JUNCTION CITY

Lane County Historian

LANE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Va1 XIV. No. 2 Eugene, Oregon Summer, 1969 LANE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Mrs. C. A. Huntington, President 740 West 13th Avenue, Eugene, Oregon 97402 Stuart W. Hurd, Membership Secretary Rt. 2, Box 345, Eugene, Oregon 97401 Mrs. Stoddard Malarkey, Editor 2075 East 27th Avenue, Eugene, Oregon 97403 Manuscripts submitted for publication should be typewritten and double-spaced. If the author wishes to retain his copy, then please submit a duplicate copy far consideration.

CONTENTS

THE SCANDINAVIAN FESTIVAL. . 23 by G. F. Fletchall, M.D.

JUNCTION CITY'S YESTERDAYS 2) by Josephine Evans Harpham

A BALLAD OF JUNCTION CITY . . 47 by C. A. Pitney

COVER Oregon & California Railroad Engine No. 5 named Salem. The 0 & C reached Junction City in 1869. This engine was built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1870 and is typical of early motive power used for passenger and freight service. Drawn by Terry Miller.

"Nobody truly appreciates the present who does not know something of the past. Junction City's early days make a fascinating chapter in the history of Lane County." These are the words of Josephine Evans Harpham, author of Doorways into History, to whom the Lane County Historical Society is grateful for her ideas and efforts on behalf of this issue of the Historian. It was our intention to publish this issue to co- incide with this year's Scandinavian Festival. We hope the enjoyment of each will compliment each other.

22 .Jhe Scandinavian7eo1iva/ By G. F. Fletchall, M.D. Why does a small town whose found itself faced with a problem growth has been relatively static imposed by the progress of our for years decide to have a Festi- modern age. New and better roads val? What prompts a community had beenbuilt,a freeway by- of 1,680 people to attempt to pro- passed the city, and most of the mote an event of such magnitude heavy traffic which 10 r m e r ly and scope that it could have been coursed through main street, was destined for defeat in itsinitial routed several miles to the east. planning phase? Why has this com- Morale reached a low ebb, prop- munity been able to initiate and erties were allowed to deteriorate, develop an event which could not business after business closed, and have succeeded in other communi- main street began to present a dis- ties with greater populations and couraging and depressing picture material resources to draw from? of empty store fronts. The answer to these questions is Faced with this picture and the the basis for the success of the prospect of greater decline, Dr. G. Scandinavian Festival in Junction F. Fletchall searched for an idea City, Oregon. This small communi- which might help the situation. ty, thirteen miles north of Eugene, The idea had to be different and the second largest city in Oregon, unique. It had to be something is one of the older communities in which the community was capable the state whose history begins with of, would accept and support. It the first migrations a c r o s s the must be something which would plains in the mid-1800's. In the appeal to those outside the com- early days of the town, a railroad munity, and long hours of reading, junction was proposed, and its in- research and thought were spent stigator predicted "a second Chi- before the obvious answer evolved. cago." The junction of the rail- The history and background of roads did not materialize and the the city and the ability inherent name "Junction City" is all that in its population lent credence to remains to remind one of the vision several ideas which could have and aspirations of this early pro- been developed. Its pioneer his- moter. Following the settlement of tory and the colorful anecdotes this valley community, many Dan- and tales of its role in Civil War ish, Norwegian and Swedish people history, early river-boat traffic and moved into the area. The Danish railroad history all could have been people bought up farms and en- utilized around which a yearly cele- gaged in intensive agriculture and bration could have been staged. dairying. The Swedish and Nor- But these ideas were not novel, wegian people drew from their ex- other communities had even perience in lumbering, and were in- greater claim to this heritage and strumental in developing and man- had already developed them. If aging the lumber industry in the Junction City had chosen to com- a r e a. The economy of Junction pete in these areas, it would have City and its environs has been been another fair, carnival or rodeo stable, even through the Depres- to add to the already plentiful sion. celebrations in the Northwest. It By 1960, however, Junction City appeared that the one thing that 23 P I 4- CH: Ir-

was unique in the city's history began to ask for more concrete was its Scandinavian heritage, and plans and suggested that it be pro- it seemed that this was the one posed to the Chamber of Com- thing which could be developed merce. By January of 1961 the into a colorful annual celebration. undercurrent of thought appeared With this thought, the next step to be favorable, the time right, and was to attempt to get community most people receptive, and the en- reaction or support for the idea. tire draft of a proposed Scandi- Initiallyit was casually men- navian Festival was printed and tioned to a few key individuals, presented to the Chamber. There especially at times when the con- was immediate acceptance of the versation led to the discouraging idea, and the Chamber of Com- prospects for growth of the com- merce appointed a committee to munity. The thought of the Festi- work with Dr. Fletchall. It was val was presented as a possibility the job of this committee to estab- of developing a better community lish a budget for the first year's spirit. It was to afford a common celebration. This was later pre- ground on which all groups could sented to the Chamber who ac- lend support in the common goal cepted their report agreeing to of making Junction City a better underwrite the first Festival. Dr. place in which to live. From this Fletchall was asked to act as chair- slow beginning, many individuals man and to organize the first Fes- 24 tival which was to be held in Aug- vian vernacular, to present during ust of that year. the Festival. Many organizations The next job was tosell the began planning and working on community on the idea. The first the construction of Scandinavian question asked by most people was buildings which c o u 1 d b e dis- "what could we do for entertain- mantled and erected quickly which ment in such a Festival?" To give would be placed on the mall. Pub- some idea of the scope of such a licity brochures were printed, and program, a special meeting was a small Scandinavian Band was or- announced at one of the schools, ganized in the school. These ac- and everyone in the city who was tivities were the nuclei of the first interested was invited to attend. Scandinavian Festival which was A Scandinavian Advisory Board held in August, 1961. was organized of influential people A few days before the first Fes- who gave their moral support and tival, the flower b o xe si n full advice. The one thing which was bloom were transported downtown, emphasized from the beginning was the streets were closed, a dance authenticity. There was little ma- platform was erected in the cen- terial to draw from for this first ter of the mall, and the Scandi- town meeting. We had no folk navian buildings were erected on d a n c e r s, no Scandinavian musi- both sides of the street. Colored cians, no costumes or flags. A large lights draped the streets at night, department store in Po r t 1 a n d and the flags made a colorful can- loaned us a set of Scandinavian opy over the streets in the day- flags for decoration. A folk dance time. During that first four-day group from Eugene consented to Festival, over 25,000 people visited come and dance for us. We utilized the city. Representatives from 28 our own community chorus and states and many foreign countries during the evening interspersed registered. A tt h e registration the program with thoughts and booth, each person was allowed to suggestions relative to the Festival choose the Scandinavian nation- which was scheduled the e a r 1 y ality he desired, and he was given part of August. The first commu- souvenir citizenship papers. Vari- nity meeting was held in May; we ous groups, churches, lodges, serv- had only two and a half months to ice clubs and individuals prepared prepare for the first event. and sold Scandinavian food and The idea was enthusiastically souvenirs. These items were kept accepted and committee h e a ds at a very nominal fee and there were appointed and interested per- was no charge made for entertain- sons were assigned to committees ment. In a true Festival atmos- to begin work. The first task was phere, everyone entered the spirit the building of over a hundred of the thing, dressed in Scandina- planter-boxes to hold the petunias vian costumes and participated in which were to decorate the mall. games and folk dancing. It was ap- Patterns were taken from the bor- parent that our desire to avoid a rowed flags and a local women's formal show was successful for group made us several dozen flags. young and old came to participate Since there was no local folk dance and many expressed their apprecia- group, one was quickly organized tion for something so spontaneous, and began weekly practices. The non-commercial, and different. Community Chorus began rehears- Many interesting guests appear ing numbers, some in Scandina- at each Festival. One year, a young 25 foreign exchange student had just zines have cooperated with this arrived from Norway. The atmos- community in making the celebra- phere of the Festival was reminis- tion known. cent of her home country causing During the past two celebra- her to feel welcome. Her ad just- tions, approximately 30 to 40 thou- ment that year was easy. Another, sand have attended each celebra- a lady from Latvia wore her na- tion. The Festival is familiar to tional costume which she had fa- most of the Northwest and is gain- shioned from articles collected dur- ing in national recognition. ing her internment in a Nazi prison A few simple principles have camp. Her story and the explana- been adopted by the Scandinavian tion of her costume brought to Festival Association which were mind the sacrifices these countries incorporated in the first venture have paid for freedom. and have held to the present time. Prior to the first Festival, few The Festivals are supported by the individuals had costumes of any membership fees of those joining sort.It was necessary to spend the Association, by gifts from local much time in research collecting merchants, and by a percentage d a t a,pictures and descriptions, revenue from the shops erected on fajiioning patterns and s e w i n g the mall for the four-day celebra- costumes to be worn at Festival tion. The Festival is always held time. By opening day fully a third on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and of the townspeople had their own Sunday, the second week-end in costumes which added to the color August. The first day is always and pageantry of the occasion. Swedish Day followed by Nor- Many mistakes were made in the wegian Day, Finnish Day and fi- first Festival. Perhaps the greatest nally by Danish Day and homecom- mistake was the underestimation ing. The Association refuses to of the crowd which would attend. make any charge for parking, en- A Smorgasbord had been sched- trance or registration, attending uled for Saturday evening at which programs or community dancing. three thousand were served and at Gaudy advertising and competitive least another thousand t u r n e d pricing are forbidden, and visitors away. Other groups, too, failed to are charged only for the food or have enough food prepared and gifts they purchase. There are no spent nights preparing D a n is h beautycontests,rulingqueens, pastries to supply their shops dur- competitive parades, carnivals or ing the daytime. commercialization a 11 o w e d. The Succeeding Festivals have grown program, though loosely planned, in numbers attending and a sincere isvariable and spontaneous. attempt has been made to incorpo- Friendliness, color and authenticity rate more and more authenticity are the guiding principles of those in the programs, the food, and the who plan the event. Every attempt atmosphere. It has evolved into is made to make it a cultural pres more than a local event; it is be- entation, and in the true connota- coming a Northwest community tion of the word "festival" the pro- event. Various folk dance groups, gram is formulated with the choruses and instrumental groups thought of encouraging everyone have travelled to the Festival and to participate. have been featured on the pro- The program, for the most part, gram. R a d io stations, television follows the same format each year stations, newspapers and maga- beginning in the morning and last- 26 ing until late evening. On opening formal program consisting mainly day the Mayor, dressed in tradi- of community singing, vocal and tional tails and top hat, rides to the instrumental groups, folk dancing mall to officially begin the Festival. by local dancers and visitors from His duty is also to open Little other places. Each evening the Scandinavia and to preside at the children have their part in the initial flag-raising ceremonies. On program and usually dramatize one the mall, the shops are open all of the tales of Hans Christian An- day and evening. The children have dersen. At the close of the evening much to occupy them all during program, the Vikings stage their the day. Borne Haven is a chil- torch p a r a d e, a n d outstanding dren's garden supervised by adults. guests are presented to the audi- Here the children are given oppor- ence. Following the evening pro- tunity to create objects ofart. gram, the rest of the evening is Each morning there is a program spent in community dancing. Each for children giving them demon- day of the four-day Festival has strations in costumes, foods and been set aside honoring one of customs of the Scandinavian coun- the Scandinavian countries. Satur- tries and affording them an oppor- day and Sunday afternoons have tunity to learn simple folk dances added features such as Ring-riding and songs. Guided bus tours are and other sports included in Scan- conducted several times each day dinavian Field events. and are furnished free-of-charge to Preparations f o r t h e Festival visitors who wish to see the city, usually begin approximately ten its industry, homes, schools and months preceding the event. These churches. This tour also includes preparations include weekly prac- the nearby agricultural area where tices by the Community Chorus, one may observe first-hand the in- weekly meetings by the various tensive agriculture and dairying folk dance groups, a Danish lan- of the region. By late afternoon guage class and the Vikings and the young folk present a program the Viking Auxiliary. (The Vikings of folk dancing. The "Scandinavian were organized for the purpose of Fine Arts" presentationisalso promoting the Festival at home scheduled in the afternoon, and in and abroad, and for doing the this hour many cultural items are actual work necessary to produce presented. In conjunction with the the Festival). At Christmas, there Festival there are special exhibi- is the traditional Christmas party tions of Scandinavian crafts and with the community tree, singing wares, an Arts and Crafts show, and folk dancing. Through the win- a Rock and Hobby Show, and a ter, various groups work on proj- Flower Show. These have been ects such as making dolls, hand- expanded from year to year, and work, costumes and other items at times there are special demon- to be sold during the Festival. By strations in handwork, making of late spring, preparations for food lefse, spinning and weaving. While begin. At this time, approximately one can find good food all during 35,000 meat balls are made, several the day, each evening features a hundred pies, and thousands of different meal. These might con- coffee-cakes and rolls. At the smor- sist of a Swedish pancake supper, gasbord, the single item of potato a Swedish meat-ball d i n n e r, a salad includes 500 pounds of pota- Smorgasbord or c h i c k e n barbe- toes, 7 gallons of mayonnaise, 5 cue. The evenings begin with a gallons of pickles,11/2 cases of 27 eggs and 100 pounds onions. At new Dairy Queen store, built in this meal, 200 gallons of pickled Scandinavian motif can be seen herring and 200 pounds of smoked on the highway. A drug store, like- salmon as well as 400 pounds of wise has remodelled the outside roast beef and 400 pounds of boiled of its building in a rustic manner to tongue find their way to the heavy help carry out the Scandinavian laden serving table. At this single theme we hope to see promoted in meal, from four to five thousand the town. A restaurateur from persons are fed. Many hundreds Copenhagen, Denmark has opened of people are involved in Festival Scandia House featuring Danish preparations, and many thousands foods. A new shopping center is of man-hours go into the prepara- being built in the heart of the tion. city and another professional build- What has the Festival done for ing is now under construction in Junction City? First and foremost, the down-town area. A new bank it has furnished a broad base on is scheduled to be built soon. The which people from various groups city has a new Post Office, Skandia and organizations can m e e tin Hall has been redecorated inside friendship while they work or have and out offering a meeting-place fun. It has helped the people of for various Festival groups. The Junction City take new pride in Festival Association with the help their town. Prior to the first Festi- of businessmen has purchased val there was a spontaneous city three lots in the center of the city clean-up and many business firms to develop them for Festival pur- downtown redecorated the fronts poses. T w o of o u r automobile of their stores. Before the first dealers are expanding their busi- Festival, at least half of the stores nesses and plan to build larger on the main street were vacant. quarters soon. The city's business Today, three years later, every climate has improved and several store is occupied, business is thriv- people who have visited Junction ing, and several new office spaces City at Festival time have moved are being built and r e n t e d as here and established their homes quickly as they are available. A and businesses here. 59uncttonCii, s e61ercIajó* By Josephine Evans Harpham This article is dedicated to the memory of the first pioneers and other early-day settlers who came to this area. With courage, fortitude, faith and farsightedness, they laid foundations in this part of Lane County, OregonJosephine Evans Harpham Junction City and its surround- December of 1847 took up a very ing countryside is one of the by- early claim on the Long Tom River. liest and one of the richest farming Hulin was born in S a r a tog a areas in Oregon and most certainly County at Malta, New York, March in Lane County. It is also one of 22, 1823. There he received his the most historical. education and grew to manhood. The area lies on the northern In 1845 at St. Louis, Missouri, edge of Lane County which was he met Fremont and Colonel Ebert created by an approved legislative with whom he participated in an act on January 24, 1851, and it is exploring expedition through Colo- bordered on the east by the Wil- rado, Kansas, New Mexico, North- lamette River and also the Linn western Texas, the Indian Terri- County line for approximately a tories, and back to St. Louis. distance of four or five miles. The About this time he moved to size of the Junction City School Iowa where he made his home until District No. 69about 155 square 1847. In this same year he left milesgives a perspective on the from St. Joe, Missouri, for the long extent of the area. trek westward to the 0 r e g o n For a time, step back in history Country. Upon his arrival he into Junction City's yesterdays. worked for a time in what is now First there w e r e Indian trails; Corvallis. then, roads and routes blazed by Although Hulin had established intrepid trappers and early pio- a claim, which he left to J. B. Fer- neers. Somewhat later came the gerson to look after, he departed ferries and the river boats to pro- in 1848 to participate in the Cayuse vide ingress into this area of Ore- War after which he went for a gon. period to the gold mines in Cali- A "Donation Land Law," intro- fornia (1849). In this same year duced by Senator Linn, was passed he went to San Francisco to take to encourage im ml g rat ion. It passage on the schooner, Hack- granted married couples 640 acres staff,which was bound for Ore- of public land and single men 320 gon. On board were C. J. Hills, C. acres, if they settled in Oregon by Mulligan, James Chapinall to be- December 1850. come well-known pioneers of Lane One of the very first settlers to County. arrive was Lester Hulin who in In the Rogue River area the *1 am deeply grateful to Clarence Pitney, Miss Gertrude Sanders, and Mrs. Max Strauss for their invaluable assistance. My very sincere thanks to the following: Chester Ayres, Mrs. Lewis Bryson, Mrs. Guy Gilmore, Miss Karen Gribskov, Viggo Gribskov, Ejner Hentze, Mrs. Glenda Kupper, Frank Milliorn, Vardell Nelson, Mrs. Anton Rasmussen, Mrs. Kenneth Rhodes, Mrs. Hanna Skovbo, Mrs. James St. Clair, Cary Strome, Mrs. Samuel Tadlock, Miss Adeline Volkstorf, Claude B. Washburne, Mr. and Mrs. James Washburne. Picture Credits: Miss Gertrude Sanders. I am also grateful to Clarence Pitney, 29 schooner became stranded on the Missouri. In 1853 he took up a bar. The voyagers had to proceed donation land claim near Junction to their destination on foot and City. they arrived in the Willamette Val- Thomas A. Milliorn was the old- ley nearly a month after their de- est son and second child of John parture on what became an ardu- and Mary. At 18 he became a ous and perilous trip. wheelwright in Kansas City, Mis- Shortly after this rugged ex- souri, and built the wagon which perience, Hulin returned to Cali- took him to the California mines fornia, overland, and rem a in e d in 1849. There he engaged in min- there until January, 1850, at which ing and also operated a packtrain time he returned to settle down on from Colusa to Trinity. In 1852 land which was about three-and- he came on to Oregon where he one-half miles in a southeasterly located his father's claim, later be- direction from what is now Junc- coming owner of the land upon tion City. Here he resided until he which Junction City was eventual- established a home in Eugene in ly laid out. September, 1881, still, however, re- During the Rogue River War taining his farm. Milliorn was with the Quarter- On December 1, 1853, he mar- master Department, hauling sup- ried Abbie J. Craig, a native of plies to the soldiers in the south. Jackson County, Michigan. Nine He got along very well with the children were born to this couple. Indians, so he encountered no dif- Only five survived until adulthood. ficulties in handling this assign- They were: Anna, Charles S., Ed- ment. gar M., Samuel Addison and Les- He was married to Eleza K. Aw- ter Gilbert. brey near Eugene in 1863, she All through the early '50's the being a native of Daviess County, Hulins began to acquire neighbors, Missouri. The Awbrey family had some close and some a little far- crossed the plains to Oregon in ther away. Among these were: the 1850. Five children were born to Blachleys; the Allen Bonds; the the couple. Mrs. Milhiorn died in W. H. Brices; the David Coffmans; 1877. Mr. Milliorn married a sec- the Samuel Craigs; the William ond time in 1878, Mary L. Hill of Cummings; James Downes; t h e Iowa becoming his wife. Her fam- James Harpoles; the Lorenzo Has- ily had come to Oregon in 1864. broucks; the Hylands; D r.a n d Two children were born to the Mrs. Gabriel Johnsons; the Hugh union. Lanes; the McClures; the A. Prat- In 1864-65 he joined a brothers tons and the C. W. Washburnes. in-law with a packtrain to Boise Another neighbor was John Mil- Basin, Idaho, and in 1884 went horn, a native of Virginia and a with 18 men to the Coeur d'Alene wheelwright by trade. He married mines in a skiff. He wanted to try Mary W. Lee, also a Virginian, who his luck in the Klondike but was was born near Lynchburg in 1811. dissuaded on account of advancing She was the daughter of Shelly Lee years. who was a member of the famous Over the years he donated land Lee family of Virginia, connected for the mills and for the main with the Southern Confederacy. school block. He was a school di- Some time before crossing the rector and was active in the Demo- plains by oxteam to Oregon, Mi!- cratic Party. He was a member of horn had lived near Independence, Eugene Lodge No. 11, A.F. and 30 A.M., and the Royal Arch Chapter area in 1902 and bought a farm of at Corvallis, Oregon. 111 acres about one-half mile from As time passed all these early the oldsiteof Lancaster. The pioneersHulin, Milliorn and their building, which had housed the neighborsmade in their respec- river freight until distribution, was tive ways fine and lasting contribu- still standing at that time on the tions to Oregon. They became first Ayres' newly-purchased farm. To- families of their county and of day therestill remains on the their chosen state. Ayres place a huge fir tree which About 1853-54 a person by the was used by the river boats for name of Woody established a house their tie-up in those days of over of entertainment, w h a r v e s and a century ago. storehouses o n t h e Willamette The progress of actual railroad River bank about two miles north construction in the Willamette Val- of the present Junction City. Stores ley proceeded slowly. The work of were opened by Wesley Briggs grading for the East Side Railroad and Dr. Awbrey, and the place be- was begun by S. G. Elliot in East came known as Woodyville. This Portland, April 16, 1868. But it name was later changed to Lan- was not until Ben Holladay, a color- caster by John Mulkey who bought ful railroad figure of his d a y, out the property. Here he erected secured control that very much was a sawmill which remained in op- accomplished. By November, 1869, eration until 1861 or later. track had been laid as far as Mil- Mulkey was a colorful figure. A waukie. By September 25, 1870, Democrat and a secessionist, his the road was finished to Salem. By support of Jefferson Davis led to December of the same year it his arrest. Altercations took place reached Albany and on to Harris- between his friends and followers burg by June, 1871, when it stopped and Eugene City lawmen. Finally, until the bridge across the Wi!- soldiers were dispatched from Van- lamette River was completed in couver barracks to put an end to the month of October. the local civil war. Junction City now stands on Woodyville, now known as Lan- land purchased by Holladay from caster, was chosen as a settlement T. A Milliorn in 1870-71 for the because the river was navigable Oregon and California Railroad to this point which was the center Company. The 90 acres were to of a prosperous agricultural district. be used for a town site and divi- Here was concentrated the trade sion point for his East Side Rail- of the whole area. The little vil- road. Additional tracts were pur- lage advanced and prospered until chased later. About 1873, Milliorn, disastrous floods came and des- in partnership with C. W. Wash- troyed much of the settlement. In burne, laid out a second tract for time the Willamette changed and the site of future farms, home and shifted its course at least twice. public buildings. This land became For a while the Long Tom River known as the Milliorn-Washburne was navigable, too. The period of Addition. river transportation finally came On October 9, 1871, the East to an end and the era of the rail- Side Railroad line was extended as road began. far as Eugene, the people of this In the 1850's, Palmer Ayres city and its environs having raised crossed the plains to Oregon. His $42,290 to assist with its construc- son, Edward, left the Willakenzie tion. In November, 1872, the line 31 reached Roseburg, where the rail- truction by fire in the winter of road had its southern terminus. 1881-82. Some time later W. H. By t h i s t i m e Holladay's re- Baber built a new hotel which was sources were exhausted and Henry operated by M. G. Wilkins. Villard secured control andre- Another addition to the fledg- newed construction of the ii n e ling community was a two-story south of Roseburg in December, school building with J. C. Boland 1881. The Southern Pacific Com- as teacher. pany finally took over the Oregon On October 29, 1872, by an ap- and California Railroad Company proved act of the Oregon Legis- early in 1887. The first train from lative Assembly, Junction City be- San Francisco arrived in Portland, came an incorporated town. It was December 19, 1887. to be provided with five trustees, Some time after the railroad a recorder, a marshal, and a treas- division was established, a number urer. At an initial meeting, E. W. of Chinese were brought in and McKelly was appointed president employed by the railroad company of a committee to draft a consti- as repairmen. This colorful Ori- tution, bylaws and ordinances for ental colony for a time enriched the council. the life of the community with its One of the first contracts let special observances, festivals, holi- was awarded in May, 1873 to days and traditions. Thomas Humphrey to build a city The first building and place of prison, which was completed at a business in the area soon to be cost of $84.37. known as Junction City was a Junction City's School District warehouse erected in 1871 and op- No. 69 had its official beginning on erated by W. H. Hoffman. About April 22, 1872. T. G. Hendricks of this time a number of buildings Eugene City was county superin- brought up from fading Lancaster tendent at the time. On May 10 of and set down in the new little that year a committee was selected community. Louis Soloman, itis to choose a suitable site for a said, brought his store and all its schoolhouse and construction was stock from Lancaster and in so begun on March 3, 1873, at 6th doing became another one of Junc- and Holly. In this same year the tion City's first businessmen. Cumberland Presbyterian Church Isaac Senders and Joseph Stern- was built and on June 22 was dedi- berg came not long after and estab- cated. lished a general mercantile firm In 1874 J. A. Campbell of the known for years as "Joe's and Christian C h u r c h preached the Ike's." Senders became postmaster first gospel sermon in the area. when the official post office was Several citizens of about this established in 1871. As another period in Junction City's history fact for record in 1871, the mar- should be mentioned here, for then riage of W. P. Lewis and a Miss and through the years they made Florence took place, the first in the real contributions to the life of the new community. community. Next came I. Newcomb who George Belshaw, an early-day started a blacksmith shop and Eli resident of the community, was an and Elias Keeney who opened the extensive breeder of fine horses, Last Chance Saloon. cattle, sheep and hogs. He also be- In 1872, a Mr. Berry opened a came known widely for his wheat hotel which operated until its des- culture. His products received first 32 prizes at the Centennial Exposi- overtook the thriving city and ad- tion in 1876, at the Paris Exposi- jacent areas. Fires succeeded fires. tion in 1878, and later at the Ore- On Saturday, October 5, 1878, a gon State Fair. fire broke out in Solomon's store In 1871, as young boys, John, which spread to the hotel, several Joseph, Christian and David Strome shops, many dwellings and four of and a sister, Mollie, left Ohio with the large warehouses, causing a their parents Abraham and Cath- tremendous loss. erine for San Francisco, Califor- On August 10, 1880, Howard's nia. From there the family went by Warehouse, valued at $17,000, was boat to Portland, Oregon, and from destroyed by fire. Again on March there by train to the newly-formed 23, 1882, the Kratz, Washburne settlement of Junction City. A num- and Howard Mill was burned to ber of years later the four boys the ground, its original cost having bought a fine farm from Colonel been at least $30,000. Just two Foisom, a well-known figure of his nights later, Soloman's Warehouse day, for 5,000 bushels of wheat, and a goodly amount of wheat fell which were to be delivered to a to the roaring flames. For some warehouse in Monroe. time insurance companies would John became the father of Cary take no risks with regard to insur- and Catherine. Catherine married ing the town. Angus Gibson, who for many years In June, 1879, a tax was ordered served as a state senator and as a to be levied for the purpose of aid- state representative. During his ing the council to procure a fire terms of office he was responsible engine, but the o r d e r was re- for a wide variety of useful legis- scinded on a petition by the people. lation for Oregon. Cary and his In this same month an entirely late cousin, Glen, and their families new code of city laws was accepted have taken a very active part in by the council. With the new city the life of Junction City more re- government elected to serve in cently, just as their forebears did 1880-81, things took a decided turn in earlier times. for the better. The officers were: Among those who likewise have John Wortman, president; F. W. made their contributions over the Folsom, George W. Crow, W. H. years are: the Maurice Aliens; the Hoffman, W. S. Lee, councilmen; George Baileys; the Isaac N. Ed- and William M. Pitney, recorder. wards; the Malcolm J. Harpers; Several years later some new the James Harpoles; the M. Dallas people began toarrive. Among Lingos; and John Wesley Moffett. these were the Thomas Baileys From the early 1870's on for a who took up a 500-acre farm five number of years the town built up miles southwest of the city in 1887. rapidly and became prosperous. In Mr. Bailey's father had come to the fall of 1877 (Sept. 2) the city the Bailey Hill are a in 1850. council declared their willingness Thomas and Anna (Flint) were to contribute $500 for a fire engine the parents of Elsie L., Louise G., for the use of the town, should Mary Ellen and Edward. Edward matching funds be subscribed by married Helen Lee Rosenberg of the citizens. This the citizens de- Seattle, Washington. In 1921, he clined to do, so the governing body took up the practice of law in withdrew their offer and left the Junction City where he remained town without protection from fire. for ten years. During this period In 1878 a seriesof disasters he served very constructively in 33 the Oregon Legislature, took an The first pastor was J. Mylund who active part in politics and ran for conducted services in a community governor in 1930. In 1931 he moved hall until a new Danish Evangeli- to Eugene and resumed his prac- cal Church could be built. The tice of law, where since that time church has played a large role in he has become known as one of cementing the Danish colony to- Oregon's most prominent attor- gether over the years. It has pro- neys. vided a place for baptisms, con- From the middle of the '80's on, firmations, marriages and funerals the town of Junction City devel- and for meetings of the brother- oped in a wide variety of ways, hoods, sisterhoods, auxiliaries and but it still remained in essence a youth groups. For a while classes railroad and farming community. in Danish were held for the young Shortly after the turn of the cen- people for the purpose of perpetu- tury, however, new culturalin- ating the tongue. Worthwhile ac- fluences were brought to bear on tivities of all kinds have been en- this area of Lane County. couraged, such as lectures, talks, In the early 1900's A. C. Nielsen Bible study and many festive cele- Sr., a former real estate dealer brations. from Tyler, Minnesota, was one Until 1937, the Danish tongue of the founders of the Danish col- was used almost exclusively at all ony in Junction City. He obtained functions of the church. The pastor 1600 acres by auction east of Junc- at this time, Holger 0. Nielsen, tion City. This land was offered instituted the use of English for in tracts of 40 to 60 acres to Danes his sermons and for general use coming from the Middle West and in the church. Up until 1951, how- other parts of the country to settle ever, special morning services were in the Lane County area. Many of still given in Danish for the older of these people had been born in members of the congregation. the old country, but those who had In 1962, the church affiliated it- not, had been raised in Danish self with the Lutheran Church of communities where the language America. From this time on the was spoken a I m o St exclusively. membership expanded along with Their interests were largely agrar- ethnic background of its pastors. ian, though many of the Danes Through the intervening years were fine craftsmen as well. Com- the Danes have affected the life ing into the community about this of the community in a wide variety time were: the Carl Andreasons; of ways. The farming, business, the Rasmus Andreasons; the A. social, religious and cultural life Asboes; the Pete and Hans Bodt- of the area reflect the Scandinav- kers; the Anders Jensen Gribskos; ian influences. the John Hentzes with sons, Ejner One of Junction City's promin- and Bue; the Mads Jensens; the ent citizens, Dr. Gale Fletchall, per- Soren Jensens the Troels Klinges; ceived using the many talents, the the H. P. Markusens; the Hans arts and crafts, the racial and cul- Petersens; the Chris Sands, and tural heritage of the Danish popu- others. lation for the betterment of the Among the first needs felt by the community as a whole. In 1961, he new and growing Danish commu- initiated the Scandinavian Festi- nity was that of a church of their val and became first president of own; so in May, 102, the first the association, remaining in the organization meeting took place. office for a number of years there- 34 after. His efforts and those of other individuals and groups have been richly rewarded with local, national and international recogni- tion. If only Hulin, the first settler, could see his wilderness home now! Following a r e descriptions of several buildings in Junction City, whose history may interest the reader.

JAMES A. BUSHNELL HOUSE The Bushnell house, quite his- toric to the Junction City area, is located at 248 Holly. Mr. and Mrs. JAMES A. BUSHNELL HOUSE Samuel Tadlock and family are the present residents and owners. a ranch in the Junction City area The house now stands on three lots in 1871. He attended public schools (100 feet deep and 50 feet across). and later enrolled in the Normal It is two stories and of all-wood School at Monmouth, Oregon, from construction and was built in 1875. which he graduated in 1892. He J. A. Bushnell was born in the then returned home and became a state of New York and crossed the member of the firm of J. A. Bush- continent in 1852 by oxteam and nell & Son, owners of a large ware- wagon. His wife, Elizabeth Adkins, house. He also became manager came west a little later with his of the waterworks system which mother, the latter a native of In- his father had established, operat- diana. ing the plant until 1910, when he By his first marriage he had two became an orchardist on quite a daughters, one being Lucy (Mrs. large scale. William Pitney) and the other Vir- In 1896 he married Miss Liva ginia (Mrs. Ehrman). Mr. Bush- Skaggs, who came to Junction City nell's second wife was Sarah E. in 1890. Her father dedicated the Page. There were six children by Christian Church and was for a this second marriage, one of whom long time minister of that denomi- is Gertrude Froom, who now lives nation. at Milwaukie, Oregon, and a son, Both Mr. and Mrs. Bush nell the late Henry C. were leading citizens,active in J. A. Bushnell first secured a civic, fraternal, religious and edu- donation land claim in Grand cational circles of Junction City. Prairie, Oregon, but in 1862 he The original plan for the house purchased land near Junction City. consisted of a closed-off front hail Here for many years he operated with a door opening into the old- a grain elevator and warehouse fashioned parlor and off of this a until his retirement. He also served sitting room and a dining room for a time as president of the First with an adjacent fireplace. Off of National Bank of Junction City. this area was a large kitchen and He was one of Junction City's first old-fashioned utility porch. Close citizens, being very active in all by was the brick fruit house so kinds of civic and fraternal affairs. necessary to early-day homes. Henry C. Bushnell was born on Across the front upstairs were 35 two bedrooms. To the rear of these ial legislature passed an act pro- was a large store room which could viding for a system of common or be converted into bedroom space public schools. In succeeding years if necessary. some changes were made in this Remodeling has been done, as law. is so often the case with old homes, R e v e r en d Robert Robe was but a number of things remain as county superintendent of schools they were in early days. They in- from 1851 to 1855. He organized clude: dark woodwork; deep base- the first public school system in boards and wide moldings; old bay Lane County. One of his first tasks window and others 10 feet high; was to divide the county into dis- old staircase withitsattractive tricts; Junction City became No. newel post; wide board fir floors; 69. old six-inch-thick walls upon a It is said that J. H. Rogers was foundation of posts, lathing and the first teacher in the new system. plaster. Within these walls one He taught in a log building at the owner f o u n d an old insurance corner of Eleventh and Olive in policy which covered the Junction the Eugene area. City gristmill against fire for the The idea of the public or district sum of $3,000 and dated October school grew slowly. The early set- 1876. And 1 a St 1 y some original tlers were very much accustomed hardware lends interest to the in- to select or private schools, taught terior, including doorknobs a n d by local men and wOmen, and they quaint locks. often preferred them. Parents paid The setting of this old house was the teacher and took turns board- very lovely when the Bushnells re- ing the schoolmaster or school- sided in the old home. Today an marm. Unfortunately some chil- unusually large pear tree, a few dren could not attend these schools maples and some golden daffodils for their families could not afford remain of the original plantings. to send them. In these early years The Tadlocks plan eventually to there were a series of p r i v ate add some shrubs, vines, bushes and schools, some of which were called flowers characteristic of early gar- Select, some listed as Academies. dens in order to give the old home They came and went with great which they love a more appropriate rapidity. setting. One of these academies, which was called the Campbell School for Boys, still stands in Junction City. CAMPBELL SCHOOL It is located at Seventh Avenue East and Elm and is now converted FOR BOYS* into apartments for rental pur- One of the earliest schools in poses. Although the building has the area was that taught by a Mr. been remodeled, there are many Weatherwax in the Benjamin Rich- evidences of its early-day construc- ardson residence near Franklin in tion. The original siding can still be 1848. This home stood approxi- seen under the present cover of mately where the west end of Fern imitation brick. Around the foun- Ridge Dam is now. dation there is narrow vertical sid- It was in 1849 that the territor- ing, with the rest of the b'uilding *Records for this school have not beenlocated; information was received from an early-day resident. 36 being constructed of the horizon- a large shop standing in the middle tal. Other reminders of the past of a George Bailey's field. are: several 8-paned windows with In 1880 the Church reorganized old frames; several o I d paneled to include the Grand Prairie con- doors, one showing evidence of gregation at which time the merged where a horseshoe had been placed group became the Christian Church in bygone days; an original porch; of Junction City. J. A. Bushnell old chimneys; and in the garden was one of the first elders. may still be seen a quaint honey- A fine new church was dedicated suckle vine, clinging ivy, red roses in 1892 during the ministry of A. and a giant cherry tree. D. Skaggs. It stood on the corner *** of Sixth and Ivy. In 1940 the build- ing was moved to Fifth and Juni- per where it stood vacant for a CHRISTIAN CHURCH time. It was later purchased by the Masonic Lodge AF and AM and O.E.S. in 1939. The Masons re- modeled the historic structure to suit their needs for a lodge hail. They retained the setting of the old front windows bUt replaced them with new ones. The pulpit was moved to the far end of the main room. Outside, the old con- struction gave way to new and at- tractive stained siding. ***

CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Later Junction City Hotel This historic church was built in 1871 by a group of preachers who had broken away from the original organization whose loca- IUflAN4 fIURCJl, R1V. T. F. RAWL1N PASfj tion had been along the Cumber- From Junction City Times Jan. 4, 1908 land River in Kentucky. They were sympathetic to slavery and to the Well over 100 years ago the Southern Cause. Christian Church of Junction City In 1907-08 the old building was was established in the area. The used as a fifth and sixth grade first congregation g a t h e red to- school with Maud Mickey as teach- gether as early as 1855. The church er. In 1910 A. K. Mickey bought organization took place s e v e r a 1 the church and converted it into a years later at the Grand Prairie hotel and family living quarters. schoolhouse south of Junction City Remodeling was begun by lower- on November 28, 1858. ing the floor. This made it possible In 1874 J. A. Campbell preached to construct a second story to ac- the first sermon in the locality in commodate a larger number of 37 pointed deputy sheriff under Harry Brown. He continued to operate the hostelry until his death in 1937. The hotel isstill in operation today.

THE SOREN JENSEN HOUSE The beautiful old Jensen house at 155 Dane Lane is now the home of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Rhodes and family. It was built in 1904 by CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN Soren Jensen, who was born in CHU RC H Denmark, later making his home as a young man in Lexington, guests. Twelve rooms were made Nebraska. From there he came to available to the public. It was then Oregon around the turn of the known as Hotel Junction. century and settledin Junction The old bell, one of the first in the community purchased for the City. considerable sum of $140, was sold By profession he was an archi- to the Danish Evangelical Church tect and builder, having received where it still remains. his training in the old country. In In 1920 Mr. and Mrs. Watrous addition to constructing this fine of Portland purchased the hotel home, he also built a number of from A. K. Mickey. The next early-day Junction City buildings. spring they built an addition to The house stands on an acre of the structure and every night the land which was originally part of hotel was filled to capacity. the Jensen farm. It is of all-wood The charming old-fashioned sit- construction, siding and shakes be- ting room was available toall, ing used on the exterior. There are where a warm fire, good reading three stories with attractive bay material, a piano and other musical windows on the parlor side down- instruments were available to the stairs and with the same just above guests. the location on the second floor. Mr. Watrous had been a railroad Fishscale shakes lend interesting man in earlier years, and he and trim to areas around some of the Mrs. Watrous had traveled widely. bays. There is great charm also in For these reasons they made excel- the scrollwork trim which is said lent owners and operators of Hotel to have been a copy of some made Junction. in the old country. The third owner of the old hotel As always, through the years was Carl Beirup, a native of Den- changes have been made in the mark, who had come to Junction interior. For the most part, how- City about 1909. He operated meat ever, the plan of this house re- markets and a g r o c e r y store, mains as the J e n s e n s builtit. farmed and handled real estate. He Where there was once a hallway; was also interested in politics and now one enters directly into the was elected as recorder in 1932 parlor. An old-fashioned staircase and again in 1936. He was also ap- with attractive newel post leads 38 ish family gathering took place at the Jensen home. There were also get-togethers of neighbors an d other friends, and numerous par- ties and holiday celebrations, the latter often perpetuating old coun- try customs and traditions.

OLD JUNCTION CITY TIMES BUILDING The old Junction City Times building is another historical land- mark of the area. It is still situated on its original site about one block north of the former Duckey Lee THE SORE N JENSEN HOUSE Hotel on Front Street in Junction from the parlor to the four spa- City. cious bedrooms and bath upstairs. The Times was founded by S. L. To the right of the parlor is a Moorhead in 1891. Several local sizeable bedroom with an adjoining papers had preceded it but their bath, and adjacent to this area is lives had been of short duration. the kitchen. To the left of the par- Mr. Moorhead, a colorful figure of br is the living room and off of his day, was owner and publisher. this, the dining area. Some time He was interested in politics as ago when remodeling was being well, serving in the Oregon Legis- done on the fireplace, which was lature for a time. His wife ran the located between the parlor a n d paper in his absence and by all front room, some interesting items reports she did an excellent job. were found. T h e s e consisted of some old letters and papers written in Danish which were p e n ned nearly seventy years ago. The 8-foot walls remain upstairs as do the 9-foot ones downstairs. Likewise the 36-inch windows and one measuring 28 by 68 inches, the original dark-stained w o o d- work, the paneled doors, all take one back to the turn of the cen- tury. Outside, the magnificent old maple, the fine early cherries and the five firs make a lovely setting for the old home. Part of the orig- inal porch with its graceful sup- porting pillars remains, 1 e n di n g added charm to the front of the house. Through the years, many a Dan- JUNCTION CITY TIMES BUILDING 39 About 1915 the Times was bought by Don Carlos Boyd. In 1918-19, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Nelson be- came the owners. The Nelsons pur- chased a linotype which necessi- tated more space so they moved the Times to the Wilhelm building on Front Street. The Times was never returned to it's former loca- tion. Just after W o r 1 d War II (1946), C. L. McKinley purchased the newspaper, publishing it him- self, and today the same family owns and publishes the weekly Times. The quaint littlebuildingre- mains very much as it was back in the '90's. Of wood construction N. L. LEE HOUSE and of saltbox 'design, one may ob- serve panels across the facade with public schools and then enlisted old narrow-width sidhg at the top for service in the Civil War as a and with wide panels, one on each member of Company F, First Regi- side of the main door below. ment, Oregon Infantry. He was The old paneled door, threshold later stationed at Ft. L a p w a i, and stone step-down remain. The Idaho, (1865-66) to put down In- original chimneys and roof are dian uprisings. While at this post visible but the latter is now cov- he studied medicine and surgery ered with tar paper. The number under Dr. George K. Smith, post 567, placed there so long ago, still surgeon, U.S. Army. After the war may be seen clearly by anyone he matriculated at Willamette Uni- passing by. versity at Salem, graduating March 3,1871, being one of thefirst graduates. He engaged in practice at Lancaster, Lebanon and Junc- tion City, being the first physician N. L. LEE HOUSE to locate in this area. The lovely Lee home at 655 He died a highly respected mem- Holly was until recently the home ber of his community at the age of of Mrs. Christine Rasmussen. It 85 in 1919 at Junction City. He was purchased in 1935 by the Ras- was survived by his wife, Amanda mussens from Dr. J. P. Love, then Griggs Lee, and several children. owner of the fine residence. In the early seventies, not long The Lee family, early pioneers after Junction City had become an of Lane County, lived for a time incorporated town, the Lees de- at Portland, Salem and Lebanon cided to leave Lancaster. This com- and at the old town of Lancaster. munity was gradually fading as a Philester Lee came across the settlement because the Oregon and plains to Oregon in 1847, locating California Railroad Company had first at Portland, then at Salem, designated the new city a refueling and eventually took up a donation junction for its East and West side land claim at Lebanon. railroads. His son, N. L., studied in the They brought to their new loca- 40 tion in Junction City a small house from Lancaster in which they lived until the beautiful new house was ready for occupancy. The home is of all-wood construc- tion and of two stories. It is built of fine structural timbers put to- gether with s q u a r e hand-forged nails. Remodeling has, of course, taken place over the years, but the plan of the house remains gen- erally the same. The front door opens into an at- tractive long entry hall with col- onial stairway and newel post. This area opens into a combined living room and doctor's office to the right and off of this a do u b I e French door leads to an old-fa- shioned parlor. Back of this living room was the dining room with a side porch to the north and just adjacent the kitchen and bath- room, the latter replete with old- fashioned high tub on legs. There were four bedrooms, one of which was used for a billiard From Junction City Times Jan. 4, 1908 room. This charming early-day doctor's 1872. In March, 1874, he married home and office still contains many Azula M. Kirk and to this couple original windows; old wide base- were born Ona and Ira L. Lee. boards, 12-foot-high ceilings and About 1890 the Lees had con- old handmade shutters. Many of structed a very substantial brick the original plantings we r ere- building of characteristic design. of placed by the Rasmussens with the period for t heir drugstore. lovely s h r u b s, beautiful flowers There were three long windows and old-fashioned ivy. across the facade upstairs. Down- stairs, double glass doors w e r e used for the entrance, flanked on either side by large windows. WILLIAM S. LEE'S DRUGSTORE The old windows, w a 11 s and front with its evidence of Victorian later Zula M. Lee's Hotel design and trim still remain, as do This interesting old building, lo- several old shrubs and trees which cated on Front Street now as it lend added charm to the setting. was originally, is the present home After Mr. Lee's death, his wife, of the Welfare Organization of Zula(as she was called), re- Junction City. modeled the drugstore into a hotel. William S. Lee, a druggist, was It became known as the Duckey born in Perry County, Missouri. He Lee Hotel. Here railroad men and came to Oregon during the Civil visitors passing through Junction War years and to Lane County in City could find comfortable ac- 41 commodations, homelike a t m o s- County. The farm in time com- phere and good home-cooked meals prised 1600 acres of land. In the served to the patron for the con- early 1900's he sold the acreage siderable sum of 25 cents. If space to A. C. Nielsen for resale to Dan- permitted, many interesting stories ish newcomers to Junction City. could be told of this old hotel in its Millett was born in Waterloo, heyday. Iowa, March 9, 1868. When he was only two years old, after the death of his parents, he was adopted by a Mr. R. Millett. When Gideon was GIDEON C. MILLETT HOUSE five, his foster family brought him The Millett house at 50 Prairie to Benton County, Oregon, where Road was until very recently the they remained until' 1875 when residence of Mr. and Mrs. James they moved to Junction City. Here T. Rash and their three children. they purchased a sizeable farm This family loved the old place which came into Gideon's posses- which had fallen into great dis- sion at the age of 23. repair, but in their eyes it had He married Hattie Emma Dar- endless possibilities for renovation row in 1904 in Eugene. He was and rehabilitation. During their oc- very active in the promotion of cupancy, the house and grounds education, good roads and other were r e s t o r e d to their former general improvementsi n L a n e beauty, once again becoming a County. He was a member of the showplace as the home had been a Republican Party, of the Independ- little past the turn of the century. ent Order of Odd Fellows, and of The house was built in 1905 by the Ancient Order of United Work- Mads Jensen, a very fine carpenter men. and builder of his day, for Gideon The Millett home is of all-wood Millett, one of Junction City's early- construction and of three stories. At the time of buildingitcost day residents. Millett was a suc- about $13,000, this figure includ- cessful stockman of the Junction ing the barn. In the early 1900's, City area. He operated a large carpenters received about $3.00 to farm which stocked Poland China $3.50 for a very full day's work. hogs, Shorthorn cattle and Shrop- One enters a charming hall with shire sheep and was the largest a graceful Colonial-type winding breeder of thoroughbreds in L a n e staircase leading up to the second floor. To the right of this hall is the parlor with its grouping of three large windows through which one may see old trees, shrubs and bright flowers. In the ceiling of this room can still be seen an orig- inal sculptured ornate design char- acteristic of the period. Off of this area is the dining room which also has a grouping of three sizeable windows. Just ad- jacent to this room is a large kit- chen with its old-fashioned pantry, To the left of the dining room there GIDEON C. MILLETT HOUSE are sliding doors into the gracious living room. A cozy sitting room, Situated now on seven and a half large bath and an old-fashioned acres of land, the house is nestled porch c o m p1 e t e the downstairs against a background of beautiful area of the house. walnut trees, lilac bushes and trail- Upstairs there are three spacious ing ivy, all original plantings. bedrooms and one smaller one. The The home is of all-wood con- master bedroom had its own pri- struction and of two stories. The vate bath. At the end of the hail upper part is of shakes, the lower, there is a rather steep winding siding, and the whole house is put staircase which leads down to the together with old-fashioned square- kitchen. headed nails. The third story has been used The walls measure about nine for storage purposes in more re- and a half feet. They were con- cent years. structed of shiplap boards covered Beautiful woodwork, fine floors, plastered walls approximately 5 with cheesecloth, thin paper and a or 6 inches thick and probably 8 quaint dark wallpaper. or 9 feet high and large windows There has been remodeling over interestingly grouped, are some of the years, but the general plan re- the features of this h an d s o m e mains. One enters the hall where house. there are French doors into the Over the years there have been living room on one side and what gatherings of friends, lovely holi- was formerly the parlor on the day celebrations and old-fashioned other, and just adjacent the spa- birthday parties for which the Mu- cious dining room and off of this lett home made a most appropriate area the kitchen. A door from the setting. kitchen leads into what is now a family room. From the front hail ** * a Colonial type stairway leads up to four large bedrooms above. A. C. NIELSEN HOUSE Among interesting original fea- tures of the old home are: a leaded- The interesting old Nielsen house pane glass front door; square bay- at 85 Dane Lane is now the home type windows; old-fashioned door- of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Bryson and their four children. The Brysons love the old home and fully appre- ciate the early-day charm of this residence and its setting. It was built around the turn of the century by A. C. Nielsen, Sr., a former real estate dealer from Tyler, Minnesota, and one of the founders of the Danish Colony in Junction City. He was instrumental in bringing many Danish families to the area in the early 1900's to whom he offered large tracts of land for home sites. In addition to his real estate interests, he was a skilled orchardist, dairyman and poultryman. A. C. NIELSEN HOUSE 43 knobs and other hardware of fancy design; old dark stained woodwork; three-inch fir boards on the floor; and the old hitching post at the end of the front walk. In one square of the walk can still be seen the name, "A. C. Nielsen."

OLE PETERSEN'S BLACKSMITH SHOP What could hold more fascinat- ing memories than a blacksmith's CLARENCE PITNEY HOUSE The attractive farmhouse at 725 shop for those who like to step Highway 36 is the home of Clar- back into yesterday? ence A. Pitney. The house was Ole Petersen, born in Denmark built in 1915 by Clarence A. and where he was trained in black- his brother, Cecil E., on land just smithing, brought his family to adjacent to the original John and Junction City in 1910 or 1911 from Elizabeth P i t n e y donation land Kent, Washington. T h e children claim of 342 acres. Nearby former- were H a r old, Otto, Else (Mrs. ly stood the early home which was James St. Clair), Ellen (Mrs. Guy constructed of wideboard siding Gilmore) and Eva (Mrs. Robert and put together with s q u a r e- Reiling). headed nails and old wooden pegs. In 1911, Mr. Petersen purchased This pioneer home burned to the the shop which was located on ground about 75 years ago. Fifth and Greenwood, as it still is William M. Pitney was a pioneer today. Here he operated a general agriculturist of Lane County who blacksmithing business. Some time war born Dec. 19, 1848, in How- later, Pete Skovbo bought into the ard County, Missouri. He was the shop and worked with him for son of John and Elizabeth Way- some years. In time, Mr. Petersen land Pitney, the latter a native of sold his part of the property and Virginia. business to Albert Jacobsen. Pete He was only between five and Skovbo remained as a p a r t n e r six years old when his parents until 1920 when he bought out the started for the Oregon Country by business. Eventually he sold the oxteam and wagon in 1853. At the shop and secured another location end of the long trek westward, where he went into a new line of they took up a donation land claim work. After the sale of the black- in what is now the Junction City smith shop, Ole Petersen moved area. For a time they made their next door where he went into the home in Salem, returning after farm equipment business. about a two-year period to the mi- In 1963, the shop and adjoining tialsite to make a permanent building were sold by Tex Lee, home. Here the Pitneys trans- owner of the business at the time, formed the land into a fertile farm to the Junction City Festival As- upon which they raised cattle and sociation for art displays during sheep. festival time. To John and Elizabeth Pitney 44 were born seven children. The y and Elvan, grew up here. Elvan is were:Joel, Mrs. Melvin Hayes, now superintendent of schools at Mrs. Mary Maunder, Mrs. Sarah Sherwood, Oregon, and James op- Wright, William McClure, Marcel- erates the farm which includes a lus and Mrs. Rosie Payton. 70-cow dairy. His daughter, Alice, Some time after John Pitney's became Oregon's Dairy Princess in death in 1865, William M., a son, 1966. became the owner of the property The museum part of the home (1879). He was a scientific farmer may be viewed by appointment and he applied himself to raising only. the standards of agriculture in his area and in the state. Mr. Pitney's first wife was Josie Goldtra, whom he married in 1875. CHARLES WESLEY She died in 1876, leaving a son, WASHBURNE HOUSE Royal W. On January 1,1879, This house has been the home William M. married Miss Lucy J. Bushnell, who was the daughter of the James W. Washburnes for of J. A. and Elizabeth Ad kin s many years and is located at 920 Bushnell. She was born in Meadow- First Avenue West. view, attending later the public Charles Wesley Washburne, a schools of the locality and com- very early pioneer of the area, pleting her studies in Monmouth, first ventured to the far west dur- Oregon. To this couple were born ing the gold rush of 1849. Later six children. They were:Nellie, he returned to his home in Iowa, James Otis, Cecil, Mildred Edith, where in November, 1851, he mar- Francis Alva and Clarence. ried Miss Catherine Stansbury. In William M. Pitney died in an 1853 they joined a caravan des- accident on April 18, 1924. He was tined for the Oregon Country. They a man who gave generously of his came o v e r the Barlow Route, time to public office, serving on which crossed the Cascades south the school board and as city re- of Mt. Hood, and finally arrived corder, and as a very active mem- in the Junction City area in No- ber of the Presbyterian Church vember, 1853. and Ancient Order of United Work- In 1873, he bought from T. A. men. He also was at one time Milliorn 160 acres adjacent to president of the Lane C o un t y Junction City, with the house which Pioneer Association. had been built six years earlier, to Cecil and Clarence practiced div- which he moved though still re- ersified farming, kept livestock and taining the home place. Here he were among the first to raise tur- engaged in farming and stock rais- keys in the area. Clarence made ing and as an operator of flour his home with his brother and mills. He also became director of sister-in-law. Some time later the the Farmers and Merchants Bank farm was divided and Cecil moved of Junction City which later be- to another location nearby, but came a branch of the U.S. Na- the brothers continued to make tional Bank of Portland and some their home together. years later a branch of the First In 1919, Clarence married Ellen National Bank of Portland. In time Van Valkinburg at which time the he became a large landowner and house became the home of the one of the heaviest taxpayers in Clarence Pitneys. Their sons, James Lane County. 45 The Methodist Church was pitched roof and scroll trim, so founded by Mrs. Washburne, and characteristicof the period,all through the years, the Washburnes lend great charm to the home. were among its m 0 St generous Originally, there were two front patrons. The Junction City High porches across the front of the School was later named inhis house. One led into the living room, honor, as he had generously given the other into the parlor. These land upon which the bull di n g p o r c h e s supported graceful bal- stood. conies above, each with its own He died in 1919 at the age of 95 attractive colored glass panels in years, after an effective and active the upper part of the door. Some life in business, fraternal, educa- changes were made over the years tional, legislative and religious ac- to accommodate a growing family, tivities. but the original plan remains very To this couple were born thirteen much the same. children, one of whom was Wil- The home still contains some re- liam Colfax (seventh child of C. W. minders of early days when C. W. Washburnes). William C. attended Washburne lived there. There are: public schools and the University many old paneled doors and a num- of Oregon after which he engaged ber of large four-paned windows. in flour mills for a time, later be- On the grounds, five original cedars coming cashier of the Farmers and remain. Merchants Bank of Junction City, which had been established early in 193. The bank was first located BIBLIOGRAPHY in a small one-story brick build- Robert Canton Clark. History of the Wil- ing but in 1912 it moved into a lamette Valley. Chicago: S. J. Clarke m o d e r n two-story structure. At Publishing Co., 1927. Frederica Coons. The Early History of this time Claude B. Washburne Eugene. Eugene: Double D Printing joined his uncle in the manage- Co., 1957. ment and operation of the bank Junction City T e a c h e r s Association. until he left Junction City in 1940 Junction City: History and Resources. to enter the U.S. Army. Junction City Times. October 30, 1958, On May 14, 1893, William C. September 6,1913, January 4, 1908. Washburne m a r r i e d Miss Julia Lane County, Oregon. Board of Com- missioners. Your New Lane County Hamilton of Roseburg, Oregon. To Government: from Sea to Ski Level. this couple was born a son, James Eugene: A. K. Briggs, 1967. W. James attended Oregon State Fred Lockley. "Historical Sketch of Junc- College for a time and later he en- tion City," Portland Journal, April 5, gaged in general farming and poul- 1931. John Alden Olson. The Danish Settle- try raising and was affiliated with ment of Junction City, Oregon. Mas- the Oregon Cooperative Egg ter'sThesis,UniversityofOregon, Growers Association. Department of Geography, 1968. On November 6, 1917, he mar- Oregon. Department of Education. A Re. ried Miss Julia Johnson of Junction port on Oregon Schools,1832.1960. Salem, 1960. City. They came to reside in the Oregon. Historical Records Survey. Old old home in 1919, where their fam- Times with Lane County Pioneers. ily of four children were born and Portrait and Biographical Record of Wil- raised. lamette Valley. Chicago: Chapman Pub- lishing Co., 1903. The house isof all-wood con- A. G. Walling, pulisher. Illustrated His. struction and two stories h i g h. tory of Lane County, Oregon. Portland: Rustic siding, a s t e e p quarter- Printing House of A. G. Walling, 1884. 46 JJ /3a/EacIo/-9unction 4, By C. A. Pitney The railroad's a'comin', Hotels built in splendor Saws and hammers fly To match the Opera House, The town's in excitement. With noted men in number The story tells you why. To ride livery rigs about. Junction had a birth There must be medicine shows In eighteen seventy-one. With dancing Kick-a-Poos. A city born full-grown You gotta have a paper And how it all was done. To tell you of the news. Bought a piece of ground. There must be bands for music Gonna build a town. Playing in the park, Look for the choo-choo. With street lamps a'hanging Listen for the sound. To warn you of the dark. Gotta cross the river. Houses must have fences. Gotta build a grade. Pigs and chickens run about. Gonna be a railroad Gates must be strong enough When all the tracks are laid. To keep the cattle out. Steamboats on the river. You gotta have some firemen A stage road to the west. When fires black the town, In between, the city, Hook and ladder with buckets Your fortunes to invest. To pour the water on. It takes a lot o' people. You gotta have saloons There is a lot o' need For cards and rolling dice, To build a town completely And a lot o' fist fights From neither sprouts nor seed. To black each other's eyes. There must be mills for lumber, You'll need a Justice of the Peace And saws for winter wood, And a Jail to put 'em in, Schools for your learning, Shops for everything And churches for your good. For harness, shoes, and tin. Blacksmith shops with anvils You gotta have a drug store, To fit the horses' feet. And a doctor for your health, It will take a lot o' lumber An office for your letters, For sidewalks on the street. And a lawyer for your wealth. There must be a lot o' Chinamen There must be a little stream, With their queues hanging down, Gurgling through the town, To keep the tracks in order Ducks to shoot in winter And race about the town. And fishing all around. You hav'ta have a water tank Build not for spreading borders, And piles of wood along the track. Or for other towns to envy. You hav'ta have a roundhouse May its youth be noble, To turn the engines back Its people kind and friendly. House to move to Lancaster And when the town's complete, By many means and modes And the mayor deems it so, Takes rollers, skids, and windlass Forget not the founders, To move these heavy loads. Who built this town so long ago. 47 LANE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY 740 West 13th Ave., Eugene, Oregon Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 96 Eugene, Oregon

C. W. WASHBURNE HOUSE 48