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Once Upon A Time In Philomath

AIR DATE: Wednesday, April 30th 2008
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How do former timber communities deal with change? How do they recover when change divides a town?

Once upon a time, in the Willamette Valley town of Philomath, families lived off the felling and sawing of logs. Young men skipped college, sometimes high school, for good jobs in the woods and mills. They took pride in the tough work and the community they built on the bank of Mary's River. Some players in the timber industry got rich, a few very rich.

The 1950s were the heyday. In '53 the annual Frolic and Rodeo began. Long log trucks paraded down Main Street every Fourth of July. In '59, wealthy Philomath timber baron Rex Clemens and his wife Ethel decided all the town's children needed a chance to go to college. They set up a foundation to grant scholarships to every graduate of Philomath schools. It became an expectation of the community, considered by some, eventually, almost a right.

In 2002, that changed.

The adminstrators of the foundation, nephews of Rex and Ethel, were unhappy with a cultural shift they felt was transforming the town, particularly the schools. The spotted owl had slowed logging and "urban immigrants," people with different values than the traditional timber community, had moved in to town - from far away California as well as nearby Corvallis. After months of wrenching public debate, the Clemens Foundation trustees added criteria to the scholarship to emphasis traditional values. The national media swooped in on the story. A local boy turned filmmaker documented the painful community divisions in Clearcut: The Story of Philomath, Oregon.

Later, the foundation suspended grants to Oregon State University, the one time ag college down the road. Earlier this month, the foundation again narrowed the scholarship criteria to make only second generation Philomath students attending a small handful of schools eligible.

The latest decision again generated debate in Philomath, as some high school seniors faced an abrupt change of plans. We visit Philomath to see how a community recovers from a divide such as the one spawned in 2002; how the "natives," as Mayor Chris Nusbaum calls them, are getting along with the urban immigrants; and how much of the change Philomath has faced resonates in other former timber towns across Oregon.

If you are from Philomath, how do you remember the Clemens Foundation conflict? If you live elsewhere, has your community seen a shift in "culture" as it grows? How was it handled? What issues have triggered conflict? How do they get resolved?

Photo credit: Peter Richardson, Bicoastal Films

Tagged as: logging · philomath · rural · scholarship · school

I am a 1986 Philomath graduate and Clemens scholarship recipient now living in Portland. At that time, I don't remember receiving any information about the scholarship or any encouragement to use it. It felt to me that few graduates were really taking advantage of the offer and I would be curious to hear some statistics about how many really have over the years. If the scholarship has enticed families to move into the area, I think it can only be good for the community. I fear that the appathy towards a college education continues to be prevailant in Philomath (as it certainly was when I lived there) and I would love to see that change.
steelew —
There are some numbers available in the link that says "suspended grants to Oregon State University" which may answer some of your questions about how many students have used the scholarship.

Luke T. —
The reality is that all communities are changing across America. While any foundation has the right to define who benefits from their programs, it is an unfortunate situation to change things midway ... especially for youth who had looked at this an opportunitiy to support their educational futures. How painful this whole situation must be for this community. As a person who has moved many times over my lifetime, several times beyond my control for various reasons, it is disheartening to hear about a community that is so obviously disenfranchishing part of their community. Change and growth are the only for sure things in our lives currently in America. I would wish that Philomath would look toward the future and decide how they can grow and sustain themselves to be a vibrant and healthy community that celebrates all of its members.
CoMo1950 —

Votre site est très bien pensé, graphiquement impressionnant et plein de bons conseils. Kudos.

Disodium EDTA

helpgodme —
I am a 1999 graduate of Philomath High School, and I used the clemens scholarship to complete my bachelors of science from Oregon State University. It was at the end of my junior year at OSU that the foundation decided to stop funding students to attend OSU, and I received a letter informing me that if I transfered to a different school I would continue to receive money, but would be cut off if I completed my degree at OSU. Being the only university in the state that offers degrees in Botany, I explained my reasons for not transferring. The funny thing is, the foundation made a lot of publicity noise about cutting that funding, but in the end they sent me a check for my last year without any formal reply. I'm extremely grateful for the education the clemens foundation helped me receive, but I'm appalled how the current board is using the money to push their agenda instead of using the money for its original purpose - to fund all students extended education. I think Rex and Ethel would be ashamed.
alicia bree —
Upon first read I think this is a real dissappointment. It's unfortunate that the foundation directors don't see the value of a college education, regardless of the studies or school attended.

However, I think the bigger issue that it touches on is the outrageous amount of money it costs to attend college in Oregon and most other states. Even vocational training is extremely expensive.

Additionally, this "personal whim" is what happens when a town, organization or other group relies on a private foundation to fund a program.
BooBoo —
My niece is part of the graduating class of 08 at Philomath High School. She spent her entire school experience in the Philomath system. Our entire family was born and raised in Oregon. She is a 5th or 6th generation Oregonian, depending on which of our family you consider. Ironically, my father put himself through college in Oregon,and supported his family with logging jobs. We were a logging family. The recent change of requirements for the Clemens grant punishes young native Oregonians who had opportunities to go to other schools, but stayed and contributed to the excellent environment at Philomath High School, because they and their families trusted the scholarship would be there. My niece will hopefully find other scholarship opportunities, but other students who will depend entirely on that scholarship are being unfairly punished.

Jeff Mishler
Jeff Mishler —
Aside from the political decisions, when I lived in Philomath in the late 1980s there were families who had moved to Philomath so their children could take advantage of the scholarships. Some of these families had no history with Philomath and some moved to the area to work at Hewlett Packard. If the initial intent was to help the children of the community including timber workers, it seemed to me that there needed to be some criteria other than a physical address so the resources could be used for the purpose of assisting the town's heritage in it's children.
annettaf3 —
Its a total embarrassment, the Clemens Foundation clearly isn't out to help all people in Philomath, just the ones it wants to. It is case of Animal Farm; part xenophobia and part fear. Its dismal to squander a good legacy with irrational reasoning and exclusivity.
scottmil —
I concur entirely! As a fifth generation Oregonian and the grandson of two loggers I am embarrassed by the attitudes behind this story. The Clemens Foundation is a private organization and free to use its money (earned through the unsustainable rape of the forests) to advance any conservative, religious or wacko agenda they like. But to hear the MAYOR of Philomath call new residents immigrants (despite the backpedaling when called on it) speaks to the closed minded attitudes that keep Oregon in the backwaters. Everywhere I turn (not just small towns) I hear Oregonians expressing fear, hatred and distrust of those that have different social, political, or racial backgrounds than they do. Fortunately I have lived in enough other places to recognize that diversity and inclusiveness strengthen a society. Hopefully enough of these "immigrants" will be open minded individuals to keep our communities from being destroyed by divisiveness.
JerryMc —
I thought you'd be interested in the meaning of the word, "philomath": Philomath (pronounced /?f?.lo?.m�?/) is defined as a lover of learning.
afeefam —
Hi there,

The term that ought to be used in describing Steve Lowther's role in this controversy is "HIJACKED". It is obvious to the locals that he has HIJACKED the Clemens Foundation to use it as a tool to spread his ultra-conservative, fundamentalist Christian beliefs. He is not even a direct descendant of the Rex and Ethel - and many old-timers (including the PHS principal who worked with Rex back when the foundation was set up) have adamantly reported (e.g. recently in the Gazette Times) that Rex and Ethel would certainly not agree with the current (ultra-conservative, fundamentalist) direction of the foundation. Let's start calling it for what it is - a foundation that has been HIJACKED by a right-wing whacko!
DouginCorvallis —
This attitude is exactly what many in Philomath are wanting to avoid. I grew up seven miles south of Philomath, though not in the Philomath School District, and spent lots of time there growing up. I have always understood this foundation to have been set up by a traditional, conservative couple. As such, they would surely want their values to guide their foundation. I wouldn't call that hijacking. Some that don't hold the same values and morals obviously have a tendancy to run roughshod over others of a different view. That strikes me as rather intolerant and discriminitory. This seems to be why the Clemens foundation chose to withold scolarships from OSU among others: they are trying to stem the tide of moral flippancy.
Though folks don't seem to bring it up because it is not "PC", I believe this is an undercurrent of the conflicts in Philomath. Generally speaking the Philomath "natives" have traditional values, whereas "newcomers" do not. Are the newer, less traditional folks running "roughshod" over the original population? Changing values in the school system as well as the town?
And why is conservative, fundamental and Christian equated with evil? Please use facts and not feelings in debating the merits of an issue.
Britta —
It is sad that he IS a right-wing-conservative-fundamentalist-Christian that happens to behave in a discriminatory way. Not all Christians agree with him and of course, not all "old timers" do either. I am a 2nd generation and my father knew Clemens - who also donated the public pool, too; he was generous without discrimination and certainly didn't put restrictions on who could or could not use it. So, not all "old timers" from Philomath have his "traditional values" - i.e. against those with higher education, homophobic, against new ideas and change, against anything "green", and against anything "PC". He is "against" so much! You are getting at definition, really. The word "value" should mean something positive, but it doesn't always. His "values" and they way he goes about implementing them is hurtful and discriminatory. He sent a public letter to all the citizens of Philomath ranting against the High School's Gay-Straight Alliance (they had to rename it) and the counselor that (by the way, is a Christian) was the advisor for that group; he helped shut a high school play down, he opposed allowing students to dye their hair or have piercings, because it wasn't conducive for his 6-year old nephew, (and had student's afraid that they would loose the scholarship if they participated in drama...or anything besides forestry). He called and accused our principal (she is no longer there) of "making students gay", because she allowed a group to participate in the National Day of Silence. He definitely has an agenda to push his political and religious beliefs - fine, but don't do it with such antagonistic, discriminatory, controlling behavior. Just a few years ago some students were NOT taking the scholarship, because of their values. They did not want money that backed hateful, discriminatory views - it was tainted to them. They directly expressed this to me. I do see values changing in the Philomath school system, for the better. I see caring educators genuinely working to provide the best environment for learning for ALL students (those in art or science and those in forestry and those that are in BOTH, along with those in the Bible club and those in GSA, these do not have to oppose each other as he wants them to). The definition of "value" here could stand for accepting the inherent worth and dignity of all students/people, versus a type of political or religious belief. I put this "undesirable stuff" out there, because people in Philomath and especially in the school district do not feel safe saying anything about what "THE FOUNDATION" had done.
joyjohnson —
Have you reread this? Do realize what you just said? And has there been a day of silence for businesses and Christians that help Philomath everyday? And the main question...what have you done for your community lately?
javadave —
I have re-read it...your point? Remember, this is supposed to be about the kids and their future, not the businesses or the Christians. The day of silence is not a "reward" for helping Philomath. Do you know what it is? If businesses and Christians want a day of silence or maybe recognition, then go do it...make one...and it too will most likely be recognized at the school, because we have great Christians and businesses in our town that do indeed need acknowledgement, as we do Pagans, Buddhists, Atheists, Secular Humanists, Homosexuals, Heterosexuals, Native Americans, Hispanics, White, and the labeling list goes on. We can celebrate everyone...not just one group. On this point of helping, yes, many religious and non-religious groups have given freely to Philomath. We have lots of community support and help; it is wonderful. I have definitely put into this community...but this isn't about me...it shouldn't be about politics or religion either, or about certain values or morals or judgments, but about a gift to the the children of the community to help them fulfill their dreams. The kids have been the ones suffering while everyone debates the true simmering issue: liberalism vs conservatism. So to them...get the scholarship if you are in line with it, if not move on. This is an age-old "fight" that is going on in America. If you have ideas to solve it or make it better...go for it. I know Philomath's teens are, as are so many teens everywhere, more with it, accepting, practical, tolerant, and intelligent than people know. Some of the teens sent amazing letters into the Gazette Times when some of this was going down a few years ago. Do whatever you feel is following your OWN life's purpose (college or not). If someone wants to give you a gift, make sure you don't have to sacrifice your beliefs, dreams, lifestyle, and so on, and be aware and careful if there are any "strings attached" that compromise any part of you.
joyjohnson —
How do I get a copy of the film Clear Cut? I live in Corvallis, but missed the screenings while it was here. I've requested it from Netflix, but nothing yet.
BarbBull —
BarbBull, We'll check with the producer of the documentary, who is here in studio with us today, and let you know. Stay tuned!
Sarah Jane Rothenfluch —
Hi BarbBull,

Thanks for your inquiry about the DVD. They are now available at clearcutmovie.com If you are in the Corvallis or Philomath area, they are available at DVD World in Corvallis and Java Connection in Philomath. Thanks again for your interest in the film.

Best,

Peter
PeterRichardson —
You can buy a copy of Clear Cut at Java Connection in Philomath. They are out on the counter.

If you are coming from Corvallis Java Connection is on the left side of Main Street across from Independent Motorcyle Repair....just past the Thriftway. You can't turn left there anymore (since the couplet) so getting there is a bit of an adventure. Good Luck.
bikersites —
How do I get a copy of the film Clear Cut? I live in Corvallis, but missed the screenings while it was here. I've requested it from Netflix, but nothing yet.
BarbBull —
Change is inevitable and it seems Philomath, has managed change well. The SFO woman that moved for the small town feeling, she now feels she has lost. Imagine if you had moved to Dundee and traffic was ALWAYS backed up, how can that support a small town feeling?
jkf10395 —
I have been listening in today about the Clemens Foundation and was curious if someone could expand on the "Foundation" and who it consists of. Are the founders still alive and/or active ?
bigmedicine —
No, they are not alive. The men who run this foundation are of no blood relation to the late Rex Clemens. They are the children of his wife's sister. The foundation is now run by the right-wing Lowther brothers who simply want to force their personal political views on everyone in the community.
ddoh54 —
I am an 80's graduate of PHS and received the Clemens scholarship for one year of my undergraduate work and then applied the rest to my graduate work. I came back to Philomath to teach at the high school. I am a the daughter of a logger and my 19 year old is a 3rd generation, but now cannot get the scholarship. I can remember students moving to Philomath my senior year (my class grew before we graduated) to get the scholarship. One girl on my basketball team openly stated that is why she moved to this school. To stop this the scholarship requirements changed over the next few years while my son was in school. Some of the changes were that you had to attend the high school all 4 years; then you had to go 8 years, with the last 4 at the high school (so 4 elementary OR junior high). Then, while I was teaching there the real issues began. Steve Lowther started getting involved in more than just the scholarship, he began to get involved in the school (voicing how he thought it should be run...like the good ole' days). He fought against the gay/straight alliance, content of a school play, and school dress codes, to name a few. He likened new people to our town to that of new trees poisoning the old. A few of my students got the scholarship, but had to listen to Lowther tell them his views (against spotted owl and environmentalists and his political stances (He wanted them to agree with him in order to get the scholarship.) He spoke at the school and likened liberals to Hitler. He said people were too "politically correct" and he was against diversity. He then was upset at OSU for their sustainable logging practices and an incident that involved a fight with a white and black student there, then yanked the scholarship from kids at that school, first. It became evident that he was interested in reversing the intent of the scholarship from what the Clemens' had built it for. I was always told in school, that they wanted to give back to the community and saw the timber industry as something that was not sustainable and wanted small town kids to be able to go out and get an education and move into professional careers in order to compete with kids from bigger towns. Lowther, on the other hand, is reversing it and wants them to stay in those troubled industries. He has raged against educated professionals coming into the town and changing things (they were coming into the town to help the students make it in today's world).
joyjohnson —
I understand the restriction about "second generation" to receive the scholarship - but I don't understand the University restriction - is there any published information about that? I used the scholarship at a small private college in Oregon and it ended up not helping me at all - when the college found out about the scholarship, they just subtracted that amount from my financial aid package and included it in what they expected our family to contribute. I'm not sure that expecting Philomath graduates to attend private colleges is realistic - many have aspirations that OSU and U of O specialize in. It would seem appropriate to support our state schools by encouraging Philomath grads to attend through funding.
steelew —
The foundation is big into religious morality, thus the schools they have picked are in line with their convictions. I, too, understand the "second generation" idea. As I stated earlier, kids were coming in just to get the scholarship. Unfortunately, now, it is about religion, politics, and fear of diversity/change. So now they make "personal judgments" about schools and kids for their scholarship. It is, though, private money and they can make the rules. I just have difficulty with his desire to "run" the school and school board/town/citizens etc. with promise of his "gift". I hope Philomath can move past this and let the scholarship foundation know they cannot make us do things anymore (like run out our superintendent and high school principal - she got death threats over the warrior statue issue, by the way).
joyjohnson —
So, you are saying that we should just throw morals out and let "anything goes" be the answer to the Clemens scholarships? Or are you saying that your secular ideas are more in line with what the world is today? Like throwing out the morals and the Clemens as well? Ever really look into why the principle was asked to leave? How the teacher and the two counselors? As for the superintendant...he hung himself in the video...and he was a good friend of mine. So, do your research before you start commenting.
javadave —
No, I am saying "define" morals and make sure they are not hurtful or discriminatory. For me to really know what you mean by "my secular ideas", I would need to know your definition of "secular". My ideas, actually come from many sources (religion, having "been there all my life", spiritual, psychology, sociology, working with kids, raising kids.....life). Basically, I knew all of the people you mentioned and worked with them and didn't see anything that warranted them being asked to leave. I even know you and think you are a good person. And yes, we never know the WHOLE story...not you or me. The principal did a great job of bringing diversity in...allowing ALL students to be who they are (and that is not forcing beliefs on anyone)...Christian, Pagan, Heterosexual, Homosexual, athlete, art student and she was sensitive to the minorities, such as with the Warrior statue removal. When we discover that something hurts someone (discrimination against their sexual orientation, irreverently using a groups' religious icon ie...the statue) it would be great if we could adopt a new practice. America is great for that...we have made so many strides for freedom...and I simply hope to see Philomath embracing everyone's freedoms (and I am not saying we should let "true crime" run rampant...like stealing and so forth.). I love this town and I love that it is evolving into even a more caring and accepting community. I am a "native", which is ironic, are you? Also, If the superintendent "hung himself in the video", what has Lowther done in real life? I have but mentioned a few things. I have seen kids crying due to the loss of the scholarship - good kids that are liberal or conservative or have green hair, because the Foundation is playing out their politics and religious beliefs first, and helping kids, maybe, lastly. There were at times appropriate stipulations put on the scholarship: drug testing, grades and so forth, with ways to improve and come back and re-apply and qualify (raise your grades...get off drugs...but not to become "one man's idea of a certain type of Christian".) Charity should be charity and we could maybe stop seeing it as "Christian" charity or "liberal" charity or labeling it at all. To give a gift, like the Clemens' did, was to give a gift without strings attached, so that any child could fly and find his or her OWN dreams. It doesn't take much research (although I have done plenty) to recognize how to treat the kids with love and acceptance and truly give a gift. Now, I know that no-one is truly "evil" or "bad", they just do what they think is best given where they are at this point in life, Lowther included. He will eventually see where he has hurt and where he has helped. I hope and pray that he will quit hurting and start just helping.
joyjohnson —
I realize that I know you as well. I guess what I am trying to say is that, unfortunately it is not our money and that the money is not an entitlement as some people think it is. What would happen with all of this hubbed if they decided to just give it all to a charity like child abuse or the American Cancer society? What then? A lot of people may not agree with what they do, but they have to keep in mind that they can do with their money what they want.
And, I like what you had to say...both times. I agree with a lot of it. But it still comes down to...not our money....not and entitlement....they could send it else where.
If there was a more common ground to talk with the Clemens foundation and not have all of the hate and anger thrown in, I think they would be open to compromise. That is just a thought.
People have said they need to be thrown in jail! For what? It is their money. Things that have been said should not have been said because of my latter statement.
People need to realize that what they want to do...they will do.
And, I still understand what you are saying....and I still agree with a lot of what you say.
javadave —
Please seek and watch the video of the Philomath Community Foundation that was made by a 26 year resident of Philomath that loves this area and what it provides. We can make it even better if we come together and sit down and discuss differences rather than digging into dogma and becoming more polarized. There are many different ways of seeing things and we only understand others points of view by being willing to sit down together and talk.
mareferd —
I heard part, but not all, of today's program (it has been a busy morning at Gene Tools). Is is possible to stream-on-demand this program? I'd like to listen to the entire program on Philomath later. Thanks!
Jon Moulton —
It runs again tonight at 9pm.
EddieG —
Thanks!
Jon Moulton —
Also, it and all the TOL programs, are available for download from our site. The audio should be up in a couple hours.
Emily Harris —
And thanks again, ever better!
Jon Moulton —
I was born and raised in Philomath, and now live in the small town of Alsea. Alsea is also included in the Clemens Foundation Scholarship program. Philomath has grown, probably due to it's proximity to Corvallis, but Alsea is dying on the vine. The severe decline of the Timber Industry has brought about many changes to our rural area. The Forest Service closed up their extensive complex and relocated its headquarters into Corvallis. They now manage the Siusilaw National Forest from Corvallis. Many families have moved away, in search of family-wage earning jobs. A very clear picture of what is happening to our little town is the declining enrollment in the Alsea School District. We have gone from approximately 270 students, K-12, to the current enrollment of about 145 students. That is a very significant drop in enrollment. I believe this to be indicative of a majority of small rural Oregon communities, that are dependent on the use and management of natural resources. In lieu of timber harvest, the Federal Government has been subsidizing our state. This began in the early 1990's, when the spotted owl was listed on the endangered species list.(can anyone say Bard owl?) These funds have been EXTENDED to run our County governments, roads, schools, law enforsement, etc. These funds will probably not be extended again, and rightly so. The entire State of Oregon will get a taste of the reality the rural areas have been experiencing for quite some time. If you have any doubts about this, contact your County Commissioners about revenue forcasts and the 2009 budget.
susankay7 —
I was amazed to hear the Philomath mayor say he isn't aware of any controversy concerning the couplet! I haven't talked to anyone who doesn't think it's a fiasco! One business owner I talked to said it has decreased his revenue by 30% and the mayor is unaware of the 100's of signatures on an anti-couplet petition that's pending? The couplet has destroyed the look and feel of downtown and makes getting to businesses difficult not to mention the $20 Million it cost. I also struggle to swallow the ODOT freight corridor excuse; four lanes in Philomath while Philomath Blvd. is two lanes?
EdinCorvallis —
The "your mayor" is totally out of touch with residents and businesses in town. He doesn't work in town, he doesn't shop in town and he has all but banned residents and business owners from City Council meetings.

I know several of the business owners in town and their business is off 50% to 75% from a year ago with no hope of it returning because of the limited road access. Other businesses (Paul's Place, Grandmother's House, the Pharmacy, etc.) have closed already. Others are up for sale...a tough job in this economy and reduced hiway traffic.

OPB needs to tell us "the rest of the story" about the couplet by interviewing business owners and residents. It's not 100's of signatures on a petition to remove the concrete barriers in town....it's 1,000's. Obviously, "your mayor" isn't getting around town much these days. Oh, yeah, I forgot....it's really hard to get around Philomath anymore.

OregonPaula —
I am one of the businesses that is "off" about 75%. If we had not lost our left turn lane we would not be in this position. When this whole thing started there was never a mention of a barrier in the middle of the road going from 21st to 14th streets. And now, we have "death in a small town." Why?
It seems as if the businesses in the "zone" are in the way of someone trying to recreate the "old town."

Maybe the PDA (Philomath Downtown Ass.) (which was created by the city manager for the city manager to run) will let us all know how if feels to be the "chosen" when we are forced out of business.


We really need to have OPB come back and do a fair story on this destruction of a small town.
javadave —
Unfortunately, the destruction of Philomath began as soon as it sprang-up as a timber town many, many decades ago. It was and is essentially dependent upon one industry, the timber industry, for it's existence and tax base.

Unfortunately, the vast majority of timber barons clear-cut and sawed as fast as they could get make money. Now, towns like Philomath are reeling in the aftermath of unsustainable business practices and forestry policies. Just look over at the Siuslaw National Forest that decided some time ago to focus on a sustainable, conservation-based timber harvest. The timber gets cut where and how it should, people have jobs, and timber sales don't get challenged in court by enviros. Sure there are less jobs, but they will probably last for generations.

Face it, except for a handful of timber barons like Rex Clemns, rural towns like Philomath got screwed by the timber industry. Philomath needs to look at other industries to focus its economic development around. Look at the hundreds of millions of dollars that outdoor recreation brings to Oregon.
BooBoo —
To Emily Harris,
If you want a story that will make the state stand up and pay attention..come down to Philomath and make the story of how a small town can be thrown into dire straits by a road that was not needed your next campaign.
The dirt will fly. You heard the mayor (or whatever he is) he has no clue what is going on in town. That is because he works and shops in Corvallis. He just lives in Philomath...oh yeah, And he is an immigrant! He said so on the air....1962....so, since my family has been here since the beginning of the state...what does that make people like me? Hm?
This is a story. Please make use of your time and tell it.
javadave —
Hi Dave,

Very interesting thread; I also checked out the Philomath Chatter blog [url]http://www.philomathchatter.blogspot.com/[/url] as you suggested and have talked to some more people in the community since the show. I'm researching the ODOT plans that led to the couplet in Philomath; I'm wondering how the coast to valley highway plans you described to me have affected other communities. Do you know?

Looking forward to meeting you in person!

Thanks, Emily
Emily Harris —
The Clemens family no longer runs this once noble scholarship. It is the Lowther brothers and they have no blood relation to Rex Clemens. The money in the foundation fund did not come from them. Yet, the Clemens Foundation is now the Lowther Political Action Fund. The Lowthers are simply taking out their political frustrations on innocent children and it is shameful and embarrassing to the Philomath community.
ddoh54 —
Attention!!!!!!!!
All you Liberals that attack the Lowthers
Wake up and smell the stench !!!
Follow the Money !!!!!!

Kindred spirits:
The Lowthers are NOT limiting the scholarships for any christ mission or any christ agenda !!!!!

WAKE UP the money tells the tale. FOLLOW THE MONEY !!!! It has been more than a rumor that the Lowthers have skimmed the fund ever since they took it over. Main street Philomath is way ahead of you liberals for along time. You want to upset the apple cart, then demand a State Attorney General investigation of the fund and its practices. If you would do that the puss will spurt out like old faithful. The Attorney General would appoint a State trustee and then there would be a full investigation into the original intent of the trust. HELLO OUT THERE !!! Quit griping and start attacking.

W.B.H.
cwhull —
I am the 1972 valedictorian of PHS. I was born and raised in Philomath and the Clemens personally knew my parents and relatives. The scholarsahip paid for my college education and I am very grateful for it. The Clemens scholarship started as a loan progrm that when almost no one repaid it, they changed to a scholarship. A scholarship is a gift, not an entitlement. It is only natural that any scholarship can and will change requirements over time.

I think the conflict resulted because people changed from viewing it as a scholarhip to an entitlement. No scholarship is an entitlement! We should be grateful for everything the Clemens gave to Philomath - the pool, the allweather track, the football field, etc. While they were unable to have children themselves, the children of Philomath were very dear to them and they did what they could to benefit them.
Cindy B —

Comments are now closed.

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