Coming Home

At least it felt that way. I suppose Oregon is just one stop in our overall family history but it is a very significant one, and sometimes I think you find a place in your own history to feel at home. Where the time and the place just seems right. The Chamberlin Cemetery, on the site of our original 640 acre claim, is one of those places. And the time is certainly right, at least from my own personal perspective. And it really is a personal thing after all.

As Dad and I travelled to the cemetery the weather was unpredictable, alternating frequently between sun, cloud, and rain. It would be anyone's guess as to the conditions upon our arrival. This weather somehow had the effect of bringing out the rich colours of the lush green fields and dark and light foliage of the fir and maples, and the sun truly brought those colours out as we arrived...

Joe had opened the gate and smoothed the approach. The rest of the journey was about a hundred yards up between the young fir trees.



Looking down was not bad for a view...



As we hit the top of the hill the first marker I saw was the one in the cemetery with the most significance to Dad and myself, that of Catharine (Viles) Chamberlin.






She was the wife of Aaron Sr and the two of them staked their claim and raised their six children within view of where they now rest.




Unfortunately the headstones of many of the Chamberlins that are known to be buried here were missing. The Collins markers seem to have fared better...perhaps they had access to more durable material?




Colleen pointed out some of her family to us, although we are still not certain of the connection and hope to discover that as we progress with our research.




It didn't take long to feel the tranquility of this spot. The view would be prime if the trees were cleared, but the lush growth and resulting privacy is what makes this place truly special.




Some were very young when they died, although we have been surprised during our research how few of the young perished considering the challenges of those times.





The research continued while the weather held...




...although in this place there is always time to stop and reflect.





Eventually we had to say farewell until the next time. For Dad and myself we said goodbye to Catharine...and all the other Chamberlins keeping a low profile on the hill.



We all headed downwards as the hail and rain encouraged our departure...



...but around here the sun never seems gone for long.




And so tomorrow we depart this part of Oregon that holds so much history, that of the Chamberlins and so many others. The people we have met while here have left as big an impression as the incredible landscape, and we feel privileged to have made so many new acquaintances and friends. Thank you specifically to Colleen and Tracey, without you both we would be two confused Canadians lost in a field somewhere. Now we are still two confused Canadians, but we now know the exact field in which we can truly lose ourselves...