A family portrait circa 1884 of Richard and America Bogle and five of their surviving children: Arthur, Belle, Warren, Kate and Waldo. (Benton County Historical Archives)
In the spirit of romance, as well as to honor Black History month this February, I am inspired by the wedding of Black pioneers America and Richard Bogle in January of 1863 here in Salem.
Richard came from Jamaica to Salem, and fell in love with America, the daughter of Daniel Waldo (a member of Oregon’s first legislature). They were married by Obed Dickinson who had arrived with his wife Charlotte in 1853 as missionaries representing the American Missionary Society in charge of Salem’s first Congregational Church.
The 1863 marriage record of America and Richard Bogle (Oregon State Archives)
Residents of Salem have celebrated Valentines Day since settling here in the mid 1880s. I’ve previously shared some history about Chief Quinaby, who didn’t appear to like Valentines Day.
In February 1888 the Oregon Statesman reported: “Several years ago, a few days before St. Valentine’s Day, Quinaby stopped to look at the horrid pictures of comic valentines, such as may now be seen in thousands of show windows throughout the land. He gazed at them in genuine Indian disgust for some time, when an acquaintance happened along. As he started off old Quinaby drew himself up to his full height and exclaimed: “Ugh! Boston man [have no] shame”.
The following year, in 1889 the Capitol Journal reported that Salem residents enjoyed St. Valentines Day with a many different parties, teas and dances. The party given by the Salem’s Junior Guild Unity church was particularly mentioned: “After refreshments had been served, lovers of the terpsichorean art indulged in dancing until a late hour when the happy affair broke up and the young people departed their homes.” Also described was an event at the home of Miss Griswold in Yew Park (near where Deepwood is now) where they played a bowling tournament in the parlor!
In 1925, Salem’s Capital Journal’s Society and Club News section reported that Salem’s Valentine Week continued to be an active one with teas, birthday lunches and dinners and two large bridge parties, numerous bridge luncheons and several dances.
They did note there was an American Legion Dance where proceeds would go toward the War Mothers monument on the Marion County Courthouse grounds. In 1991, this World War I monument, also known as the Doughboy Statue, was moved behind the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs building and rededicated. A new plaque was added that contains the poem “In Flanders Field” by John McRae.
The Doughboy statue in front of Marion County courthouse in Salem, 1949 (Ben Maxwell collection/Salem Public Library)
Editor’s note: This column is part of an effort from Salem Reporter to highlight local history in collaboration with area historians and historical organizations. If you have any feedback or would like to participate in Salem Reporter’s local history series, please contact managing editor Rachel Alexander at [email protected].
JUST THE FACTS, FOR SALEM – We report on your community with care and depth, fairness and accuracy. Get local news that matters to you. Subscribe to Salem Reporter starting at $5 a month. Click I want to subscribe!
