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 Garnet West was adopted as the symbol.
By 1946, PHG had moved to the YWCA as they outgrew member homes and the cost to join was $1.
The first PHG guest speaker was Annabelle Carstens of Hughes Fawcett Linen Co.
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. (Slide show at top of this page)
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.
1942 Mildred Stockwell Fuerst, Ruth & Jennie Ripey, Alice Berleman and Clara Wight meet to discuss weaving and then continue to meet.
1943 Dorothy Liebes comes to Portland and teaches a six week workshop at Portland Art Museum.
1945 Portland Handweavers organized formally and registered with Secretary of State. Dues were $1 per year!
1946 Meeting held at YWCA. Guild library began. $30 given to public library to buy weaving books.
1948 First guild exhibit held at Oregon Ceramic Studio (Contemporary Craft Gallery).
1949 Fashion show at YMCA. Guild had 99 members.
1950 Oregonian Hostess House exhibit 2 weeks in January and then Annual Fabric Show in October.