WALLACE W HANSEN

Native Plants of the Northwest

Native Plant Nursery & Gardens

2158 Bower Ct S.E., Salem, Oregon 97301 E-Mail: Wallace W Hansen
PHONE (503)581-2638 FAX(503)581-9957

Updated May 15, 2003

Wallace Hansen Celebrates Lewis and Clark

Botanical Discoveries of the Lewis and Clark Expedition

Ocean Spray (Holodiscus discolor)

Along Clearwater River in Missouri or at Camp Chopunnish in Montana, May 29, 1806

Specimens were collected near Kamiah in Idaho County, Idaho, on May 29, 1806 (Cutright, 1969: 420). No mention of the plant is found in the journals but there is some speculation that references to "seven bark" by Lewis on June 5 might apply to Holodiscus rather than Physocarpus as considered by Moulton. The rationale for this is that the label states "A Shrub growing much in the manner of Nine bark." This statement implies Lewis knew the common name, nine bark, and that it was different from the plant he found "On the waters of [the] Kooskooskee."

Pursh notes: "A Shrub growing much in the manner of Nine bark On the waters of Kooskooskee May 29th 1806."

This Northwest Native shrub could be considered an ideal plant for landscape use. It is not invasive, it has a lovely shape, the flowers resemble the froth of ocean waves and the dried flowers are much prized by birds. Included in our Spring Sale, Ocean Spray is dependable and delightful. 

Ocean Spray bloom

Heidi Hansen watercolor

At this time in 1806:

May 11 and 12 were eventful days for the Corps, and the following journal entries illustrate the manner in which Captains Lewis and Clark worked together to maintain a friendly relationship with the native peoples.

At 8 A.M. a chief of great note among these people arrived from his village or lodge on the south side of Lewis's River. This is a stout fellow of good countenance, about 40 years of age, and has lost the left eye. His name is Yoomparkkartim. To this man we gave a medal of the small kind. Those with the likeness of Mr. Jefferson have all been disposed of except one of the largest size, which we reserve for some great chief on the Yellow Rock River. 

We now pretty fully informed ourselves that Tunnachemootoolt, Neeshneparkkeook, Yoomparkkartirn, and Hohastillpilp were the principal chiefs of the Chopunnish nation and rank in the order here mentioned. As all those chiefs were present in our lodge, we thought it a favorable time to repeat what had been said yesterday and to enter more minutely into the views of our government with respect to the inhabitants of this western part of the continent; their intention of establishing trading houses for their relief; their wish to restore peace and harmony among the natives; the strength, power, and wealth of our nation, &c. To this end we drew a map of the country, with a coal on a mat in their way, and, by the assistance of the Snake boy and our interpreters, were enabled to make ourselves understood by them, although it had to pass through the French, Minnetaree, Shoshone, and Chopunnish languages. The interpretation being tedious, it occupied nearly half the day before we had communicated to them what we wished. They appeared highly pleased. After this council was over we amused ourselves with showing them the power of magnetism, the spyglass, compass, watch, air gun, and sundry other articles equally novel and incomprehensible to them.  
Captain Lewis, 11 May 1806

After breakfast I began to administer eye-water and in a few minutes had near 40 applicants with sore eyes, and many others with other complaints most common rheumatic disorders and weaknesses in the back and loins, particularly the women. The Indians had a grand council this morning, after which we were presented each with a horse by two young men at the instance of the nation. We caused the chiefs to be seated and gave them each a flag, a pint of powder, and 50 balls, to the two young men who had presented the horses we also gave powder and ball. The Broken Arm, or Tunnachemootoolt, pulled off his leather shirt, and gave me. In return, I gave him a shirt.  

We retired into the lodge, and the natives spoke to the following purpose: i.e., they had listened to our advice and that the whole nation were determined to follow it; that they had only one heart and one tongue on this subject. Explained the cause of the war with the Shoshones. They wished to be at peace with all nations, &c. Some of their men would accompany us to the Missouri, &c., &c., as a great number of men, women, and children were waiting and requesting medical assistance, many of them with the most simple complaints which could be easily relieved, independent of many with disorders entirely out of the power of medicine -- all requesting something!  

We agreed that I should administer, and Captain Lewis hear and answer the Indians. I was closely employed until 2 P.M., administering eye-water to about 40 grown persons, some simple cooling medicines to the disabled chief, to several women with rheumatic affections, and a man who had a swelled hip, &c., &c. In the evening, three of our horses were brought all in fine order.  
Captain Clark, 12 May 1806

Current events:

Southwest Washington Convention & Visitors Bureau
Northwest History - Spring Celebration Calendar of Events

April 29-May 20 - "People of the Columbia River Basin" film series
All films begin at 7 p.m. at the Kiggins Theater, 1011 Main St. The series begins on April 29 with "Local Color," and continues weekly. A full schedule is available at www.ccrh.org/center/pobfs.htm. Sponsored by the Center for Columbia River History.

May 3-July 31 - Skamokawa Indian Village display at the Three Creeks Library

May 9-July 27 - "End of Our Voyage" exhibit at the O.O. Howard House
Wed. through Fri., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sat. through Sun., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free. Hosted by the City of Vancouver.

May 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Vintage Home Fair at Esther Short Park
Presented by the City of Vancouver. Call 619-1145.

May 18, noon to 5 p.m. - Open house for the Fort Vancouver Tapestry
At the Washington State School for the Deaf, 611 Grand Blvd. www.fortvancouvertapestry.com.

May 18, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Queen Victoria's Birthday celebration at Fort Vancouver
Bring a sack lunch and eat with the Living History re-enactors. Sponsored by the National Park Service. Go to http://www.nps.gov/fova/visitevent.htm for more information.

May 23 - "Lewis and Clark on the Lower Columbia River"
A Clark College Mature Learning Class. Call (360) 992-2153 or visit www.clark.edu.

May 29, 7 p.m. - "Tree troopers, cherry pickers and dam builders: Commemoration the 70th Anniversary of the Civilian Conversation Corps"
At the Water Resources Education Center, 4600 SE Columbia Way. Co-sponsored by the U.S. Forest Service, Celebrate Freedom-Vancouver National Historic Reserve, National Park Service and the Center for Columbia River History. www.ccrh.org/center/pobfs.htm.

May 31- June 1 - Sturgeon Festival at the Water Resources Education Center
Family activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Center is located at 4600 SE Columbia Way. Event and activities are free. Call 696-8478.

Flyers featuring information on all of these activities is available from the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial office by calling (360) 906-7119 or check the individual websites for more information.

(360) 750-1553 ext. 20 - Vancouver, Washington
E-Mail: director@lewisandclark-clark.org

May 17-18, 2003

History comes alive in Frontier Park at this annual event commemorating the arrival in St. Charles of Clark and the Corps of Discovery and Lewis' rendezvous with them.

In a large encampment along the Missouri River you'll find numerous time period crafts on display and demonstrations of frontier skills. Vendors offer a variety of foods and beverages prepared as they were 200 years ago. Groups portraying military units of the late 18th and early 19th centuries will raise the "Colors" each morning and retire them in the evening. Tactical demonstrations will include the firing of cannons and muskets.

The largest Fife and Drum Corps muster west of the Mississippi River is a popular attraction. Eight to ten Corps from around the Midwest are expected. The "massed band" of 150 fifers and drummers parading through the park and down main street is a stirring sight and sound you will never forget.

Other entertainment includes singers, fiddlers, and dulcimer players all performing tunes from the time of Lewis and Clark. Children's games and puppet shows are a highlight for the kids.

In a visit to Lewis and Clark's camp you'll find the Corps of Discovery making final preparations for their expedition, just as they did here in 1804. Full scale reproductions of the keelboat and two pirogues are on display.

Relive history at the Lewis and Clark Heritage Days in St. Charles – where the adventure began.

Invitation to participants:
Crafters, demonstrators, entertainers, food vendors, sutlers and traders portraying the time period of 1750-1812 are welcome to apply for participation in the Lewis and Clark Heritage Days.
Contact: mamccoyusa@yahoo.com

Civilian and military reenactors of the time period from the French and Indian War through the War of 1812 can apply by contacting: wbrecht@yahoo.com

Contact Name: John Dengler
St. Charles Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commission
700 South Main
St. Charles, MO 63301
636-946-6899
innkeeper@booneslick.com
www.lewisandclarkstcharles.com

Back Issues:

To see back issues of Wallace Hansen Celebrates Lewis and Clark, click on this link to jump to the index. 

Commemorative Painting by Heidi Hansen:

The illustrated map below was created by renowned botanical artist Heidi D. Hansen especially for this website. Done in ink and watercolors, Heidi shows many of the plants Captain Lewis documented overlaid atop a map showing a portion of the journey. (Click on image for large view).

Good luck and happy gardening!

Wally

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