—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
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