The Opal Whiteley Memorial
began in 1993. I wrote an article for the Mental Health Association of
Oregon Newsletter. I was their vice president. At that time Benjamin
Hoff's book on Opal, "The Singing Creek Where the Willows Grow" was out
of print and libraries did not have it.
I thought that Opal's story was a tragic case of childhood
schizophrenia and child abuse. Opal's life was a good way to speak to
people about mental health issues. However, as time went on I learned
that there is nothing "simple" about Opal. And, most
people wanted to hear about her "magic & mystery" - not her mental
health!
In 1994 my friend, Fred Ure and his two boys, David and Doug, built
Opal Park, a children's park and wildlife sanctuary in the forests near
Cottage Grove Oregon, where she grew up. A young actress portrayed Opal
and did readings of her diary. We also had an exhibit of sculptures by
Fred and other artists. It was called "Art in the Forest". Opal Park is
now a wildlife sanctuary and closed to people. Several large trees fell
in the windstorm of 1996 - but none of the sculptures were
harmed.
Opal Park has gone back to nature.
In 1995 Benjamin Hoff's book was reprinted again and we had a "memorial
celebration" of her life and writings that attracted a great deal of
attention. The community of Cottage Grove's acceptance was wonderful.
It was the first memorial for her. The Bookmine bookstore has hosted
four celebrations of Opal's life and writings. We also created The Opal
Whiteley Scholarship for area high school students. We have now given
five awards to deserving students.
Many people began to bring me their own research and photos of Opal.
The more I learned - the less I felt I really knew about this
mysterious woman. Opal's Fans and foes alike urged me to do more. Then,
I met Mr. John Wilson. He was one of our "community historians" of
Cottage Grove. He gave me many hours of sage advise and history, and
good humor - not to mention many rare photos. It was Mr. John Wilson
who keep educating and encouraging me. He and a friend had once been
chased and chastised by Opal for letting loose her butterflies!
In 1997 We did a 100th birthday party for Opal with Benjamin Hoff, who
is well liked in Cottage Grove. Opal's fans turned out to be a diverse
collection of loggers, farmers, gold miners, environmentalists,
Christians, new age believers and democrats and republicans The only
thing they all shared was their appreciation of Opal and they were all
very nice people!
We created tours of "Opal's Fairyland" mapping the places she lived and
wrote. We found many of the spots mentioned in her infamous diary and
made a bike and driving tour. We also worked to turn the old, unused
railroad tracks in her diary into a bike and hiking trail. Thousands of
people now visit each year.
We adopted the trailhead of the Row River Bike Trail.
We also located the graves of unmarked graves of Sadie McKibben and her
husband. We placed markers on the graves of these people who were so
important to Opal. We also did countless hours of clean up for the
graves of Opal's mother and grandparents. The cemetery had fallen into
disrepair and was a target for vandals. Laurel Grove Cemetery is now
clean and safe again.
In 1997-1998 I had two-foot surgeries and was in a wheelchair for
almost a year.
I created the Internet web site for the Memorial and several new
articles were printed in major newspapers about her. Opal has gained a
new acceptance in her hometown - and in Oregon literature. We were
invited to speak more
in schools. Now, Opal's book is in most school libraries. We have
tried to
create a more balanced view of Opal Whiteley.
Also in 1998 Fred Ure's two sons, David and Doug helped stop the high school shooter Kip Kinkel. Many more kids would have been killed that day of it were not for these young men and their heroic friends. The boys were on the cover of LIFE Magazine - and also on many television shows. The story can be read at this Internet address http://www.efn.org/~opal/fredure.htm
In 1999 The University of Oregon became interested in its long forgotten student! Dr. Lynne Anderson-Inman, director of CATE, the Center for Advanced Technology in Education, is publishing Opal's diary online. CATE develops computer learning strategies for "at risk" students. They are gathering dozens of rare photos and information about Opal from all over the world to create OPAL ONLINE. This project could become a clearing house for material about Opal. Working with CATE fulfills both a dream of Opal's - and a dream of mine to help youth with learning disabilities.
In the fall of 2000 a
life-sized statue of Opal was dedicated in the new Cottage Grove City
Library. In 2001 a beautiful mural was painted on the side of a
downtown building. She has become a major tourist
attaction! Her books sell more now than ever before. There are
now four versions of Opal's enchanting diary in print. There is a
children's version with illustrations by Barbara Cooney, and Jane
Boulton's poetry book, Opal is in print along with Benjamin Hoff's
"Singing Creek .
Opal Whiteley has made quite a literary comeback!
People ask me why I continue to devote time to Opal's story. Quite
simply because Opal attracts the nicest group of "fans" of any writer I
know. So many people from so many walks of life enjoy her writings.
There is not enough space on this entire web site to express my
appreciation for many people who have worked with me over the years.
What I like the most about The Opal Whiteley Memorial is that we have
had wonderful support from many people on Opal Whiteley's life and
writings. The encouragement and guidance we have gotten from Benjamin
Hoff, other Opal experts and her family has been wonderful.
Opal Whiteley is much like the Opal gemstone that looks different each way you
look at it. I am grateful that so many diverse people can share their appreciation for this
and magical
and tragic writer.
Steve Williamson
