OLHD is saddened to have learned of the passing of Enid Briggs, an avid supporter and volunteer for the Milwaukie Museum along with her sister Adele Wilder. OLHD had the pleasure of interviewing the two sisters in 2011, which is available for viewing on a link in OLHD’s website, or directly via the OLHD YouTube channel. Both Enid and Adele were a joy to be around. Our sincere condolences go out to Enid’s family.

Descendants of early Milwaukie residents Johnson Briggs and Fred Birkemeier, Enid Briggs and her sister Adele Briggs Wilder had deep roots in the Milwaukie/Oak Grove area. Their paternal grandfather, Johnson Briggs, arrived in Oregon from Maine about 1900 settling first in Sellwood, then near today’s Briggs Street in Oak Grove. Their maternal grandfather, Fred Birkemeier, arrived in Milwaukie from Germany in 1879 settling near Kellogg Creek, later Kellogg Lake. Both Enid and Adele had been active with the Milwaukie Historical Society and Museum for many years. The Briggs sisters grew up in the Milwaukie/Oak Grove area and until fairly recently shared a home in Oak Grove. Adele passed away in 2018.

Enid’s obituary can be viewed here.

A service will be held at the Milwaukie Covenant Church on Jan. 22nd at 2:00 pm.

Mike Schmeer
Chairman, Oak Lodge History Detectives