Conversations with Pioneer Women

by Fred Lockley

These oral histories of Pacific Northwest women are action-packed, adventurous love stories of our forebears who trudged to the Oregon Territory in the mid-1800's.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Westerns

310 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1981

Reviews

[Sarah Mckinley]

My favorite book of pioneer women stories ever. It’s raw, honest, real, I can hear my grandma telling her story. Thoroughly enjoyed hearing from these pioneers themselves.

[Andrea]

It was truly a joy to read these raw, unfiltered accounts of the Oregon Trail survivors (I use that word intentionally) and the many hardships they encountered. At varying times poignant and laugh-out-loud funny, it was lovely to hear women's perspectives in particular, and how many focused their interviews on the resilience of their mothers. I found interesting the common threads that appeared throughout multiple accounts, such as burying their dead on the trail itself and driving over the graves to hide them from potential grave robbers. Treatment of Indians varied from source to source, so that's something to be aware for for sensitive readers. Recommended for anyone who enjoys delving into history, regardless of your proximity to Oregon!

[Catwall]

This is a collection of letters, journals, and newspaper articles from pioneer women in Oregon dated from the last half of the 19th century through the 1930s. As a native Oregonian, I was very interested in their lives during that period. Good read.

[Ginny]

Classic interviews with pioneer women . . . .

[Anya Ballinger]

Fascinating history, direct from the source. Interviews reveal the world these women lived in, including the racism and prejudice that permeated the American culture

[Valerie]

At the time I read this book, it was important to me because of how the historical period came alive for me as I read the accounts held within.
I realize that it’s important now because of how it solidified for me the importance of women in our history. Each time I read a good book with strong female characters now,I am reminded of this book, these women. Their stories were not made up. The hardships they weathered, the deaths of loved ones, disease, attack- these were real. And their courage was inspiring.

You can find the full review on my blog: http://vst3in.wordpress.com/2014/03/1...

I support indepenent bookstores. http://www.powells.com/biblio/9780931...

[Rosie]

I loved this book....it made me want to read more detailed/personal history from the 1800's. I am on a new history kick now....
These pioneers has very physically demanding lives and it's quite interesting. I, also, liked it because almost all these people settled in Oregon, so I can relate to the areas they talk about.

[Suzann]

I enjoyed this book because it tells the story of real pioneer women and the hardships and joys they experienced. This is a must read for people who want to learn and grow in the knowledge of the overland experience.

[Bill]

There's no substitute for first person history.