labor.html

The Mt. Adams Sun, Bingen, WA., July 18, 1963, page 4

LABOR TROUBLE DROVE FOUNDER OF WELLENBROCK FAMILY TO VALLEY

One of Glenwood's first families, descendants of Anton and Anton and Louise Wellenbrock who settled in Glenwood valley in 1880, held their 11th annual reunion Saturday, July 6, at the Glenwood Grange hall.
Sixty eight persons were present, including six of Anton and Louise's seven children who grew up in the valley: Harry and Robert of Goldendale; Geo. of Glenwood; Louise McKinny of Chico, Calif...; Bertha Frasier of Wapato; and Anna Avery of White Salmon.
Anton, a brick and stone mason, and his wife Louise emigrated to the U.S. from Germany in 1865. They were driven west by a series of strikes at Cincinatti, Ohio, Pittsburgh, Norfolk Va., Cleveland, Ohio and finally at Topeka, Kansas.
Although he had never milked a cow and knew next to no thing about farming, Anton took up a prairie claim in Kansas. Grasshoppers devoured his first crop and a prairie fire destroyed his second crop and his home.
The family moved to San Francisco by train, Anton worked as a brick layer until another strike threw him out of work. While reading a German language paper he read an article written by H. F. Troh.
Drawn by Troh's description of the wonderful timber and homesteads of Camas Prairie, Anton and his family travelled by ship to Portland and thence by Columbia River stern-wheeler to Warner's Landing, now Bingen. Troh met them and took them to Glenwood Valley.
They spent their first night with a bachelor, Chris Epsen. Before long they bought his cabin and the William Wise claim for $20. Louise and the children were often alone while Anton worked in The Dalles to obtain ready cash. Anton died in 1897. Louise supported her seven children by picking hops in Yakima Valley. In 1900 she married Wenzel Borde and a few years later they moved to a small acreage close to Glenwood. Louise Borde died in 1919.
Anton and Louise were instrumental in bringing many German immigrants to Camas Prairie including the Staacks, Shultzes and Kuhnhausens.
Others who attended the July 6 reunion were: Mr. and Mrs. Norman Burgess, Mr. and Mrs. Nate Warner, Mr. and Mrs. Bud Booher, Kathy and Skipper, all of Vancouver; Mr. and Mrs. Walter Wellenbrock, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hahn and children, Sherri, Mark and Susan, from Pendleton.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Gangle Sr., Mr. and Mrs. Frank Gangle Jr. and children Catherine and Tammy, Wapato; Mr. and Mrs. Harold Gangle and children, Deborah, Sandra, Sharon and David, Yakima.
Mike Gilmore of Gold Beach, Ore.; Mr. and Mrs. Earl Burns, Dick and Alma, Granger.
And from Glenwood: Bertha Babcock; Mr. and Mrs. Larry Babcock, Cathy, Butch & Deborah; Mr. and Mrs. Russell Sprague, Larry, Gary Beverly, Cheryl, Randy & Shelly; Mr. and Mrs. Albert Booher and Jacki; Mr. and Mrs. Harold Wellenbrock; Mr. and Mrs. Howard Wellenbrock and Alan; Mr. and Mrs. DeRowland Ward, Dennis & Dale, Mr. and Mrs. George Wellenbrock; and two guests.
Everyone enjoyed the day, from the oldest (Harry Wellenbrock, 84) to the youngest (Susan Hahn, 6 months).
The 1964 reunion will be held July 4 at the Glenwood Grange hall.