This is a behind-the-scenes look at a “Living History Movie” being created for the Hughes House and Ranch working from a script first authored by historian Shirley Nelson in 2024. The goal of the script and video is to increase accessibility by providing a tour experience for individuals who cannot climb the stairs to see the second floor of the house or who are otherwise incapable of visiting the home.

Video in progress featuring composited script for voiceover cues.


The walkthrough video of the Hughes House will be accompanied by music on display in the main parlor of the home that was first composed by C.H. Pearse. Musician Nathan Malamud has created his own arrangements of these compositions in order to honor the original work, yet interpret it for the movie project and a new audience.

As with most Heritage Projects, this took a fascinating research detour; the first challenge was locating the original sheet music from the Library of Congress. There we discovered more music by C.H Pearse, who hailed from Beaverton, OR, then moved to a 160-mile ranch on the Elk River in Curry County shortly after his melody, “Pots and Kettles”, was published (Source: The Beaverton Review, 05/18/28, courtesy of the UofO Historic Oregon Newspapers Project).

“Pots and Kettles” ~ slower, softer piano tone.

The songs we selected were published and copyrighted in the same time period (January 1927) following the death of his wife in 1925. This would perhaps explain the motivation and mood behind the mournful “Parting of the Way” and “Shadows Softly Fall”.

“Shadows Softly Fall” ~ which includes a reprise of “Parting of the Way”.
“Parting of the Way” ~ increased tempo, dynamic contrast, articulation (arpeggios, staccato).

The movie is being edited in Final Cut Pro with the three collaborators working on their parts from Washington and Oregon. The new arrangements are being digitally restored in MuseScore.

Creating a Living History Movie.

A Moog synthesizer is being used to create the soundtrack which makes for creative variation:

“Pots and Kettles”, Harpsichord Variation.

We thank Nathan for contributing his artistic talents to this special edition of “Living History Movies.” The movie is scheduled for completion in 2026.

See more Living History Movies at the Cape Blanco Heritage Society website.