October 27, 2016 Episode.
A few weeks ago, we talked with Christy Van Heukelem about the three Images of America books, Salem, Newberg, and McMinnville, that she completed for Arcadia Publishing. Today we talked with her about her latest adventure, her new company, Lineage & Lore, specializing in genealogical and historic property research. Christy is a passionate researcher who apparently leaves no stone unturned when she's on the hunt for certain facts.
A few weeks ago, we talked with Christy Van Heukelem about the three Images of America books, Salem, Newberg, and McMinnville, that she completed for Arcadia Publishing. Today we talked with her about her latest adventure, her new company, Lineage & Lore, specializing in genealogical and historic property research. Christy is a passionate researcher who apparently leaves no stone unturned when she's on the hunt for certain facts.
Christy told us how she got into genealogy by researching her own family history, discovering that she's a sixth-generation Oregonian. Her great-great-great grandfather, William Hunt Wilson, was part of the original emigration to Oregon in 1843 as a wagon driver for Jesse Applegate, and later worked for Dr. McLoughlin. While doing this research she connected with a long-lost cousin who was also trying to follow her own family tree using the same computer software. The cousin later contacted the genealogy software company detailing the story of this connection. The software company turned their story into a promotional television blurb. Here's a link to an article about this wonderful reunion.
| Another part of her new business is historic property research. She recently completed the research and documentation necessary for a local homeowner to have his home designated as a local resource by City Council. The homeowner had recently purchased this 1924 English Cottage-style home in the Bush's Pasture Park neighborhood and was restoring it back to its original glory, and began wondering about its ownership history. Christy discovered it was the home of Ed & Marie Viesko, a general contractor in Salem who was responsible for the construction of many public buildings in our town. The homeowner was pleased to be able to meet the current descendants of the Viesko's and hear some of the stories of their life in this special home. Check out the report and decision of the Historic Landmarks Commission to read about this home and its family history. |   |
As we were getting ready to begin our interview, we learned that Christy and our own engineer Jim Wilson are relatives, having recently met at the large family reunion that resulted from her extensive research and connections! Talk about the small world, circle of influence phenomena! We're looking forward to having Christy with us again to share more stories of our local historic properties and those who called them home.
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