The GSOC plaque has graced this part of Mt. Tabor Park for over half a century.
THE STORY OF THE BRONZE GSOC PLAQUE LOCATED IN MT. TABOR PARK, PORTLAND
Many of you might not be aware of the bronze plaque that was set in Mt. Tabor park in Portland by GSOC in 1952. The plaque is located near the northwest corner of the main parking area of the park. It is also adjacent to the amphitheater located in the cinder cone at the park. Here are three articles from that tell the story of its design and placement:Article 1: July 1952 issue of
GSOC TO DEDICATE PLAQUE
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Sometime before August 26, 1952, the Bureau of Parks and Recreation has agreed to let us dedicate a brass plaque to be placed in the crater of Mt. Tabor Park at one of their evening programs in Volcano Theatre.
We are anxious to hear immediately from our interested membership and especially our geologists giving their ideas of what should appear on this plaque that would be the most informative to the public of Mt. Tabor's history and origin.
Sit down RIGHT NOW - draw up a rough draft of what your ideas are and mail them to our plaque inscription chairman, Mr. F. W. Libbey, State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, 1069 State office Building, 1400 S.W. 5th Avenue, Portland 1, Oregon, so that it arrives in his hands not later than July 15th.
Article 2: September 1952 issue of
ANNUAL PICNIC --MT. TABOR PARK --AUGUST 8, 1952
"Perfect picnicking weather” ushered in our 1952 Annual Picnic at Mt. Tabor Park on the evening of August 8. It was a warm, balmy evening when a goodly number of G.S.O.C. members met for the usual hot “cafeteria style" dinner which proved as usual its great popularity. There was much shuffling of plates and cups and going back for seconds, refills of coffee and finally, a gathering like bees 'round a honey jar for the pies, cakes, and melon at the dessert table.
Following dinner, President Stone called the group together for a long anticipated event, the unveiling of the bronze plaque which is reported elsewhere in this issue.
Then to "Volcano Theatre" which many had seen for the first time since its being rebuilt, for the usual stunts, singing, etc. The Park Department has done itself proud in remaking this theatre area -built from lava rock of the volcano it is artistic, beautifu1, and functional. We suspect that Mt. Tabor Park foreman, Mr. Sam Allen, who as usual was on hand to see that everything went smoothly, has had something to do with the successful rebuilding of the area. Also, we like to think that we Geesockers may have had apart - at least in suggesting the suitability of the area for entertainment purposes, for we've been presenting our stunts, skits, etc., there for many years.
With President Norris Stone emceeing, a lot of “wishing” started among the audience -- accompanied on the piano by Miss Mary Davenport. It was revealing to know that apparently many of our GSOC group have been harboring long-suppressed desires for varied accomplishments such as to be a “fossil by the sea," "an ancient oredon," "a little three-toed horse," and others. In addition to Mary and President Stone, Johanna Simon, Ken Phillips, Lon Hancock, Eddie and May Bush by, and a quartet consisting of Gregg Davis, Gene Hampton, John Wheeler, and Dick Walker sang out lustily just what they "wished they wuz."
Emcee Stone next announced the title of the skit -"Sabotage in the Ochocos." He later corrected it to Sabbath in the Ochocos," but after seeing the skit, we think he was right the first time.
Mr. Edward Clark as Pete Huckleberry and Glenna Teeters as his wife, Mehitabel, got their roadway paved, even though it caused Trip Leader Bruce Schminky no end of embarrassment. The long line of female members who lined up er a --for photographs by Leo Simon, who carelessly let his sign get blown down (wind erosion), were Mrs. Bruce Schminky, Mary Lou Oberson, Mrs. Edward Clark , Estella Connor, Mrs. Toralf Erickson and daughters Judy and Joan, and Aunt Minnie, played by Mr. James Galt in the absence of the original, Leonard M. Buoy.
Mrs. Albert Keen , general chairman , and her committee and R. F. Wilbur, entertainment chairman, are to be congratulated on a very successful and entertaining evening.
J.E. (Editor’s Note: J.E. is Jane Erickson, Editor at that time.)
Article 3: September 1952 issue of
BRONZE PLAQUE INSTALLED ON MT. TABOR
Those of us members who attended the annual picnic at Mt. Tabor Park Friday evening, August 8, witnessed with a great deal of pride the fulfillment of a long-felt wish -- the unveiling of a bronze plaque at the crater of Mt. Tabor, a gift of our Society to the people of Portland.
After being called to the area by President Norris Stone, the group heard a short talk by Dr. J. C. Stevens on the geology of the crater and surrounding area. Dr. Stevens then unveiled the plaque which stands at the east end of the picnic area facing the roadway through the park.
Mr. F. W. Libbey, chairman of the inscription committee, had asked for and received various suggestions from members of the Society as to wording of the inscription. After consulting with various geologists and members, the following was decided upon:
"Through the fiery throat of this volcano exploded glowing cinders which, cooling, formed the ground on which you now stand. Younger than the hundreds of volcanoes which poured out their lavas in the foothills of Mt. Hood, this cinder cone has withstood the ravages of time to become Mt. Tabor. It now stands peacefully in the City of Roses, the only major city in the United States that has a volcano within its borders.
"This tablet was installed by the Geological Society of the Oregon Country August 8, 1952. "
President Stone, Dr. Stevens, Mr. Libbey, and others who worked with them toward accomplishment of this installation are to be greatly commended for their efforts. We will feel justifiable pride in the years to came over this plaque at the site of Mt. Tabor's volcano.
J .E.