McMenamins Edgefield History Pub
McMenamins Edgefield & Troutdale Historical Society
Present
Simon Benson: Lumber King and Civic Leader
Presented by Sig Unander
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Simon Benson's legacy is a cross-section of Oregon's development. Born in 1851, Benson was a Norwegian immigrant who became a lumber magnate who used his wealth and influence to give back to his adopted state and country. The Benson Bridge, Benson Hotel, Benson Polytechnic High School, the Simon Benson House and the Benson bubblers are familiar landmarks for Portlanders. Learn more about the historic figure behind the name and how his contributions have shaped our region. Historian Sig Unander goes into detail about Benson's role in building the Historic Columbia Gorge Highway, the World Forestry Center, and more.
Sig Unander is a writer, historian and public speaker from Portland. He began his career in broadcast journalism at media outlets in New Mexico, Minnesota, and Georgia and as a freelance writer. Later, he worked in Spanish-language media, edited a business magazine for Hispanic professionals and served as writer and historian with a documentary film production company. He has spoken at hundreds of venues and lectured at universities in the United States and the Philippines. He is currently working on a narrative nonfiction book about Claire Phillips, a World War II heroine and Medal of Freedom recipient.