The Selah Community Days Association's Second Honored Selah Pioneer is 94 year old Hazel Cameron!
In the far reaches of the North Wenas Valley. Hazel Cameron was born at the home she grew up in. "It was right by the old Grange hall," she said. Born to Kenneth and Dellah Bennett on June 4. 1913, Cameron came into a home with no running water, no telephone and no bathroom. "But we did have a phonograph and we would sing and dance as it played." The simpler times and gentle surroundings called for such pastimes. Cameron remembers the neighbors would often get together and have picnics while the men played ball after church.
"We always had a big garden," she added. Even today inside and out of her house the same house she lived in with her husband and children is evidence of her love of gardening. Rows and rows of orchid line her dining area and, according to Hutchison, her mom's cooking was famous. "I cooked for a lot of hired men," said Hazel. "The biggest crew was 28 men for two days."
Things have changed a lot since those days. Airplanes, phones without party lines digital cameras she's seen a lot change during the past century. Looking back over her life, thou she has little to regret. She is proud to call herself a Selah Pioneer. So what's her secret for longevity "I don't smoke, I don't drink an do a lot of walking. I also believe in the Lord." her parents farm and built the character that she would carry with her the rest of her life. As a young girl, she attended David Longmire grade school, located near her home. There were all eight grades in the same room," she said. Longmire was one of the original settlers in the area. Cameron remembers seeing him driving his horse and buggy when she was little. Later she attended Selah High School, and she even remembers watching the community parade. "It never even entered my mind I'd be in it someday," she said. Cameron was chosen as this year's honored Selah Pioneer and will ride in the community parade.
She later married Glen Cameron in 1934. And they moved into a home that was built the same year Hazel was born. "We're the same age, and I think it'll outdo me." But don't be fooled by her age. Even in her 90s. She still gardens, paints, does needlepoint, and just about anything else she sets her mind on. If there was something going on, you bet she'll be out there." said daughter Jane Hutchinson. Hazel and Glen had four daughters, all within five years. "There is no other mother I would pick but her," said Hutchison. Hazel and Glen farmed and had their daughters help do chores, instilling in them what they themselves..
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