Elmer Taylor and Others on the Harris-Taylor land, April 18, 2008

Partial Transcript: The speakers, Gary Chapman and Elmer Taylor, discuss their family history and connection to a property that was owned by their ancestors, Frank and Mary Taylor. Elmer provides details about the property's history, including its purchase by Frank and Mary Taylor and its subsequent sale. They visit the location, identifying remnants such as fruit trees and historic daffodils. Elmer discussesthe significance of the site, linking it to his family genealogy and expressing excitement about sharing it with future generations. Other family members, including Bart Starr, also share memories and connections to the site, highlighting its importance in their family's history. Additionally, there's mention of efforts to educate visitors about the forest's history and Native American land use in the area.

Segment Synopsis: My name is Gary A. Derek Chapman.

Partial Transcript: Well, we chose this site for our education trail in recognition of this site probably having been used by the family over several years.

Segment Synopsis: Taylor discusses the selection of a site for an education trail in honor of the family's history. The trail commemorates the use of the land by the family, known initially as Camp Thurmond, and the placement of a memorial stone by T.J. Starker. The rock, moved by T.J. Starker, bears the names of other Starker family members, including Margaret Thurman, T.J. Starker himself, Bruce Starker, and Elizabeth Starker Cameron. Taylor and Chapman express fondness for the site, with mentions of picnics, memories, and the presence of calypso orchids and trillium flowers, which Elizabeth Starker Cameron, a wildfire expert, admired.

Partial Transcript: We're standing on what my father explained to Pat Brown and I back, oh, about 1981 or '2, that this was a field that he plowed for his father in, he specifically told me he was about thirteen years of age, so about 1909.

Segment Synopsis: Taylor provides detailed historical information about the Starker land they are standing on. He explains that the field was plowed by his father at the age of 13 in 1909, serving as a crucial part of the family farm where they grew hay, oats, and wheat to sustain their animals. The property was initially purchased by the Taylors in 1906, and the speaker discusses the family's connections to various sections of land, highlighting the proximity of their properties along the township line. He mentions the timber rights being sold to Rex Clemons in 1936, who logged the area extensively. Taylor shares memories of logging activities in the 1950s, and mentions that he and his father cut wood to support the family for the year. Taylor expresses appreciation for the efforts of the Starker family in reforestation and emphasizes the importance of responsible forest management in Oregon. He concludes by expressing gratitude for being able to visit the land and showcase the family's commitment to growing trees and maintaining forests.

Partial Transcript: We're just just enjoying seeing it happen and enjoying the fact that we're out here today and the rains are holding off on us. And it's a wonderful day.

Segment Synopsis: Taylor and Chapman express their enjoyment of the current state of the land. Taylor recalls a story where his grandfather insisted on selling the land for $2,000, deviating from T.J. Starker's proposed $10 per acre. Taylor intervened, offering to buy the land for $2,000, providing 10% down payment and carrying the rest on credit. This resulted in Taylor acquiring the property on the day T.J. was not the highest bidder. The conversation shifts to the recent acquisition of the property by the current landowners, who Taylor and Chapman praise as responsible stewards of the forest in western Benton County.

Partial Transcript: All right. Well, great. Thank you very much Elmer for sharing that history with us.

Segment Synopsis: Taylor expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share the history of the land on the banks of Marys River, currently owned by his cousin Wayne Harris. He points out various landmarks, including the original Harris one-room schoolhouse, the King family estate, and the Harris bridge. He then discusses the family's connection to the area, mentioning the Harris baseball team playing in an open grassland before it became forested. He describes the property Wayne Harris has maintained, highlighting the shingle dam, mill race, and water-powered sawmill built by his great-grandfather, Henry Palmer Harris, in the late 1800s. Taylor reflects on the family's history in the valley since 1877, emphasizing the importance of the land in providing for the family and expressing joy that it is still in the family's possession.

Partial Transcript: Tell us about the place here.

Segment Synopsis: Taylor discusses the historical significance of the property, known as Eddieville, which has been in the family since the 1870s. The land was purchased by Ezekiel Eddie, and Taylor highlights the family's genealogy dating back to early New England settlers, noting that Ezekiel Eddie played a role in naming the local railroad station "Eddieville." Taylor then notes that the property holds the gravesites of Ezekiel Eddie, his wife Lucy Fisk Eddie, and other family members. He expresses satisfaction about selling timberland to Starker Forest in 2007, praising the letter from Bart Starker and emphasizing the importance of responsible forestry.