Pictured: A city YouTube image of City Manager Kenna West with town logo below; background is an array of publications acquired by Trammart News in Oregon City, site of historic end of the Oregon Trail. (See sign upper right.)
What's in a city slogan? Historic records indicate maybe a mistake
By Anne Scheck
Trammart News Service, June 20, 2025
The Independence city motto is "Oregon's Story Begins Here."
But is it accurate? No, not at all if it's alluding to the Oregon Trail, according to multiple references, including an outspoken local history buff, the time-honored Oregon Encyclopedia and even Indy's own informational record on the matter.
Oregon City, which is credited with being Oregon's actual starting point, considers it wrong, too – but a trip to that town proved there are folks in Oregon who have learned how to politely disagree.
At the Oregon City Hall this week, some expressed only surprise to hear that Independence had claimed the slogan. After all, at the entrance to an Oregon City park a few blocks away a large sign promotes the historical site of the “End of the Oregon Trail.”
"There were several routes for the Oregon Trail," affirmed Jarrod Lyman, Oregon's City's communications director. "But the end destination was always Abernethy Green," he said, alluding to the historic trail's endpoint that now is encompassed by a state park.
The Independence motto, "Oregon's Story Begins Here," blazes across the banner of the city's website and pops up on promotional videos for the town; City Manager Kenna West said it recently when signing off on a short clip of herself in River City Briefs.
Repeated inquiries about this alleged mislabeling were made to the Independence communication director, Emmanuel Goicochea, without any response to questions from Trammart News. But several others weighed in, including a few long-time Independence residents, who said they don't think the catchphrase applies to the city.
None wanted to be quoted by name, not even the amateur historian who brought it to the attention of Trammart News. However, he did urge anyone who thinks it could possibly be true to go "look it up" in a history book.
So Trammart News did that. From the breezy "Oregon Companion" to the text "Oregon: This Storied Land," none mention Independence as the terminus of the Oregon Trail.
Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery apparently never spent time in Indy, either.
In fact, the city's self-chronicled online description, called "Story of Historic Independence," correctly observes that, prior to 1841, the residents were Native Americans. The Oregon Trail was laid years before that.
There were some fur traders and explorers, but "there is no evidence of any sustained trading or exploratory activity in the Independence area," according to the city historical document. The Oregon Trail is alluded to, but only as a "grueling journey," and there's no evidence that it ended in what's now Independence.
Several who live near downtown, and take pride in the city's history of settlement by Henry Hill and Elvin Thorp, have suggested that's enough to make the historic legacy a source of pride.
As for Oregon City, the city's saying is as much about what lies ahead as it is about how the Oregon Trail helped populate Oregon's first official town. "Preserving our past, building our future" is the adage Oregon City uses.▪
By Anne Scheck
Trammart News Service, June 20, 2025
The Independence city motto is "Oregon's Story Begins Here."
But is it accurate? No, not at all if it's alluding to the Oregon Trail, according to multiple references, including an outspoken local history buff, the time-honored Oregon Encyclopedia and even Indy's own informational record on the matter.
Oregon City, which is credited with being Oregon's actual starting point, considers it wrong, too – but a trip to that town proved there are folks in Oregon who have learned how to politely disagree.
At the Oregon City Hall this week, some expressed only surprise to hear that Independence had claimed the slogan. After all, at the entrance to an Oregon City park a few blocks away a large sign promotes the historical site of the “End of the Oregon Trail.”
"There were several routes for the Oregon Trail," affirmed Jarrod Lyman, Oregon's City's communications director. "But the end destination was always Abernethy Green," he said, alluding to the historic trail's endpoint that now is encompassed by a state park.
The Independence motto, "Oregon's Story Begins Here," blazes across the banner of the city's website and pops up on promotional videos for the town; City Manager Kenna West said it recently when signing off on a short clip of herself in River City Briefs.
Repeated inquiries about this alleged mislabeling were made to the Independence communication director, Emmanuel Goicochea, without any response to questions from Trammart News. But several others weighed in, including a few long-time Independence residents, who said they don't think the catchphrase applies to the city.
None wanted to be quoted by name, not even the amateur historian who brought it to the attention of Trammart News. However, he did urge anyone who thinks it could possibly be true to go "look it up" in a history book.
So Trammart News did that. From the breezy "Oregon Companion" to the text "Oregon: This Storied Land," none mention Independence as the terminus of the Oregon Trail.
Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery apparently never spent time in Indy, either.
In fact, the city's self-chronicled online description, called "Story of Historic Independence," correctly observes that, prior to 1841, the residents were Native Americans. The Oregon Trail was laid years before that.
There were some fur traders and explorers, but "there is no evidence of any sustained trading or exploratory activity in the Independence area," according to the city historical document. The Oregon Trail is alluded to, but only as a "grueling journey," and there's no evidence that it ended in what's now Independence.
Several who live near downtown, and take pride in the city's history of settlement by Henry Hill and Elvin Thorp, have suggested that's enough to make the historic legacy a source of pride.
As for Oregon City, the city's saying is as much about what lies ahead as it is about how the Oregon Trail helped populate Oregon's first official town. "Preserving our past, building our future" is the adage Oregon City uses.▪
Pictured: Fifth-grade teacher Emily Blythe (center) Insets: a student city builder (left) project displays (right)(Photos for insets submitted by E Blythe)
Students in fifth-grade class create their ideal city, showing high creativity & eye for the future
By Anne Scheck
Trammart News Service, June 20, 2025
A group of local fifth-graders this year gave a whole new meaning to the term civic-minded. By year's end, the students in Emily Blythe's class at Ash Creek Elementary School each created their own city.
As they head off to middle school in the fall, they leave behind a project they completed that no others in the district accomplished: building thriving towns from the ground up.
These weren't just metropolitan dots on a map. These student had to find a way to sustain these municipalities economically – meeting infrastructure demands, finding ways to manage the needs of the population.
So when a student named Alaina created a beach town, she made it more than a tourist spot. It had a port for cargo ships to bring another source of revenue for the town, which she named – what else? – "Oceanside."
Also, by placing it on the East Coast, she located it on the seaboard within reach of the nation's most industrial cities.
Students spent the first three weeks of the ninth unit reading about famous cities, such as Chicago, in order to study what has worked to revitalize cities.
Blythe (in photo) offered the project in a way that combined a need to address demographics, to consider taxpayer support, to determine what local companies would provide an economic base, and how products would be sold.
One of the youths decided to go full-on with a resort destination. He placed his city on an island. The island had a volcano, so to make sure the air was fresh and pure for tourists who wanted to soak up sunshine amid pleasant tropical breezes, he invented a CO2-sucking machine. After all, without a lot of evergreens like those that grow in the Pacific Northwest, it is a good idea to help out those palm trees.
One boy made his city a giant McDonald's but he was thinking proactively. Underneath huge golden arches, he put a hospital, presumably that included a cardiac unit. Another student made a town called "Cowpie," which grew a lot of fruits and vegetables – and a dairy herd.
Most students created cities with local businesses, with plans to ensure they would work. A bakery for instance, had to list items on a cost-per-unit basis and show how a profit could be made.
During the year, students learned through nine different three-week units. Each one touched on critical components that were used for the cities project.
For example, unit one was all about agriculture; unit two about culture; unit three about government.
"They needed to go back through their learning to create cities based on the examples they saw throughout the school year," Blythe said. "It is real-life application from the themes that they read throughout fifth grade."
Though some struggled with the concept, many "amplified" it beyond expectations, she added.
Perhaps the most important part, as well as the most poignant, was the mandatory "Constitution" that each pupil was asked to provide. Many showed a commitment to a diverse population, with laws to protect each segment – and some mentioned the need to uphold freedom of speech. "Their cities had lots of libraries and city halls," Blythe observed. ▪
By Anne Scheck
Trammart News Service, June 20, 2025
A group of local fifth-graders this year gave a whole new meaning to the term civic-minded. By year's end, the students in Emily Blythe's class at Ash Creek Elementary School each created their own city.
As they head off to middle school in the fall, they leave behind a project they completed that no others in the district accomplished: building thriving towns from the ground up.
These weren't just metropolitan dots on a map. These student had to find a way to sustain these municipalities economically – meeting infrastructure demands, finding ways to manage the needs of the population.
So when a student named Alaina created a beach town, she made it more than a tourist spot. It had a port for cargo ships to bring another source of revenue for the town, which she named – what else? – "Oceanside."
Also, by placing it on the East Coast, she located it on the seaboard within reach of the nation's most industrial cities.
Students spent the first three weeks of the ninth unit reading about famous cities, such as Chicago, in order to study what has worked to revitalize cities.
Blythe (in photo) offered the project in a way that combined a need to address demographics, to consider taxpayer support, to determine what local companies would provide an economic base, and how products would be sold.
One of the youths decided to go full-on with a resort destination. He placed his city on an island. The island had a volcano, so to make sure the air was fresh and pure for tourists who wanted to soak up sunshine amid pleasant tropical breezes, he invented a CO2-sucking machine. After all, without a lot of evergreens like those that grow in the Pacific Northwest, it is a good idea to help out those palm trees.
One boy made his city a giant McDonald's but he was thinking proactively. Underneath huge golden arches, he put a hospital, presumably that included a cardiac unit. Another student made a town called "Cowpie," which grew a lot of fruits and vegetables – and a dairy herd.
Most students created cities with local businesses, with plans to ensure they would work. A bakery for instance, had to list items on a cost-per-unit basis and show how a profit could be made.
During the year, students learned through nine different three-week units. Each one touched on critical components that were used for the cities project.
For example, unit one was all about agriculture; unit two about culture; unit three about government.
"They needed to go back through their learning to create cities based on the examples they saw throughout the school year," Blythe said. "It is real-life application from the themes that they read throughout fifth grade."
Though some struggled with the concept, many "amplified" it beyond expectations, she added.
Perhaps the most important part, as well as the most poignant, was the mandatory "Constitution" that each pupil was asked to provide. Many showed a commitment to a diverse population, with laws to protect each segment – and some mentioned the need to uphold freedom of speech. "Their cities had lots of libraries and city halls," Blythe observed. ▪
Pictured: Ken Fetters standing at the old building's basement, a completely new Tiki Bar. (Photo credit: Lance Masterson)
Becky & Ken Fetters recently completed a remodeling project--converting the old First Baptist Church
By Lance Masterson
For Trammart News Service, June 20, 2025
Not every real estate transaction comes with a warning like this: This building may be haunted.
But that’s the message Becky and Ken Fetters received while negotiating to buy the original First Baptist Church, sited in the town’s historic area. An area well known for its portal to the afterlife, according to some.
“I said, 'Bring it on, baby! That’s what we want,'” Ken said of the ghost warning. “I don’t know why this is, but in the real estate disclosures, the City of Independence put in there that it could be haunted. It was a required notification.”
The warning, a deal breaker for some home buyers, only enhanced the property’s charm as far as the Fetters were concerned.
“We’ve been looking for this kind of property for a long, long time,” Ken added (see Fetters in photo).
What’s a few ghosts when you finally find the property that’s so unique, so perfect it would eventually bring closure to a 30-year quest.
The Fetters knew exactly what they wanted. For three decades, they passed over countless old churches, firehouses, police stations and schools. But the “Eureka” moment finally hit them as they drove down D Street on Christmas Day during the pandemic.
That’s when they first saw the church. Unfortunately, as tales like this often go, timing conspired against them. The church wasn’t for sale; it was home to the Heritage Museum. Ken remembers his wife telling him, “You’ll never get that church.” So, their wait, and search, continued.
Several months later the museum moved to its current building, across the street from the post office. The church was then listed for sale on the internet. Becky noticed its availability.
“She said to me, ‘You’re not going to believe what’s for sale.’,” he said. “It’s like 7 o’clock at night and I call our realtor. I said, we’re buying it. Make the offer now. I don’t even have to see it.’”
Ken is no stranger to old buildings. He’s a former contractor with a passion for restoration. He got bit by the bug after watching an episode of “This Old House” years ago, one that featured a church remodel in San Francisco.
Given his expertise, Ken was well prepared for the labors awaiting him. For example, plumbing and electrical were outdated, as were the acoustic ceiling tiles and the 1950’s paneling that covered the sanctuary walls.
In addition, the layout was a maze of sectioned-off rooms from its museum days.
Pleasant discoveries were unearthed as well. The Fetters discovered original stained glass windows, some still bearing the names of donors from the early 1900’s. Information on one donor was easy enough to track down: the Newton Center from Massachusetts.
“I’ve run the Boston Marathon three times. You go right past” the Newton Center, Ken said. “It’s right there on the route.”
Another discovery is a staple of most old churches.
“There is a bell. But it’s not the original bell,” Ken said. “The original is over at the new church.”
Remodeling was done with a critical eye towards preserving church character. The copper-toned tin ceilings, stained glass window protections and original light fixture restoration typify the couple’s love, craftsmanship and precision.
The Fetters found similar inspiration in repurposing. One chandelier was salvaged from a bowling alley, while another was crafted from antique gas fixture parts.
A long-lost baptismal font was uncovered from beneath the flooring and repurposed as a wine cellar. An original pew and pulpit anchors the space where guests sometimes gather for musical performances or meetings.
“We wanted people to walk in and still feel that it was a church. Not just a big building,” Ken said. “A place that means something.”
Collections of crosses from New Mexico, nativities from around the world and bobbleheads add atmosphere. As do figurines that celebrate Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), tributes to family and friends who have passed, and a basement Tiki bar that includes a parrot, surfboard and Santa Claus.
Jim Humphreys has known the Fetters for several years. Humphreys is board president of the Heritage Museum, and attended a concert at the Fetters’ home following the remodeling.
“(Ken’s) attention to detail and workmanship were impressive,” Humphreys said. Plus, “the acoustics are great.”
Humphreys heaped praise on the ceiling restoration and how natural light compliments the design.
“Rather than divide the structure into modern compartments, the Fetters designed their remodel to allow daylight to flow naturally through the window,” Humphreys explained.
The church was built in 1888. The addition came in 1912, and included a downstairs level and overflow sanctuary.
Neither Becky nor Ken have experienced any encounters with ghosts since moving in. But others on site have reported hearing phantom voices.
“When we were doing construction, the electricians were working up here,” Fetters said. “My brother and I came back from lunch, and an electrician said, hey, is this place haunted? Now, these are electricians, union electricians.”
Fetters asked for details. He was told that the electricians heard people talking downstairs. They went downstairs to investigate and nobody was there.
“This is a similar story to one that the museum had when its collection was here. They had volunteers that heard voices. They would go downstairs, and there wouldn’t be anybody down there. We think that the ghosts went with the collection to the new museum,” Fetters said. “It’s fun to have stories like that.” ▪
By Lance Masterson
For Trammart News Service, June 20, 2025
Not every real estate transaction comes with a warning like this: This building may be haunted.
But that’s the message Becky and Ken Fetters received while negotiating to buy the original First Baptist Church, sited in the town’s historic area. An area well known for its portal to the afterlife, according to some.
“I said, 'Bring it on, baby! That’s what we want,'” Ken said of the ghost warning. “I don’t know why this is, but in the real estate disclosures, the City of Independence put in there that it could be haunted. It was a required notification.”
The warning, a deal breaker for some home buyers, only enhanced the property’s charm as far as the Fetters were concerned.
“We’ve been looking for this kind of property for a long, long time,” Ken added (see Fetters in photo).
What’s a few ghosts when you finally find the property that’s so unique, so perfect it would eventually bring closure to a 30-year quest.
The Fetters knew exactly what they wanted. For three decades, they passed over countless old churches, firehouses, police stations and schools. But the “Eureka” moment finally hit them as they drove down D Street on Christmas Day during the pandemic.
That’s when they first saw the church. Unfortunately, as tales like this often go, timing conspired against them. The church wasn’t for sale; it was home to the Heritage Museum. Ken remembers his wife telling him, “You’ll never get that church.” So, their wait, and search, continued.
Several months later the museum moved to its current building, across the street from the post office. The church was then listed for sale on the internet. Becky noticed its availability.
“She said to me, ‘You’re not going to believe what’s for sale.’,” he said. “It’s like 7 o’clock at night and I call our realtor. I said, we’re buying it. Make the offer now. I don’t even have to see it.’”
Ken is no stranger to old buildings. He’s a former contractor with a passion for restoration. He got bit by the bug after watching an episode of “This Old House” years ago, one that featured a church remodel in San Francisco.
Given his expertise, Ken was well prepared for the labors awaiting him. For example, plumbing and electrical were outdated, as were the acoustic ceiling tiles and the 1950’s paneling that covered the sanctuary walls.
In addition, the layout was a maze of sectioned-off rooms from its museum days.
Pleasant discoveries were unearthed as well. The Fetters discovered original stained glass windows, some still bearing the names of donors from the early 1900’s. Information on one donor was easy enough to track down: the Newton Center from Massachusetts.
“I’ve run the Boston Marathon three times. You go right past” the Newton Center, Ken said. “It’s right there on the route.”
Another discovery is a staple of most old churches.
“There is a bell. But it’s not the original bell,” Ken said. “The original is over at the new church.”
Remodeling was done with a critical eye towards preserving church character. The copper-toned tin ceilings, stained glass window protections and original light fixture restoration typify the couple’s love, craftsmanship and precision.
The Fetters found similar inspiration in repurposing. One chandelier was salvaged from a bowling alley, while another was crafted from antique gas fixture parts.
A long-lost baptismal font was uncovered from beneath the flooring and repurposed as a wine cellar. An original pew and pulpit anchors the space where guests sometimes gather for musical performances or meetings.
“We wanted people to walk in and still feel that it was a church. Not just a big building,” Ken said. “A place that means something.”
Collections of crosses from New Mexico, nativities from around the world and bobbleheads add atmosphere. As do figurines that celebrate Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), tributes to family and friends who have passed, and a basement Tiki bar that includes a parrot, surfboard and Santa Claus.
Jim Humphreys has known the Fetters for several years. Humphreys is board president of the Heritage Museum, and attended a concert at the Fetters’ home following the remodeling.
“(Ken’s) attention to detail and workmanship were impressive,” Humphreys said. Plus, “the acoustics are great.”
Humphreys heaped praise on the ceiling restoration and how natural light compliments the design.
“Rather than divide the structure into modern compartments, the Fetters designed their remodel to allow daylight to flow naturally through the window,” Humphreys explained.
The church was built in 1888. The addition came in 1912, and included a downstairs level and overflow sanctuary.
Neither Becky nor Ken have experienced any encounters with ghosts since moving in. But others on site have reported hearing phantom voices.
“When we were doing construction, the electricians were working up here,” Fetters said. “My brother and I came back from lunch, and an electrician said, hey, is this place haunted? Now, these are electricians, union electricians.”
Fetters asked for details. He was told that the electricians heard people talking downstairs. They went downstairs to investigate and nobody was there.
“This is a similar story to one that the museum had when its collection was here. They had volunteers that heard voices. They would go downstairs, and there wouldn’t be anybody down there. We think that the ghosts went with the collection to the new museum,” Fetters said. “It’s fun to have stories like that.” ▪
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