Al Gahlsdorf, Christy, Dave Gahlsdorf December 29, 2016 Episode.
In this episode, the last in our series featuring the Viesko/Neahring House, Salem's newest Local Historic Landmark, we had the opportunity to speak with the descendants of Ed and Marie Viesko, Al and Dave Gahlsdorf. Local historic researcher Christy Van Heukelem located them during her nomination application research and introduced them to the new owner of their grandfather's house, Rick Neahring. They were able to shed even more light on the history of this property and that of their relatives.
In this episode, the last in our series featuring the Viesko/Neahring House, Salem's newest Local Historic Landmark, we had the opportunity to speak with the descendants of Ed and Marie Viesko, Al and Dave Gahlsdorf. Local historic researcher Christy Van Heukelem located them during her nomination application research and introduced them to the new owner of their grandfather's house, Rick Neahring. They were able to shed even more light on the history of this property and that of their relatives.
Ed Viesko & Grandsons, 1959 Al said they had not been inside their grandparents' home for many years before the evening they met there with Rick and Christy. They said it was like walking into a time capsule as the restoration work Rick had completed was so authentic, breathing life back into the home they remembered so well. They had an opportunity to share old photographs and memories, providing Rick a vivid picture of earlier life in his new home. They shared memories of fishing and crabbing with Grandpa Ed, explaining the job Grandpa bestowed on them of "minding the crabs" so they didn't escape the backyard as they awaited cleaning and cooking--a heavy responsibility for these two.
The Gahlsdorf brothers have lived in the south Salem hills for all their lives, except for time spent at Oregon State University and in the military. Their parents and grandparents all have long roots in the Salem area. It was wonderful to hear them describe their memories of special family get-togethers at the home of their grandparents, who according to Dave, were a pretty colorful pair of characters--just the kind we all like. The brothers also shared amusing memories of growing up in Salem through their teen-age years: schools they attended, driving the Friday-night car loop, adventures in the borrowed limousine belonging to friends whose parents owned and operated a local funeral home and cemetery.
We had such a delightful time listening to stories of earlier Salem from their perspective that we are hoping to seek out other long-time Salem-area folks who'd like to share their memories and stories with us. If you are such a character, or know someone else who has great memories and stories, please contact us through the Contact Page on this website. We'll let you know who and what we discover in the coming months.
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