The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries (OCHC) will meet in Grand Ronde at the Chachalu Museum and Cultural Center, and via online meeting on July 24 at 9:00 a.m. The agenda includes discussion of the National Register of Historic Places and a presentation on the 2024 historic cemeteries grant projects. The meeting is open to the public and the agenda includes an opportunity for public comment. Meeting information is on the agenda or you can follow this link to register for online access information.
State law established the seven-member Commission to maintain a listing of all historic cemeteries and gravesites in Oregon; promote public education on the significance of historic cemeteries; and help obtain financial and technical assistance for restoring, improving and maintaining their appearances. For more information about commission activities, contact coordinator Kuri Gill at 503-986-0685 or by e-mail at [email protected].
Special accommodations for the meeting – including translation services – may be made by calling (503) 986‐0609 or [email protected] at least 72 hours prior to the start of the meeting. For call-in details and the agenda or more information about the commission, visit www.oregonheritage.org.
From 1971-1977, I worked for the Yamhill County Surveyors Office and their road engineering department. I think the year was about 1975 when a lady by the name of Irene Hammer visited me in the surveyors office. She explained her task was to compile all information for a Cemetery Register for ODOT. I was able to provide information of some known and unknown cemeteries in Yamhill County. Later, she gifted me with a copy, large blue paperback, maybe 8 1/2 x 11 inch overall size, about 1 inch thick. This is by memory. Between 1981 to 1983, I was then working for USPHS, stationed at the Chemewa Indian Health clinic as an Engineer Aide, working with the CTGRI, Siletz, Coos-Lower Umpqua Siuslaw and Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Indians, investigating each tribes needs for water wells and sanitary facilities. This was under a grant. In visiting with a Cow Creek office aide, the conversation leaned to lineage. I informed her I had a manual she could “borrow” as it was gifted to be by Miss Irene Hammer. Never got it returned regardless of my requests.
All of that aside, I urge you to check into the Oregon offices of records or whatever would perhaps store such a compilation of this document. It was one of the most complete bound documents I had ever been privileged to review, and own for a few years.
I mention that document secondary to the posting of the notice of a July 24,2025 meeting at the Chachala Museum in Grand Ronde. I am a tribal member, am 72 years old, but still can recall a fair amount of information I previously shared with Miss Irene Hammer. After she completed her task, her grant was apparently satisfied and she went on her way.
If I can be of assistance, please use my information as provided.
Thank you for your time and considerations. My personal contact information is as follows.
David Lewis Clark
503-583-5430 (cell)
[email protected]
Member, Confederated Tribes Of Grand Ronde, Roll # 249