Historical Museum at St. Gertrude

06/22/2026

We are curious about The Friends of Tolo Lake group that formed in the 90’s. Can someone tell us about their work?

06/18/2026

This sword came from Shanghai in 1918 as a gift of appreciation to Dr. Julian Petit for caring for Chinese patients for many years. It’s elegant. It’s historic. And its scabbard is made from reptile skin.

I keep trying to imagine the conversation.
“Should we make the scabbard leather?”
“No.”
“Wood?”
“No.”
“Perhaps…something that used to have opinions?”
“Perfect.”

— Mars

06/17/2026

Everyone talks about dragons, but can we take a moment to appreciate the guy who looks like he’s in charge of the dragons? He symbolizes prosperity, good fortune, and longevity. From the jeweled headdress to the richly decorated robe, every detail was designed to show status and blessings. Naturally, I stood next to him for several minutes hoping some would rub off. So far, my financial situation remains unchanged, but I do feel more cultured.

Many Chinese homes displayed figures like this as symbols of blessings and abundance. I tried asking him for lottery numbers, but he just smiled mysteriously. I’m still hoping.

Mars

06/12/2026

Mars here—reporting from the cool case of Very Small Important Things.

Today’s curiosity: our Chinese medicine bottles, lined up like tiny mysteries. Elegant and clearly from a time when “take as needed” came with a lot more ceremony.

I noticed some have teeny tiny spoons attached to the lids. Naturally, I assumed they were for sampling. I have been directed to stop assuming things. If you were using one to hold today’s cough syrup, you’d have to take about 200 spoonfuls or just guzzle it right from the bottle.

I am told the bottles were repurposed for finely ground to***co preparations, which sounds far more dignified than anything involving the words “snorting snuff.”

06/11/2026

Mars here.

I walked through the museum today and noticed something. People rarely stop and say,

“Look at that excellent housekeeping and super clean glass!!!”

But they will stop and stare at the old o***m pipe that hangs on the wall.

History obviously has an excellent public relations department.

06/01/2026

The museum and gift shop will be closed this Friday, June 5th for meetings. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

05/31/2026

Mars here:

Every once in a while, a piece in the Monastery stops me in my tracks—and this painting is one of them.

This beautiful work was painted and donated by local artist Shane Chapman. At nearly 3 feet by 2 feet, it’s large enough to command attention, but somehow it still feels peaceful and quiet.

Whenever I go into the Monastery to run errands, I find myself slowing down to admire it. The light from the stained-glass window, the stillness of the chapel, the sister at prayer—it feels like stepping into a moment of calm in the middle of a busy day.

I have a theory that the colorful reflections on the floor are nature’s version of stained-glass confetti—proof that even sunlight likes to celebrate.

05/28/2026

Look who’s back in a jam! We are so incredibly thankful to welcome Pat Alfrey back to the kitchen. She’s kicking things off with a massive first batch of 130 jars of raspberry goodness. Get your spoons ready, because things are about to get delicious!

05/27/2026

Thank you Camron Settlemier for pointing me to your video taken just two years before the Camas Prairie Railroad quit operating. Your footage is beautiful.

Camron Settlemier explains the motives and techniques of using video, rather than still imagery, for capturing some of the Pacific Northwest’s dying short li...

05/26/2026

UPDATE: We have our train. Thank you to all who replied. Now we need someone to build the trestles. NEEDED: An old train set (does not need to work) donated with cars that are between 5” - 10” long. We are planning a permanent Camas Prairie Railroad exhibit. Can you help?