Mark Prairie’s Indigenous Past
INDIGENOUS HOMELANDS
Since time immemorial, the land south of Canby, now known as Mark’s Prairie, was home to the Ahantchuyuk (or “Pudding River”) band of the Central Kalapuyan tribe. Their homelands stretched from Willamette Falls south to now-Salem, hemmed by the Cascade Range to the east and the Willamette River to the west. In the 1830s, explorers and trappers unknowingly brought malaria to the region. Without immunity, the Pudding River bands were depleted by the epidemic. People of the Molalla tribe from the foothills to the east moved into the established but vacant villages in the region surrounding the Molalla River, while the few remaining Ahantchuyuk people banded together close to the Pudding River and nearby Champoeg.
The Kalapuyans were a “wealthy” people. They used controlled burns to maintain Mark’s Prairie, nearby Gribble Prairie, Baker’s Prairie (the current site of Canby) and other areas as open meadows for easier hunting of game and harvesting of their local foods, including acorns from the Oregon white oaks on this site, wild strawberries, and camas near the creeks. Because the creeks and nearby rivers, along with the wetlands, oak savannahs, and dense fir forests, provided a moderate climate and good life for the people, Ahantchuyuk were a non-nomadic tribe. To the east of Marks Prairie, the creeks are at their closest until they meander and merge to the northwest, then drop down the bluff to the Molalla River.
Mark Prairie is sandwiched between the later (Barlow-Monitor) Market Road 9 and (Canby-Marquam) Market Road 10 with (Gribble-Macksburg) Market Road 26 connecting the two across Gribble and Dove Creeks. These roads were likely Native American trails for thousands of years, making this a “high-traffic” location even then. From discovery of artifacts, it is believed that at least two permanent villages were located nearby, although no artifacts are known to have been found at the Mark Prairie Schoolhouse site.
In the 1830s, trappers released from service by the Hudson’s Bay Company and other mountain men who had come west were settling on the fertile lands of the Willamette Valley. Missionaries from the east were establishing churches and schools to convert and “save” the indigenous people. Settlers arrived in greater numbers as the Oregon Trail enticed more to head west to the Land of Eden, with the Barlow Trail over the Cascades opening in 1846. The Mark family arrived in 1847. By 1850, tracts of 160 and 320 acres were settled as Donation Land Claims by American emigrants. On Jan 22, 1855, the Kalapuya ceded the entire Willamette River drainage in treaty. By 1900, their once-abundant population was estimated at less than 300 people.
Today, people of Kalapuyan and Molalla descent are part of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.
By Peggy Sigler
Giving Tuesday is November 28th!
What are you doing on Tuesday, November 28? That day is GivingTuesday—a global day of giving where people all over the world come together to support their favorite nonprofits.
This year, Mark Prairie Historical Society is participating in GivingTuesday! Our goal is to raise the additional funds needed to complete the repair of the schoolhouse—but we’ll only reach that goal through the kindness and generosity of people like you. Will you help?
Here’s how you can get involved:
- Add GivingTuesday to your calendar!
- Donate to Mark Prairie Historical Society https://markprairiehistoricalsociety.org/donate/. Your donation will be the spark that lights up this historical gem, preserving it for generations to come. Every dollar takes us one step closer to our goal, and we’re deeply grateful for your support.
- Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MarkPrairieHistoricalSociety/! We’ll share updates and stories throughout theday about how much you and others in our community are making a difference.
- Spread the word by telling your friends, family, and coworkers why you’re passionate about restoring the schoolhouse. Then, invite them to join you in making a difference. We’re only able to complete the restoration because of the generosity of supporters like you!
I hope you’ll join us on GivingTuesday!
Wood Sign Fundraiser
Mark Prairie Schoolhouse Gets a New Septic System!
The new septic system being installed at the schoolhouse today!!
Getting Ready to Paint!
The exterior of the Mark Prairie Schoolhouse was recently power washed, in preparation for painting. The transformation has been nothing short of amazing, even at this stage! More coming soon 😊
If you would like to donate to the restoration, you can visit our donate page here, or our GoFund Me here.
May is National Preservation Month! Help us restore the Mark Prairie Schoolhouse!
Please visit our GoFundMe to donate and help us reach our goal at: https://gofund.me/61ad3453
Mark Prairie Wreath Making Fundraiser
Mark Prairie Schoolhouse was damaged in the Feb 2021 ice storm that hit the Canby, OR area. Our charming little schoolhouse was built in 1879 and up until the storm, was used for many events by the family and local community.
We are partnering with Red Chair Farm to raise funds to restore this gem in our community. Red Chair Farm will provide all the supplies needed to make a 14″ wreath, either the traditional green, fall or winter version! Feel free to bring any rocks or gems that are special to you to incorporate into your wreath. No wreath making experience is necessary, this is both easy and fun!This is a fundraiser and proceeds go to MPHS. Tax deductible receipts available.
Complimentary bottled water and sodas are always provided and you’re welcome to bring any snacks/beverages as well. Grab your friends and come spend a peaceful afternoon with us!
Tickets · $35www.eventbrite.com/e/mark-prairie-wreath-fundraiser-tickets-595243287697
MPHS Membership Meeting
Please join us Saturday, March 18th for our membership meeting. Members, neighbors and all friends of MPHS are all invited to attend.
Please see flyer below for details!
The New Siding is on the Building!
Checkout the new siding and windows on the Mark Prairie schoolhouse! Great work by Emerick Construction!