If you missed President Teddy Roosevelt’s most recent visit to Portland—back in 1903—you have another opportunity to catch the Rough Rider in action at PDX on Wednesday, April 29.
Roosevelt impersonator Joe Wiegand will be at the Pendleton Woolen Mills store in the Oregon Market tomorrow from 2:30 to 4 p.m. The appearance—part of the Oregon Historical Society’s “Teddy Roosevelt’s Oregon Roadshow”—is held in conjunction with Pendleton’s celebration of the National Park system’s upcoming 100-year anniversary.
Wiegand will be appearing at schools and ticketed shows throughout the state, but Wednesday is a great opportunity for Port employees, airport workers and travelers to see his speak-softly-and-carry-a-big-stick shtick for free.
In addition to fighting in the Spanish American War, hunting big game in Africa and famously continuing a political speech for 90 minutes after being shot, Roosevelt is credited as a conservationist and major champion of the early national park system. He doubled the number of national parks by establishing five during his presidency, including Oregon’s own Crater Lake National Park.
Pendleton, the iconic Portland-based textile company and airport tenant, has a long history with the national parks. The firm was commissioned by railroad baron James J. Hill to create a distinctive blanket for guests at the newly created Glacier National Park. The blanket was launched in 1916 and is still being produced today. Since then, the Pendleton National Parks Collection has grown to include blankets and other items, all decorated with color patterns and symbols unique to the national park they celebrate.
Picking up an item from the Pendleton National Parks Collection is a great way to support both local business and the national park system. Pendleton has pledged up to $500,000 of the sales of the collection through 2016 to the National Parks Foundation.
Can’t make it to the terminal to meet Roosevelt? View a collection of Weigand’s appearances on his YouTube channel.