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On March 17th we will travel back in time to take a look at one of the more
important events in Portland History. The Lewis and Clark Exposition of 1905.
Richard Engemann, public historian for the Oregon Historical Society, will be
on hand to talk about what life was like 100 years after Lewis and Clark.
This year, as you may have noticed, is the bicentennial of Lewis and Clark.
Why is this fair so important to rhodie lovers? It was this fair, in Portland
Oregon, that attracted Swiss nurseryman John G. Bacher. He visited the first
world’s fair west of the Rocky Mountains and stayed here. Mr. Bacher discovered
rhododendrons to be his passion and was a founding member of the Portland Chapter
of the American Rhododendron Society.
It was at this fair that Rhododendrons, Monkey Puzzle trees and Roses were really
introduced and embraced by the public.
It was the Lewis Clark Exposition of 1905 the gave rise to the Rose Festival.
Of course we all know it should have been a rhododendron festival, but we will
save that for some other time.
Come and learn about an event that still influences our lives in so many ways.