Mid–Century Lake Oswego

Mid–Century Lake Oswego A Look at Lake Oswego’s Modern Developments 1935–1965 Cover photos, from left to right: Diane Spencer Nicholas water skiing on Lake Oswego, 1957; Rose Festival Float, 1959; Goodall Oil Company postcard of Os- wego Lake, date unknown; all courtesy of the Lake Oswego Public Library. Lake Oswego Post Offi ce (far right), 1958, courtesy of Dick Goodall. This project was partially funded by Oregon’s State Historic Preservation Offi ce (SHPO) with a matching grant through its Certifi ed Local Government Program. Accordingly this project has, in part, been fi nanced with Federal funds through the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. The contents and opinions of this document do not necessarily refl ect the views or policies of the Department of the Interior or SHPO, nor does the mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Department of the Interior. Acknowledgments The Lake Oswego Modernism context statement was researched and prepared by Adrienne Donovan–Boyd a second year graduate student in the historic preservation program at the University of Oregon, under the guidance and direction of Liz Carter, Adjunct Faculty at the University of Oregon and a Historic Preservation Consultant, in conjunction with the City of Lake Oswego’s Planning Department. This document is intended to outline the broad pattern of events that shaped the Lake Oswego community during the Modern Period. This document also has begun to identify prominent architects and builders who worked in the area and the houses and buildings they designed. Many thanks to Paul Espe, Lake Oswego’s Historic Preservation Planner for his insight, enthusiasm, and guidance throughout this project. Thanks also go to the staff at the Lake Oswego Public Library for the guidance they gave in helping me search through old fi les, phone books, and photographs. I would also like to thank Susanna Kuo and Marylou Colver for their help in assuring this documents accuracy and completeness. Furthermore, I would like to thank the Lake Oswego Historic Resources Advisory Board for the encouragement and insight that helped to develop the history, goals, and recommendations that have made this document a useful tool in planning for Lake Oswego’s Modern Period. Preface The Lake Oswego Modernism 1935–1965 context statement is the result of an internship offered by the City of Lake Oswego. The internship was funded through a matching grant from the Oregon State Historic Preservation Offi ce. Lake Oswego Historic Resources Advisory Board (as of August 2010) Jeannie McGuire, Chair Marylou Colver, Vice Chair Tim Mather Joanne Naylor Craig Foster Kasey Holwerda Erin O’Rurke-Meadors Mary Olson, City Council Liaison For further information contact: Paul Espe Associate Planner, City of Lake Oswego 380 A Avenue, Lake Oswego, OR 97034 [email protected] (503) 697–6577 Contents 1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 1 1.1 Guidelines for Preservation Planning ..............................................................................2 1.2 Historic Context Defi nitions ..............................................................................................2 2. Historic Context ................................................................................................................................. 5 2.1. Lake Oswego’s Beginnings ............................................................................................... 5 2.2 Neighborhood Development ............................................................................................12 2.2.1 Development During the Great Depression through World War II .............13 2.2.2 Model Homes .......................................................................................................16 2.2.3 Development and Ownership of Oswego Lake ..............................................19 2.2.4 Post World War II Development ........................................................................21 2.2.5 Trailer Courts .......................................................................................................22 2.2.6 Local Developers ................................................................................................. 22 2.2.7 Local Builders ...................................................................................................... 23 2.2.8 Practicing Architects ..........................................................................................26 2.3 Multi–Family Housing .......................................................................................................37 2.3.1 The Depression and World War II .....................................................................37 2.3.2 Post World War II ................................................................................................ 38 2.3.3 Summary ..............................................................................................................40 Page iv Mid-Century Lake Oswego August 2010 2.4 Recreation and Society ....................................................................................................... 41 2.4.1 Oswego Lake ........................................................................................................41 2.4.2 Organized Clubs ................................................................................................. 44 2.4.3 Local Theaters ...................................................................................................... 50 2.4.4 Festivals and Events ............................................................................................52 2.4.5 Other Recreational Opportunities ....................................................................53 2.4.6 Summary .............................................................................................................. 54 2.5 Transportation ..................................................................................................................... 55 2.5.1 Roads ..................................................................................................................... 55 2.5.2 Automobile Dealerships .....................................................................................62 2.5.3 Auto Service Centers ...........................................................................................64 2.5.4 Auto Parks, Motels, and Hotels ......................................................................... 66 2.5.5 Bus Service ........................................................................................................... 70 2.5.6 Air Transportation ...............................................................................................71 2.5.7 Summary .............................................................................................................. 72 2.6 Communication ................................................................................................................... 73 2.6.1 Newspapers ..........................................................................................................73 2.6.2 Community Bulletin Board ............................................................................... 74 2.6.3 Telephone Service ................................................................................................74 2.6.4 Summary .............................................................................................................. 76 2.7 Government ........................................................................................................................ 77 2.7.1 City Government ..................................................................................................77 2.7.2 Modern Period Mayors of Lake Oswego ..........................................................83 2.7.3 Fire Department ...................................................................................................84 2.7.4 Library ................................................................................................................... 85 2.7.5 Summary ...............................................................................................................86 2.8 Education .............................................................................................................................. 87 2.8.1 Elementary Schools .............................................................................................87 2.8.2 Junior High Schools ............................................................................................ 90 2.8.3 High Schools ........................................................................................................ 90 August 2010 Mid-Century Lake Oswego Page v 2.8.4 Colleges and Universities ...................................................................................91 2.8.5 Summary ..............................................................................................................94 2.9 Commercial .......................................................................................................................... 95 2.9.1 The Modern Shopping Age ................................................................................ 95 2.9.2 Oswego and Lake Grove Depression Era Commerce .................................... 96 2.9.3 Oswego’s

Load more