Western Primary Sources

     The western frontier was a place where hard work was necessary and harsh conditions could be dangerous to people.  The person in this narrative, Jean Slauson, lived in early Portland Oregon.  She describes the large amount of snow in the winter.  In the cold, she describes a necessity for fire in her household, stating that because their firewood had been wasted, they went without light in the house for several days.  Because of the cold weather, the family farm animals would spend particularly harsh nights with the family.  There are accounts of women being oppressed, particularly in church.  The author's aunt was told about "women keeping quiet in the temple of the Lord."  The women prayed for the day they would receive political equality.  It is repeatedly stated that women played no part in politics.  Politics actually played an important role in the lives of the community and was discussed often between residents of Portland.  It was also common discussion for the territory of Oregon to become a state rather than stay a territory.  It was common for Indians to attack frontier homes, and was common for men to band together to fight them and protect their families.  Religion had made the community band together much closer, helping each other, and occasionally providing shelter for each other.  Schools were of enough importance for those to vote over matters in each different school district.  They would create a tax for themselves to pay for the school.  This must be due to the fact that the schools could not be paid by the government since it had not yet been established.  A letter naming all of the positions in government that represents Oregon was sent directly to Slauson's residence.  This shows that the people were mindfully involved in politics and the election process.  As seen in the writing by Harriet Scott Palmer, those who decided to travel West did so with a great amount "pioneer spirit in his blood"(Image 18), referring to her father.  Farming seemed to be one of the most common professions in the West.  Sickness on their way to Oregon was very common, good food was hard to find, and ingredients were hard to find.  They say they were to lucky to be able to get butter.  This shows the level of quality of food in the West.