Oregon: Her history, her great men, her literature/Frederic Homer Balch
FREDERIC HOMER BALCH
Frederic Homer Balch, author of the "Bridge of the Gods," was born at Lebanon, Oregon, December 14, 1861. In his childhood, stories of war fascinated him; and when he grew older the study of ancient history was his delight. When thirteen years of age he wrote poetry and historical sketches. His early contributions revealed intense love for his native state, keen interest in the Indians along the Columbia, and the disposition to weave the traditions of a fast-disappearing race as woof in the warp of civilization which the earliest colonists brought to Oregon. These things developed in him an intellectual code which he faithfully followed in collecting a vast fund of valuable knowledge regarding the Indians, their habits, religious beliefs, traditions and mode of living, all of which were subsequently prepetuated by his pen.
However, Balch lacked literary preparation for the arduous undertaking to which he aspired. And it will be difficult for the reader in an age of splendid schools to understand the struggles of a boy to educate himself under conditions that prevailed in Oregon at that time. How he later obtained his training is best explained in his own words: "Much of the education I have is due to the ceaseless reading and re-reading of Macaulay." Of Milton he wrote: "How I thrilled and exulted in the mighty battle of Satan for the throne of God; in his fierce defiance and unbending hate, after the throne was lost; and in the dusky splendor of the palace, and the pomp with which he and his followers surrounded themselves in hell."
At the age of twenty-one years. Frederick H. Balch entered the ministry and organized churches, spending his days in the saddle and his evenings in the pulpit, laboring in remote settlements where sermons were practically unknown. During interims he studied Indian lore in quest of material for his book; and after much research among various tribes, became thoroughly convinced of the previous existence of the "Bridge of the Gods" of Indian tradition. No matter, therefore, what the reader may conclude regarding the existence of the "Bridge of the Gods;" for of this one thing he may be assured Frederic H. Balch, after conscientious study systematically pursued, wrote with the firm belief that the Columbia was once spanned by such a bridge.
While pastor of the Congregational Church of Hood River, he began writing the "Bridge of the Gods." Upon completing the book, he pursued a theological course in a seminary in Oakland, California, and while there his book was published. A short time before completing his course in the seminary, Balch was overtaken by illness, and had not the strength to rally. His death occurred in Portland, Oregon, June 3, 1891.
Frederic H. Balch outlined several other books among which were: "Tenasket," a tale of Oregon in 1818; "Genevieve," a story of Oregon in 1890; "Crossing the Plains,*and "Olallie." But his masterpiece is the "Bridge of the Gods." Americans agree as to the merits of **The Scarlet Letter;" yet the "Bridge of the Gods" is in some respects a better story. Unlike "The Scarlet Letter," it preserves the high moral tone of all the leading characters, thus constantly holding before the mind of the reader that which is purest and noblest; and it delights the reader with the triumph of virtue. The beloved minister rises in his victory over temptation; Wallula, the Indian Princess of Sauvie's Island, asserts herself as becomes the daughter of a great chieftain; and Chief Multnomah stands out to the end as the exponent of that integrity, courage and honor characteristic of the better types of the earlier Indian tribes. Frederic H. Balch is, therefore, entitled to rank with the leading Oregon authors.