A newly published book, Camas Pioneers by Sally Alves, offers a heartfelt and meticulously researched look at the families who helped shape early Camas. Alves, who lived in the historic John Roffler house across from Top Burger Drive-In in the 1990s, first developed her passion for local history while researching her home for the county historic register. That work led to the publication of John Roffler, Camas Craftsman by the historic commission, inspiring her to delve deeper into the stories of Camas’ earliest settlers.
For five years, Alves visited local museums, libraries, county courthouses, and historical societies across Washington and Oregon. She pored over old newspapers, census records, land deeds, graveyards, and oral histories, building detailed files on dozens of pioneer families.
“Researching a book of this kind can take years, and in my case, it did,” said Alves.
She even tracked down and interviewed living descendants, ensuring each family’s story was accurate and approved. Alves completed the manuscript in the late 1990s and then she rewrote and edited it in 2010. But challenges in funding and a computer crash kept it from publication, until now.
Volunteers Madeline Mesplay and Rene Carroll of the Camas-Washougal Historical Society (CWHS), lightly edited the manuscript and located replacement images. They also worked with April Pereira of Lymantria Press to prepare the manuscript for print.
“At long lastCamas Pioneers has finally come to life,” said Carroll. “Sally’s research and storytelling are excellent. It’s very well written and fascinating to read.”
Now living in Arizona and turning 90 this September, Alves shared that she complete much of the book while working full time and undergoing treatment for breast cancer.
“It only made me more determined to finish it,” she said. “This book was written with love of Camas.”
In appreciation, Alves donated the copyright to the CWHS, which now receives all proceeds from sales.
“As someone Camas-grown, it was amazing to learn about the people behind familiar names like Leadbetter, Stoller, Farrell, and Tidland,” said Julianne Lawrence, director of the Two Rivers Heritage Museum. “Sally’s writing style brings local history to life.”
Camas Pioneers is available for $19.95 plus tax at the Two Rivers Heritage Museum (1Durgan Street, Washougal. Open Saturdays noon–4 pm through October), on Amazon, and during Downtown Camas First Friday events at the museum table.
“Sally has done an incredible job of preserving the stories of these families who made such a difference in the formation of Camas,” Lawrence added. “Whether your family has lived in Camas for many years or even generations, or you’re new to the area and interested in the rich history of the Pacific Northwest, you will enjoy this book.”
Families Featured in Camas Pioneers
Henry Monroe Knapp, Joel Coffey, Lewis Van Vleet, Dr. Louisa Wright, Horace Belding, D. Montgomery Payne, Henry Pittock & Fred Leadbetter, The Tidland Family, J. J. Harrington, Lorenz & Karnath Families, Archibald Duncan McKever, Charles Farrell & James Farrell, J. T. Self & Nora E. Self, Robert Stoller & Fred Stoller, Wilmer Swank, O. F. Johnson, Aeneas MacMaster, Allan Duffin, Richard Cowan & John Cowan, Hugh MacMaster, Albert M. Blake, Robert N. “Bob” Gaines, Robert W. Carmack, Wilber E. Farr/Farr Brothers, Jessie D. Belknap, Archie E. Bird, M.D. and William Baz.
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