History

Krampus and St. Nicholas: An Unlikely Partnership

Discover the dark side of Christmas with Krampus, a horned figure from Central European folklore. Rooted in ancient pagan traditions, Krampus punishes naughty children while St. Nicholas rewards the good. From Alpine celebrations to modern pop culture, Krampus offers a chilling counterpoint to holiday cheer, blending mystery, fear, and tradition.

The Magical Legend of Santa Claus

Discover the origins of Santa Claus, the iconic symbol of Christmas cheer. From Saint Nicholas’s gift-giving legacy to Father Christmas’s festive spirit, and the Coca-Cola campaign that solidified his red-suited image, explore how folklore, poetry, and marketing shaped the beloved figure who embodies holiday joy worldwide.

How the Winter Solstice Brings Hope

The winter solstice marks the shortest day and longest night, inspiring traditions worldwide. From Yule and Saturnalia to Dongzhi and Inti Raymi, cultures celebrate light and renewal. Iconic sites like Stonehenge showcase ancient connections to celestial cycles. Today, the solstice is a time for reflection, hope, and the promise of brighter days.

Oregon Black History Spotlight: Thelma Johnson Streat

Thelma Johnson Streat, a groundbreaking artist and dancer, used her work to promote racial equity and cultural education. Known for Rabbit Man, the first painting by a Black woman in MoMA’s collection, she collaborated with Diego Rivera and performed globally. Streat’s legacy as a West Coast trailblazer is now gaining overdue recognition.

Sustainable Winery Restores Oregon’s White Oaks

Left Coast Estate in the Van Duzer Corridor AVA pairs award-winning wines with sustainable practices. This family-owned winery features oak savannas, wildlife habitats, and eco-friendly vineyards. Visitors can enjoy exclusive wines, farm-to-table meals, and events like live music and the annual Run for the Oaks. Perfect for wine lovers of all levels, Left Coast offers a welcoming, inclusive experience.

How Thanksgiving Became a National Holiday

For many Americans, Thanksgiving evokes cherished memories of gathering around the table with loved ones for a grand feast filled with warmth and gratitude. This beloved tradition dates back to the heartfelt celebrations of 1621, when Pilgrims and Wampanoag came together to honor the fruits of their labor. Discover how it blossomed into a cherished national holiday, thanks to the perseverance of Sarah Josepha Hale and President Abraham Lincoln, becoming a timeless symbol of unity amidst our beautiful diversity.

A Look Back at Canby 1981

In 1981, Canby welcomed its new mayor, Robert Swayze, facing challenges like street improvements and a growing cable television market. This year also marked Kathy Zieg as the first female student body president at Canby Union High School and Lynda Estes as the first woman detective in the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Department. A severe storm impacted the town significantly. Discover the vibrant stories that shaped Canby during this transformative year!

Day of the Dead, a Celebration of Life and Memory in Mexico

Each autumn, Mexico is filled with colors and music to celebrate the Day of the Dead, honoring those who have passed. This festival unites Indigenous and Catholic traditions, allowing families to connect with the souls of their loved ones through altars. From vibrant shrines to symbolic dishes, the Day of the Dead celebrates life. Discover more about this festive occasion!

Hauntings at Baker Prairie

You hear stories about hauntings at Baker Prairie Cemetery, where children claim to see ghosts, particularly one in a black suit. For Theresa and Samantha St. Clair, who live nearby, these tales are just stories. Despite living there for 18 years, they’ve never seen a ghost, but they have experienced strange occurrences in their home. From mysterious stuffed animals to curious visitors at night, the allure of the cemetery remains. Dare to explore its mysteries?

Unmasking Halloween A Journey into its Ancient Origins

As October approaches, neighborhoods come alive with Halloween spirit—pumpkins, skeletons, and excited children ready for trick-or-treating. But what are the origins of this celebration? Journey back over two thousand years to the Celtic festival of Samhain, where the boundary between the living and the dead blurred. Discover how this eerie tradition evolved through Roman influence and American innovation into the vibrant holiday we know today, including the history behind jack-o’-lanterns and community spirit!

Preserving History for Future Generations in Canby

Discover the journey of the Mark Prairie Schoolhouse in Canby as it undergoes reconstruction. With its original 1879 fir floors still intact, this beloved building will soon become a vibrant community hub. Thanks to donations and volunteers, the schoolhouse will host local events, preserving history and fostering community spirit. Join us in supporting this vital project—visit our website for updates and volunteer opportunities!

A Historic Journey

The Canby House relocation by Emmert International showcased precise planning and teamwork. Laney Fouse Lawrence found the event fascinating, highlighting the intricate logistics. Discover how the house moved to Molalla through engineering and teamwork, blending precision and innovation.

Canby Pioneer Tales from the Graveside

Explore the history of Canby’s Gribble Cemetery, where the Gribble family rests. Headstones share stories of resilience, ties to Pacific University and Clackamas County Fair, and Nancy’s role in a historic trial. Discover the fascinating individuals who shaped this site’s legacy.

1948, A Year of Change and Community

Step back to 1948 Canby and experience the nostalgic charm of this Oregon town. From Mayor John Ray Vinyard to local establishments like the Owl Garage, every detail evokes memories of a simpler time. Explore the lively high school community and the defining moments that shaped Canby. Join us on a journey through the past to discover the hidden treasures of its history.

Get Back to School Right with these Amazing Movies

A movie that examines cliques, stereotypes and teenagers’ desire to be understood by their parents and adults, we learn the secrets and struggles of each student stuck in all-day detention at Shermer High School. We sometimes forget that none of us doesn’t have it all figured out, and that’s very much the case here — each of the students feels the pressure of expectations, whether it’s good grades, athletic success, or beauty. If there’s a point to this movie, it’s to be kind.