Kate Brown’s ascension to the Oregon governor’s chair on Feb. 18 created a link between the Wallowa Valley and the governor’s office. During the time the “First Gentleman,” Dan Little, worked in the Wallowa Valley for the U.S. Forest Service as an information manager, the couple began their relationship, ultimately marrying in 1996.

When the Chieftain learned of the couple’s connection to the Wallowa Valley, we contacted the governor’s office as well as Mr. Little to get more in-depth information about the couple’s time here and how it figured into their relationship. Mr. Little provided written answers to a submitted list of questions, and the Chieftain here presents his responses verbatim.

Little: We were married at the old roller skating rink by the tram at Wallowa Lake on October 11, 1996 (Columbus Day Weekend). We were hoping for one of those nice sunny, warm fall weekends and decorated the hall with tiny white holiday lights and flowers friends had dried all fall. Unfortunately, unseasonably cold weather moved into the area and we were left scrambling to find propane heaters to heat that big very cold, drafty hall. Snow started falling soon after the ceremony ended and it turned out to be one of those magical nights spent with family and friends enjoying music and good food.

Little: We met through mutual friends of my parents while we were attending college in Colorado. She was studying Environmental Conservation at the University of Colorado and I was attending Colorado State University studying Forestry.

Little: I was the Information Manager (GIS Coordinator) for the Wallowa Mountains Zone on the Wallowa Whitman National Forest from 1991-1998. Previously I had worked in John Day and Grants Pass, Oregon as a field forester. The Chieftain actually did an article on the work I was doing sometime around 1985 or ’86. Don’t remember the exact date….

Little: She was serving in the Oregon Senate representing southeast Portland.

Little: Kate had been to Pendleton and La Grande before but her first visit to Wallowa County was to visit me.

Little: Kate knew I was living in eastern Oregon and called me in the spring of 1996 for a campaign contribution. I asked her if she was interested in visiting Enterprise to do some hiking and skiing so we planned a trip for her to visit on Saint Patrick’s Day weekend. Unbeknownst to her, someone broke into the backseat of her car during a stop on way and stole a bag with all her clothes and sleeping bag. Her first shopping adventure was to visit the Enterpriser Clothing Store to replenish for the weekend. Unlike many people who live together, then get married, we did the opposite. We spent a year commuting between Portland and Enterprise, got married, and then spent another year doing the same commute until I moved to Portland in 1998.

Little: We have very fond memories of Enterprise and still have many good friends in eastern Oregon so periodically get back there to do some biking, hiking and skiing but we have not been to Enterprise for a while.

Little: We really enjoy trekking in the area and have hiked everywhere from the Lower Imnaha River Trail to climbing Ruby Peak, plus numerous hikes up the Lostine and the Wallowa River trails. We’ve also done some cross-country skiing and overnight trips at the Wing Ridge Ski Huts. Joseph of course is always fun to visit for the art and bronze foundries.

Little: As you can imagine, our plans have changed quite a bit lately! I’m sure we’ll make it back to Wallowa County at some point. We both love to travel around Oregon, and she has been doing much more of it over the last several years as part of her previous role as Secretary of State. My birthday present from her this year was a gift certificate to attend one of the Fishtrap Writers’ Conferences at Wallowa Lake, so there will definitely be a trip there in the next couple of years!