Newberg, Oregon
I began my trip by visiting the Hoover-Minthorn House in Newberg, Oregon. Future President Herbert Hoover lived in this house from ages 11 to 15. Bertie, as he was called, was born in Iowa, and lived with his parents there until they died; he was then put on a train for Oregon, where he lived with his mother's sister's family, the Minthorns. Dr. Minthorn, who was both a medical doctor and an educator, was instrumental in establishing what is now George Fox University in Newberg.
From all appearances, Bertie had as happy a life as can be expected while living in Newberg. He studied hard and earned a good education.
The Minthorns moved to Salem, Oregon, when Bertie was 15; he worked in his uncle's office until he left to attend Leland Stanford's new college in Palo Alto, California, where he was a member of the first graduating class, having worked his way through college by typing for people, operating a laundry agency, and delivering newspapers.
Bertie was President of the United States when I was born (1930).
Photos and text
©D.L. Mark 2002
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