In my attempt to find documents describing the historical conditions on the Lower Columbia River I recently found a gem of a source. The Oregon Historical Society Press published “So Far From Home: An Army Bride on the Western Frontier, 1865-1869.” This book, released in 1993, is composed entirely of letters written by Julia Gillis to her family who lived in Washington D.C. Julia’s husband, Jim, was a captain in the Army who was sent to Oregon and Washington Territory in the mid-1860s. They were stationed at several forts in the region, including nearby Fort Stevens, which was located west of Astoria.

The letters are charming in many respects; her explanations of frontier life and her longing for home and family. One of the aspects that attached me to the character of Julia is her insertions of advice to her family, particularly those in regards to getting outside. As you will see from the quotations that I’ve selected this advice was founded on her personal philosophy that fresh air and walking in it were crucial to maintaining good health. The fact that she stuck to this advice, even in the climate that we both endure and enjoy, somehow resonated with me.

Fort Dalles, Oregon March 9th, 1866″I had a pleasant ride today and a walk afterwards, and a tramp over the hills yesterday. In fact, not a day passes that I do not spend several hours outdoors with Jim whenever he can be spared from his office, and when he cannot, I have Mrs. Steele and Fannie … The pure air of our hills keeps one fresh and well, blows away colds and other ills.”

Fort Dalles April 26, 1866″I think sunshine makes one feel better in spite of oneself. Not a window in our house possesses shutters, and the sun will shine in everywhere, and I think does a great deal towards keeping us well. I read an article the other day on the subject, which endorsed the idea and said the revivifying influence of sunlight was wonderful, even restoring to health and vigor paralytics who were exposed to its rays without clothing.”

Fort Dalles March 2, 1866″I think the more you go out the better for you physically and mentally, for the mind needs relaxation as well as the body. Never mind inclement weather or mud. You will take colds at first. Don’t stay in for them, wrap up and paddle out. Put on men’s boots when the mud is above your knees and still go out. That is what we do, and I am getting fat and rosy.”

Fort Stevens, Ore. Jan. 6, 1867″I have just come in from a pleasant walk and must write my weekly letter. Yesterday and today we have the loveliest weather that I suppose Fort Stevens ever experienced. At least nobody who is here now remembers it. The mild air, the blue sky and bright sunshine seem almost like a glimpse of the East. The river and bay look as calm and blue as the sky and several vessels ran in this morning, thankful no doubt for such a propitious moment to cross the terror inspiring waters of the Columbia bar. Cape Disappointment looks as if it had crept several miles nearer than usual and the misty blue hills beyond stand out today bold and clear against the sky. I can see each individual tree on Scarborough Head, a point said to be seven miles across the river. This atmosphere is very unusual, we are generally glad to see outlines of the opposite shores.”

Fort Stevens Jan. 13, 1867″The sun is shining a little now, and the ground is whitened with a faint attempt at snow and hail, but the latter makes as much snow as the former, however it looks white and cheerful and I like it much better than the rain. We succeed in getting a little walk almost every day running out between the squalls.”

Fort Stevens Jan. 20, 1867″And now our Nannie must get sick. She must take a strengthening tonic and a long walk every day, rain or shine, and when I get home, like a firm physician I shall enforce my prescription so she better begin at once. There is nothing like outdoor exercise. To it I attribute my remarkably good health. Though we live on the stormiest point in the whole United States according to actual statistics, yet we mange to have a walk most every day, running out between the squalls.”

Fort Dalles May 1, 1866″I have become a firmer advocate for fresh air even than you, and I never allow myself to remain in the house twenty-four hours at a time and whenever I leave a room, I open doors and windows. We have open fireplaces and wood fires in every room and never shut any doors. I think our good health may be attributed much to it and I have not had a cold in my head for so long that I am afraid my handkerchiefs will fall to pieces in very disgust at never being used. I have a fancy, from the nature of this disease that plenty of open air is a preventative of cholera, and I intend to act accordingly.”

Fort Stevens March 3, 1867″Yesterday was bright and clear and I took a nice walk and Jim gave me a very pleasant ride afterwards. I am out of doors whenever the weather permits and the Doctor says that this is one reason why I keep so well.”

Fort Stevens March 4th, 1867″We are really having some sunshine but it is quite cold. I have not missed taking my daily walk for a week. It is wonderful that the weather has allowed it.”

With the advice from Julia Gillis in mind, I’d encourage you to take advantage of the breaks in the weather when we have them. Get outside, take a walk, make your handkerchiefs feel neglected, and don’t forget to wear men’s boots if the mud is over your knees!

Jon Schmidt is an Interpretive Specialist at Cape Disappointment State Park. To contact him, call the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center at 642-3029 or e-mail lcic@parks.wa.gov.