Folklore: Masters no. 1

Contents from this folder contain the "Folksong Questionare" dated around March 15th, 1939 from the Joint Committee of Folk Arts, W.P.A. Each questionnaire provides varying representations of Folklore, these can include answering the questionnaire presented or a folk story, song, game, dance which was documented by a designated interviewer. From a February, 1939 itemized list of such manuscripts includes interviewers; Manley M. Bannister, Claire W. Churchill, A. Gibbs, William C. Haight, Andrew C. Sherbert, Walker Winslow, Sara B. Wrenn. The various writings have "American Folkstuff" written in the top-right corner of the pages.

Various interviews not attached to a specific writing include:

Two pages of interview for the informant Jean C. Slauson with the participation of her two cousins; Joella T. and Nina B. Johnson, by Sara B. Wrenn on January 7, 1939 at the Slauson residence in Lake Oswego.

Two pages of interview for the informant Anne Abernathy Starr in March, 1938 on the subject of early Portland folkways. The W.P.A. interview was done by Claire W. Churchill.

Three page of interview for the informant of Mrs. Ingalls (no first name provided), on February 20, 1939. The W.P.A. interview was done by William C. Height in the Elks building Portland, Oregon.

Authors and stories include:

"The Cat That Couldn't be Killed" by Howard McKinley Corning. No date identified.

Abstract: The chronicles of a father and son attempting to rid themselves of their notorious farm cat. Although the narrator is dead set on taking drastic measures, which include nefarious extremes, the creature remains unharmed up to the conclusion of the story seemingly outwitting and outmaneuvering the narrator at every turn.

Notes: Four pages, does not include an attached interview.

"Horse Sense" by Manly M. Bannister. No date identified.

Abstract: A narrated recollection of a former farmer, later judge, Jim Beechwood, while in his youth actively pursued a prosperous union, as an agreement with his father to obtaina portion of his land. He found the ideal partner through courting favor with a young Hattie Jensen. Although Hattie's elders never granted the marriage, the Jensen's had other plans for their daughter as they sought to migrate back east due to their homesickness. Both Jim and Hattie, unagreeable to this predicament, conspired to elope in the dead of night setting a date, and plan of action. That evening a few miles out from his home, he stopped to pick up wildflowers for his betrothed. Not long after stepping off his horse did the creature unwittinly abandon his rider in that field. With no transportation to make it to Hattie, he turned back to seek out his horse being met with further misfortune on the homestead, Jim Beechwood could not reconcile with Hattie in time before the Jensen's left, with her in tow, the next day. With the Jensen's long-gone, and Jim in a saddened state, he atoned for his loss in work as a school teacher. His father eventually takes pity and gifts Jim the promised acres outside the agreed terms, which Jim would later sell to invest in his education and a law degree that would be central in his career as a judge.

Notes: Four pages, does not include an attached interview. Like most folktales, there is a central theme and lesson learned. The moral of this story being to trust in the instinct of horses, as their skittishness or nature won't lead you down the wrong path. As Judge Jim Beechwood being proof of that lesson.

"A Few Bear Stories" published at the East Oregonian Newspaper. Transcribed by Sophia Robertson. Dated February 9th, 1883.

Abstract: A worker at the local newspaper office in Pendleton, Oregon overhears tall tales regaling the different methods and adventures to catch a bear. Stories and methods include kerosine drenching and lighting a match to the tactical maneuvers Natives use to take them out, as well as one storytellers narration of his own encounter with a bear and her cub.

Notes: Seven pages, including the W.P.A. historical records survey, which describes the contents including the transcribed story from the East Oregonian, semi-weekly edition. Language in the writing contains racially insensitive titles for Native Americans. This differs from the language in the records survey.

"Jackrabbit Scalps" by Howard McKingley Corning No specific date identified.

Abstract: Retelling of the sporting event taken place near Alkali in Lake county where the jackrabbit hunting competition provides a high stakes win of an expensive supper paid for by the losers. While this competition appears to have been a form of pest control. Competitors found an entertaining method of removing these animals for a duration of time for planting and gardening seasons.

Notes: Seven pages which include "35 Years Ago - February 3, 1904" an exerpt from the Lake County Examiner and "It Happened In Lake County In The Years Gone By" Exerpt from the Lake County Examiner about the interesting bits of history gleamed from the files of the Examiner, dated January 1st, 1939. Which corroborate the names Corning used in his writing; Captain Beall, Harry Bailey, Dan Maloy, Loren Bailey, Al Cheney, Fred Ahlstrom, Joe Lane, Fent Smith, Tom Beall, Will Steele, and A.Y. Beach.

"Guide to Lower Rogue" Unknown author. Dated October 15th, 1940

Abstract: A folk story based around Gold Beach, Oregon, within or on the outskirts of the Rogue forest. The tale follows the Carey family and the boisterous adventures of the eldest son, Ace, which often finds him taking on a sport of wild beasts to tame and ride. Much to his family's patience these events escalate with every opportunity from Ace, however, Ace Carey would have luck on his side as he appears to almost always make it out scot-free.

Notes: Four pages, does not include an attached interview. Other names identified are Jarey Carey.

"Stranger at Bel Passi" or "A cemetary for Bel Passi" by Howard McKingly Corning. No date identified.

Abstract: A retelling of chilling events that took place in a long forgotten French-Canadian ghost town, Bel Passi, which took place in 1852. With the unexpected visit of a stranger, their visit took a shocking turn when their death was witnessed at a congregation of travelling sermon within the local church. The town found themselves in the odd predicament of where this strangers burial should take place.

Notes: Two pages, does not include an attached interview. Narrator indicates the town would be located southeast of Woodburn, Oregon. Which lines up with the geographic landmarks in the present. Other common spellings of the town's name include, Belle Passi or Belpassi. With the indication that the construction of the railroad through Woodburn had rapidly declined the town until it transformed into the ghost town of the present. The narrator alludes to the strangers sudden death being an omen of the towns future. With the stranger's tombstone still standing to this day in the old cemetery, as a lasting landmark of the abandoned town.

"Cow in the Timber" by Howard McKingley Corning. No date identified.

Abstract: A chronicle of a prominent woman, Mrs. Goin, within the narrator's settlement and her many adventures on the Goin family's homestead. Including the mishap of the farm's cow running off to graze at a far distance, with Mrs. Goin not too far behind to wrangle the creature back home. Due to the long journey, happening upon the cow, and being turned around, Goin found herself stranded in the forest after dark. With no direction or set markers and the cries of what sounded like a person calling out, her instinct led her and the cow towards where she believed her home and family was. It wasn't until the protests of her animal companion from following the shouts, and the blasts of a shotgun in the oppisite direction that Mrs. Goin realize she had most likely been following the deceptive cries of a cougar or similar creature.

Notes: Four pages, does not include an attached interview. Notable sites referenced within the story are Alsea mountains, Alder Grove, and Waldport.

"The Last Diggings" by Walker Winslow. No date identified.

Abstract: A narrated story by Hank Simms, an eighty-six year old retired drifter gold prospector and miner with a far ranging work history along mining towns from Alaska to Mexico. Providing an in-depth retelling of his longstanding career within the mining industry from the late 1800s on until his retirement a couple years prior to the story. Although the narrator holds a lot of pride for the work within this industry, he does emphasize it is not for the faint of heart, as there is little payout and no profit to be made unless you own the mine. The workers who drifted would often looked out for one another, as most understood they would be in this trade for life. While Hank Simms himself did not seek out further riches, he did note the occasional "high grader" that would use the mining opportunities to steal ores for their own enrichment.

Notes: Nine pages, including the attached W.P.A. interview for Hank Simms, born 1852, on November 29, 1938 in the Odd Fellow's Home Portland, Oregon. Terms used within the writing include: 'Overland Johns' old timer drifters that found work wherever they could find it. 'Highgraders' miners known to steal high grade ores.

"White Horse Ghost" by William Haight. No date identified.

Abstract:A story of a mans adventures in his youth of ghost hunting within the local cemetery as rumors run rampant amongst the population of a ghost encounter.

Notes: Three pages, does not include an attached interview.

"What Can't Hook?" by Manly M. Bannister. No date identified.

Abstract: A logging folklore story which provides insight into how workers kept themselves entertained during monotonous times by pranking fresh recuits that join their ranks. In this example, the tale follows the introduction of a Young Swedish man dubbed Young Ole to Bullheaded Mike with the inevitable prank taking place by Mike on his new recruit; Ole. After

Notes: Six pages, does not include an attached interview.

"The Maddest Man in Town" by William Haight Dated February 24, 1939

Abstract: Folk story and tall tale about an old Irishman, Donovan, who passed away. The narrator recounts the events and their part in watching over Donovan's remains in the next room to the grieving widow while they wait for the priest to traverse.

Notes: Nine pages, including the W.P.A. interview of Charles Imus from February 24, 1939, which the story was transcribed from. Sensitive language with racist undertones. Written in pencil is "LL 10/04/40" and "EW 10/07/40".

"Well Under Water" by Howard McKingly Corning

Abstract: A narrated adventures about a particular event of heavy rainfall, a period lasting seven days, within the Willamette Valley near Eugene, OR. No exact date is given, but it follows the perspective of a young store clerk during this ordeal. With a particular interest in a young woman, the narrator himself travelled upstream on a raft to check in on this woman and her family. With the conclusion of the storm, the young store clerk hears of an interesting tale from a stage driver who witnessed a woman fishing with a long pole in the middle of the flood. After asking if she needed assistance, the woman responds with what was described as a hopeful expression towards the driver letting them know she is just trying to find the well for water for her children. The stage driver remarking there was no need for him to stick around as he presumed they would not die of thirst.

Notes: Three pages, does not include an attached interview. Written from the privately published "Reminiscences" of James Meilke Sharp. Written in pencil is "LL 10/04/40" and "EW 10/01/40".

"A Blue Bucket Full of Dreams" by Walker Winslow and Howard McKingly Corning

Abstract: A story containing three elderly men's reminiscent of their accounts of where exactly the illusive lost blue bucket placer mine in Oregon is located. What was agreed by the gentelmen is that it was found in September 1845. The rest however, is their varying accounts of where exactly this legendary mine was located. Each man; Highgrade, Cinnabar, and Hardrock,

Notes: Seventeen pages, does not include an attached interview. Sensitive language within the writing towards Natives, with the mention of the Oregon Trail, and fur traders.

"Down The River" by Manly M. Bannister. No date identified.

Abstract: This story follows Captain Fuller, as a seventeen year old lad in 1872, on the reason why he would only remain as a riverboat sailor, never again planning to set foot out to sea. With the start to his adventures finding him being freshly recruited by the captain to the "Vermont" a four mastered windjammer on is way to transport from Portland to Queenstown, Ireland. Fuller joins in earnest for work as an enigneer upon the ship, and journeys with them to the broadening estuary in Astoria. Although, Fuller was concerned with the state of the ship, he still planned to make the voyage until the altercation with the ship's boatswain, foreshadowing a miserable time ahead at sea if he stayed. With the direction of one of the other ship's workers, Fuller set out late at night with another fresh recruit to swim back to land. While his compatriot was unsuccessful, causing the Vermont to be alerted to their escape, Fuller tactfully stayed far from them, making it to land and staying out of sight of his former captain, crew, and the port's authorities. With his successful escape, Fuller explained this event set his mind to never become a sea sailor, as he on no account wants to be so far from land as his freedom that the ocean would risk.

Notes: Nine pages, including the four page interview with Chas. H. Fuller dated February 14, 1939. Writer describes the dwelling where Captain Fuller resides in Portland, OR. Noting the informant and his residence is within little means of financing and of a common class.

"The Genesis of a Myth" A survey of "The Rawhide Railroad" by George Estes in 1916, with the written notation of "Washington State" next to this top section. Research data obtained by Andrew C. Sherbert.

Abstract: A summarization of a ficticious legened of former doctor, Dorsey S. Baker, who would strike out for profit after pioneering west. With different financial ventures such as mining with the eventual discovery of gold in Florence and Orofino, Idaho, to opening a successful outfitting point in Walla Walla, Washington, and completing a rail line from Wallula to Walla Walla called the "Rahide Railroad". Observations include the different varying writers who have referenced this Baker individual and the early roots for this fable.

Notes: Six pages, does not include an attached interview.

Transcribed variations of annotated bibliographies with their cited sources.

"Oregon Folklore-Folkways" Unknown bibliography author.

Applegate, Jesse A. Recollections of My Boyhood. Chicago, Illinois: Caxton Club, 1934.

Banks, Louis Albert. An Oregon Boyhood. eds. Lee O. Shepard. Boston, Massachusetts: 1897.

Frachtenberg, Leo. Alsea Texts and Myths. Bul. 67. Washington D.C.: Bureau of American Ethnology, Government Printing Office, 1920.

Judson, Katherine Berry. Myths and Legends of the Pacific Northwest. Chicago, Illinois: S.C. McClurg and Co., 1916.

Lampman, Herbert S. Northwest Mature Trails. Portland, Oregon: Metropolitan Press, 1933.

McArthur, Lewis A. Oregon Geographical Names. Eugene, Oregon: Koke, Chapman Co., 1928

Powers, Alfred. History of Oregon Literature. Portland, Oregon: Metropolitan Press, 1935.

Ranck, Glenn N. Legends and Traditions of Northwest History. Vancouver, Washington: American Printing Co.

Shepard, Esther. Paul Bunyan. Seattle, Washington: McNeil Press, 1924.

Smith, Silas B. "Tales of the Wrecks on the Oregon Coast and How the Bees Wax Got There," Oregon Native Son: vol. 1:8, 1900.

Wickersham, James. "Pre-historic North Pacific Wrecks," Oregon Native Son: vol. 1:10, 1910.

Williams, John H. The Guardians of the Columbia. Tacoma, Washington: 1912.



"Oregon Folk Scene" Unknown bibliography author

NOTE: A typed out note annotating "Under the Western Star (Explorers, trappers, Indians)" and the following listed sources.

Bancroft, Hubert Howe. "History of Oregon," Maps: vol. 2:29-30 (1888): 1597.

Barry, J. Neilson. "French- Canadian Pioneers of Willamette Valley," in Bethel and Aurora, eds. Robert J. Hendricks. Oregon Hist. Quar., 1925.

Carey, Chas. H. History of Oregon. Chicago Pioneer Publishing Co., 1922.

Cox, Ross. Adventures on the Columbia River. New York: Harper and Bros., 1832.

Curtis, Edward S. "Treats of the Nez Perce, Walla Walla Cayuse and Chinook Indians," The North American Indians: vol 8, 1907-1931.

Defenbach, Byron. Red Heroines of the Northwest. Caldwell, Idaho: Caxton Printers, 1930.

Editorial. "The Trapper," Weekly Oregonian: Dec. 4, 1850.

Favour, Alpheus H. Old Bill William, Mountain Man. Chapel Hill, North Carolina: University of North Carolina, 1935.

Franchere, Gabriel. Narrative of a Voyage to the Northwest Coast of America. 1811-1814. ed. Reuben Gold Thwaites. Cleveland, Ohio: Arthur H. Clark Co., 1904.

Ed Hallock and Joe Gervais and their Tall Stories. Tillamook Headlight, 1892

Hendricks, Robt. J. Bethel and Aurora. New York: Press of the Pioneers, 1933.

Hebard, Grace R. Sacajewea, Guide and Interpreter of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Glendale, California: Arthur H. Clark Company, 1933.

Irving, Washington. The Fur Traders. New York: Knickerbocker Press, 1908.

Laut, Agnes Christiana. Story of the Trapper. New York: D. Appleton and Co., 1902.

Lewis, Meriwether, and Clark, William. Original Journals. New York: Dodd, Mead and Co., 1905.

Minto, John. Influence of the French-Canadians in the Earliest Development of Oregon. Oregon Hist. Quat., 1914.

North American Ethnology. Washington D.C.: Bureau of American Ethnology, Smithsonian Institute, 1893.

Nute, Grace Lee. The Voyager (French-Canadian and the Fur Traders). New York: D. Appleton and Co., 1931.

Ross, Alexander. Fur Traders of the Far West. London: 1855.

Ross, Alexander. Adventures on the Oregon. ed. Milo Mnton Quaife, R.R. Donnelly. Chicago, Illinois: 1923.

Simpson, Sir George. Fur Trade and Empire. Cambridge: Hudson's Bay Co., 1931.

Skinner, Constance Lindsay. Adventures of Oregon. New Haven, Connecticut: Yale University Press, 1920.

Stuart, Robert. Discovery of the Oregon Trail, Events at Astoria, 1811-1812. ed. Phillip Ashton Rollins. New York and London: Charles Schribner's Sons, 1935. (Translation from Nouvelle Annals Des Voyages, 1821)