The Frenchtown Historical Foundation is hosting a genealogy consult at Long Shadows tasting room on Wednesday, July 26th from 4-6 pm.
Anyone who has tried to research their family history knows how a few small connections can add up to a much bigger picture. Genealogical research is a big part of how we try to understand Frenchtown history, whether it’s as a descendant or as a history buff.
If you’d like to find out if you are related to the earliest settlers of the area, Frenchtown or otherwise, you should drop in and chat. Several of our board members have spent hundreds of hours looking at census records and parish records and surfing through ancestry, and they’ll be on hand to help.
We’ll have census records and other printouts, a research consultant with a computer hooked up to Ancestry.com, and the Harriett Munnick Catholic Church Records of the Pacific Northwest to look through.
Thanks to our host Long Shadows, charcuterie boards and snacks will be provided, and glass pours will be available for purchase.
Suzanne Cayuse hasn’t visited the Frenchtown site since before the pandemic. Join us on June 3 at 10:00 am to hear her great granddaughter, Judith Fortney, tell the story of her life. Hear Suzanne’s story and see documents and artifacts, visit the cemetery and discover the Prince’s cabin.
Judy Fortney as Suzanne Cayuse
A History minute: Suzanne Cayuse (c.1824-1876)
Suzanne (right) and daughter Catherine
Suzanne was born in Oregon territory around 1824. Little is known about her including her original Indian name, other than that she was a full-blooded Cayuse woman. She married French-Canadian Mathieu Dauphin (c.1816-1867) in 1840. Mathieu was born in St. Louis, Missouri when it was still a mostly French fur trade town, and travelled to Frenchtown in 1838 with several trappers.
Between 1842 and 1861 Suzanne and Mathieu had eight children and lived in at least four different places — Fort Hall, Utah Territory, the California gold fields in the Yuba River area, Marion County and then the adjacent Wasco County, and finally Frenchtown, where their last two children were born.
Like many Indian wives of French-Canadian men, Suzanne converted to Catholicism, and all her children were baptized and confirmed. Mathieu stood as godfather for the baptism of the Cayuse Five, who were executed in connection with the 1847 Whitman Mission incident. Mathieu also served as interpreter and witness at the 1855 Treaty Council of Walla Walla.
Mathieu died in 1867. In 1870, the title of their homestead went to Suzanne, who was listed as “Suzanne Dofa, widow of Mathieu Dofa.” Although widows could inherit homestead claims, Suzanne would normally have been excluded as a full-blooded Cayuse woman, suggesting that the Land Office in Vancouver was not aware of her race.
Suzanne lived on the land in Frenchtown until her death on June 17, 1876, and was buried in St. Rose Cemetery. Her children married into the Gagnon, Woodward, Pambrun, and Bonifer Frenchtown families. Several of the Dauphin children (now Duffy) received allotments on the Umatilla Reservation.
The beaver were the first natural resource to be claimed by European expansion. Without beaver, the fur traders would never have come to the Columbia district. Without fur traders, Frenchtown would never have happened.
Between 1818 and 1848, the United States and Britain claimed joint custody of Oregon Country. In 1821 the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) of London bought out the North West Company of Montreal and was granted a monopoly to the North American British fur trade. The new HBC decided to effectively strip-mine the Snake River watershed of beaver to discourage the Americans from claiming the territory. HBC officials called for sustainable trapping of beaver in the north, and aggressive trapping in areas most likely to fall claim to the United States.
Americans practiced similarly competitive trapping in the region–Ogden’s HBC journals tell of changing paths to avoid rivers already emptied by American camps. In 1823-1824 the Snake Country Expedition yielded 4,500 beaver; ten years later, the annual yield for the same area was only 665.
“If properly managed no question exists that [the Snake Country] would yield handsome profits as we have convincing proof that the country is a rich preserve of Beaver and which for political reasons we should endeavor to destroy as fast as possible.”George Simpson, Fur Trade and Empire; George Simpson’s Journal, ed. Frederick Merk (Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1931), 46.
“…as we cannot expect to have a more Southern boundary than the Columbia in any Treaty with the Americans (altho’ we are entitled to it from occupancy) it will be very desirable that the hunters should get as much out of the Snake Country as possible for the next few years.” HBC Governor and Committee, London, to John D. Cameron, July 22, 1824.
“From the Country we explored this year we obtained only 100 Beaver not from the want of Streams but there were none and the privations we endured were great, however we have the satisfaction to know that the South side of the South branch of the Columbia [the Snake river] has been examined and now ascertained to be destitute of Beaver.”Ogden to Governor Simpson, Burnt River 1 July 1826
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Want to attend a meeting ?
Hey, did you know that the bylaws of the Frenchtown Historical Foundation require that we publically advertise our meeting dates? Me neither!
However, this seems like a great idea. Interested parties are invited to join us at the Fort Walla Walla conference room on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 1:30 pm.
William McBean was a French Canadian, Scots, métis fur trade man, and one of the earliest settlers at Frenchtown. In his 150th year of retirement, he’ll be dropping by with his collection of fur trade artifacts and ENTIRELY TRUTHFUL STORIES. This is a great opportunity to touch and manipulate items you might only ever see in a museum case.
Have you ever peered through the windows of the Prince’s Cabin, wishing you could go inside? Now’s your chance! Frenchtown board members will be on hand to talk about the cabin restoration process and the history of trade and technology in the region.
July is hot in Walla Walla — bring a hat and water, or borrow one of our shade parasols to walk up to the cemetery after!
Reading Between the Ruts: Historic Trails of the Walla Walla Valley.
Image: Telescope view of Oregon Trail ruts on the foothills. Photo credit Sam Pambrun.
Sometimes old maps don’t tell the truth, but the ruts never lie. Sam Pambrun knows–he’s walked them.
Many of our modern roads follow existing Indigenous trails. Their pattern is still visible in Walla Walla’s main street, whose bend follows the historic Nez Perce trail. The Oregon Trail also left deep ruts on the topography of the Walla Walla valley. You can still see their shadows when the light is right.
Join us June 18 at the Frenchtown site at 10 am for this hands-on presentation. We’ll have pictures and historic maps to share, and Sam’s inexhaustible well of knowledge of local history and the land. Come learn about the Mullan Road, the Celilo road, the Koleki maps, and how Thomas and Ruckel pulled a fast one.
JULY 23, 10-12 am: Prince’s Cabin Open House
Have you ever peered through the windows of the Prince’s Cabin, wishing you could go inside? Now’s your chance! Frenchtown board members will be on hand to talk about the cabin restoration process and the history of trade and technology in the region.
August 20th, 10-12 am: Frenchtown Living History and Fur Trade Artifacts
William McBean was a French Canadian, Scots, métis fur trade man, and one of the earliest settlers at Frenchtown. In his 150th year of retirement, he’ll be dropping by with his collection of fur trade artifacts and ENTIRELY TRUTHFUL STORIES. This is a great opportunity to touch and manipulate items you might only ever see in a museum case.
The Flower Report
Despite cold and rain, we had flowers in bloom and a great turnout for Memorial Day. Frenchtown board members shared tips about the life cycles of native flowers and information about the history of the site. We saw some old friends and met some new members. Watch out for a seed gathering event in the fall!
READING BETWEEN THE RUTS: HISTORIC TRAILS OF THE WALLA WALLA VALLEY.
Sometimes old maps don’t tell the truth, but the ruts never lie. Sam Pambrun knows–he’s walked them.
Many of our modern roads follow existing Indigenous trails. Their pattern is still visible in Walla Walla’s main street, whose bend follows the historic Nez Perce trail. The Oregon Trail also left deep ruts on the topography of the Walla Walla valley. You can still see their shadows when the light is right.
Bryan Borstel took this photo with a big game spotting scope and a cell phone camera. It shows the ruts of the Oregon Trail on the foothills to the south of the Whitman Mission. Narcissa would climb the hill with her telescope and see wagons coming six hours before they reached the Mission.
Join us June 18 at the Frenchtown site at 10 am for this hands-on presentation. We’ll have pictures and historic maps to share, and Sam’s inexhaustible well of knowledge of local history and the land. Come learn about the Mullan Road, the Celilo road, the Kolecki maps, and how Thomas and Ruckel pulled a fast one.
Save the date! Join us on Monday, May 30 for Flowers+History!
Frenchtown Memorial Day Flower tour
Monday, May 30 from 9 to 11 am
Why so early, you say? Well, it’s because of the blue flax. This time of year, the most magnificent show in the cemetery is the blue flax (see image above). Blue flax is an early riser, however. It blooms a single flower to each stem every morning, and drops its petals by noon. If you want to see the full show, drifts and waves of blue, you have to arrive while it’s still relatively cool. Come too late, and you’ll see nothing but a blue dusting of dried petals on the ground.
It turns out humans prefer it to be relatively cool as well.
Members of the Frenchtown Historical Foundation will be on hand to give informal presentations of the Frenchtown cemetery and the native plant restoration project. We’ll talk about the history of the site and the cemetery, and be happy to answer any questions you have too.
If you haven’t visited the site, or if you are interested in plant restoration projects, or if you’d like to take a pleasant walk near town, this is the event for you. Dogs are welcome on leash, as there will be other people and dogs around.
When is it? Monday, May 30, from 9-11 am.
What’s in bloom? Blue flax, lacy phacelia, blanket flower, Rocky Mountain penstemon, and yellow lupine The site has been planted to Great Basin Rye grass, with patches of Snake river wheat grass, Indian rice grass, and other Columbia plateau natives. Large patches of mustard are also in bloom now, quite pretty in their own invasive, frustrating way.
Where is it? 8364 Old Highway 12, Walla Walla, WA
How much does it cost? It’s free! (But donations are always welcome — COVID was hard on nonprofit organizations)
Save the date! Join us on Monday, May 30 for Flowers+History!
Frenchtown Memorial Day Flower tour
Monday, May 30 from 9 to 11 am
Why so early, you say? Well, it’s because of the blue flax. This time of year, the most magnificent show in the cemetery is the blue flax (see image above). Blue flax is an early riser, however. It blooms a single flower to each stem every morning, and drops its petals by noon. If you want to see the full show, drifts and waves of blue, you have to arrive while it’s still relatively cool. Come too late, and you’ll see nothing but a blue dusting of dried petals on the ground.
It turns out humans prefer it to be relatively cool as well.
Members of the Frenchtown Historical Foundation will be on hand to give informal presentations of the Frenchtown cemetery and the native plant restoration project. We’ll talk about the history of the site and the cemetery, and be happy to answer any questions you have too.
If you haven’t visited the site, or if you are interested in plant restoration projects, or if you’d like to take a pleasant walk near town, this is the event for you. Dogs are welcome on leash, as there will be other people and dogs around.
When is it? Monday, May 30, from 9-11 am.
What’s in bloom? Blue flax, lacy phacelia, blanket flower, Rocky Mountain penstemon, and yellow lupine The site has been planted to Great Basin Rye grass, with patches of Snake river wheat grass, Indian rice grass, and other Columbia plateau natives. Large patches of mustard are also in bloom now, quite pretty in their own invasive, frustrating way.
Where is it? 8364 Old Highway 12, Walla Walla, WA
How much does it cost? It’s free! (But donations are always welcome — COVID was hard on nonprofit organizations).
How much does it cost? It’s free! (But donations are always welcome — COVID was hard on nonprofit organizations).
RSVP or questions to frenchtownhistoricfoundation@gmail.com
Happy Holidays from the Frenchtown Historical Foundation
Food traditions are an important part of Christmas in my family. My most recent adventures involved French Canadian Butter tarts (watch the video of Sam and me at the end if you want to see the tasting!).
Funny thing, though — when I read the French Canadian recipes, I couldn’t help but notice how similar they were to my mom’s “secret” recipe for chess pie, the one we’re not supposed to share with ANYONE because it’s a special family secret.
If your family version of chess pie (cough, cough, Fannie Farmer) is so sweet it makes your teeth ache, you might try out Malvina Riel’s French Canadian Butter Tarts recipe below. It’s made with a pastry dough that’s more like a sweet biscuit than a traditional pie crust, and the filling is gently sweet without overwhelming the other flavors. It’s the sort of dessert that makes a lovely breakfast, or maybe afternoon tea. If there’s any left, of course.
Or, if you like your sugar straight up with a side of nuts, I’ve included my mom’s “secret” recipe at the end. Promise you won’t tell!
Last call to help! There are just three days left in our 2021 fundraising campaign. Before you whip up a batch of buttered tarts, send Frenchtown some Christmas cheer!
French Canadian Butter Tarts
Filling
1 1/2 cups raisins
1/2 cup softened butter
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 pinches salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup maple syrup
2 eggs lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
Pastry Dough
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup butter
3 1/2 cup flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
Preheat oven to 400º F for tarts, or 350ºF for filled cookies.
Soak raisins in hot tap water for 30 minutes; drain.
Cream together the soft butter, brown sugar, salt, maple syrup, and cinnamon until sugar is dissolved. Add eggs, raisins, and vanilla and mix well.
For open tarts, roll dough and cut ~5-1/2 inch circles; fit dough circles into muffin cups and refrigerate until ready to fill.
Fill the tart shells almost to the brim and bake at 400°F for 15 minutes (gooey filling) to 20-25 minutes (firm filling). Let your tarts cool in the pan for 10 minutes, and then finish on racks.
For filled cookies (like in the second photo), roll dough as thinly as you can and cut in circles. Place half the circles on a cookie sheet and brush with milk to wet the edges (this will make the two sides stick together). Add filling and cover with another circle; press edges together and sprinkle with sugar.
Bake filled cookies at 350º for 20 minutes.
Source: Adapted from Malvina Riel’s recipe box.
Chess Hand Pies – For those with a Sweet Tooth
Filling
1/2 pound walnuts
3/4 lb raisins
3/4 cup butter
1 1/2 cup sugar
5 eggs
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
Pastry Shells
1 ½ cup sifted flour
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup shortening
4-8 Tablespoons ice cold water
Blend flour and salt in mixing bowl. Cut chilled shortening into flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces remaining. Sprinkle water over flour mixture and mix GENTLY with a fork, add more water if necessary, until dough holds together. Make two balls, flatten slightly, wrap in plastic wrap and chill for a minimum of 30 minutes. Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut circles of dough to fit your baking pan. Use toothpick to poke a few holes in the bottom of each pie shell. Bake at 450 10-12 minutes.
Pre-heat oven to 450º F.
1/2 lnuts
3/4 lb raisins
3/4 cup butter
1 1/2 cup sugar
5 eggs
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
Cream butter and sugar. Lightly beat 2 whole eggs and 3 egg yolks and mix in. Add raisins and nuts. Cook mixture in a double boiler until it begins to thicken. Fill pastry shells. Cover with meringue (optional: here’s a simple recipe that calls for 3 egg whites) and bake until lightly browned.
Source: Toni’s Recipe Box, Old Family Favorite and Christmastime Must
In case you missed it…
Frenchtown Family Stories vol. 1
In which Sam and Toni share some Pambrun family history and do a little detective work. Click to watch the recording on Youtube!
