Maggie’s Story

Maggie Rogers was born Mary Margaret Salisbury in Seattle, Washington in the midst of the Great Depression. She was the oldest of the three children (along with sister Betty and brother George) of George and Eathyl Salisbury. She excelled as a student in elementary and high school, and was awarded a scholarship to Western Washington University, then later earned a Masters of Library Science degree at the University of Oregon.

Besides being a calligrapher, Maggie was a cherished figure in the mycological community, known for her warm hospitality and eclectic interests. A key member of the Oregon Mycological Society (OMS), Maggie earned life membership for her extensive contributions. She managed the club’s library and book sales, organized annual forays, and was deeply involved in mushroom toxicity research. Maggie was a vital force in fostering a community spirit and enriching the organization through her enthusiasm and knowledge.

Maggie’s passion for mushrooms also led her to co-publish Mushroom: The Journal of Wild Mushrooming with Don Coombs, producing 77 issues over 19 years. Her writing, particularly the “Keeping Up” column, kept readers informed about the latest in the world of mycology. Additionally, she collected mushroom-themed postage stamps, amassing a substantial collection that she later donated to the Farlow Library at Harvard University.

Maggie incorporated her love for fungi into various creative endeavors, including mushroom dyeing, calligraphy, and papermaking. Her home was a hub for OMS board meetings, a treasure trove filled with books, art, and various small objects that reflected her passions, including a diverse collection of mushrooms. 

In recognition of her contributions, a newly described mushroom species, Polyozellus marymargaretae, was named in her honor. 

Maggie served on the PSC Board, including as Menucha chair from 2004-2009.