Jammin' with Salmon: Pioneer Woman & Man of the Year announced
Association marks their 100th year after pandemic curtailed meetings
Sam Muller takes a look at some historic photos in the entrance to the Wasco County Pioneers’ meeting at St. Mary’s Academy in The Dalles on Saturday, May 6. Some 150 turned out for the annual get-together with lunch and a chance to catch up. It was the first meeting since 2019 and it allowed for members to mark its 100th year.
Carol Root and her mother Lois Root were all smiles, getting the chance to meet with friends and enjoy a beautiful lunch at Wasco County Pioneers Assocation Annual Meeting.
Some Slammin’ Salmon and Ham with all the fixings including that pit-a-pat -o’butter. NIZZZZZ.
From Carolyn Wood/ Wasco County Pioneer Asscn:
Vickie Crone Sallee and Myron Egbert have been selected the 2023 Wasco County Pioneer Woman and Mam of the Year for their service and contributions to Wasco County heritage and history. After three years of absence (Covid 19) the annual Pioneer luncheon celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Pioneer gathering at St Mary’s School May 6th. Fifty-two Pioneer picture boards lined the hallway for viewing and a salmon lunch was served in the gym.
Pioneer Woman-Vickie Crone Sallee
Vicki Crone Sallee
Vicki Crone Sallee is a very energetic and community-minded lady with many interests. A horsewoman from an early age in Mrs. Borg’s Pony Club and dance classes. She enjoyed jumping competitions and Pony Club play days, campouts and rides to the County Fair. A 1964 graduate of The Dalles High School and In 1965 she was crowned Queen of the first Fort Dalles Rodeo. She was named Miss NRA in 1967.
Her father worked in the harvests of Eastern Washington before he served in the Navy. After WWII he got into the Auto Parts business in Portland. He saw great opportunity in Eastern Oregon and moved his family to The Dalles in about 1946.
Working with her children in 4-H and sports kept her busy. She continues to belong to and work for the Fort Dalles Riders, Fort Dalles Rodeo Association and volunteers in the Office of the Wasco County Fair. She is active long time membership chairman in the Wasco County Pioneer Association and the secretary of the Union Pacific Employees Club. She is very passionate about the Duane Fulps Memorial Scholarship Horse Show held at the Fort Dalles arena. She volunteers each week at the Senior Center. When not volunteering she is crocheting afghans for her kids and grandkids.
She married Bob Sallee and they raised their family of four Chrissie, Robin, Traci and Eddy on Chenowith Creek Road Sallee Family home site.
Today we honor Vickie Crone Sallee for her contributions to Wasco County.
We were kind of a big deal - Wasco County used to stretch into Wyoming, taking the larger part of Idaho into its borders. Don’t do it. Stop. We’re not seceding from the western half of Oregon. This is not supposed to get geo-political. Nutz. Anyways - this map was actually a place mat used to set the tables at the meeting. Nice Touch!
Pioneer Man-Myron Egbert
Myron Egbert
Myron Egbert traces a long pioneer history to a great grandfather born 1838 in Ohio who with a family wife and 6 children reached The Dalles in 1881. After many stops along the way he and his oldest sons cleared right of way for the O R & N Railroad east of The Dalles. In 1881 he established a homestead 17 miles east of The Dalles on what is now the Emerson Ranch. In the 1930s the original land was purchased by the Fax Family. Three more children were born making a family of nine children.
His grandfather the second son settled in Kennewick, Washington in 1905 married and farmed a fruit orchard for 20 years. They had 2 children.
His father born in 1911 in Kennewick grew up in The Dalles, attended TDHS and joined the National Guard after he graduated. He worked for Todd’s Bakery and Holsom Bakery as a Service Delivery Driver for 40 years in and around The Dalles. His parents married in 1937 and operated the Egbert’s Tasty Bakery and delivered the tasty items while he delivered for the Davidson Bakery from Portland.
His mother was a seamstress for J.C. Penny Company. Her family lived at the Fort Dalles Surgeons Quarters from 1926 to 1929 as curators and caretakers while her father built a new home for the family.
Myron Egbert our Pioneer Man of 2023 married Dawn Morris and they have 2 children and 5 grandchildren. He retired from The Aluminum business, served as Port Commissioner, volunteers at Fort Dalles Museum and past president of the Wasco County Pioneer Association.
Today we honor Myron Egbert for his dedication to Wasco County history.
The Wasco County Pioneer Association is dedicated to preserving the 250 Pioneer picture boards created since the early 1950S to save the thousands of pictures of regional history. First organized in 1922 by some of the Sorosis Ladies as a reunion of folks who had experienced the early settling of Oregon. It started with those born before 1880 but later came to recognize all who had an interest in local history. This reunion was celebrated with a weekend of festivities including a parade, luncheon, dinner and evening ball.
For the last 50 years or so the reunion has been a salmon luncheon and viewing of the picture boards. It is time for folks to share stories, remember and visit with classmates and old friends each year on the first Saturday in May. Anyone interested in learning about the history of the area is welcome. Members can be reached through the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center or Fort Dalles Museum.
Here are a few fascinating Photos the Pioneers have curated in case you could not make it:
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