Patricia Zahare with "May", c1942 March 23, 2017 Episode.
Ever wish for a simpler time? Perhaps a pastoral life on a farm, attending a small country school? Well, our guest today, Patricia Zahare Elling, did just that---and then traveled the world!
Pat told us about her grandparents, Andrew and Gertrude Zahare, immigrating from Austria/Hungary in 1900 and 1902, and settling in the Seattle, Washington, area where Andrew worked in packing houses and at the shipyards. In the 1920s, the family moved to farm acreage in the Chemawa area of north Salem where they grew various types of fruit. In the 1940s they established a winery on the property and bottled wine under the "Island Belle" label which pictured a dancing hula girl. Most likely one of, if not the first Oregon wineries.
Pat's father, Andrew M. "Mike" Zahare, began farming in the Hazel Green area of northeast Salem on 2 acres. The home farm would grow to 52 acres, with another 30 acres leased by 1965. He was well-known in the fruit-growing community, especially for his grafting techniques. He also branched out into growing seed crops--vegetables such as parsnips, turnips, and others that were grown to harvest their seeds. Pat's mother, Margaret, was an accomplished gardener whose yard was spectacular. Mike and Margaret were charter members of the Salem branch of the Audubon Society, as well as the Mycological (mushrooms) Society, with Pat following their lead.
Ever wish for a simpler time? Perhaps a pastoral life on a farm, attending a small country school? Well, our guest today, Patricia Zahare Elling, did just that---and then traveled the world!
Pat told us about her grandparents, Andrew and Gertrude Zahare, immigrating from Austria/Hungary in 1900 and 1902, and settling in the Seattle, Washington, area where Andrew worked in packing houses and at the shipyards. In the 1920s, the family moved to farm acreage in the Chemawa area of north Salem where they grew various types of fruit. In the 1940s they established a winery on the property and bottled wine under the "Island Belle" label which pictured a dancing hula girl. Most likely one of, if not the first Oregon wineries.
Pat's father, Andrew M. "Mike" Zahare, began farming in the Hazel Green area of northeast Salem on 2 acres. The home farm would grow to 52 acres, with another 30 acres leased by 1965. He was well-known in the fruit-growing community, especially for his grafting techniques. He also branched out into growing seed crops--vegetables such as parsnips, turnips, and others that were grown to harvest their seeds. Pat's mother, Margaret, was an accomplished gardener whose yard was spectacular. Mike and Margaret were charter members of the Salem branch of the Audubon Society, as well as the Mycological (mushrooms) Society, with Pat following their lead.
 Mike Zahare in his peach orchard, c1965 |  Mike Zahare demonstrating a grafting technique, 1965 |
It was the practice in those years to have families from Mexico come to the northwest to help during the busy times of planting and harvesting. The City would establish labor camps at the Salem airport and at the Fairgrounds to house them. Each day valley farmers would drive to the camp in the early morning and hire as many workers as were needed for that day's work, with each worker being provided with a sack lunch for their mid-day meal. Often the same families came back each year, becoming friends with the farmers and their families. Margaret Zahare's lovely yard was often the choice gathering spot for the families working the neighboring farms to spend their noon mealtime. It was here that Pat realized her love for the Spanish language. She grasped this new language easily, and even as a child, was often called upon to translate for the workers and the farm owners.
| Pat has fond memories of growing up and working on the family farm. She sold produce for spending money, graduating to regular wages. She attended the small Hazel Green School with its 8 grades taught by just two teachers. Pat explained that the first four grades were taught by a teacher with great artistic interests. The children would put on elaborate presentations. The upper four grades were taught by a women more interested in academic endeavors. Totally different experiences, but she feels she received an exceptional education that few could compare today. |  The Hazel Green "Butterflies," 1938  The Hazel Green "French Dolls" 1939 |
 Pat travels in Peru, c1995 This passion for Spanish lead to advanced degrees in Spanish and Education, which she utilized at several schools over her long career. It also lead to a desire to travel to Spanish-speaking countries, which she first exercised during the summer between semesters at Willamette University when she lived with a friend and her aunt in Mexico. Following up on that experience, she and her husband Kay Elling traveled quite extensively. |  Christy with Pat Zahare Elling, 2017 I first "met" Pat by admiring her beautiful watercolor paintings that lined the halls at Capital Manor when visiting a friend. Turns out there are many more examples of Pat's art in several media gracing the common areas there. It was truly a joy to meet this warm, artistic woman in person. Thanks, Pat, for sharing your wonderful memories with us. |
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