NEWS AND COMMENT
SURVEY OF FEDERAL ARCHIVES
A survey of the records of the agencies of the federal government, one of the projects of the WPA, was begun in Oregon in March and will be continued until June 30, 1936, under the supervision of Jesse S. Douglas, regional director for Oregon and Washington. The purpose of the survey is explained in the following announcement by Mr. Douglas:
"The survey of federal archives is being conducted throughout the United States by the works progress administration in cooperation with the National Archives. The purpose of the survey is to locate and obtain information concerning the condition and use of the records of all agencies of the federal government. The data obtained will become a part of the permanent records of the National Archives at Washington, D. C., and will lead to the preservation of historical material that might otherwise become lost.
"Although records of recent date, as well as older files, are included within the scope of this survey, it is hoped particularly that unknown materials of discontinued agencies and files which have been stored in out of the way places may be discovered. It will facilitate the work of the survey if anyone knowing of such records will inform the regional office of the Survey of Federal Archives, Myler Building, Portland, Oregon."
MEETINGS
The annual celebration of Founders Day drew 1000 persons to Champoeg, May 2, 1936, to commemorate the establishment of a government in the Oregon country, May 2, 1843. Governor Martin spoke on the future of Oregon. Other speakers included C. A. Howard, Rufus Holman, Earl Snell and Austin Flegel. The Portland municipal government was represented by Mayor Joseph K. Carson and Commissioner Bean. Leslie M. Scott, as secretary of the Portland chamber of commerce, presented an Oregon state flag to Champoeg park, Students of the manual training schools of Portland presented a number of birdhouses. Bettylou Swart dedicated an elm tree in memory of Tabitha Brown, one of the founders of Tualatin Academy, which later became Pacific University.
The Wasco Pioneer Association held its annual meeting at The Dalles, May 2, 1936. Ralph Moody, assistant attorney general of Oregon, was principal speaker. Of special interest was the display of 2000 pictures showing events in the history of the state. The Albina Pioneers' Association met at Weimer's Hall, Portland, March 19, 1936. Judge C. H. McCollock, of Baker, made an address, after which several pioneers gave reminiscences of the early days of Albina.
The Geological Society of the Oregon Country elected the following officers at the annual meeting February 27, 1936: Clarence D. Phillips, president; J. C. Stevens, vice president; Lillian Neff, secretary; Mrs. Ben Smith, treasurer; A. F. Pratt, member executive committee. O. R. Bean spoke on the geological work of his grandfather, Dr. Thomas Condon. The society gave Dr. Edwin T. Hodge, the retiring president, a life membership in the grade of honorary fellow, the highest honor in the society.
Twenty-five of the fifty-four members of the Octogenarian Club of the First Presbyterian Church, Portland, were able to attend the annual luncheon at the church April 23, 1936. Mrs. Nancy Paxton, 94,
