Mary & Mike Hutchens- Historical Presentation, Georgiana Pittock & Her Chauffeur, H. Hawkinson
Mary Hutchens (a retired teacher who has 18 years in community theatre and portrays Mrs. Pittock) and Mike Hutchens (a former administrator from Portland Public Schools who portrays her chauffeur) tell the stories of Georgiana and Henry Pittock. The Pittocks endured the Oregon Trail and were integral to the growth of the city of Portland, Oregon. Each story is approximately 50 minutes in length, followed by time for questions and answers.
The first story deals with the years 1845-1907, including the dangers for the wagon trains, the growth of the city, Portland as the Rose City, the Lewis and Clark Exposition, and the first Rose Festival. Mary was the Living History Character of Georgiana Pittock at the Portland Rose Festival from 2006- 2010.
The second story deals with Mrs. Pittock’s last ten years, 1908-1918, with the building of the Pittock Mansion, the evolution of Women’s Voting Rights in Oregon, World War I, and her dealing with the effects of a stroke.
Since 2007, these stories have been presented to over 6000 school children, residents of elder living facilities, museums, libraries, civic, philanthropic, and historical organizations.
Service Fee: 2019: $165 basic fee in a 50 miles radius of Forest Grove. Locations over 50 miles of Forest Grove will have an additional fee; please inquire for details.
Service Areas:
WASHINGTON- Clark County
OREGON- Clackamas County, Clatsop County, Columbia County, Crook County, Marion County, Multnomah County, Tillamook County, Washington County, Yamhill County
Service Types:
Retirement Home/Independent Living, Assisted Living, *Memory Care, Adult Foster Home, Skilled Nursing/Rehab, Hospital, Senior Center, Adult Day Center, Private Parties/Locations
*When presenting in Memory Care facilities, facility staff must be present
Availability: Weekdays, Weekends, Daytime, Evenings, Request in Advance
Contact Name: Mary or Mike Hutchens
Phone: (503) 357- 3979
E-mail:mhutchen625@gmail.com
Don’t forget to tell Mary & Mike Hutchens you found their services using ElderAudience!
Testimonials:
Patrons at the Tigard Public Library say,
“An excellent program that gave me great insight into the lives led during that time period.”
“Very interesting and well presented. I like the fact that they portrayed history while ‘in character.”
“Excellent presentation — filled in the blanks of my knowledge of the Pittock mansion story.”
“Super program! Best ever!”
“On behalf of the members of Beaver Chapter-National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, I would like to recommend both programs that Mary and Mike Hutchens provide on Georgiana Pittock, the Early Years and the Last 10 years. They presented their programs on Ms. Pittock at our May Spring Banquet, both in 2016 and this year. Everything about the programs was wonderful- from the slides and photo board to the period costumes, props and the information portrayed through beautiful acting. It was clear that the information portrayed was well researched and factual while presented in a very interesting way. Our members were captivated both times and were able to ask questions at the end of the presentation. The Hutchens do such a wonderful job bringing history alive! We highly recommend this for any group interested in the history of the Rose Festival. the Pittock Mansion or Portland history” –Janet A., NSDAR-Beaver Chapter Corresponding Secretary, Daughters of the American Revolution
“…my 60’s Club loved Mary and Mike as Georgiana Pittock and her chauffer. We have had them for the two part presentations. Coming in character made it easy for listeners to “feel right there in that time frame”. Their visual props help with this also”. Donna M., Life Enrichment, Laurelhurst Elderplace
“We just had Georgiana Pittock here for a presentation about the times and beginnings of Pittock Mansion, a Portland treasure. This is their second presentation to us and we enjoyed as much or more that the first. We felt like we were living back in the early 1900’s. thank you to Mike and Mary for this entertaining and historical program. I highly recommend this.” Nancy B., Activity Director, Hearthstone of Beaverton
“Mary and Mike Hutchens did a wonderful performance. They clearly have done their research about the Pittock family. Their way of presenting the
information, in a costumed performance, was both entertaining and informative. They showed photos and other memorabilia and allowed time for
questions, which they answered with authority. I’d give this presentation a five-star rating and highly recommend it to other groups.” Maggie F., Education Committee Chair, Friendsview Retirement Community
“It was an honor to host Mrs. Georgiana Pittock and her chauffeur, Mr. Hawkinson! They are particularly well-suited as character portrayers for older residents, speaking clearly and knowledgably about an especially interesting bit of Portland history. I knew they would be a hit in our independent living community, but was even more pleased at how well-received they were in our Assisted Living community. I highly recommend them.” Lisa O., Life Enrichment Director, The Springs Living at Carman Oaks
“… I just wanted to drop a note to let you know what a great time my residents had with Mary and Mike Hutchens last month for our Life Long Learning Series. I did the second program and have scheduled her to come back in March for the other program she does…” Ramona D., Marketing Director, Rosewood Park Retirement and Assisted Living Residence
“…You two were THE BEST. Ken and I both needed to wipe our eyes, and Jeanine said the same. You really touched us. This show is a keeper, It was just perfect. You have honed and smoothed and timed it all beautifully. WOW! Everyone who saw it just raved. It was professionally acted by both of you. Thank you for sharing such a charming evening with us all.” Audience members Ken and Carolyn A., YOUNG AT HEART READER’S THEATRE coordinators and leaders.
“Dear Mrs. Pittock and Mr. Hawkinson, You both would have been absolutely delighted, last night, if you’d been able to see Mary and Mike Hutchens of Forest Grove, Oregon, portray each of you in an original skit written by them. This was the second such skit. In the first one, we learned of your early life. My goodness, are we ever thankful that Georgiana’s dad was able to trade that skillet to the Indians for her release from the three-day captivity! After all, there was “the rest of the story” to be told. With the help of your most trusted, Mr. Hawkinson, we learned of your stays on the beach at Seaside, you and your daughters being delighted by the cool breezes and excitement being near the ocean brings, Georgiana. We also learned of your work in bringing the right for Women to Vote to Oregon, your love of roses and the Rose Parade, too. Building your new home at a late stage in life had to be traumatic. Weren’t you lucky you had Mr. Hawkinson to assist you in so many matters? Portland, Oregon, and all of us who know of you, are so blessed to have you in our history. Forest Grove is blessed to have you, Mary and Mike. We were all charmed by your wonderful efforts. P.S. Anyway, I hope you know you had us all wrapped around your fingers…” Bridget C., Coordinator of Events, PEO, Forest Grove
*Information on this listing may be subject to change. Please contact this lister directly with any questions.
Tags: Adult Day Center, Adult Foster Home, Assisted Living, Clackamas County, Clark County, Clatsop County, Columbia County, Crook County, Daytime, evenings, Georgiana Pittock, Hospital, Marion County, Mary Hutchens, memory care, Mike Hutchens, Multnomah County, Oregon history, Oregon Trail, Pittock Mansion, Pittock Presentaions, Portland History, Presentation, Private Parties/Locations, Request in Advance, Retirement Home/Independent Living, Senior Center, Skilled Nursing/Rehab, Tillamook County, Washington County, Weekdays, weekends, Yamhill County