Elizabeth Rae rests next to her husband, George Rae in Portland’s magnificent ‘Rae Room’ tomb. Elizabeth’s maiden name was Maxwell and before her marriage to George Rae, Elizabeth’s prior married name was Miller. This ring was gifted from Elizabeth to her sister Celia Dubbs and bears the inscription ‘E.M to C.D.’ This precious ring remains in the hands of Elizabeth Rae’s family.
Local Memorial Day news coverage features Portland’s historic Wilhelm’s Portland Memorial mausoleum and the fascinating ‘Rae Room’ tomb there. Here’s some helpful information, if you’re planning to attend:
Expect lots of Memorial Day visitors to begin arriving around Noon. By 1PM, the Memorial Service will be underway and afterward, many then decide to tour the fascinating ‘Rae Room’ tomb.
Early in the day and also by mid-afternoon, crowds tend to thin, which means you can usually get in to view the ‘Rae Room’ without a long wait in line.
During your tour at the Portland Memorial, bring your curiosity, a camera or smart phone and comfortable walking shoes. Touring this massive mausoleum offers a great deal to take in. For some, the Portland Memorial has features of a time capsule, library, art gallery, house of worship, museum and mausoleum all rolled into one. You can have a fascinating time regardless of weather, since much of what you’ll see is indoors!
Bring your appetite, too, as Wilhelm’s Portland Memorial are gracious hosts. Memorial Day visitors are often provided popcorn, coffee and sometimes even cookies & hot dogs, while they last.
This November 106 years ago, the couple in Portland, Oregon’s opulent Rae Room tomb finally married. As revealed in ‘Whispers From The Tomb,’ tough and craggy lumberman George Rae was actually a closet romantic:
“At first glance, the wedding date chosen seems odd. That’s because after years of friendship with George Rae, his new bride Elizabeth is denied a traditional June wedding. Neither will it occur amid bursts of sunshine, lush with the promise blossoms bring. Even more puzzling, instead of a Spring rite, an especially rainy season is selected for the nuptials. Nor will they celebrate among evergreens in the forest setting George finds so familiar. The lumber executive and his new bride hold the glorious event indoors—during a season famed for short days and wet weather.”
“Is George Rae uncaring, unthinking, or merely impulsive? Actually, he has good reason to select this seemingly inauspicious time to pledge himself to the woman he loves, for November 6th is Elizabeth’s birthday. Marrying her in the royal suite of Portland’s grand Multnomah Hotel is a special gift on his bride’s special day.”
Whispers From The Tomb by Roy Widing
Order this special book for holiday giving by clicking here or on the image below.
It’s not too early to start Holiday shopping. For that fan of history, Oregon, romance or non-fiction on your list, we’ve got you covered. Order a copy of ‘Whispers From The Tomb.’
About The Book
The accidental discovery of a magnificent tomb launches a quest to know more. Who are these people and why was this lavish structure built? ‘Whispers From The Tomb’ begins with the accidental discovery of a private mausoleum unlocked to the public once a year. Inside are two enormous marble sarcophagi standing side-by-side for more than half a century. We learn the deceased man is a wealthy businessman who immigrates to the United States in his youth.
But little is known about the mysterious woman next to him. Digging back in time yields tantalizing clues. Almost worthy of a spy novel, we learn the man’s body is exhumed from his initial burial plot and spirited to his final resting place inside the opulent tomb. ‘Whispers From The Tomb’ next uncovers multiple headline-making courtroom dramas. Each involves the deceased wealthy man, his massive estate, those expecting to gain from it and the mysterious woman resting beside him. Buy ‘Whispers From The Tomb:’ History, mystery, romance…and all true! Now available in e-book, print and now audiobook. Order from any of these three book formats here.
Many wonder about the beautiful stained glass in Portland’s ‘Rae Room’ tomb. Some suggest that wooded scene was placed inside the elaborate sepulchre given George Rae’s work as a lumberman. But might there be more behind this seemingly minor clue? Some determined research provides tantalizing hints that there is indeed a bit more to the story.
A popular song containing those lyrics was released nearly a decade before Rae’s passing. Yet here’s where it gets really interesting. That song was even part of George Rae’s 1918 funeral in Portland, Oregon:
Hear the Bing Crosby version of the song here.
There’s much more to this fascinating story. That’s because long before George Rae was interred in the stunning Rae tomb, he was first buried across the Willamette River at Portland’s Riverview Cemetery. Then years later after a monumental legal fight all the way to the Oregon Supreme Court, his body was exhumed. That’s when George Rae reached his final resting place, at what’s now known as Wilhelm’s Portland Memorial mausoleum.
Find out more about this fascinating true story by clicking here or on the image below.
Buy This Book Here!
This Memorial Day beginning at 11:30 AM at Wilhelm’s Portland Memorial, a limited copy run of the non-fiction book ‘Whispers From The Tomb’ signed by the author will be available to purchase for $25.
Meet Oregon Author Roy Widing
Tour the historic Rae Room tomb where this fascinating story begins and meet Oregon author Roy Widing, while you’re there.
Click here or view the image below for the 2019 Memorial Day ceremony schedule.
Hell0, my name is Elizabeth Rae.
This Memorial Day, you’re invited to learn about my life and view the magnificent tomb built for my husband George and I.
Author Roy WIding
Whispers From The Tomb 