One of Southern Oregon’s most respected historians, Kay Atwood, who died recently at her home in Ashland, left a legacy of many published books and stories. Among them are titles such as Mill Creek Journal: Ashland, Oregon 1850-1860 and Chaining Oregon--Surveying the Public Lands of the Pacific Northwest, 1851-1855.
Atwood was dedicated to presenting history in stories that were both factual and entertaining. Undaunted by the tenacity required to discover information in unpublished and obscure sources, Atwood increased access to local history. Her contributions to the Southern Oregon Historical Society, where she worked in the 1970s, continue to enhance its library and archives.
Atwood recorded many oral histories with local people, and interviewed families along the Rogue River to write Illahee, a book for those who love the river. She and Gail Evans collaborated to complete a major survey of homes and buildings designed by the architect Frank Clark. The survey included Atwood’s definitive biography of Clark.
As long as people continue to care about local history and seek to satisfy their curiosity about the past, Atwood’s research and published works will continue to enrich lives in Southern Oregon.
Sources: Aldous, Vickie. "Local historians remember Atwood's impact on region." Mail Tribune 28 May 2014 [Medford, Ore.] . Web. 22 June 2014. Southern Oregon Historical Society electronic newsletter, “Southern Oregon Loses a Treasure,” Web. 30 May 2014.