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Reviews
Oregon's Promise: An Interpretive History
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By David Peterson del Mar
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Oregon State University Press, Corvallis, 2003. Photographs, notes, bibliography, index. 320 pages. $19.95 paper.
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Reviewed by Charles P. LeWarne
Edmonds, Washington
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| Many residents of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest will welcome this single volume that seeks to highlight elements of history often overlooked in traditional accounts. In other words, David Peterson del Mar attempts to describe Oregon in line with what has long been called the "New Western History." The volume includes accounts of how various minority groups and women participated throughout the state's history, how the main scope of events affected them, and how they, in turn, affected events. An engaging feature is that each of the nine chapters ends with four or five brief biographies of Oregonians. A pattern recurs: there is usually a traditional establishment figure, a woman, and representatives of minority groups. Although this device provides the opportunity to depict the lives of ordinary people — whatever "ordinary" may mean — one wonders why certain of these individuals were selected, and if there might have been better choices. |
1
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The word promise in the title suggests that Oregon offered opportunities for all, including obscure citizens, and Peterson del Mar implies that the promises have not been fulfilled. But the book falls short of fulfilling its own promise. It begins with a charming account of the author's Oregon ancestors, and the closing similarly describes neighbors from his childhood. One is led to believe that the narrative will downplay "big names" in favor of showing how such common people lived and influenced history. The author promises that "this book, more than most state histories, is concerned with the events and especially the process that most profoundly affected the everyday lives of ordinary people" (p. 6). Nevertheless, as soon as the narrative begins, the content becomes relatively conventional. |
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There is an admirable account of how Native Americans were affected by encounters with Europeans and Americans; but following that, leaders of exploring expeditions are emphasized while common seamen remain obscure. There is nothing, for instance, about life aboard ship and what crew members did during coastal landings. Fur-trading companies and their most famous figures appear, but not the obscure trapper or trader. And so it goes throughout most of the book. Notwithstanding those brief, chapter-closing vignettes, establishment figures predominate and ordinary people are buried in faceless groups. It would be interesting for an Oregon historian to actually present an account of the state centering on the lives of "ordinary people." |
3
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Similarly, the author poses to discuss the whole of Oregon — an admittedly daunting task in a state having eastern and western portions with distinct geographic, economic, and cultural differences. The text inevitably emphasizes the metropolitan Portland area and, to a lesser extent, the Willamette Valley, with occasional forays to such places as Coos Bay and eastern Oregon. Even such major cities as Eugene and Salem are mentioned infrequently. In a provocative final chapter with the suggestive title "The Polarized State," Peterson del Mar discusses the state's internal differences, including their effect on current issues, yet I wish those differences had been handled more consistently throughout the narrative. A worthwhile theme running through much of the book is Peterson del Mar's observation — and apparent regret — that Oregon's often touted political reforms were just that: reforms that left the system intact rather than radical departures or overtures. |
4
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The list of sources is impressive and current, and it provides a fine grounding for anyone studying the Pacific Northwest. Footnote citations are limited to actual quotations, which leaves broad and sometimes controversial generalizations with little supporting evidence. The publisher would have greatly aided this effort to describe Oregon by including at least one all-encompassing map; its omission is unfortunate. |
5
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To write a complete single-volume history of a state as diverse as Oregon is difficult at best. David Peterson del Mar's effort has its shortcomings, but he provides a good running history of the state that will be useful to many readers. |
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