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- Listed in Standard and Poor's Register of Corporations, Directors and Executives 1975.
FREDERICK CHESTER, October 5, 1912
Frederick Chester Trullinger, the fourth child born to Fred and Grace Trullinger, had the distinction of being the only child born outside the family home. Why a small private hospital in Carlton, Oregon was selected is not known, but it was a wise decision. A few years previously, Mother had experienced a miscarriage and the doctors may have feared complications.
I, Elizabeth, only seven years old at the time, remember the night well. Being October, the night was cold and a brisk wind was blowing the remaining leaves from the limbs of the maple trees. Darkness had settled over the land and by four o'clock, lamps had been lighted and a warm fire glowed from beneath the black andirons. The setting was peaceful, but there was a restlessness in the air. An expectancy of something about to happen.
By nine o'clock the children were tucked away in bed, but Elizabeth, the restless one, could not sleep. She was troubled by the soft whisperings coming from her parent's room. Their movements were unnatural. Something was troubling them. Finally, a third voice penetrated the silence. It was the voice of Aunt Fanny McKern, a friend, neighbor, and the local telephone operator. Soon after her arrival, Elizabeth heard the family car (E.M.F.) drive away, leaving only silence. Jumping from her warm bed, she quietly opened the door to Mama and Papa's bedroom, only to find Aunt Fanny resting on the couch. She quickly informed Elizabeth that Mama had gone to Canton to get a new baby.
Excitement and anticipation ran high when two weeks later Mother Grace arrived home with a beautiful, fair-haired baby boy in her arms. Elizabeth immediately took charge as it was much more fun to have a real live doll to play with than a somewhat tattered rag doll.
Yamhill, Oregon was a very small town. If one stretched their sights in a wide circle, they might count somewhere between 200 and 300 residents. A farming neighborhood in the heart of the fertile Willamette Valley. Social events in Yamhill were few and far between. One entertained the Minister at Sunday dinner, one gossiped and relaxed with their neighbors at the monthly Quilting Bee. The local lodges had their potlucks and, at times, they sponsored a dance. Other than that, there was little activity outside the home.
When Frederick was nine months old, Yamhill celebrated carnival week. A baby contest was one of their side attractions. Similar to a country fair, babies between certain ages were brought to the testing officials and judged by local doctors as to bone structure, weight and appearance. Elizabeth was insistent in her desire to take Baby Frederick down to be judged. She washed him and dressed him in his Sunday-Best. As she combed his curly blond hair, she was assured that he was the finest baby in all the land.
When they arrived at the specified lodge room, Frederick was overcome with the crowd and general confusion. Clinging to Elizabeth's neck, he started crying, loud and clear. Prying him lose, and into the arms of the official, was a major job. He kicked and cried in open rebellion. Elizabeth was heart-broken as he was the most rambunctious child in a somewhat quiet atmosphere. She attempted to take him home, but the judge requested that she wait for the official verdict. Much to her surprise, Frederick was pronounced the winner. Her pride was overwhelming but, of course, she knew he was perfect in every aspect.
Early in 1915, when Frederick was approaching his third birthday, our father was formulating plans for a motor trip into Southern California. The family would view the Panama Exposition in San Francisco and then drive on to San Diego, California for the World's Fair. Such a trip was an unheard of endeavor in those days, especially with a frail wife and four small children, aged 13, 10, 7 and 2. Our means of travel was the 4-year old EMF Studebaker which was
to be equipped with all essentials necessary for a tedious trip over unknown terrain. Two large black boxes were constructed to fit firmly on the two running boards. One box would carry sleeping equipment and clothing. The second box would house cooking utensils and food. A tent and cots were wedged in on top of the boxes for daily and convenient removal. The convertible top, which was usually folded behind the back seat, was raised over the car and fastened firmly. There were no side panels or any form of protection from the cold, the rains or the burning sun. Our extra water was carried in a large canvas bag and slung over the radiator cap.
A few days before our departure, little Frederick was playing in and out of the car. His knee accidentally came in contact with his chin causing him to bite down on his tongue, cutting it through. It was a serious accident and threatened a delay in our departure. Our enthusiasm was at high pitch so preparations continued.
The townspeople of Yamhill gathered on our lawn hours before departure. Warnings, free advice and various suggestions were freely and generously given. Did we realize that we had to cross mountains where, in spots, there would be only dirt trails? Did we have ample water and food to carry us for days between towns? Had we planned on encountering wild animals, and how about snakes, which were in abundance? What would we do if our car broke down? There were no gas stations along the way-- only garages at great distances apart. Oh dear. There were no answers, but fortunately, our excitement and enthusiasm could not be suppressed.
With tears flowing down their cheeks, our friends and neighbors wished us a safe return as the overloaded EMF moved on its way to California. Father, Mother and Frederick in the front seat, tucked up behind were Frances, John and Elizabeth. Our first destination was McMinnville, where we would join Dr. & Mrs. Wright. They would travel along with us as far South as San Francisco. (Details of the trip, written by my father, included in his assortment of trips-- See FL Trullinger stories.)
In 1917, when the family left Yamhill to make their home in Seattle, Frederick was young enough to accept the transition without the emotional involvement we older children encountered. When he reached the proper age, he was registered in John Hay School, only a block from our home on Knob Hill. Here he continued until our parents purchased a home at 2133 2nd Avenue West & Boston Streets. He attended Coe School for one year, then transferred to West Queen Anne Grade School where John and Elizabeth studied.
Frederick was not a happy student at West Queen Anne, so after a year, he returned to Coe School where he remained until graduation into Queen Anne High School. His first two years in high school were fun years and studying the three R's took second place. The extra-curricular affairs were high on the activity scale.
Contrary to the universal talents of the Trullinger Fox clan, Frederick became interested in music. He was a member of a small band that often played for school affairs. Frederick played drums. His mother and father were somewhat leery of this trend in his nature, nevertheless, they went along with the idea, providing him with the essential equipment.
After two years at Queen Anne High, Frederick transferred to West Seattle High School where he remained for half of his Junior year.
According to his parents, they did not believe he was applying himself to his studies, so shortly after the Christmas holidays, he was accepted at Moran School in Atascadero, California. Moran placed great emphasis on the more fundamental subjects necessary for college preparation. It was a small school of 100 high school students and 75 junior high students.
Frederick greatly enjoyed his learning experience in Atascadero. It was a very small town located in the valley, not far from the San Louis Obispo Agricultural College.
Fred and his friends soon became acquainted with many of the townspeople and readily accepted their meager offerings of entertainment. They boasted of one moving picture house, a dance hall and few shops where necessities could be purchased.
Needless to say, Frederick was greatly missed at home. At the slightest whim, Mother was on the phone, checking his welfare. How concerned we were when he was bitten by a poisonous spider. His arm was swollen many times larger than normal and hospitalization was necessary as the poison, moving throughout the blood stream, left him weak and dizzy.
Another hurried trip followed: surgery for the removal of his appendix. Prior to the surgery, the school authorities called saying Frederick was in great pain and immediate surgery was important. They could not proceed without an OK from his parents. Mother and Dad were out for the evening so I was pressured to take the responsibility and OK the surgery. This caused considerable trepidation on my part, but thank goodness, the surgery was successful and Frederick recovered quickly.
While a student at Moran, Frederick's talent for writing was recognized. While in his Sophomore year, he was offered a scholarship of $50 per month for editing their newspaper. He readily accepted and according to the instructors, did a fine job.
His devotion to duty did not, however, interfere with his love of fun. On a certain day in spring, the Seniors quietly planned the customary "Sneak Day." Instead of attending
classes, they left the premises for a "day on the town." With plenty of beer to bolster their devil-may-care attitudes, they proceeded to get tipsy. On their return to the school, the reprimands were immediate. Frederick, sensing the seriousness of their fun experience, immediately wrote his mother explaining his version of the exploit. The school immediately wrote his father, giving their version. Thinking to spare one another, Mother said nothing to Father and he, in return, suppressed his letter. The facts eventually came to their mutual attention.
Our father at this time wrote a masterful letter of advice to his son. Unfortunately, the letter was not preserved for posterity, but the words and advice remain in Frederick's mind. Dad ended his letter with a quote from the "Good Book": "The way of the transgressor is hard."
The matter did not end with an exchange of letters. Frederick was among the chosen few to be suspended for an indefinite period. The school was at this time under great financial strain. The payment of $50 a month to a student for writing a newspaper was considered extravagant. Frederick firmly believed his suspension to be a way out of. Their scholarship contract.
When threatened with a suit, Moran reconsidered, paying Frederick for the time he was suspended and formally asked him to return to the school as student and editor of the school paper. They also offered him a reduction in his tuition of $500.
After considerable cross-fire, the settlement was mutually accepted. Frederick would return to the school and be granted the original $50 per month compensation. Mother and Dad would pay the acceptable and previously confirmed $500.
Eventually the Moran School closed its doors and ceased to exist as an educational institution. The buildings are at this time, (1981), occupied and used as a State Medical Hospital for the mentally ill.
Frederick returned home in 1933 and in 1934, entered the University of Washington studying Advertising. At the end of the year, he decided he had all the formal education he needed, so joined forces with his father as an employee of the Portland Seed Company. Needless to say, his father was very pleased.
Frederick applied himself well and in 1935 was sent from Portland to Seattle to open a retail store on 2nd Avenue. Once established, he returned to Portland in an executive position.
White working in Seattle, Frederick met and fell in love with a pretty and vivacious girl from Paris, Texas. Sarah Frances Lattimore was, at the time, living in Seattle with an aunt and uncle. Dr. and Mrs. James Potts. A student at the University of Washington, Sarah enjoyed many intellectual advantages as well as a gay social life.
Sarah was the only child of Grace and William Lattimore. During his career, Bill, had played professional baseball with the Cleveland Indians and, returning to Texas, ran a mercantile business. Around 1919, he contracted tuberculosis and traveled to Colorado Springs, Colorado for rest and recuperation. Though he had recovered from tuberculosis, he caught pneumonia and died. Sarah was seven-years-old. Her mother accepted a position with the Paris Library System where she remained until retirement.
Sarah grew up with a working mother and without the discipline of a father. She did, however, have an engaging personality and a physical attractiveness which awarded her many friends and admirers. When she reached maturity, it was believed prudent to send her to her relatives in Seattle where she would have the advantage of a higher education and the guidance of conscientious, mature relatives.
Frederick and Sally were married during the Christmas holidays, December 26,1936.
Let us take a quick look at this happy occasion.
Christmas day was a happy day, when all members of the Fred L. Trullinger family met to exchange gifts and to feast at the bountiful table of turkey and all its accompaniments. This Christmas dinner was especially gay and happy when, all of a sudden, Frederick rose from his chair and announced that he was leaving for Seattle to be married to Sarah Lattimore. Reactions were diversified. Before we recovered from the startling news, Mother jumped to her feet and said in emphatic terms: "Frederick is not getting married without my presence at the ceremony!" Quickly, bags were packed. Frederick, accompanied by his mother and father, were on their way to a wedding in Seattle.
In spite of the seemingly unplanned ceremony, the service was very impressive. Mother and Dad had an opportunity to meet Dr. and Mrs. Potts, as well as Sarah's mother, Grace Lattimore and grandmother Mrs. Gutherie. They found them to be fine people and gladly welcomed them into the family.
The year 1938 was the beginning of a new life-pattern for Frederick and Sarah. A good friend and neighbor, Harry Craig, discussed plans for an all-electric model home to be built on property adjacent to the Trullinger home. It sounded like a wise and sensible move for Frederick to purchase the property and home, upon completion. They would work with the architect in planning the home to satisfy their needs and desires. Both parties would benefit. According to the contract, the house, upon completion, would be opened to the public, advertising the advantages of an all-electric home. Frederick would in turn, receive all electrical equipment at wholesale price. It was indeed a lovely and efficient home and received the coveted Medallion for electrical efficiency.
In August of 1941, Frederick was called for training in the Service of Uncle Sam. He was to report to Cheyenne, Wyoming for his basic training. Frederick was 29 years of age, married, no children, but with business responsibilities. He not exempted. Brother John, age 33 years, not married, but responsible for several business enterprises, was called by the Marine Corp. to report to Indian Island for basic training. He was
not exempt. Every household was shed of their youth. Mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers shed tears as they worked and prayed for their safety.
After completion of his basic training, Frederick was selected for OCS, or Officer's Candidate School. He remained in Cheyenne an additional three months, at which time, Sarah joined him. The first of the following year, his company was activated and shipped overseas to England. Here he remained until June 30 of 1944, when shipped across the Channel to France. He now wore the insignia of 1st Lieutenant, but was shortly promoted to Captain. Frederick's leadership abilities were quickly recognized as he assumed the position of Company Commander. They were assigned to the XIX attached corps.
Because of the outstanding exploits of the XIX Corps, I believe a brief resumé might proudly be scanned. This information was gathered from the "Le Tomahawk" special addition from D-Day to Germany - East of the Siegfried Line. Also utilized was portions of material from "The Siegfried Line to Victory." This material was graciously loaned to me from the records preserved by Capt. F.C. Trullinger.
"On July 10, 1944, the XIX Corp crossed the English Channel into Castilly and Isigny, the largest town that showed real evidence of naval and air bombardment. Stopped first by German's encounter offensive, then on to St. Jean and De Daye.
By July 18, after a long and bitter battle at St. Lo, the city was captured. On South they pushed to "Mortain" where the final hopes of the Germans to cut off the American drive to Brittany, were dashed.
After reaching Alecon, they started North, crossing the Sein and the Somme River and had the destinction of being the first allied troops to enter Belguim.
By September 19, the Corp faced the Siegfried Line. Launching a powerful offensive, they cracked the concrete and steel portions of the Siegfried Line on its front, opening up a hole eleven miles wide and four miles deep. This cut the last escape route from Aachen. This was tough fighting every inch of the way. The Germans had brought in extra troops as many had been captured and many had been fleeing. Their resistance and retreat was conducted as fast as possible in order to prevent encirclement and to organize a defense of their homeland.
On October 4, (the day before Frederick's birthday), the Germans launched four serious counter attacks, all of which were repulsed. Taking advantage of the cloudy weather, the Luftwaffe engaged in the greatest air activity yet seen by the corps' front. Strong German counter attacks caused considerable loss of property and casualties. By night-fall, the lost ground was regained and the division continued on. The fighting was ferocious.
From D-Day to October 15, fifty-five enemy airplanes were shot down, one hundred sixty bridges built and four major rivers crossed.
On October 22, the XIX Corps became attached to the 9th Army. By November 16 through the 30th, the infantry divisions drove into the desperate German resistance. They committed their best and their defense was intense, but there was no resistance against the American troops. The captured German officers were unanimous in their praise of the tactics employed in this corps? drive; complaining that they were constantly confused as to the direction and strength of the forces.
Planning the drive across the Roer was well underway when the Germans counter-offensive forced a postponement. A change in the defensive was necessary. This was the first time this had happened since the corps came into action in Europe. By rearranging strategy and movement of troops, the Americans met the Germans at the Western end of the Bulge and almost completely destroyed the powerful German 2nd Panzer Division. In the bitter cold of the German winter, the corps held the North shoulder of the Bulge and even undertook local attacks to straighten out the line and to keep the German troops busy. In an old Monastery at Kornelimenster, the troops spent a cold and relatively cheerless Christmas, mindful of the bitter fighting and suffering going on farther South.
Finally, on February 5, the Corps decided to cross the Roer River. Up the Roer were two great dams-- the Schwammenauel and the Erfttalsperre, built by Germans to delay the enemy forces trying to penetrate into the Rhineland. When our troops attempted to cross, a wall of water could be released to sweep down upon them. The XIX Corps knew the danger and attempted to bomb them out, but failed. The Germans blew the spillway, hoping to raise the level and drain the lake, in an attempt to hold the enemy back as long as possible. Our men could not wait for the river to subside, but as soon as the current diminished, they attempted to build bridges. A total of 15 bridges were built. It was the most difficult of all crossings as our men were under constant fire. One bridge was rebuilt 9 times.
The corps moved rapidly, fooling the enemy by unexpected maneuver and positions. in ten days, the XIX took more than 11,000 prisoners, 353 towns and over 300 sq. miles of territory at the price of a proportionately small casualty list.
The XIX Corps climaxed its brilliant record in the war in Europe by a dazzling display of speed and efficiency in the final push that toppled the German army in the West and helped to finish the war.
On March 23, the crossing of the Rhine began. This was completed by the 29th and the troops were on their way East. A great pincer movement was organized to cut off the Ruhr district. The drive went on day and night. A long, narrow, threatening, armored finger was thrust deep into Germany.
Then began the successful accomplishment of one of the biggest operations ever conducted by one Corp. Over 300,000 German troops were captured and the last remaining industrial area of Germany was cut off.
Great numbers of depots, airfields, factories, stores, rolling stack and dumps fell into the American hands. The roads began to fill with thousands of Russians, French, Yugoslavs, Poles, Dutch, Belgians, Hungarians and Italians.
Finally, on April 30, the allies made contact with the Russians. The task of the XIX Corps was over.
Frederick was stationed at Brandenburg when the war ended. As stated, due to the strategy of the planners, they were held up from entering Berlin. The task was allotted to the Russians. However, thousands of German troops were surrendering to the Americans, but the Russians demanded the role of executioner and annihilator, leaving Berlin in a rubble and its innocent women and children slaughtered.
Prior to the capture of Berlin, Frederick and his men captured and operated a train carrying ammunition to the Elbe River. The ammunition to be used on an assault on Berlin. Needless to say, it was not used as the Russians, with verbal support of Roosevelt and Churchill, were granted the victor's prize.
The American troops wished to march on Berlin on July 4, but for fear of propaganda, were not allowed to parade until July 5, to December 7, 1945. Following this difficult period, Fred and other officers were granted a ten-day leave at Government expense, to the Riviera in Cannes, France. Here they enjoyed the finest hotel, nightclubs, movies, fine food and recreation. They deserved it all, and much more.
After a week or ten days in England, they boarded the Queen Mary, along with 25,000 other men and were on their way back to the United States.
Embarking in New York, Frederick was sent to Fort Dix and finally to Fort Lewis in Washington, where he was honorably discharged from the Quartermaster Corps of the 9th Army.
Frederick received no physical injuries from his war experience. He did, however, return home a man older than his years. A man fully aware of the greed, the brutal suffering inflicted upon our fellow men and the inhuman and ruthless direction we pursue to reach our goals.
Within his company, loss of life was minimal. Two men were lost by sniper fire, one man in Holland was blown from his jeep while driving over a land mine. Two men in the artillery also lost their lives. There was great rejoicing in all the land when our boys returned home. We had prayed daily for the safety of our young men, and especially for Frederick and John. Now we gave thanks.
Frederick immediately resumed his work with his father at the Portland Seed Company. What a relief it was for his over-burdened father who had literally run three businesses during the war years. In 1948, Father, without fanfare, or public acclaim, made Frederick President of Portland Seed Company. The position was accepted with modest dignity. In 1955 the well known Chas. H. Lilly Co. was purchased by Father and the Portland Seed, Inland Seed and Seattle Seed were all merged under The Chas. H. Lilly name.
Frederick proved to be a very capable head of the rapidly expanding company. With great dignity, he earned the respect of all who knew him. One business associate expressed the opinion of many when he remarked, "Fred Trullinger was at all times a perfect gentleman."
Aside from his intense loyalty to his company, Frederick diversified his interests. In 1957, through 1958, he served as President of the Oregon Feed and Seed Association; 1959, President of the Pacific Seedsman Association; 1967 through 1973, President and Member of the Board of the Catlin Gabel School. He participated in local affairs through membership in the Episcopal Church, Royal Oaks Golf & Country Club, and Portland Rotary Club. It was during this period that Frederick, in association with two prominent Vancouver men, established the Bank of Vancouver.
During the war years, while Frederick was in the service of his country, Sarah rented their Vancouver home and established a temporary home with us, the Oliphants, in Seattle. She minimized the long days of worry and waiting by working at the Portland Seed Company's retail store.
With the signing of the Armistice, Fred returned home and life was resumed on a normal basis. In 1946, a daughter, Susan Elizabeth was born. In 1950, a son, Frederick Lattimore was born, completing the family unit.
The children enjoyed growing up in this quiet Vancouver, Washington neighborhood, only a few hundred feet from their grandparents' home. Both children attended the local elementary schools. Susan graduated from Hudson's Bay High School in 1964 and went on to received her diploma and BA degree from the University of Washington in 1969. Her freshman and sophomore years were spent at the University of Arizona, Tucson. One semester of her senior year she studied at L ' Ecole De Beaux Arts in Avignon, France.
Frederick Lattimore, who had the family nickname ?Moe?, graduated from Catlin Gabel High School in 1968 before entering Menlo College at Menlo Park, California. After graduation in 1972, he worked briefly in construction in Sun Valley, Idaho. With the coming of winter, he moved to Seattle where he was employed by the Seattle-First National Bank. Here he remained until 1976 when he returned to Portland to join his father at The Chas. H. Lilly Co. Shortly before the death of his father, Moe rose to the ranks of President of the Chas. H. Lilly Co. Now he is called Fred.
Susan's first work experience after college was with Safeco Insurance Co. It was an office job, designing forms, letterheads and envelopes. Although she was pleased to be making $400 a month, the job was not stimulating or creative. She left after nine months to join a friend from, Robin Andrews, to establish a graphic design business in Seattle.
In 1972, Susan was asked to join a class action suit against Safeco on the plea of unequal treatment of women employees. The case took a long time, signing on hundreds of women who had worked for Safeco and then working its way though the courts. By 1976 the plaintives, who numbered in the hundreds, won the case and compensation of over $1,000,000?one of the largest class action suits of the day.
In 1973, Susan traveled around the world, on her own. She spent six or seven weeks visiting a college friend in Japan where they traveled throughout the island of Honshu. From there she went on to Hong Kong, Bangkok, Tel Aviv, Istanbul, Paris and New York visiting friends in some places and just exploring cities in other places. Her journey lasted four or five months.
In 1974, with her experience as a graphic designer Susan joined a friend, Judy Rose, who had experience in advertising sales. Together they started The Fox Publishing Company (Fox after Grace Fox Trullinger) in Portland, Oregon, to publish "Portland and the Pacific Northwest", an annual hard cover guide book which was placed in all the rooms and suites of the city's leading hotels for travelers? use.
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1912 - 1981 (69 years)
