History of PHG

In 1942, Mildred Stockwell Fuerst invited Ruth and Jennie Ripey, Alice Berleman and Clara Wight to her home to discuss weaving. They concluded they could really help each other if they met regularly. The ladies found these meetings to be educational as well as relaxing during the war.

By September 1945, the group had grown to twenty members, were organized formally and adopted the name Portland Handweavers, which was registered with the Secretary of State. A design by member Garnet West was adopted as the symbol. Deciding to be democratic and non-elective, the only requirements for membership were an interest in weaving, a desire to exchange ideas, and $1 in dues.

By 1946, PHG had moved to the YWCA as they outgrew member homes. Early that same year $30 was given to the public library to buy weaving books and establish a PHG library. Joyce Gibson and Winifred Jones helped accumulate many books and periodicals and catalog them.

The first PHG guest speaker was Annabelle Carstens of Hughes Fawcett Linen Co. Since then, members have profited by lectures, films and exhibits by noted weavers, artists and craftsmen. Our own local teachers, artists, craftsmen and business men & women have been generous with their time and knowledge. Travelers from foreign lands with marvelous samples of weaving have delighted and inspired us. One of our most outstanding members was Martha Ebener, an artist and craftsman of distinction who gave generously of her time and talents.

Study groups began organizing around 1952 and operated well in spite of predictions to the contrary. Through Margaret Hastay and Hazel Edon it was possible to buy yarn from Jantzen Inc Yarns, which were difficult to find. A yarn shop was established in 1954 and operated by and for members until 1960, when other sources became available.

In 1956 PHG used the Mt Scott Community Center. The membership was highest at 200 during the years of the yarn shop. Membership was 166, in 1970 and in 1975 membership was up to 236.

In 1961, Pat Harris put together an exhibit of articles woven by PHG members that was exhibited at Meier & Frank at the Lloyd Center. These photos were also sent on the road as a slide show exchange with other guilds through the US and Canada.  (See the slideshow below!)

​PHG has taken part in local art festivals and exhibits as well as donated to the Ticker-Maxon Oral School and Portland Children’s Center. In 1965, PHG was host to the 2nd Pacific Northwest Weavers Conference, with 400 attendees.

Our program schedule for some years has included the tea and sale in the fall, a party at Christmas, a style show in the spring and an exhibit of our own weaving in May and the related crafts. 

We have sponsored workshops with well-known weavers such as Ted Hewitt, Kay Geary, Karin Melander, Nancy Kaneally, Polly Yori, Gay Garrett, Mary Snyder, Paula Simmons, Peter Collingwood, Hillary Chetwynd and Elsa Regensteiner to name a few.

What we have accomplished could not have been done without the loyalty and work contributed by each member and those members especially who accepted offices and gave of their time so unstintingly. 

After 32 years we pay homage to those who have gone, salute those who still carry on, and greet the new members with confidence that they will do likewise.

(Paraphrased, but originally) Written by Clara Wight (founding member) October, 1975