Philip Brogan papers

Phillip Francis Brogan, better known as Phil Brogan, was an Oregon journalist and author who became known for his expertise in Oregon geology, history and astronomy. Brogan’s main contributions came through his work at the Bend Bulletin where he worked for 44 years, serving as a reporter, writer and editor.

Brogan was born on March 23, 1896 in the Dalles, Oregon. As a boy Brogan lived and worked on ranches in the regions surrounding Ashwood and Antelope, Oregon. After serving in the US navy in WWI, Brogan returned to Oregon and eventually entered the University of Oregon in 1919 as a journalism student. During his time at the U of O Brogan wrote for the Eugene Register-Guard, writing articles about Oregon geology. Four years later Brogan left the University missing two classes and, thus, without his degree.

Brogan’s journalism career truly started in 1923, when he was hired by the Bend Bulletin to report on science in Oregon. During his career as a journalist Brogan became an expert in many fields, reporting on subjects such as central Oregon’s history, geology, paleontology, geography, meteorology and astronomy to name a few. Brogan published thousands of articles for the Bulletin while simultaneously acting as a correspondent for the Oregonian in regards to Central Oregon. He also participated as a part of the Oregon Geographic Names Board, serving as president for 20 years. Additionally, Brogan’s book East of the Cascades, published in 1964, acted as a huge contribution to the study of central Oregon history.

Brogan’s role in Oregon journalism left a big impact, for, he brought attention to otherwise unknown aspects of Oregon’s past. Brogan improved public awareness of Oregon’s unique geology and archeology, sparking public interest through his stories and engaging writing style. Due to this important contribution, Brogan won a number of awards including the American Heritage award given by the Oregon Historical Society, The Distinguished Service Award provided by the University of Oregon, the Thomas Jefferson Award by the National Weather Service and the Amos Voorhies Award which named him the “most outstanding Oregon newspaperman.”

By the time of his retirement, Brogan was a well-known journalist across the state as well as Oregon’s best known geologist. Brogan retired in 1967 and would eventually go on to move to Denver, Colorado, where he would die on May 30, 1983. However, the legacy of Brogan lives on with his name honoring a viewpoint near Lava Butte.