Molalla Area Historical Society

We have made it through another stop on Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory Heritage Trail.

The specific Heritage Trail landmarks are the Dibble and VonderAhe Houses, both located with other landmarks on a site run by the Molalla Area Historical Society.

 The Horace L. Dibble House is a historic site, with the house being set up as a museum you can tour.

The Fred VonderAhe house was moved to the site, with its summer kitchen.

As a popular stage stop that often put up travelers, as well the commerce the family did with apples and vinegar, it might have been a very busy kitchen, though summer kitchens were not unusual.

In addition, the site also have Ivor Davies Hall, containing exhibits from Molalla Union High School.

Other items have been gathered, as is common with historic sites.

 Some stand alone, with accompanying signage.

Some may hint more at unrealized potential, like the farm and logging machinery shed.

In fact, even in the museum one of the beds contained old clothing donations that still needed to be sorted.

It was a reminder, among other things, of how the past is not neatly past. There are pieces of it all around and they can require some research and organizing to make sense to us.

That was brought home as the volunteer who showed us around mentioned some old papers and photos that she had been able to identify after they were brought in.

It is not uncommon for the society to help with research, and archives are available, including years worth of the local paper.

As valuable as collections are, it takes people to sort them and place them into context and make themm accessible to others.

The enthusiasm of our guide was an important part of our experience.

I bet they would be happy to see you too!

COVID: While there is a lot that can be seen from the outside, it is close quarters inside. Masking is not required, but it is a good idea.

Accessibility: There are wheelchair ramps, and the paths are relatively wide and smooth. The stairs I remember seeing were being used as shelves. 

https://www.dibblehouse.org/

Ole-Bolle Troll at Nordic Northwest

I know many people have already been to see the troll, but we have finally made it as well.

This is really a blog about two things, and for both of them there is much more to know.

You can visit Ole-Bolle at Nordic Northwest, near Washington Square.

https://www.nordicnorthwest.org/ 

Beginning as the Scandinavian Heritage Foundation, Nordic Northwest preserves culture and language. It's main building is Nordia House, which includes exhibition space, a gift shop, and the Broder Söder cafe.

Fogelbo House is a landmark and offers tours, but there are also some smaller buildings.

It is here where one troll has lifted up part of of the roof for a peek inside.

The song his name comes from sounds like it is referencing eating the humans, but this troll has such a nice face he is probably just looking for fresh bread or cake.

It turns out that Fogelbo Trollpath is just a small section of Northwest Trolls: Way of the Bird King

https://www.nwtrolls.org/

That full way would probably be too far to walk. 

The other trolls are all in Washington, in Vashon, Issaquah, Ballard, West Seattle, and Bainbridge Island.

I am not sure how Ole-Bolle got so far from the rest of his friends, but I saw him described as a curious troll... maybe it was that.

Then, trying to find out more about the origins of those trolls, I discovered they were part of a global network.

https://trollmap.com/

Creator Thomas Dambo's book refers to the first 100 trolls; I have no idea how many there are now. However, I only have pictures of Ole-Bolle.

He is nonetheless a very popular resident.

If you visit you will see activities like scavenger hunts for exploring the grounds and friendly volunteers to answer your questions.

COVID: The troll himself is outside, and even going in the little cottage you will find it well-ventilated. Obviously if you go inside the center or take the cottage tour, that would be different.

Accessibility: There is a ramp to enter the troll cottage. Some of the other buildings do not seem to have them, and the path is not terribly smooth. Use caution.

The only other thing I will add is that looking over the larger Troll Map, some of the trolls appear to be deceased. These gentle giants made of reclaimed materials may not be permanent.

I don't know the lifespan of a troll, but don't procrastinate for too long.

https://www.nordicnorthwest.org/

Fir Point Farm in Aurora

Fir Point Farms was also in the article that sent us to Yesteryear Farms but it was easy for us to decide to visit. 

We pass it every time we go to Canby, and Maria has taken students on field trips there, and mentioned how much they liked the Hazel's Nut House. (Imagine a ball pit, but it's shaped like a cabin, and filled with nuts instead of balls. Then see if you can guess what kind of nut.)

The most important factor was that we had meant to go on a hay ride, which Fir Point has and Yesteryear does not. 

That is why we visited twice as many pumpkin patches as usual this year.

However, we did not enter the Fir Point corn maze. There are some ordeals that need only be done once annually.

We did get a nice tour around it via the hay ride. I was intrigued to see various paths leading out, meaning that it appear that you can exit the maze without either solving it or working your way back to the entrance. While then walking around the maze back to the other activities might not be too tempting, I bet it gets some takers.

The That Oregon Life article focused on the store farm and bakery, which is extensive.

In addition to baked goods and produce, you can stock up on apple cider.

However, I think the real strength of the farm is the amount of activities offered and the option of a day pass.

In addition to the paid activities already mentioned, there is a Kid Zone, Art Center, Paint Ball Shooting Gallery, Giant Slide, Bounce House, and the Polka Dot Express barrel train.

While most of the activities are $7.00 purchased alone (the corn maze is $8), a $28 all day wristband gets you all of them. 

This can work out well for keeping energetic families occupied.

There are also free activities available to everyone, including badminton, volleyball, tetherball, and a corn hole toss. (There is apparently a smaller corn hole toss in the Kid Zone.)

The petting zoo is also free, though you can purchase cups of feed.

Initially I only saw penned animals with signs warning not to put your hands in, but eventually I saw some goats that you could pet.

COVID: Things are mostly outside and open.

Accessibility: They apparently do have one of the wider portable johns, but it is a big farm and things are pretty spread out, so I would worry about mobility issues. There is also one section of the farm store that has a step up, and could probably not be navigated well.

We did not take full advantage of it, but it also offered more than we needed.

https://www.firpointfarms.com/