Immerse yourself in the captivating narrative of "The French Prairie," a three-chapter gem unearthed from John d'Arc Lorenz III's masterful "Beyond Blue Earth to the French Prairie Volume II." This brilliantly crafted piece illuminates the lives of three Metis families who indelibly etched their names in the annals of Oregon's nascent history. In the first chapter, journey alongside Joseph Rocquebrune and Lisette Wallawalla as they deftly traverse the intricacies of the Pacific Northwest fur trade. Witness their resilience as they, along with Joseph's fur brigade, navigate uncharted territories and harsh landscapes, finding their initial refuge in Cowlitz before ultimately establishing roots in the fertile soils of the French Prairie. The narrative continues to unfurl with the tale of Francois Bernier, a devoted miller from Quebec. Experience the emotional gravity of his decision as he bids farewell to his wife and newborn child, embarking on a life-altering voyage to St. Paul, Oregon. It is here that his destiny intertwines with that of Etienne Lucier, another trailblazing pioneer. As their paths cross, Bernier finds solace and a fresh start with Lucier's daughter, Pelagie, weaving another thread into the rich tapestry of Oregon's history. As the story reaches its zenith, you will be riveted by the tale of Etienne Lucier's granddaughter, Marie Bernier, and her charismatic husband, Amedee Choquette. Their epic saga resounds with resilience, fortitude, and sheer will. Be enthralled as you follow Amedee's perilous journey along the infamous Oregon Trail, surviving a harrowing grizzly bear attack and eventually finding his way to St. Paul. Once there, he ascends to prominence as one of the region's largest landowners, creating a prosperous hop farming industry and breeding French Trotters who go on to be prize-winners. Lorenz's exquisite storytelling paints an authentic picture of the trials and challenges these pioneering families had to surmount. Their stories of undying resilience in the face of catastrophic natural disasters, such as the cataclysmic Champoeg floods, serve as a testament to their unwavering spirit and resilience. "The French Prairie" transcends the constraints of a conventional historical narrative. It is a poignant homage to Oregon's rich and diverse history, a celebration of the relentless human spirit, and a tribute to those audacious pioneers who dared to chart a new course. For anyone intrigued by Oregon's complex past and the indelible legacies forged by its early settlers, this mesmerizing account is an absolute must-read.

Step into the pages of ‘Beyond Blue Earth to the French Prairie, Volume III’ and prepare to unearth hidden passions, breathe life into forgotten narratives, and journey through the vast tapestry that forms America’s intricate heritage. More than merely ink on paper, this masterpiece is a living testament to history, its essence vibrating in the souls of readers who dare to traverse its depth. Dive headfirst into the immersive chronicles presented in ‘Beyond Blue Earth to the French Prairie, Volume III’. This enchanting voyage into the past throws a spotlight onto the lesser-known heroes who gallantly navigated the stormy seas of the 20th Century. Traverse the chapters alongside Ina Emily Cyr, a steadfast milliner for the Missoula Mercantile Company, who in 1913 dauntlessly embarks on an expedition to the Orient. Stand amidst the turbulence of the Battle of Midway alongside John d’Arc Lorenz, and marvel at the journey of John Edward Lorenz, who, against all odds, transcends the limitations of his immigrant family background. Join forces with Mable Picard, as she strides audaciously into the male-dominated world, reviving Amedee Choquette’s racehorse stable with unrivaled flair and becoming one of the pioneering female entrepreneurs in Oregon. Immerse yourself in the whimsical tales of Three Finger Carl, whose rollicking adventures lend a unique hue to the annals of St. Paul, Oregon. Pause to appreciate the contributions of Delight Lorenz, whose lineage traces back to Etienne Lucier, leaving an indelible imprint on our shared cultural heritage. Experience first-hand the raw emotions and electrifying energy that fueled these descendants of colonists, Native American chiefs, early Europeans, and immigrant families. Revel in the captivating beauty of Missoula, Butte, and Portland, Oregon, through their eyes – their breathtaking allure, formidable challenges, and their momentous triumphs. Stand shoulder to shoulder with a family as they draw on their collective strength to weather the storm of the Great Depression. Align yourself with the valiant Frank McHale as he contends with the sharp sting of a woman’s scorn. As their progeny continue to shape the contours of the American landscape, their indomitable spirit forms the bedrock of our present and the blueprint of our future. As you delve deeper into the recesses of ‘Beyond Blue Earth to the French Prairie,’ you not only excavate hidden passions and revive dormant tales, but also embark on a mesmerizing journey through the rich mosaic of America’s heritage. This book transcends the realms of traditional literature, serving as a time-capsule that breathes life into the annals of history, striking a resonant chord in the heart of every discerning reader.

Immerse yourself in 'Beyond Blue Earth to the French Prairie, Volume II,' an odyssey traversing the frontiers of time and place, weaving tales of overlooked heroes and hidden narratives that embody the essence of America's heritage. John d'Arc Lorenz III resurrects forgotten figures, their stories pulsating with courage, tenacity, and a spirit of endurance, echoing down the corridors of time and resounding in our collective consciousness. Venture alongside the formidable Chief 'Yellow Bird' Piupiumaksmaks, his resolute gaze surveying the expanses of Wallawalla lands, his feet whispering tales of generations past with each stride across the vast prairies. Share in the steadfast resolve of Honoré Picard as he courageously stands against the ceaseless tide of frontier expansion, a bulwark defending his hearth and home. Experience the raw, unadulterated pulse of the wild American Frontier. Join the daring exploits of André Picard, Etienne Lucier, and Joseph Rocquebrune, their spirits intertwined with the untamed wilderness. Traverse the sprawling Columbia District alongside Rocquebrune, the air thick with anticipation as you partake in the relentless pursuit of valuable furs and hidden treasures. Feel the determination radiating from Lucier, a trailblazer of the Oregon Trail, the unyielding leader of Oregon's Provisional Government. Submerge into the intricate tapestry of Syilx Okanagan culture, each thread spun with reverence by the fearless André Picard. Follow the resilient steps of John Adolph Picard, leaving an indelible imprint that extends far beyond his St. Paul Blacksmith Shop. Embark on an adrenaline-infused adventure with Amédée Choquette as he faces a grizzly on the perilous Oregon Trail. Join Catherine and Teresa Farnan in their poignant journey, their hearts heavy with the echoes of their destitute homeland, yet filled with the hope of a new world. Stand beside the Kwakiutl princess, Josephete Noite, as she deftly straddles the precipice between tradition and transformation. Witness the defiance of the Wallawalla and Cayuse peoples, their spirit unyielding as they fiercely defend their ancestral lands from an onslaught of pioneers. Their fervor and devotion to their culture, their unquenchable thirst for justice, continue to shape the American landscape. 'Beyond Blue Earth to the French Prairie, Volume II' is not merely a book. It's a riveting chronicle of resilience, a testament to the unquenchable spirit of our ancestors, a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of courage, determination, and resilience. Each page pulsates with life, each character leaves a footprint on the sands of time, captivating the hearts of readers and painting a vivid portrait of the past. This book is a testament to the extraordinary grit and tenacity of the common men and women who, often unnoticed, laid the bedrock of our modern society. Masterfully curated by John d'Arc Lorenz III, these overlooked narratives are deftly interwoven into a vivid tableau of history, offering us a fresh perspective to value the depth and intricacy of the events that sculpted our present world. Each narrative contained within this volume brings with it a profound sense of humanity, an in-depth look at the struggles and victories of a time gone by, making 'Beyond Blue Earth to the French Prairie, Volume II' a priceless artifact in the annals of American literature. The book doesn't merely recount history; it immerses you in it, allowing you to walk alongside these forgotten heroes, experiencing their joys, fears, trials, and triumphs as if they were your own.

'Beyond Blue Earth to the French Prairie, Volume I' is more than a historical account - it's a riveting revival of unsung heroes, poignant tales, and pioneering spirits that painstakingly sculpted the America we inhabit today. This volume invites you on an odyssey through time, reconstructing the past in vivid, heartrending detail with every page turned. This meticulously woven narrative chronicles the lives of Lorenz's ancestors, immortalizing their stories and the indelible marks they left on the tapestry of history. Delve into the heart of this mesmerizing saga, which breathes new life into tales of remarkable yet often overlooked individuals. The resilient spirits of these figures intricately wove the rich tapestry of North American history. Each character, from every corner of the Earth, brings a unique thread to this elaborate narrative, producing a vibrant pattern of struggle, triumph, and human endurance. Stand alongside Frank Mahowald, a symbol of courage and determination, as he withstands the violent roar of Pickett's Charge at the Battle of Gettysburg. Feel the echoes of fear and hope reverberate through Frank Lorentz as he bids farewell to his homeland of Neustadtl, Bohemia, traveling in the dim-lit steerage of a ship destined for Blue Earth County, Minnesota. His quest for a new life illuminates the immigrant experience - a journey of heartache, hope, and the inexorable pull of new beginnings. Live vicariously through the resilience of Jean Baptiste Cyr dit Croc, a figure who bore the profound trauma of the Great Acadian Expulsion yet persevered, leaving an indelible mark on our shared history. Share in the feverish euphoria of John Cyr as he strikes gold in the chaotic frenzy of Deadwood, a testament to the allure and madness of fortune's promise. Journey with Eloi Cyr, a daring adventurer who fearlessly treks across the untamed expanse of the Wild West. From the rolling rivers of the Madawaska to the quaint settlements of Missoula's Frenchtown, his tales of battle, survival, and adaptation will leave you awestruck. Become engrossed in the story of John F. Lorenz, a humble quarry blacksmith from Bird Island, Minnesota, whose ambition and cunning propelled him to the esteemed position of Mayor. Witness the agricultural prowess of Jacques Bourgeois as he sows the seeds of Beaubassin, his legacy leaving a lasting impact on the land and its people. Admire the audacious spirit of Pierre Sire, a skilled gunsmith hailing from Touraine, who embraced the unknown and charted a course to the New World of Acadia. Accompany John Mahowald on his quest from the familiar fields of Luxembourg to the promise of America. His voyage encapsulates the hopes, dreams, and sacrifices of countless others who yearned for a brighter future. In the unforgiving wilderness of New Market, Minnesota, observe the grit and determination of Matthias Mahowald as he constructs a log cabin - a humble yet profound symbol of a family's place on the frontier. Stand united with the proud Dakota Nation, fierce guardians of the bountiful North American plains, as they valiantly fight to protect their ancestral lands against an advancing tide of settlers. Their struggle is a narrative of a brave people holding firm against the onslaught of a new era. 'Beyond Blue Earth to the French Prairie, Volume I' is not merely a book; it's a time portal that whisks you into a past laden with courage, perseverance, and an enduring spirit of discovery. Through these immersive narratives, you'll discover a mirror reflecting our collective spirit. These tales serve as a testament to our past, and through their lessons, they provide a guiding light to our future. The past is never truly behind us; it echoes in our present and resounds in our future. This volume brings those echoes to life, illuminating the legacy of those whose footprints may have faded but whose impacts continue to shape the world we know today.

This is a contemporary novel with historical flashbacks based on library and ethnographic research. The main character (Catherine) is a French student who grew up in Normandy and studied European history as an undergraduate. As a teenager, she had read that French-speaking Canadians were the first permanent settlers in northwestern Oregon in the early nineteenth century. She also discovered that one of those French Canadian pioneers had practically the same last name as hers. Suspecting a family relationship with him, she looks up her father's genealogical chart and finds a blank space where her potential ancestor's descendants should have been listed. Eager to elucidate the mystery, she sets a long-term goal for herself: going to the United States in order to improve her English and investigate the French Canadian saga. Catherine achieves her dream by getting a position as a mother's helper in Oregon, at the price of eventually breaking up with her French boyfriend. During her stay in the United States, she explores the former French Prairie area in northwestern Oregon. She also finds out through ancestry research that she is indeed distantly related to the French Canadian pioneer whose name is similar to hers. She meets some of his descendants and, after some detours and adventures, falls in love with one of them. All along she experiences occasional culture shock but gradually adapts very well to the American way of life.

Prairie Fairies draws upon a wealth of oral, archival, and cultural histories to recover the experiences of queer urban and rural people in the prairies. Focusing on five major urban centres, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Regina, Edmonton, and Calgary, Prairie Fairies explores the regional experiences and activism of queer men and women by looking at the community centres, newsletters, magazines, and organizations that they created from 1930 to 1985.? Challenging the preconceived narratives of queer history, Valerie J. Korinek argues that the LGBTTQ community has a long history in the prairie west, and that its history, previously marginalized or omitted, deserves attention. Korinek pays tribute to the prairie activists and actors who were responsible for creating spaces for socializing, politicizing, and organizing this community, both in cities and rural areas. Far from the stereotype of the isolated, insular Canadian prairies of small towns and farming communities populated by faithful farm families, Prairie Fairies historicizes the transformation of prairie cities, and ultimately the region itself, into a predominantly urban and diverse place.

Pack up the car and enjoy forty-five memorable routes in the Beaver State. Featuring over 4,800 miles of riding pleasure, this indispensable highway companion maps out unforgettable trips for exploring the region’s scenic back roads. Embark on an adventure that winds along the mountainsides. Take in the magnificence of the Columbia River Gorge. Trek along a coastline that sports some of the earth’s most spectacular scenery. Along the way you’ll discover fertile farmlands, unspoiled wilderness, deserts filled with sagebrush, and breathtaking vineyards and orchards. Inside you’ll find Itineraries ranging from 5 to 325 miles in length Full-color photos and route maps for each drive In-depth descriptions of attractions along the way Optional side trips to museums, parks, and landmarks Tips on lodging, camping, dining, travel services, and best driving seasons