The Chemawa American, January 23, 1929, Image 1

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CHEMAWA
AMERICAN
P r i n t e d a t C h e w a w a , O r e g o n , a n d D e v o t e d t o t h e I n t e r e s t s o f I n d i a n E d u c a t io n
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bl. X X X
W e d n esd a y , J a n . 23, 1929
THE F O U N D IN G OF ST. FRA NC O IS M ISSIO N
By LEO E. COTTONOIR, Chenjewa Student
In 1837, after sixteen years of service with the
Hudson Bay Co., Simon Plomonden asked to be
granted some land in order that he might settle down.
The Company officials told him if he could find a
suitable place they would give him enough of the land
on which to have a home and make a living.
Mr. Plomonden, with two canoes and two men,
then started up the Cowlitz river in search of a suit­
able place. Upon reaching what is now Toledo he
saw a broad, flat prairie which to him looked like an
ideal homesite.
W hile looking over this prairie he came upon an
Indian village, and thinking them friendly he went
up to one of the huts in hopes of seeing the Chief
in order that he might win his friendship and get
permission to settle. To his great surprise, he and
his companions were taken prisoners. After holding
many counsels and dances the Indians decided to kill
the white men, but later they changed their minds
and Mr. Plomonden became a very good friend of
the Chief.
About a year later Mr. Plomonden asked permis­
sion to return to Fort Vancouver. The Chief thought
it over and replied: “ I will let you go if you will first
m arry my daughter, and return before the next full
m oon.” The Chief also gave him to understand
that if he refused he would not be allowed either to
build himself a home or to return to Fort Vancouver
to see his old friends.
Mr. Plomonden didn’t like the idea, although he
had otten secretly admired this beautiful Indian maiden
who reflected the dignity of being a Chieftain’s daugh­
ter. However, he consented to the old Chief’s plan as
the next best thing to do, so they were married.
Upon his return to Fort Vancouver, Mr. Plomonden
bought tools with which to build a house, guns and
ammunation. Since most of his time was spent in
traveling he could not stay very long at the Fort, for
he had to return to save hinself from the Chief’s anger.
While he was scurrying around collecting supplies he
told the story of his wedding to the people at the fort.
All thought it very interesting and romantic.
W hen Mr. Plomonden returned to the Indian village
he took six more men, one being a missionary, to
No. 13
teach the Indians “ Christianity.” After six years
these men all had homes built. They also had built a
Mission for the carrying on of their religion and for
the Indians. All the houses and the Mission were
built of logs taken from a near-by forest and hewn
with broad axes.
W hite people moved into the Cowlitz River region
rapidly, after finding out there was rich and fertile
land inhabited only by friendly Indians and a few
white men.
Soon the trading posts grew into towns and the
towns into cities. On the present site of the first log
cabin mission stands a large Catholic Mission School,
St. Francois Mission, that no doubt had its beginning
in the desire of the old Indian Chief to marry his
daughter to a white man.
MY DUTY
By BERNICE BLAKESLEE, Chemawa Student
Education, as I understand it, is equipping one-self
for life through study and experience. It means grow­
ing in every way as long as one is living and able to
adapt ones-self to other people and all surroundings.
I realize I must some day be independent, take care
of myself and not be a burden on society. I owe the
Government the very best that I can do. In my
school work I have tried different industrial occupa­
tions and know something about all of them, but I find
I ’d like a business career better than anything else.
This shall be my vocation.
Before I begin stenography I must have a found­
ation of good English and be able to spell correctly.
My high school work will fit me for that before I enter
a school for a business course. I imagine myself grad­
uated and hunting a job. I enter a business office,
where I apply personally. I can, right then, feel the
manager’s eyes searching me for neatness and refine­
ment.
The first questions are, “ Did you finish high school?’ ’
‘ ‘Do. you have a diploma?’ ’ I shall be so happy to frank­
ly reply, “ Y es,” for I know he is sure to investigate
my answers. The next will be, “ Can you furnish re­
ferences?” To this I shall have to reply, “ Only my
teachers and my record,” and if I have done my duty
in school I need not fear either.
( C ontinued on page 4)