Our Amazing Founder
Written by:
Janeen Sathre
Some of you may know my mother because you have lived in the Applegate Valley a long time, as has she. She was the force behind the foundation of the McKee Bridge Historical Society (MBHS) in 1999, the reason we can still enjoy the oldest—well, tied for oldest—surviving covered bridge in Oregon. You may know Evelyn through some of the community organizations that make the Applegate Valley a wonderful place to live, such as Upper Applegate Grange #839. Maybe you know her because you own some of her artwork, or you have seen it displayed in its many forms in Jackson County libraries or at different fundraisers where she donated her work and her energy to raise money for a worthy cause. Maybe you have read her book Back in Time or enjoyed her stories in the Applegater. Maybe you just know her name because she will be celebrating her 100th birthday in June this year!
What you might not know is that my mother is still very active in the community and has chosen to celebrate her 100 years by helping two of her “closest-to-her-heart” organizations by working in one of her favorite art mediums, fabric. She is designing a large wall hanging to be created for Grange #839, with the help of MBHS members. Evelyn was inducted as a member of Grange #839 in 1940 and was active until the Oregon State Grange pulled the charter in 2011. And she is currently a member of the revitalized Grange—that’s 71 years of commitment.
The wall hanging will depict Applegate Lake and the stunning Red Buttes. The quilt requires many different layers of artwork from the concept, drawing, and pattern to the choice of fabrics, layout, and sewing them all together. Thank you to the many helping hands of members of MBHS and Grange #839. This is a truly unique project that I can't wait to see in its finished form on display in the Grange Hall.
Please join MBHS and Grange #839 at the celebration of Evelyn’s 100th birthday—June 20, 2-4 pm at 3901 Upper Applegate Road—and enjoy cake, ice cream, and an exhibit of Evelyn's artistry and community service. What might you give as a gift? A donation to McKee Bridge Historical Society, the Upper Applegate Grange, and/or the Applegater! If you would like to help make the quilt, send a note to mckeebridge1917@gmail.com.
Love you, Evelyn Byrne Williams (Mom).
Janeen Sathre
Advisor to the MBHS Board
Photo 1: Evelyn Byrne Williams working on the pattern on March 31. Photo: Dan Sathre.
Photo 2: Applegate Lake inspiration photo. Photo: Val Vilbig.
