4 Past Tense_________________________________________________________ Building a library from scratch . . . twice ean Black, Portland State’s first head librarian, was a remarkable woman who held four degrees, including a PhD in history. She was recruited by PSU founder Stephen Epler in 1946 to develop and direct the library where the University originated, at the newly established Vanport Extension Center in Vanport City, Portland. From 1946-1969, Professor Black was a pioneering head librarian. After developing a library from nothing at Vanport in 1946, she started again from nothing at the Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation site following the 1948 Memorial Day flood that destroyed Vanport and the Extension Center. Innovative and industrious, Jean scrambled to rebuild the collection, obtaining books through donations from other libraries and major book publishers. In 1952, when the Center moved to the old Lincoln High School (now Lincoln Hall) in Portland’s South Park blocks, she moved the library again. Soon she was spearheading efforts to build a larger library, which opened in 1959 in the northwest corner of College Center (now Smith Memorial Student Union). Still looking ahead, Black was a key player in the development of the uniquely designed Millar Library, which opened in 1968. Jean Black in 1951 The Jean Black Memorial Wall Sculpture in the Millar Library reads in part: “This plaque is in loving memory of Jean Black and in recognition that dedicated people built this University and this library . . . . She is remembered by her students and colleagues as intimately acquainted with her library, efficient and helpful . . . . Jean Black is a shining symbol of the pioneering early faculty at Portland State, able educators doing a professional job with relatively few resources.” 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. Oregon Garden excursion lures a few hardy souls he seven intrepid RAPS members who ignored the rain in Portland on Sept. 16 and joined the RAPS tour of the Oregon Garden were rewarded with a warm dry day in Silverton. The excursion began with a tram ride that provided an overview of the extent and variety of the Garden. A good lunch at the Moonstruck Resort at the Garden followed. Then Kathy Fleury, one of the volunteers at the Garden, gave the group a leisurely and fascinating walking tour, which allowed in depth exploration of a few parts of the Garden. Perhaps most often commented on was the extent of the Garden: 80 acres containing 20 different themed gardens. The color was brilliant. Many plants were at the height of their bloom. Particular attention was paid to the Northwest Garden, where we noted, sometimes with surprise, those plants that thrive particularly well in this climate. We thought the garden of conifers spectacular, with its many shapes of trees and shades of green. The wetlands (part of Silverton’s waste water processing system) and the water garden with its blooming water lilies were places of calm reflection, and many gardens had fountains as centerpieces. The group may have spent the longest amount of time in the children’s garden. We didn’t get down to dig for dinosaur bones but we did go into the wonderful tree house (at ground level) and admire the topiary, the furniture garden, and a wonderful gate made of rusted tools and bolts—the things one finds in a garden shed. RAPS members commented that the Oregon Garden compared favorably with many more famous gardens that they had seen. Everyone noted the tranquility and peace that the Garden evoked. We owed much of our good experience to our guide, whose love of the Garden, and investment in it, were evident as she displayed its treasures to us. It was a memorable day. –Joan Shireman J T
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