‘The Evergreen’: Presidential sleepover leaves lasting memories

By Nora Colie (OPB) and Julie Sabatier (OPB)
Oct. 14, 2024 1 p.m.
Kristen Bergeron née Olson, then age 5, enthusiastically greets President Jimmy Carter upon his arrival at her family's home in Portland, Ore. May 4, 1978.

Kristen Bergeron née Olson, then age 5, enthusiastically greets President Jimmy Carter upon his arrival at her family's home in Portland, Ore. May 4, 1978.

Courtesy of the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum

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When President Jimmy Carter traveled, he sometimes stayed in people’s homes. This started as a way to save money when he was running for Georgia governor, but he continued these home visits even after being elected to America’s highest office. He stayed with at least eight different families around the country, one of which was in Oregon. Producer Nora Colie was six years old when President Carter came to stay with her neighbors, the Olson family. She recently revisited their memories, and her own, in honor of Carter’s 100th birthday.

You can read more and see the Oregon Experience video Nora Colie produced here.

Listen to all episodes of The Evergreen podcast here.

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