Mrs. Henderson, Pioneer Entrepreneur by Linda Holden

Mrs. Henderson was recognized in The Oregonian in 1914: "She is the pioneer caterer on the (Old) Columbia River Highway. A typical Western woman, one who knows how to overcome difficulties and carve success right out of the wilderness". Born in Portland, OR in 1872, she was raised in Happy Valley. However she made her mark in the Oregon history as a key campaigner for building the (Old) Columbia River Highway (CRH), and providing extraordinary hospitality to travelers at roadhouses she owned and managed along this highway. The Oregon notables (besides Mrs. Henderson) supporting the building of CRH included: Sam Hill, John Yeon, Simon Benson, Henry Pittock, Sam Jackson. and more. The passing of Mrs. Henderson in 1930 signaled the end of the era of elegant roadhouse dining along the CRH from 1914 to 1927.

The presentation will be given by Linda J. Holden who is a 4th generation Oregonian and born/raised in Lake Oswego, OR with her three sisters.