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Historical happenings in Vancouver mark WWI anniversary, Memorial Day

By Scott Hewitt, Columbian staff writer
Published: May 25, 2018, 6:05am
9 Photos
This working World War I-era spruce mill is long gone from the grounds of the Vancouver Barracks. This photo was probably taken in 1918, when the mill was up and running.
This working World War I-era spruce mill is long gone from the grounds of the Vancouver Barracks. This photo was probably taken in 1918, when the mill was up and running. Courtesy Pearson Air Museum Photo Gallery

The War to End All Wars didn’t. The very idea seems quaint, doesn’t it?

But World War I was a profound turning point in world history; some consider its lofty global ideals, and its industrial approach to killing, the real beginning of the “modern times” in all their hope and horror. The 100th anniversary of the war’s end is getting lots of attention and reflection this year.

Here in Vancouver, the occasion dovetails with Memorial Day weekend and “a hotbed of historical happenings,” as the Clark County Genealogical Society notes in a statement about its spring seminar. That takes place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 26 at the historic Red Cross Building near the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site; the star of the show is internationally renowned researcher David Allen Lambert, chief genealogist for the New England Historical Genealogical Society.

Lambert’s three talks are aimed at serious history buffs and genealogical detectives: “World War I Military Records,” “Settlers and Their Treasures in the Great Migration West,” and “Probate and Deed Records Research.” The price of attendance is $85 for nonmembers; a box lunch costs $15 more.

If You Go

 What: Clark County Genealogical Society spring seminar, featuring David Allen Lambert.

 When: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 26.

 Where: Red Cross building, 605 Barnes St., Vancouver.

 Admission: $85.

 Also: Gala reception at Fort Artillery Barracks, 600 E. Hatheway Road, 7 p.m. May 25, $10.

• http://ccgs-wa.org

 What: Fort Vancouver Tapestry viewing.

 When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily through May 28.

 Where: Clark County Genealogical Society, 717 Grand Blvd., Vancouver.

 Admission: Free.

 www.fortvancouvertapestry.com

 What: World War I Centennial Conference.

 When: May 25-27.

 Where: Fort Artillery Barracks, 600 E. Hatheway Road, Vancouver.

 Admission: $50 donation requested for military history program, tours.

 www.vbma.us

 

 What: World War I displays, costumed re-enactors, concert (at 4:15 p.m. May 26), hourly tours.

 When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 26; 8 a.m. to noon May 27.

 Where: Providence Academy, 400 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver.

 Admission: Free.

 www.vbma.us

 What: Memorial Day Observance.

 When: 11 a.m. May 28.

 Where: Fort parade ground, near 1101 Officers Row. Parking at Hudson’s Bay High School, 1601 E. McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver.

 Admission: Free.

 www.cityofvancouver.us/community/page/memorial-day-observance-1

But, Lambert will also be on hand at 7 p.m. May 25 during a gala reception at the Fort Artillery Barracks, 600 E. Hathaway Road, Vancouver; so will Olympia resident Roger Newman, a descendant of Hudson’s Bay Company laborer John McPhail, who will share his ancestor’s tales and artifacts. Admission is $10 at the door for people not attending the weekend seminar.

Stitches and songs

If you love local history but not forking over lots of bucks, there’s still plenty to do this weekend. The Fort Vancouver Tapestry is on display from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. though May 28 at the Clark County Genealogical Society, 717 Grand Blvd., Vancouver. It’s a fascinating folk-historical survey of 70 local scenes and stories as portrayed across 108 feet of linen, all pieced together by 57 volunteer stitchers from 1999 to 2005. Because it’s so huge, the tapestry has never found a permanent home, making public displays special occasions. While you’re there, check out the library and resources of the Genealogical Society, which is always eager for new members.

Meanwhile, a National World War I Centennial Conference is set for May 26 and the morning of May 27 at the Fort Artillery Barracks. While a $50 donation is suggested for the main program — featuring site tours and talks by local historians, military experts and authors — much more is free at the Providence Academy building at the same times.

Costumed re-enactors of the Edwardian Society of Oregon will be there with interactive World War I displays and activities. Volunteers from the Historic Trust will give hourly walking tours of the Academy. And, at 4:15 p.m. on May 26 only, Cece Otto, “America’s 21st-Century Vaudeville Singer,” will bring her half-hour mini concert, “The Songs of World War I,” to the Academy — featuring classics you know and classics your parents, grandparents or even great-grandparents knew, like “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary,” “How Ya Gonna Keep ’Em Down on the Farm?” and “Sister Susie’s Sewing Shirts for Soldiers.”

Also, Pearson Field Education Center hosts its annual Open Cockpit Day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 26. Visit local pilots and planes; children can get free rides on a first-come, first-served basis.

Solemn observance

It all winds up with Vancouver’s annual Memorial Day Observance, of course. The Community Military Appreciation Committee, the National Park Service, the city of Vancouver and Waste Connections will host the annual ceremony at 11 a.m. May 28 at the Fort Vancouver parade ground off Officers Row.

It’s not a parade, but a two-hour patriotic festival of honor guards and flags, veterans and re-enacting Buffalo Soldiers, scouts, dignitaries, speeches, a rifle salute, a release of doves and a living history soldiers’ encampment.

All are welcome. Free parking is available nearby at Hudson’s Bay High School, 1601 E. McLoughlin Blvd.

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