A Pioneer's Search for an Ideal Home

by Phoebe Goodell Judson

Book Overview

Phoebe Judson was a young bride in 1853 when she and her husband crossed the plains from Ohio to the Puget Sound area of Washington Territory. She was ninety-five when this book was first published in 1925. The years between were spent in "a pioneer's search for an ideal home" and in living there, when it was finally found at the head of the Nooksack River, almost on the Canadian border. Phoebe Judson's account of the journey west is based on daily...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0803275595
• ISBN13: 9780803275591
• Release Date: December 1984
• Publisher: Bison Books
• Length: 314 Pages
• Weight: 0.88 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.6" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

A great look into the early years of the state I love

What a fantastic view into what it was like to be a poineer and what it was like during the formation of western Washington State. I'm from the east side of the state and enjoy our state history but to see an overall picture of what it was like by someone living through it was just a fantastic experience. Much more interesting that just learning "facts" about the history of Washington and the early settlers. Great book - even if you're not interested in the state itself!

Phoebe's legacy is America's heritage

An excerpt from this amazing book: "While adoring the various brilliant tints of (October foilage)we are reminded "that we all do fade like the leaf." A more perfect simile could hardly be given. For a time "we flourish like the green bay tree," and then comes adversity, trials and griefs that sear and beautify the soul, as the strong blasts and chilly frosts bring out the beautiful tints of the leaves, making "old age" as glorious as the autumn season of the year." p 81

my history

scence Phoebe is my Great grandmother it gave me a background on my history alone! this is a great book!

A window into 1850s American exploration and pioneer women.

"A Pioneer's Search for an Ideal Home" provides an outstanding window into the life and times of the American migration westward. Through the eyes of Phoebe Goodell Judson, one lives the trials of the Oregon trail, the challenges of pioneering, and a powerful perspective on the American mind during the last half of the 19th Century. 20 years old and 7 months pregnant, Phoebe begins the 7 month treck from Ohio to Vancouver, Washington. Through her diaries, she chronicles the life changing experiences of exploration and community building that did so much to shape the American culture. One only wishes that she had kept additional records and thoughts as the reader is left wishing that there was more. First person story-telling at it's best, be prepared to go looking for maps of Washington and the Oregon Trail.