Volume 2, Number 6 - Winter 1966
The Editor Speaks
What fun to edit this issue. I enjoyed finding the younger generation interested in the history of the area of their parents. Ben A. Parnell, Jr., brought to us to share with the readers of this Bulletin the booklet, "Stories of the Pioneers." E. J. and L. S. Hoenshel, owners and publishers of the "White River Leader" at Branson, put out this paper-back book of 79 pages in 1915. It says on the front of the cover: "First Series."
"If there was a Second Series, we hope someone will bring it to share with us."
Mrs. Ruth Asher promises an article on the Ashers and the Hensons. We repeat, "A woman’s word is her bond."
We went to Lee Beasley, owner and publisher of the "White River Leader," to ask for permission to use the wood cuts and stories of John Gerten, as published in the "Leader." Lee kindly said, "Yes, but you must get permission of Mr. Gerten."
Not only did Mr. Gerten say "yes," but he made for us smaller copies of each print, copies of a size that would fit our pages. That took time, much of it and work, much of it; all a labor of love, for his only pay will be in the love and appreciation of our many readers.
We asked Mr. Gerten to send to us a history of his family in the "White River Valley." He did say, "When I first came out West to the coast, in 1907, there was very little paper money in circulation. We were paid in five, ten and twenty dollar gold pieces and silver dollars. These might seem a bit heavy to carry around now, but I never heard anyone complain. The heavier our pockets were, the better."
He adds, "I have been making the prints since about 1920 when I went to the Portland Art School a couple of terms. I paint in oil and water colors and make etchings. I used to send work to exhibits years ago, but haven’t bothered to send any in late years. Too much abstract art for an old timer.
"I see you know the town of Spokane. My wife and I also stayed at the old Spokane Hotel when we first came here. The old hotel is no more. It, like many of the other old landmarks, has been torn down to make room for new buildings and parking tots which are no improvement to the town."
Now that confirms the adage that one can take the boy out of the country, but not the country out of the boy. I just bet that John Gerten grew up in the country, so regardless of the size of the urban community he yet says, ‘going to town’ as he calls Spokane a town.
A treat awaits you in the next issue. Paul Shelton of Springfield, called to say he was sharing some Civil War memorabilia with us. He did, just that. Elmo Ingenthron may quit his trip through Texas and rush back to read the bulletin when fresh off the press.
Thank you everyone. This is your society and your magazine, so keep the material coming. When you drive or walk this spring, carry a pencil and paper and do copy cemetery records from headstones. Get names and dates correct.
JEWELL ROSS MEHUS
[Inside Back Cover]
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