Forest Grove:

·    Features more than 200 vintage photographs from the Friends of Historic Forest Grove’s collection and many others

·    Depicts some of the disasters that have plagued the town including the First Christian Church Fire of 1948 and the Columbus Day Storm of 1962

·    Showcases the people and  buildings that gave rise to Pacific University.

Available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at www.arcadiapublishing.com or (888)-313-2665. 

Arcadia Publishing is the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States.  Our mission is to make history accessible and meaningful through the publication of books on the heritage of America’s people and places.  Have we done a book on your town?  Visit www.arcadiapublishing.com.