The Story
Moorhouse held a wide array of occupations throughout his lifetime, but his photography made him stand out from the rest; his photography was different. Unlike many others who took up photography in the 1880’s, Moorhouse used professional equipment: tripods, large cameras, and he worked with 8 x 10” gelatin dry glass plate negatives as opposed to the popular film alternative. Another fact that makes Moorhouse different from the rest is that his photography went so much further than simple family portraits and charming staged scenes—over his vast collection he actually documented Native American lives in the Columbia Basin.
Next we would like to start in with the interviews we will have of Umatilla Native’s. These will be a touching and realistic addition to the story—more so than any narration can offer. We will juxtapose these with the photography and Pendleton footage. We have interviewed three Natives: Thomas Morningowl, Les Minthorne, and Mitzi Rodriguez. These interviews provide an in depth and personalized approach to the photographs, and the intense, touching stories that accompany them. Spanning the four trips to Pendleton, we have met some incredible people, and heard some unbelievable stories—we hope to share a portion of this in our documentary.
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Major
Lee Moorhouse: photographer, miner, surveyor, rancher, businessman,
civic leader, Umatilla Indian Agent, real estate operator, insurance
salesman, and Assistant Adjunct General of the Oregon State Militia
and “amateur” photographer. 
His
photography has long been criticized for embellishments; many scholars stating
that Moorhouse idealized Native American past in these photographs but did
not encompass their present, trying experiences. Moorhouse often had his subjects
wear or pose with any part of his extensive artifact collection. He thought
his pictures—like many other photographers of that time—embodied
the last of Native American civilization. Moorhouse always maintained that
he was an amateur photographer; however, his collection, and those who have
seen it refuse to accept that generalization. Moorhouse was a very interesting
person and will make for a great main character in this documentary. To portray
this man, we plan on using interview footage from Normandy, an expert working
in the Special Collections Department of the University of Oregon’s Knight
Library, small forms of reenactment by way of a narrated archival letter, our
footage from Pendleton, and a lot of photographs. 
After
we explore Moorhouse and his history, we would like to take an in-depth
look at his collection of photography. (Many of these photographs can
be found at 
With
a string of authentic native music flowing throughout the background to tie
the story together, and touching, poignant and meaningful narration, this documentary
will be much more than a film, it will be a learning experience that will stay
with the viewer. This story will embody and evoke a variety of feelings from
its audience, and we hope they are left with information that inspires them
to go on and find out more for themselves about the Moorhouse collection and
the Umatilla Indian Reservation.
