CROSSING THE COLUMBIA ON THE ICE

THIS winter, (1949), the Columbia River froze over, bringing to my memory an experience which my brother wife had crossing this same beautiful river. I am sure it is worthy of telling.

Revvie's wife, Maggie, had gone from their farm near Goldendale to The Dalles to visit her parents. While she was there, the river froze over. It froze days upon days until there was no water to be seen in the river, and it was a solid highway of ice. Four horse teams and sleds were driven across, and at one time during that winter a band of Indian ponies was driven over the ice to The Dalles.

Maggie became more and more anxious to get home. Her three small children were getting restless at the long confinement indoors, and were clammering to go home and see "Daddy." At last Maggie decided to go. She could go down to Portland on the train, then take a train to Goldendale, but this meant going many miles out of the way, whereas, if she could cross the river at The Dalles it would require only a short train ride to reach home. After much deliberation she decided to try the river. Everyone was crossing it.

On the appointed day, Maggie had her children ready and the necessary bags packed. Her brother-in-law, Elmer, helped her to go across. Little Eddie was a baby in arms, Louise about two, and Cecil three and a half. Elmer and a neighbor carried the two older children and the luggage. Maggie carried the baby in her arms. They stepped out on the ice gingerly. Other people were crossing, so our little party kept on. Step by step they ad and nothing happened. Step by step they neared the Washington shore. The older children were fascinated by the field of ice, and the experience of being carried so far.

At last, with Maggie frightened and nearing exhaustion, they reached firm soil again — the Washington side. Then only a short ride and they were home.