Backstory

Vi (Tibbetts) and Art Sutherland 
In 2005 my father, Art Sutherland, was working on genealogies for both sides of our family when he heard about Calvin Tibbets. He wondered if there might be a familial connection to his wife (my mother) Vi whose maiden name was Tibbetts. After a couple years of research, my father had found no connection and knew that if there was one it was quite distant. But by then it didn't matter - he had become convinced that Calvin Tibbets was an important figure in early Oregon history who'd been overlooked. He thought it possible that he could be considered Oregon's first pioneer. 

In 2012, my father asked me to look up some information at the Oregon Historical Society because I live in Portland. Finding the answer to a question was like being a historical detective. Finding the answer was rewarding but the process usually led to more questions. I found it stimulating, and after a few months, I was hooked. I soon found myself traveling to archival institutions across Oregon and eventually traveled to California, Idaho, Washington, Washington, D.C. and Canada hunting down every scrap of evidence about Tibbets. Though skeptical at first, I finally came to agree with my father's conclusions and decided the best way to get the story of Calvin Tibbets out to the public was to write an article. 

The Cumtux, Clatsop County Historical Society’s quarterly journal, accepted the article and published it across two issues: Fall 2014 and Winter 2015. They were then gracious enough to allow me to republish the story as a standalone book in 2016. Throughout this process, my father was my primary editor and consultant, and we continue to collaborate on all things related to Calvin Tibbets. 

Feedback from readers and public presentation attendees has taught me that what they appreciate most about Calvin Tibbets is being able to experience life in early Oregon vicariously through the eyes of an ordinary stonecutter from Maine who made a difference in Oregon history through personal strength and perseverance. So, as can be seen on the Events page, many of my PowerPoints expand on specific aspects of Tibbets' life which are touched on in the book that are of particular interest to local audiences. Researching for these presentations gives me the opportunity to learn more about the many interesting events of Tibbets' life.