Retirement Association of Portland State Portland State University Post Office Box 751 Portland, OR 97207-0751 Koinonia House, second floor SW Montgomery at Broadway Campus mail: RAPS Web: www.raps.pdx.edu Office hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Officers Marjorie Terdal President Larry Sawyer President-elect / Program Chair Robert Tufts Past President / Membership Chair Robert Vogelsang Treasurer / Regional Retirement Association Ad Hoc Committee Chair Joan Shiremanr Secretary Doug Swanson Editor Robert Pearson Webmaster Board Members-at-Large Jan DeCarrico Charlene Levesque DawnWhite Committees Alumni Association Pat Squire Awards Committee Chair Bruce Stern History Preservation Committee Chair Steve Brannan Pictorial History Book Committee Chair Mary Brannan Social/Friendship Committee Co-Chairs Beryl and Vic Dahl Office Manager MiMi Bernal-Graves 503-725-3447 / raps@pdx.edu THE RAPSSHEET OCTOBER 2008 Photos used by permission of the Oregon Historical Society continued on page 2 Oregon Historical Society tour Oct. 16 The second edition of RAPS’ Program/Speaker Series for 2008-2009 is a docent-guided tour of two Oregon Historical Society exhibits— ”Oregon My Oregon” and “Western Native Basketry”—on Thursday, Oct. 16. The tour begins at 1 p.m. at OHS, 1200 SW Park Ave., Portland. The tour is free for Oregon Historical Society members and $8 at the door for non-members, although the $8 fee might be discounted if enough nonmembers attend. “Oregon My Oregon,” one of the society’s permanent exhibits, occupies an entire floor of the museum building. The exhibit includes a re-creation of a Hudson’s Bay Company ship hull, a 19th century explorer’s tent, and a store stocked with 1940s-era merchandise from the Hood River Yasui Brothers Mercantile. The second exhibit tour, “Western Native Basketry,” features baskets Carleton Watkins photographed Portland and the Columbia River Gorge during a series of trips from 1867 to 1885. The Oregon History Museum will display nearly 100 photographs of the Gorge that Watkins printed in stereoscopic format.
—2— President’s Message Guided tour of two OHS exhibits . . . continued from page 1 In May readers of theRAPS Sheet received a survey on outreach services that RAPS might offer to retirees who are experiencing a life crisis such as illness or grieving a loss. By including pre-paid postage, we received 57 replies. Of those, 36 thought such a service is a good idea, with 6 saying no and 15 undecided. Fewer thought they would use this service themselves: 24 yes, 12 no, 14 undecided. Ten people indicated willingness to serve on such an outreach committee, and 20 said they might be willing. A few of those people included their names, but not all—because we did not include a place for names. When asked what services the committee should offer, a majority of respondents checked cards, particularly sympathy and illness (provided it is an extended or severe illness). Several added comments in favor of sending cards. One wrote, “It really helps to know people are thinking of you when you are sick or lose someone.” Another wrote, “This would certainly be a nice way to keep in touch with members, especially those too old or infirm to attend our great events.” Fewer people thought phone calls and visitations would be appropriate. Several commented that visitations should be with permission only. One wrote, “Since illness or death is such a personal time, I suggest only cards be sent possibly with a note that the person could request a visit if they felt up to it. Unsolicited calls and visits seem obtrusive to me.” Another wrote, “Having undergone open heart surgery, I can tell you from my experience and at my request, visitation was limited to family. But the many, many get-well cards were welcome— especially those that made me laugh.” Two included comments about practical aspects of such a committee. “Having served as Friendship Chairman, the greatest problem was finding out about illnesses and deaths in a timely manner.” “This would be a nice service if we would have the information available so we can do a complete job and if we have people willing to serve.” And that brings me to a request—if you are one of those who indicated willingness to serve on this committee, but did not include your name (or if you are now willing to help out), please call me at 503-244-5714 or email at terdalm@pdx.eduso that I can invite you to be part of our Social/Friendship Committee, currently co-chaired by Vic and Beryl Dahl. The responsibilities would include developing guidelines for an outreach service, obtaining information about illnesses and deaths of PSU retirees, and sending cards (or making phone calls and visits if appropriate). This can be an important way to show fellow retirees that you care about them. —Marge Terdal from the Oregon Historical Society collection. OHS has a research library, a store, and six other exhibits on display. After the tour, you are free to visit the other exhibits. One exhibit, “Puppetry: An Out of Body Experience,” ends only three days after the RAPS tour. The puppets were designed by an internationally known company, Michael Curry Design, Inc., headquartered in Scappoose. Curry designed the puppets used in the Tony Award-winning Broadway production, The Lion King. Many of these puppets are either walked with sticks or worn. Curry says he hires dancers rather than puppeteers to operate them. Other exhibits include early photos of Benson High School, a battleshipOregon exhibit, and a recently opened exhibit of stereoviews of the Columbia Gorge by renowned turn-of-the-20th century photographer Carleton Watkins. The Art Museum is complementing the Watkins exhibit with artwork of the Columbia Gorge. If you plan to attend, please fill in and mail the enclosed postcard by Tuesday, Oct. 7; the Historical Society has asked RAPS to provide an advance count of how many will attend. For more information, contact Larry Sawyer, 503771-1616 or larry_sawyer@comcast.net. —Larry Sawyer, President-elect
—3— In memoriam: Elsie Marie White ‘Rusty’ Butler, 1922-2008 Elsie “Rusty” Butler, spouse of Professor Emeritus Kenneth W. Butler, died on Sept. 9, 2008. Her family and a large number of friends celebrated her life on Sept. 13 at a Liturgy of Holy Eucharist offered at All Saints Episcopal Church in Portland. Rusty is survived by her husband of 56 years, Ken Butler, who came to the University in 1953 as director of Audio-Visual Services, and subsequently advanced to be assistant director of the Millar Library, a position he held until retirement in 1987. He served in 1975-76 as interim Library director. Ken was a founding member and officer of our retirement organization in which he and Rusty actively participated. Elsie White descended from Oregon Trail pioneers who had journeyed to the Willamette Valley to obtain Donation Land Claims in 1851. She was born on Jan. 3, 1922, and lived on the family homestead near Aurora, where she attended a one-room school before the Whites settled in Portland in 1928. After finishing studies at Rose City Park Elementary School and Holy Child Academy, a full scholarship enabled her to earn a bachelor’s degree (1944) at Marylhurst College. Following wartime shipyard employment, she earned a degree in library science at the University of Washington, and returned to Oregon to take library positions in Bend and Portland. In 1950 Rusty’s adventuresome spirit and intellectual curiosity prompted her to seek library experience at Leeds in the United Kingdom, where she met a handsome young local librarian, Kenneth Butler. In due course, they decided to marry and, after Ken obtained an employment offer from Multnomah County, they traveled together to Portland where they married on September 5, 1952. Throughout their years of marriage Rusty and Ken immersed themselves in busy professional librarianship careers. After his appointment at Portland State, Ken earned B.A. (1953) and M.A. (1957) degrees at the University of Portland. Rusty worked in the children’s collection of the Multnomah County Library until her retirement in 1987, although she took time out for rearing their three children. Upon their retirements, Ken and Rusty endowed the Portland State University Library Faculty Service Award, which annually recognizes a nominated Library faculty member’s outstanding performance. This award constitutes an enduring tribute to the Butler family. The 2008 Butler Award went to Assistant Professor Linda Absher, humanities reference librarian, for her liaison achievements with the Departments of Foreign Languages and Literatures, Community Studies, and Applied Linguistics. The University community will be forever indebted to Rusty and Ken for their generous support of the University and its educational mission. For my part, I am one of many retirees who benefited from Ken’s assistance with personal instructional efforts. Our organization sends its heartfelt condolences to our colleague, Kenneth, and his daughters, Margaret, Gillian, and Catherine, and their families. Remembrances may be given to the Multnomah County Library for purchasing children’s literature. Rusty’s obituary appeared in the Oregonian on Sept. 12, 2008. Ken Butler will continue to reside at his home, 3645 S.E. 38th Ave., Portland 97207. His telephone number is 503-293-2858. He would be pleased to receive visits and hear from his friends. —Victor C. Dahl, Professor Emeritus of History
—4— In memoriam: Marjorie M. (Berleman) Kirrie, 1919-2008 Professor Emeritus of English Marjorie (Marge) Kirrie—1995-96 RAPS president and dedicated stickler for correct grammar and word usage in written exposition—lived a full and interesting life. Prof. Kirrie was born Nov. 3, 1919, and died Aug. 6, 2008. While rearing four children, she earned B.A. (1952) and M.A. (1958) degrees at the University of Oregon and taught at Portland’s Grant High School. Concurrently she conducted evening program composition classes at the Portland State Extension Center, the College and University’s forerunner institution. In 1958 Prof. Kirrie joined the English section of PSC’s Humanities Division to teach writing classes. Subsequently, she became director of composition when that course was a graduation requirement. Her appointment coincided with the onset of dramatic institutional growth that featured burgeoning lower division course enrollments—imposing inevitably heavy teaching loads—and establishing the first departments for disciplinary majors, including English. Her participation in teaching and curriculum development contributed significantly to laying the foundation for a comprehensive university. Often she acknowledged that student (and sometimes faculty) responses to her legendary high expectations sometimes generated both fear and affection. Even so, she never hesitated to assist those who sought to raise their personal achievement levels. Over three decades, recognition for her impressive career experience and achievements with language arts and composition at secondary and university levels led to extensive engagements with professional education testing and writing organizations on a statewide and national scale. For example, she served as chief reader for the College Board English Composition Test. The Education Testing Service appointed her as a writer and examiner for composition sections, and the Department of State’s Foreign Service Officers’ examinations program engaged her as a chief reader. She regularly supported educational associations, such as the Advanced Placement Program, as a consultant, conference participant, and speaker for local and regional conferences. In retirement Prof. Kirrie developed an international outreach through teaching and travel. She volunteered as a language tutor for non-English speakers offered by the Oregon Literacy Program and Clackamas Community College. As an early faculty participant in our exchange agreement with Zhengzhou University in China, she offered enthusiastically received English classes that attracted several scholarship holders to continue their studies at PSU. During a leisurely freighter excursion in the southern hemisphere, an illness led to her hospitalization in Brazil. Although the medical staff possessed almost no command of English, Prof. Kirrie communicated well enough to make a full recovery. Prof. Kirrie deployed her writing expertise for the University’s benefit through regular and frequent university-wide committee service on such bodies as the Student Publications Board and a commission to revise the faculty governance constitution. Prof. Kirrie amassed a wide circle of friends across the campus and within our organization. We owe her a profound debt of gratitude for many years of service and exemplary contributions to the University’s intellectual enterprise. Marge’s children, Ian, Heather, Derek, and Rowan Muirden, along with five grandchildren and a growing group of great-grandchildren, survive her. To them our organization, and her many campus community friends, extends its heartfelt sympathy. At her request no memorial service has been held. Contributions in her memory may be sent to the Alzheimers Association, 1650 NW Naito Parkway, Suite 190, Portland OR97209. —Professor Emeritus Victor C. Dahl, with assistance from Professors Emeriti Charles M. White and John R. Cooper
—5— Book Club: Lincoln’s contrarian cabinet choices The RAPS Book Club will be hosted on Tuesday, October 21, at 1:30 p.m. by Betsey Brown in the lounge at the Lloyd Place Apartments, 1500 NE 15th Ave., Portland. Contact her at 503-493-4870 to RSVP and for directions. We always like to see new faces! We will discuss Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Lincoln written by Doris Kearns Goodwin, Pulitzer prize-winning author and presidential historian. This book is described on the cover as: Acclaimed historian Doris Kearns Goodwin illuminates Lincoln’s political genius in this highly original work, as the one-term congressman and prairie lawyer rises from obscurity to prevail over three gifted rivals of national reputation to become president. On May 18, 1860, William H. Seward, Salmon P. Chase, Edward Bates, and Abraham Lincoln waited in their hometowns for the results from the Republican National Convention in Chicago. When Lincoln emerged as the victor, his rivals were dismayed and angry. We view the long, horrifying struggle from the vantage of the White House as Lincoln copes with incompetent generals, hostile congressmen, and his raucous cabinet. He overcomes these obstacles by winning the respect of his former competitors, and in the case of Seward, finds a loyal and crucial friend to see him through. This brilliant multiple biography is centered on Lincoln’s mastery of men and how it shaped the most significant presidency in the nation’s history. At our September meeting, we talked about The Yiddish Policemen’s Union. The book was based on the premise that a Jewish community was established in Sitka, Alaska, as a temporary safe haven following World War II. The book was culturally rich, encompassing many Yiddish words. Fortunately, Sivia Kaye, a first-time attendee, elucidated the meaning of the terms for us. —Mary Brannan RAPS club reports PAST TENSE Epler builds foundation for PSU’s growth Stephen E. Epler was the founding director of Vanport Extension Center in 1946, a nondegree undergraduate program to educate servicemen and women returning from World War II. From the first, the Center was popularly called Vanport College. After the flood of 1948 destroyed Vanport Center, Epler’s efforts led to the creation in 1952 of Portland State Extension Center at the former Lincoln High School in Portland. Many also foresaw it as a college and, with determined advocacy by Epler, Portland State became a four-year, degree-granting college in 1955. Today, PSU builds on the legacy of leadership, courage, community spirit, and engagement established by its founder. Past Tense features glimpses into Portland State’s history. To submit a story (or an idea for one), email the RAPS History Preservation Committee at raps@pdx.edu. Stephen E. Epler RAPS Hikers: Cool your heels ‘til November Due to several conflicts for many of the regular hikers, there will be no hike in October. The Nov. 22 hike will be the new bridge crossing in Fort Vancouver between the fort and the river. There are many archaeological displays on the trail. It is level and paved. More information on this hike will be in the November RAPS Sheet. On Aug. 22 five members hiked the Salmon Creek Greenway in Vancouver. This was a short car shuttle hike on a level, paved path. There were many ripe blackberry bushes just off of the trail, and some of us ate several handfuls of berries. The end of the hike had a good view of Mt. Hood behind the creek and its floodplain. Lunch was at a Polynesian décor restaurant. —Larry Sawyer BridgeGroup: Shuffles on Oct. 14 The RAPS Bridge Group will meet at Willamette View at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 14. For further information, please call either Colin Dunkeld, 503-292- 0838 or Maxine Thomas, 503-291-1279. Please call no later than Friday, Oct. 10. —Colin Dunkeld
— 6 — Get ‘em while they last . . . Portland State: A History in Pictures Portland State: A History in Pictures will be available winter 2009. Three years in the making, this book contains more than 300 color and black-and-white photos of Portland State—its history, events, and people. At 180 pages and in a big, 8-1/2 x 11 format, Portland State: A History in Pictures is a great addition to any library and makes a terrific gift. Alumnus Richard Sanders did the writing, Brent Schauer did the photo editing, and Charlie White and Clarence Hein did the editing. You can order your pre-publication copy now through RAPS by filling out the attached form and mailing it to the address below. The price of $34.95 includes free shipping. For further information, contact MiMi Bernal-Graves, RAPS office manager, at raps@pdx.eduor 503-725-3447. NAME ________________________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS ______________________________________________________________________________________ CITY ______________________________________ STATE ______ ZIP ________________________________ PHONE__________________________________________ E-MAIL ______________________________________ Method of payment: My check is enclosed in the amount of $34.95 payable to PSU Foundation. Please charge my credit card: Visa MasterCard AmEx Discover Card number Exp. date Name as it appears on card ________________________________________ Signature of cardholder______________________________________________________________________ Return this form to: Retired Association of Portland State—RAPS Koinonia House Portland State University PO Box 751 Portland OR 97207-0751 Eighteen RAPS members discovered on Oct. 16 that generators come much, much bigger than the ones available at the local hardware store. RAPSters spent the day touring Bonneville Lock and Dam, about 40 miles east of Portland on the Columbia River. Jim Runkles, park manager, led the two-and-a-half hour tour, which included a presentation on the dam’s history, a close-up look at a barge and tug passing through the navigation lock, and a tour of First Powerhouse and its control room. At right, RAPSters examine the workings of one of First Powerhouse’s 10 generators, which is being overhauled. First Powerhouse, which is on the Oregon side of the Columbia, opened in 1937; Second Powerhouse, on the Washington side, was completed in 1981. At far right, First Powerhouse looms behind Runkles and the RAPS touring group. Bonneville: a truly electrifying tour
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