About twelve years ago a New York artist, Canadian by birth but a resident of the United States for more than fifty years, came to the Pacific Coast in search of health and at length located in Portland. After a little while his physical condition began to improve to such a degree that he felt impelled to resume his profession. Then he gave himself the task of painting the mayors of Portland, beginning with Hon. Joseph Simon, who was then occupying the mayorship. This effort he continued until he had painted portraits of twenty-nine of the Mayors of the Rose City, beginning with Hugh D. O'Bryant, the first incumbent of that office, who was chosen at the first city election, April 7, 1851, when the total vote was less than two hundred. These portraits may be acquired by the city at some future time, and may be seen in the rooms of the Oregon Historical Society, Room C, Public Auditorium.
Nearly five years ago this artist, Mr. Theo. Gegoux, having become deeply impressed with the historical significance of the meeting of pioneer settlers at Champoeg on May 2, 1843, for the purpose of organizing a form of civil government -- the first in American territory west of the Rocky mountains -- selected that place as the scene of his future activity. After studying the topography of the surrounding country, and having access to a considerable number of the photographs of those who were conspicuous actors in that wonderful as well as historically dramatic event, so far-reaching in its results, that were collected more than thirty years before by the Oregon Pioneer Association, and supplemented by such additional information as could be obtained from the descendants of those present at the famous meeting and a careful study of the published reports relating to pioneer life, began what is certain to be the crowning effort of his long and active life.
Numerous sketches in miniature were made while creating in his own mind the essential features or outstanding characteristics of the painting that he proposed to execute. When this was satisfactorily envisaged, the artist prepared a large canvas 7 x 11 feet and began the creation of his self-appointed labor of love.
And now, after four years of painstaking effort, the great painting is practically finished, and is regarded by competent judges not only a splendid conception of a wonderfgully dramatic scene, but excellent in techique, thus indicating most conclusively that the artist is a gentleman of unusual skill.
The life-like appearance of the men, and the sunlight permeating the center of the assemblage, while a number are iidly standing in the shade of trees, produces an effect true to nature and at once vigorous and beautiful, and suggests to the spectator a real scene rather than a painting.
The outstanding feature of the drama here portrayed was at the moment when Joseph L. Meek, stepping out of the Hudson's Bay warehouse, appeared in the center of the painting with uplifted hand and called for a "a divide". His opponent, Rev. F.N. Blanchet, the leader of the Canadians, is seen with elevated chin and back turned to Meek with an expression of confidence upon his face apparently believing that victory was certain to be on his side.
Roundabout them a number of both parties are crowding up with expectant looks to witness the result of the vote. In the middle ground, under a tree, a group of Indians may be seen observing, with apparent curiosity, the actions of the "pale faces" and wondering why they seem so deeply concerned.
Winding its way, in the farther distance, the "Beautiful Willamette" may be seen, on the boarder of which a number of tepees are faintly outlined in the dim and lazily ascending smoke from the Indian campfires.
Prior to the dedication of the Memorial Building a year ago, by the authority granted to Judge P.H.D'Archy of Salem, past president of the Oregon Pioneer Association, and George H. Himes, Curator and Assistant Secretary of the Oregon Historical Society, Portland, by the State Board of Control composed of the Governor, Secretary of State and State Treasurer, Mr. Gegoux was appointed caretaker of the building with permission to collect a stated fee from all who wished to see his great painting.
P.H.D'Archy,
Past president of the Oregon Pioneer Association.
George H. Himes,
Curator and Assistant Secretary of the Oregon Historical Society and Secretary of the Oregon Pioneer Association.
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