Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Tragic Fate

Bethel Cemetery
Bethel, OR

George D. Spong was the eldest son of Alexander and Margaret Spong who came to Oregon on a wagon train in 1851. Shortly after arrival, the Spong's took up a land donation claim along the Willamette River and started a ferry enterprise. Drowning seems to be an ironic fate for Geo. whose family capitalized on the river's prospects. Salem's bridges gapped the geography between Salem and West Salem and eventually forced the Spong's out of business. Today, Spong's Landing Park, west of Keizer, still serves as a popular kayak/canoe launch site and swimming hole.
at

12 comments:

  1. That is the chickenMay 12, 2009 at 9:47 PM

    This is a very atmospheric shot! I looked through your photo's and really liked your style!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Don and KriseMay 12, 2009 at 10:19 PM

    Fantastic shot. Angle, lighting, I really like it.

    ReplyDelete
  3. glduro_marieloupeMay 13, 2009 at 12:52 AM

    Very interesting! Your picture looks like a crayon drawing ...

    ReplyDelete
  4. cieldequimperMay 13, 2009 at 4:04 AM

    Interesting how fate works. I love your cemetary shots and this one is no exception.

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousMay 13, 2009 at 5:48 AM

    That tombstone looks like one you would expect to see near the OK Corral in Tombstone, Arizona. Very interesting photos are often found in old cemeteries. Nice work.

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownMay 13, 2009 at 9:17 AM

    Travelling through unknown territories in their waggons is something impossible for me to realize how hard it was... except watching 'How the West was won'! :-)
    Your photo is great!

    ReplyDelete
  7. VictorMay 13, 2009 at 9:25 AM

    Very nice blog. Great style. Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Clueless in BostonMay 13, 2009 at 9:45 AM

    Great shot in b&w, it really captures the appropriate mood.

    ReplyDelete
  9. NancyMay 13, 2009 at 10:31 AM

    Fantastic B&W shot and interesting story. I like old cemeteries.

    ReplyDelete
  10. RobMay 13, 2009 at 10:36 AM

    Fate plays a big part of our lives.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Marie-NoyaleMay 13, 2009 at 12:00 PM

    beautiful spot to spend eternity...

    ReplyDelete
  12. UnknownAugust 19, 2010 at 2:52 PM

    This beautiful. I've spent many summer afternoons in Bethel. My family is decendant from many of the Walkers and Purvines buried there and we have a reunion every summer. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete