Would like status and contact info for HOS Luelling Memorial Chapter. Anyone?
I am reading an article in Pome News, Winter 1994, by Larry McGraw "The Journey with Henderson Luelling". Referenced therein is Jan Luelling (an HOS member).
I am a direct descendent (GGson)of Henderson's younger brother and nurseryman partner, John Lewelling. I have done some nurserywork myself over the years, and now that I am otherwise retired, the genealogy bug has set in. Came away from the scion exchange with a nice start-up collection of Uncles Henderson's and Seth's antique apples and cherries derived from Milwaukie (Waverly) soils and stock.
So who out there is interested in this particular heritage collection and the many related stories that stretch across the Pacific West?
For a fascinating read, I encourage everyone to take a look at David Diamond's: [/size=18]"Migrations: Henderson Luelling and the Cultivated Apple, 1822-1854" , PhD Thesis in History, Northern Arizona University, May 2004. It is available from ProQuest, UMI Dissertation Services, 800-521-0600, http://www.il.proquest.com Cost: about $40. Therein, WH Luelling is characterized and celebrated as the "vector" that completed the global circumnavigation of the domesticated apple. Well research, well written, and very informative/ entertaining. (Note: I have no ownership interest in same).....Hummmm! maybe HOS (Luelling-Lewelling Chapter) could tho'.
My wife and I joined HOS when we travelled up to the Apple & Fruit Exchange last Fall. We thoroughly enjoyed the energy and the people we have encountered. Thank you all for the opportunity to participate.
...Wow... your request forced me into my nearly 2-inch thick file on the Home Orchard Society 
As a two term board member of this past HOS Chapter, I don't really know where to begin..? Actually, I've less info about the Luelling Memorial Chapter of the Home Orchard Society than expected. Our Pome News publications generally contain great detail about the startup of each HOS Chapter, but I do know the Luelling Mem. Chap. was the first, if not technically - the last. I have a list of 55 members as of July, 1989. Their locations were: Amity; Carlton; Gaston; Hillsboro; Portland; Yamhill; Dundee; Forest Grove; Newberg; McMinnville; St. Paul; Sherwood; Sheridan; Willamina, and Salem. It reads like a "Who's who" of our organization at that time, and I must admit - the Luelling Memorial was a going Chapter!
The Luelling Memorial Chapter was started and named by Jessie and Byron Webster, of McMinnville (Jessie's schoolhouse home and orchard were west of town). We'd have our own Scion Exchanges, utilizing the leftover wood from the main HOS event; arrange excellent local speakers for our bi-monthly meetings; have local tours and picnics (of which I hosted three); and had our own Fruit Show in McMinnville's library, with apple identification! It was a magnificent opportunity to meet our “Yamhill County†neighbors and tour their orchards.
Looking over this roster of members ... here's some I remember well: Keith & Joanie Cooper; Arno Fidel; 'me'; Dave & Libby Miller; Hermann Obrist; Helen Webb; Marlin & Jean Brethower; Melvin Reeves; Jack Erhardt; Louis & Mary Sandoz; Glen, and brother, Loren Mills; John Barnes; Alan Foster; Jeff & Mary Lukehart; Ken & Dottye Keister; Art & Roba Rathkey and Byron & Jessie... We've a wonderful photo of our first tour 'out here' on our refrigerator, it's been there for well over a decade. I'd passed out reprints of it at a chapter meeting shortly thereafter ... so many friends!
A few years back HOS disbanded its Chapters 
" title="Crying or Very sad" /> Interest was waning and it seemed best to consolidate dues and events back into the main organization. As always, there are dedicated diehards, though I'm not one of them. No longer going by the Luelling Memorial name, this group has continued to meet. In fact, the next meeting is Sunday, April 15, 2007, at 2:00 p.m. at the McMinnville Senior Center (2250 NE McDaniel Lane, McMinnville, OR 97128) – and I’m sure you’d be most welcome! There will be a "Member discussion" about orchards, and an exchange of extra plant starts. "Please bring your favorite snack or dessert to share." After a poorly attended (if poorly 'advertised') tour at my place, I voted to consolidate with the main organization... though I've been known to attend some of the meetings and events of what's now called the, "Home Orchard Interest Group."
My best suggestion for contacting this group is either Stan or Marie Townsend; Marie's on the HOS Board, and Stan's in charge of HOS membership. Their contact info's on the back of the Pome News.
I hope this is some of what you requested..?
Wow, back! The HOS history makes a lot of sense, and is downright inspiring! Thanks for the detail.
Specifically not mentioned in your roster of individuals is someone named "Jan Luelling" or "Jan _____". Is that name anywhere in your archive? Have not yet come across it in the family achive. Have sent an email to HOS-membership with the same question.
I wish that we were not a 12 hour drive from the center of activities you describe, but alas, we are amoung the few Californians who are not planning to make a permanent move to Oregon anytime soon. For now we know that we will be coming up to Milwaukie twice a year for the Fruit Exchange and the Scion Exchange and to track down ancestral and pome-cultural details surrounding the Tree Wagons of 1847 (TW1847) and the Luelling-Meek-Lewelling-Bing-Lambert era foundations. Fortunately, we have this virtual medium of exchange to nourish our historical vision and search.
In addition to antique apple, cherry, and pear scions (varieties unknown) collected at Waverly CC, I came away from the Mar 10 Scion Exchange with Yellow Bellflower(Dosch) and Gravenstein(via Viron) reputedly from TW1847. These recent grafts are showing good vigor at this time.
I am on the hunt for more near relatives from the 1847-1900 foundation stock. Any suggestions (including provenance)?
Below pls find Henderson's reputed inventory. Where "?" appears I am not sure of my translation of the original handwritten archive. If anyone has different information pls post a correction. If anyone has additonal information or leads on foundation near relatives please post.
According to JH Lambert's recollection in 1904, found in Oregon Historical Society Archive, the Tree Wagon 1847 Inventory was:
APPLES
Spitzenburg, Yellow Newton, Astrachau (Red), Waxen, Yellow Bellflower, White Bellflower,
White Winter Pearmain, Blue Pearmain, Baldwin, Sweet June, Golden Sweet, Northern Spy,
Golden Russet, Rambo, Early Penoch, Fall Pippin, Vanener(?), Drap D'Or,
Swaar, Red Cheek Pippin, Winesap, Early Harvest, Gravenstein, Lady,
PEARS
Bartlett, Butter, Bonne d'Jersey Pound(?), Seckle, Early Butter,
CHERRIES
Royal Ann, Kintish, Oxheart, Black Bigarreau,
QUINCES
Orange,
CRABAPPLE
Siberian,
PLUMS
Yellow Gage,
GRAPE
Isabella,
CURRANT
Red,
With regards for and appreciation of the Society, VK
Idyllwild
jafar
Marsha H
Viron
John S
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