COOS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY • SPRING 2018 • WWW.COOSHISTORY.ORG The Bridges of Charleston By Cory Smith

Asa’s bayside The first denizens of Charleston property to form lived in relative isolation from the a new town which mainland surrounding Empire City he named North and, later, Yarrow on the eastern side Bend. In 1905 of the north bend of the bay. Travel he discovered throughout the region in those days the spectacular was, of course, via water and rough terrain and vistas overland trails. The native people on Cape Arago had developed a transportation and purchased system from the North Spit to the 320 acres for Hollering Place on the mainland a home site. where Empire City now sits. Aside Construction of a Charleston Bridge, 1909 from a few plank bridges along South formidable manse Photo courtesy of Oregon Department of Transportation Slough, most traffic, especially cargo was completed in such as building materials, reached 1907. According Charleston from Marshfield on boats to the recollections or barges. People used rowboats of the granddaughter of the pioneer and I.R. Tower in their autos have and large canoes, which could carry lighthouse worker, in 1909 a group returned. With the bridge over South several passengers, to get around. of residents of the Coos Bay region Slough finished, they found that it A local resident related that petitioned the county court to build requires just about an hour to make her mother and grandparents came a bridge across the slough to replace the trip from the city to Sunset Bay. out from Maine in 1888 and her the ferry that ran there. It is likely Formerly, with a vehicle and crossing grandfather worked at the Cape that Louis Simpson was one of the on the ferry it was half a day’s work

Arago lighthouse. She recalled that more vociferous proponentsCoos Bay of aTimes to reach there. The bridge and auto around 1900 a hand-operated ferry bridge. An article in the July 25, 1910 make a combination which brings the began running roughly where the evening edition of the attractive resort within easy reach of bridge now stands. Fares were $1.50 reported: the city. for a team and wagon, $1.00 for a The new bridge over South Slough The first bridge was a simple horse and rider, and 50 cents for a has been finished and L. J. Simpson manually operated wooden foot passenger. In those days the was the first man to cross over the drawbridge, but it greatly improved South Slough contained small rural new span with a vehicle. The bridge Charleston’s connection with the homesteads and a few scattered cost about $11,000 and its completion other communities around the bay. businesses, with most at the north opens up the roads to the lighthouse, Businesses began to spring up to end where Charleston had begun to to Sunset Bay and to Bandon. The serve the growing community and develop. In the early years of the drives on that side of South Slough encourage visitors. In 1913 L. J. Bob

20th century Charleston and the will hereafter be popular.Coos Bay Times WymanSimpson opened a resort at Sunset surrounding beaches were popular The effect was immediate, for this Bay. A couple of years after that spots for weekend and holiday itemClaude appeared Nasburg in the I.R. Tower Jack opened a seafood restaurant recreation. Such excursions were onFlanagan July 28, 1910: at the west end of the bridge. Buses all-day affairs. Transportation Alert , , could now carry passengers from was provided by riverboats out of and Dr. Hayden have been North Bend and MarshfieldJ.D. Stewart all the Marshfield. The stern wheeler camping for a few days at the beach. way out to Sunset Bay. A grocery ran on Sundays, bringing families with They made the trip in automobiles, store operated by picnic baskets to the small port at taking advantage of the new bridge opened sometime before 1920. In Charleston forLouis sightseeing J. Simpson and playing over South Slough to reach the the early 1920s the Charleston Bay on the beaches attractive places below that point. Company began buying up property In 1903 And on July 29th: and subdividing it (continuedinto building on pagelots. 4) acquired the town called Yarrow and The party of campers who went Prior to that there was no building Springmerged 2018 it with some of his father to the beach with Claude Nasburg 1 President’s Message Bill Mast

Patriot Nationshad the opportunity to represent the have decided in grade school to be a Greetings to all Board at the opening of the construction engineer and had family CCHS members! exhibit, which celebrates the support for the schooling to support As I write this in contributions of Native Americans that goal. Starting and building mid-March, winter to the United States Military. Over a successful marine construction is still hanging 100 people attended a very moving company was fun and rewarding and on. I hope weather conditions have opening ceremony. The exhibit is I have a sense to share the gains with improved by the time you read your displayed on the upper level of the others who did not have the support newsletter. MuseumAnne and Guerin is well worth your time I did. My mother was an Oregon It’s beenSteve an Greif eventful new year to view. history buff and loved restoring for the Museum. I was privileged and I are still historical houses and I guess some of to have invite me to working on this year’s CCHS tour. it rubbed off on me.” I’m sure many speak at one of his Wednesday night We’ll be taking in the Coos River area of you have similar stories. history classes. Steve spent the first on a tour tentatively scheduled for I wish everyone a happy spring. half of the class giving an interesting July 14th. You’ll hear from me again in a few lecture on early-day agriculture in I’m changing my tactics for myAl months. It will be my final column Coos County. I spent the remainder Powersquarterly appeal for donations. We’ve as president of the CCHS Board, of the evening talking about the asked one of our major donors, and you’ll get to hear from a new history of the Mast family and our , to describe what motivates president in the future. involvement in agriculture, along him to give generously of his time with some history of Lee Valley. I also and money. “I have been fortunate to Coos County We Welcome New Employee, Joni Eades Historical Society By Anne Guerin Staff Joni Eades Marketing Director. Prior , our new to that, she worked in both Executive Director: Susan Tissot Rentals and Marketing radio and newspaper, as a Collections Manager: Debra Semrau Coordinator, brings nearly sales representative and Education Coordinator: Amy Pollicino two decades of sales and promotion/marketing Volunteer Coordinator and Store marketing experience to director. Buyer: Valerie Caskey her position. Joni and her Joni is enjoying getting Rentals and Marketing husband Chris, who works to know her co-workers, the Coordinator: Joni Eades Visitor Services Assistant.: Becca Hill in the timber industry, volunteers, and the patrons Board of Trustees relocated to the Coos Bay of the CHM, and she is busy Bookkeeper: Terri Knight area two years ago. Formerly, Joni filling the calendar with upcoming was an active board member with rental events. She commented, “I am President: Bill Mast the Port Angeles Regional Chamber eager to learn about the history of Vice-President: Carol Ventgen of Commerce where her efforts were Coos County, and I can’t think of a Secretary: Anne Guerin focused on marketing and tourism better way to do that than by working Treasurer: Norm Herning campaigns for the area. In addition to at the Coos History Museum. I enjoy Trustees: Toni Ann Brend, Steve Greif, owning her own marketing business, working with people, event planning, Ryan Hogan, Jan Hooper, Joni worked with the Lower Elwha and marketing – so this is truly the Suzie McDaniel, Xandra McKeown, Klallam Tribe as their casino’s perfectTickets job for sold me!” out for the Women’s Kristi Pennington, Arlene Roblan, Museum Admission History Month Luncheon held on Carl Siminow, Joe Slack March 12, when guest speaker LaRee Johnson, author of Ladies Vintage Open Tuesday thru Sunday, 10–5 Accessories, presented a talk entitled Adults = $7, Children 5-17 = $3 “History, Hankies, and her Accessories.” Family Rate (household) = $17 Along with enjoying many samples of AARP, AAA, and senior discounts hand-stitched accessories through the Free admission to CCHS members, ages, the group heard music by local NARM program members, and crooner and North Bend High School active-duty military. choir member, Shaymus Hamlin. 541.756.6320, www.cooshistory.org Photo by Anne Guerin

2 Spring 2018 Executive Director’s Note Susan Tissot Not Invisible

“Coasties” make. In addition to our exhibit, which features active duty personnel, there are over 20 ORNational female Coast veterans Guard and Ar their Spring has sprung 8,000 veterans living in Coos County. stories. July 12 – Sept 16 we host and your museum We decided we needed to alsoCoquille reach the t exhibit is off to a roaring Tribalout to our Community veterans. WithFund generousthe Mr. featuring 15 paintings of US Coast start with a new &financial Mrs Michael support L from Keiser the Foundation Guard activitiesVet Ink: and Military the community Inspired changing exhibit and Tattoos,service work they do. In the fall program. During 2018 and a portion . , we open of 2019, we will honor and share the we are waiving museum admission our own in-house created stories of veterans through a series fees for veterans and their spouses exhibit that will feature local veterans of four unique exhibits and a special through Dec. 30, 2018. Please help and tell the where, when, and why of workshop on Blueveterans’ Star Museum issues. spread the word. their military inspired tattoo. Many The Coos History Museum is Our 2018 exhibition program is tattoos are memorial in nature and enrolled as a , a focused on veterans and their stories. represent very personal stories. We seasonal national program sponsored Through April 29 we feature the have posted an application form onto by the National Endowment for the PatriotSmithsonian Nations: National Native Museum Americans of thein our website for veterans who would Arts. That means we provide free OurAmerican Nation’s Indians Armed Traveling Forces Patriot Exhibit, like to participate. museum admission to active-duty Nations Our goal is to provide venues for military and their families, which . our community to better understand our museum honors as a year-round interprets why Native one another. We hope you will join program. We are a community with Americans serve in the US Military.I am us and participate in these important an active duty Coast Guard station, On May 10 – July 8 we host the Oregon programs while enjoying all that the and we value the contributions our Author to Provide anDepartment Evening of Veterans’ of Affairs, changing seasons have to offer. Entertainment on Seafaring Outlaws By Anne Guerin

Policy and Planning from MIT, held a If you were a child growing up variety of jobs prior to 2007 when he with a fascination for books/comic decided to devote himself full-time books about pirates, as I was, do we to researching and writing non- have a program for you. fiction books, usually A big thank you to the Coquille It will take you back into about something in Indian Tribe Community Fund the world of sailing ships, the marine world. for a $5,000 grant to help offset treasure stealing on the Among his book topics museum admission fees for veterans high seas, floggings with are the history of the in 2018. The grant complements cat o’ nine tails, walking fur trade, whaling, the $5,000 grant we received from the plank, and Jolly Roger and lighthouses in the Mr. & Mrs. Michael L. Keiser flags. America. He devotes Foundation. Through December On September 8, the approximately two 30, veterans and their spouses CHM is hosting its annual years to the research (if they visit the museum together) fundraiser dinner auction and writing of each receive FREE admission to see the that features an author book, often followed exhibits. This year will showcase who hasBlack researched Flags, Blueand by a series of speaking four special exhibits that focus on writtenWaters / about The Epic America’s History engagements on his veterans. Check out the calendar of pirates:of America’s Most Notorious Pirates latest publication. Dolin, events on our website, and in this Eric Jay Dolin a born story-teller, enjoys issue, for more information: . sharing his interests with an audience. . Pictured , from Marblehead, Their receptivity to his talks “is above from L-R: CIT Tribal Chair Massachusetts, will entertain the a nice confirmation of the value gathering with tales of piracy in the of a presentation,” Dolin said in a Brendawww.cooshistory.org Meade, CHM Executive coastal waters off America – spanning recent phone conversation. “To be Director Susan Tissot, and CIT the late 1600s through the early successful, one must be a marketer Community Fund Committee 1700s. His publisher has agreed to let and showman.” Member Denny Hunter. the museum be a pre-release site for Mark your calendar and plan to Photo courtesy of the CIT. this new book. attend this night of a deep dive into SpringDolin, 2018 a Ph.D. in Environmental the history of American piracy. 3 . . . Charleston Bridges (continued from page 1) organization or pattern; there were many shacks and shanties built on shoestrings by squatters. More business development was spurred after 1924 when the Federal Government funded constructionDave Jones of the south jetty at the entrance to Coos Bay. Within a year opened his store, Charleston Bridge, 1934. Photo courtesy of Oregon Department of Transportation and community services such as the Charleston School, a Post Office, dance hall, pool hall, three-story hotel, saw mill, several more stores 1934 Charleston Bridge did not replacement. It was also noted that and, of course, a tavern added to exhibit any of the graceful hallmarks bridge clearances were inadequate local commerce. According to the of McCullough’s personal touch. The Davidfor present C. Moyano and future traffic. A new pioneer granddaughter, early church bridge was, in fact, devoid of any bridge was planned, designed by services were conducted by traveling decorative architecturalJ. W. treatmentJ. R. with consultation preachers upstairs at Davey Jones Hillstromwhatsoever. The construction was of CH2M of Corvallis, and built by Locker. Fishing became an industry in accomplished by and General Construction Company of the 1920s, with bothCharles commercial Feller’s and general contractors at a Federal Way, Washington. The design sport fishing which led in the 1930s to cost of more than $87,000. was described as double leaf Chicago such enterprises as The 1934 bridge served for style bascule lift, and the bascule lift fish shipping business, the Hallmark fifty-seven years. During that time was manufactured by Hardesty & Fisheries plant, and Qualman oyster the growth of Charleston waxed and Hanover of New York. Construction beds. waned, becoming at its peak a boom was started in mid-1988 and took two The 1930s saw continued growth town of fishing fleets, the growing and a half years to complete. The cost with logging along the Seven Devils OIMB, military presence during World of the new bridge was $15.4 million. Road and a CCC camp built where War II, development and services for As the new bridge neared University of Oregon’s Oregon the residential community, and tourist completion, in January of 1991 the Institute of Marine Biology is now. attractions. Over the years, a variety South Slough was closed to all marine The fishery industry burgeoned in of signals were developed to alert the traffic for six weeks to allow the the 1930s and ‘40s. The wooden bridge tender that a boat needed to bridge contractor to keep the bridge bridge built in 1909-10 was by then pass through. Residents of the area closed to make necessary adjustments deteriorating under the pressures of reminisce that three long blasts on a to the spans, put on the deck grating, heavy use. Around 1932 the Oregon boat’s horn would signal the tender to complete the sidewalk and guardrails State Highway Department began open the bridge. But the horn blasts and lay down the road surface over plans for a new steel structure to did not always come from boats. One the grating. The bridge is opened replace the old wooden drawbridge. creative boater sounded the blasts on primarily by an electric motor, though The new bridge, completed in 1934, his trombone. Another sounded the there is a back-up air motor and, as a was of enclosed through truss swing signal on a conch. Then there was last resort, a hand crank. span design. It was built in sections the fellow who resided in a converted In February of 1991 one of the on Isthmus Slough and taken by bus at one of the bayside trailer parks, bridge tenders and others in the barge to the point of assembly in and had replaced the normal horn community organized a going-away Charleston. The swing span was on his bus with a boat horn. This party and open house for the 1934 mechanically pivoted by huge gears, individual was well-known to some bridge. The Charleston Visitor Center Condevery like B. a McCullough railroad turntable. The of the more troublesome folks who, was alive with locals reminiscingThe World Oregon State Bridge Engineer was when faced with possible intervention about the bridge. An article in the who was, by sheriff deputies, would call upon February 13, 1991 issue of at that time, busily involved in the him to sound the alert and open the reported: design and construction of a series bridge, thus preventing officers of The venerable old South Slough of spectacular spans along Highway the law from crossing the slough into Bridge has carried everything from 101, the Roosevelt Highway. While Charleston. strolling sailors, to horses, cows and McCullough signed off on the plans In 1983 the Oregon State Highway every sort car or truck imaginable for the Charleston Bridge, it is Department conducted a study of the to the entrance of Old Charlie Town. unlikely that he had anything to do Charleston Bridge which determined Now the old girl is tired and heavy with its design. As noted, he was that the bridge had deteriorated trucks will no longer(continued make heron page piling 5) engaged in creating the coastal route to a point where it required thunder. The South Slough Bridge is 4bridges. It is also obvious that the either extensive repairs or total Spring 2018 In the year 2018,Patriot the Nations: CHM is Nativehonoring Americans America’s in Ourveterans. Nation’s Our Armedmuseum Forces is fortunate to bring a series of veteran events to this community. , the Smithsonian traveling exhibit, opened on March 1 and will run through April 29 on the Mezzanine Gallery. The travelling exhibit comes from the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian and is funded by the San Manuel band of Mission Indians. CHM staff worked with tribal

staff from the Coquille Indian Tribe and the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw NasomahIndians in preparingsingers for the opening. The

(above) from the CIT Photosdrummed by Valerie and sang Davis during the reception.

eagle’s grip and landed in the midst of the celebrants, who without hesitation scaled, cleaned and tossed the fish Sourcesonto the barbecue. What better salute Anonymous,could the personal bridge recollections have received? of construction of the 1991 Charleston Bridge Bridgehunter.com website The Coos Bay Times, July 25, 1909, July 28, 1909, July 29, 1909 Douthit, Nathan, “The Coos Bay Region 1890-1944: Charleston Bridge, 1991. Photo by Cory Smith Life on a Coastal Frontier,” Coos County Historical Society, Coos Bay, Oregon, 2005 Douthit, Nathan,” A Guide to Oregon South Coast . . . Charleston Bridges History: Traveling the Jedediah Smith Trail,” Oregon (continued from page 4) State University Press, Corvallis, Oregon, 1999 maintenance six months later. Since Hadlow, Robert W., “Elegant Arches, Soaring Spans: then, for the past 26 years, the bridge C. B. McCullough, Oregon’s Master Bridge Builder,” has been inspected and serviced every Oregon State University Press, Corvallis, Oregon, scheduled to be removed in March, two years in August or September, 2001 Leberti, Rose Younker, personal recollections of her her ultra-modern steel and concrete and apparently remains a healthy and family history in Charleston and South Slough areas replacement already casts an evening hearty mainstay of commerce and McArthur, Lewis L., “Oregon Geographic Names,” shadow over the old wooden walkways. tourism in Oregon’s Bay Area. Oregon Historical Society, Portland, Oregon, 1974 Oregon Institute of Marine Biology website According to the bridge tender, When the new bridge was Port of Coos Bay website “Approximately 10,000,000 vehicles formally dedicated in the fall of 1991, Smith, Dwight A., Cultural Resources Specialist, have traversed over 2,000,000 miles the local workers, tradespeople and “Cultural Resources Report, South Slough (Charleston) Bridge Section Cape Arago Highway across the one-quarter mile span” craftsmen who participated in its No. 240, Charleston, Coos County, Oregon,” and the bridge was opened a total of construction held a barbecue at the Environmental Research Unit, State Highway 228,000 times. east end of the bridge. During the Division, Oregon Department of Transportation, August 1983, Revised October 1983 When the 1934 bridge was course of the festivities, an eagle was U. S. Coast Guard website removed it marked the end of an era; observed scouting above the bay. Wagner, Dick, “Louis Simpson’s North Bend,” North it was one of the last swing bridges The regal bird suddenly dipped and Bend News, North Bend, Oregon, 1986 on the Oregon Coast. The new strafed the water, emerging with a The World, January 4, 1991, January 10, 1991, February 13, 1991, February 16, 1991, February bridge was ready for both marine salmon in its talons. Unfortunately for 23, 1991, August 30, 1991 and vehicular traffic in early March the bird, its hold on its prey was not Spring1991, and2018 underwent its first routine secure and the salmon fell from the 5 Calendar of Events

We are working hard at bringing new and relevant public programming to the community. The following is a partial list of upcoming events. Check the museum’s website for a full calendar of events, www.cooshistory.org29. – Patriot Nations: Using Citizen Science to Uncover North APRIL Native Americans in Our Nation’s America’s Most Elusive Creature 3 – First Tuesday Talks: ArmedLast Forces day to view . An Museum MAY accomplished science communicator, open extended hours 6-8:30 p.m. 1 – First Tuesday Talks he has spoken at the American with galleries and store Museum of Natural History, The open. Lecture begins at : Museum Philadelphia Academy of Sciences, 6:30 p.m. $7 adults, free open extended hours 6-8:30 p.m. Bringing the Wild Yale University, the Smithsonian for museum members. with galleries and Institution and Ripley’s Believe It Speaker:Back into Alexaour Urban Carlton, store open. Lecture Spaces. or Not! museums in Hollywood and begins at 6:30 p.m. Times Square. Copies of David’s book $7 adults, free for will be available for purchase in the Alexa weaves plant and insect A museum members. 7,museum 14, 21 store.,28 – ToddlerA book signing Yoga will ecology into everything she does as Speakers:Historic and Steve Contemporary and Perspective follow the lecture. the Education Program Leader for Jeanneon Piloting Woods, the Coos Bay Bar. the CoosWA, through projects that 10 – Second Sunday Family Fun10:30- 11:30a.m. connect people to nature through O Pilot! Historical Sketches of Steventhe Coos Day 8urban – Second restoration Sunday and Family ecological Fun Day andBay BarJeanne Pilots Woods are co-authors of, landscaping. : Museum admission FREE all day, : published in 2013. 10am-5pm, plus hands-on activities Museum admission FREE all day, Copies of their book are available for kids and the young at heart from 10a.m.-5p.m., plus hands-on activities 3,for 10, sale 17, in 24,the 31museum – Toddler store. Yoga A book 1p.m.-3p.m. Co-sponsored by Coquille for kids and the young at heart from signing will follow the lecture. 28Animal – Knot Hospital Club and an anonymous business donor. 141p.m.-3p.m. – Tule Mat Sponsored Weaving by Class, Coquille 10 – I Am Not Invisible 30 – Annual Membership Meeting Animal Hospital. 10:30-11:30a.m. 2-4p.m. exhibit opens. , 10a.m.-4p.m. Learn how to Sponsored by the Oregon Dept. of Sprague Gallery,EXHIBITS 10a.m.-1p.m. traditionally process the materials, Veterans’ Affairs. Reception follows April: and go home with a from 4-6p.m. Patriot Nations: Native Americans in finished mat. Class Our ArmedCoos Forces County in Main Gallery, taught by Stephanie May & June: on Mezzanine Craig. Cost: $80, 13 – Second Sunday Family Fun I Am Not Invisible 15preregistration – Cedar and Sweet Grass Day Coos County in Main Weavingrequired. Class Gallery, on MezzanineUPCOMING EVENTS : Museum admission FREE all day, Oregon Humanities Project: 10a.m.-4p.m. Learn 10a.m.-5p.m., plus hands-on activities What is Cultural Appropriation? traditional weaving techniques for kids and the young at heart from and materials. Western red cedar 181p.m.-3p.m. – Veterans Sponsored Event: by Coquille Animal Hospital. and coast sweet grass sedge will Facilitator Surabhi Majahan will be used to make a set of four each 10a.m.-1p.m. lead us in a conversation to explore of place-mats and coasters. Class Series of speakers with light cultural appropriation beyond who’s 26taught – Toddler by Stephanie Yoga: Craig. Cost: $90, 31refreshments – Knot Club to follow. Sponsored “allowed” to wear certain clothing or preregistration required. Oregon Humanities Project: by Bay Area Hospital Foundation Showingcook particular Up: What foods. Does it Mean to 10:30-11:30a.m., JUNE2-4p.m. Belong to a Community? $7 Adults/FREE for Museum 5 – First Tuesday Talks Members (Family level or above). Kids Being part will learn traditional yoga poses as : Museum of a community is an essential need well as singing songs, playing games, open extended hours 6-8:30 p.m. for all of us. It is a place where we find with galleries and store 26and – other Knot activitiesClub that challenge others who share common ground, their motor and social skills! open. Lecture begins at where our values and identities are 6:30 p.m. $7 adults, free 2-4p.m. Skill- Sasquatch: reflected. Community is also a place for museum members. where we are supported and thrive. sharing club all about how to tie Speaker:Man-Ape Davidor Myth? George different kinds of knots. Members The Join facilitator Chi Mei Tam in this Gordon, conversation to explore what it means enjoy working on various projects Sasquatch Seeker’s DavidField Manual: All events subject to change. throughout the year. All levels George Gordon is the author of to be part of a community. 6welcome. Spring 2018 The new Donor Board recogni- Membership Roll Call tion was recently December 1, 2017 - February 28, 2018 installed in the New Membership/Individual Nancy Rogers main entrance Trish Mace Andie Jensen of the museum, a Craig Henslee Heide Cummings project conducted Jaime Koleno Robert Kuenzli by long-time Michelle Henslee Mitzi Loftus supporters John Kathy Blake Mary B Granger and Teri Whitty Laurel Gerkman Don Lynam and Annie Judith Collins Jay Anderson Donnelly, with Pam Martinelli Carl Siminow Susan Tissot’s Shawnita Zimmer Patti deRonden-Pos participation. Scott Fischer Michael O’Dwyer Photo by Susan Tissot Christine Hanlon New Membership/Family Shawn Corrigan Gary & Martha Gregor Kathryn Newhouse . . . Roll Call (continued) Peter Mason Len Morrison Ed & Leah Hughes Janice McKenzie Evan Johnson David & Andrea Qualman Randal Corrigan Renewal Friend/Upgraded Mary Cervantes Megan Maloney & Gary Baty Ron & Carol Miranda Irene Sunday Adrienne Jernigan Lloyd Newton Kurt & Dianne Zarder William & Joan Kendrick Char Luther Aaron Pedregon & Diana Ron & Cathy Culley Robert Sasanoff W.E. Moore Adams Rocky & Jill Wentzel Tom Orsi Karen Lind Yvonne Ousley James Fereday Jim & Ellen Montalbano Nathaniel Jaeggle Kyle Sonne & Olsen Helland Janet Hagge Paul & Marilyn Halvor Karen & Terry Taylor Family Renewal Lana Graff Steve & Joan Greif George Smith, Jr. Ralph Mohr Robert & Joyce Bonk Rick Fox Kyla Schneyder Ronald & Alice Carlson Greg & Susie Solarz New Membership/Friend David & Molly Ford Kevin & Michelle Vidal R.E. Helske Karen Domine Marilyn Wilson Kipp & Vickie Karavanich Michael & Cheri Sickels Individual Renewal Shaun & Anne Hobson Cindy Finlayson Michael & Barbara Taylor Judy Rocha Gregory & Barbara Rueger Virginia Maine Susan Anderson Robert More Steve & Linda Miller Sam & Sandi Archer Paula Scavera Robert Sturtevant Steven & Laurie Duchscherer Paula Bechtold Fran Capeheart MJ Koreiva George & Carole Tinker David & Lois Forrester Ralph & Dorothy Beesley Myrle Ellingsen Nicholas & Joyce Jansen Lola Solomon Ernie Manders James Proehl Sally Arbus Helen Doving Ron Dieu Julianna Louise Johnson Ron & Linda Boise Art & Janna Beckett Reg Pullen Glennora Arnold Bill & Yvonne Ekern Eric & Mary Kohler Clair & Donald Crisp Laurie Followell MetaAnn Steele & Karl Elsner John Michel & Gary Salcedo David & Donna Gould Benton Flaxel Steve & Jeanne Woods Dean & Linda Talboy Daniel & Charlyn Myers Bernard & Barbara Metzger Anne Guerin Chuck & Mary Howard Jeff Whitty Love adventure? Barbara Porter Richard & Kathy Whitwer Join our museum travel Joanne Verger Doug & Cricket Soules group for a once-in-a- Jennifer Schmitt & Cameron Mary Paczesniak lifetime experience on Hinman Kathy Sprague the Royal Clipper ship Kent & Laura Palaniuk Michael Heath as it travels through the Richard Besser Renewal Curator Caribbean and the new Charles & Judy King Arthur & Toni Poole locks in the Panama David & Janet Tilton Canal November 10- David & Susan Jordan Renewal Historian 24, 2018. This cruise will have only 227 passengers Peter Pike Paul & Patricia Janke on board and makes multiple ports of call stops. Our Richard & Sandra Bowman Renewal Business museum travel group has room for 18 passengers. For Deryl & Chris Beebe Costello Law Office, PC more information, check out the video on our website or Paul & Jill Kearns Crow, Clay and Associates e-mail Susan Tissot at Ted & Carolyn Terry Koontz Machine & Welding or call 541-756-6320, ext. 213. John & Jean Frye Maya Graphics LLC [email protected] Spring 2018 7 Steam Donkey Exhibit Enhanced at the Museum By Steve Greif & Lionel Youst

front (a method used during Some significant progress has the days of bull teams and been made this winter on one of ground-lead donkeys to the Coos HistoryLionel Museum’s Youst premier prevent the log from digging outdoor exhibits. Several volunteers into the ground as itDick was were led by , a local Jamsgardpulled forward). The log was historian from Allegany, who grew up then set in place by around logging operations in Oregon using one of the and Washington. Under Youst’s Hysters fromSteve the Greif Oregon directions, volunteers have installed Coast Historical Railroad a short “skid road” in front of the Museum. Dolbeer spool steam donkey on the Floydassisted Ingram on the project. Due museum’s south plaza and laid in- to a generous grant from the place a 12-foot long, 3000 pound log Charitable partially on those skids. The log was Trust, new interpretive From left, George Noah, Fred Noah, Gus Wisk, placed in a dramatic way that makes signage will be installed to Charlie Las, and Dave Cowan logged with a it look like it is being dragged in from more fully explain the exhibit. spool steam donkey near Allegany in this 1909 the museum’s west bioswale. The vertical spool steamJohn Coos History Museum photo. (992.8.0049) Youst purchased new cable and Dolbeerdonkey was first patented hooked it up the proper way onto the in 1882 by its inventor spool of the donkey so that visitors of Dolbeer and will have a better understanding Carson Lumber Company in Eureka, of how the system worked. California. It was intended to be used Unbelievably, he also found and to aid in logging the huge California purchased never-before-used “log redwoods. Its purpose was to provide dogs” on Ebay, in their original a flexible and cheap source of power 1925 packaging. Recently-Tom Hull to enhance the energy available from retired Marshfield High metals/ the bull teams (oxen) that were then woods instructor did the sole motive power used to yard the welding to fabricate a chain logs on the hills of the Pacific Coast. bridle for the dogs, which were By the turn of the century, Dolbeer hammered into the log and spool steam donkeys were in common connected to the cable. This was Dick Jamsgard moved the log into place. use for both yarding and loading the method used during the days logs at logging camps throughout of bull team logging, before there the west. They worked side by side were such things as chokers to with the bull teams, as evidenced by hook onto the logs, and continued any number of historic photographs to be used with the spool donkeys from the period. The Dolbeer vertical during the transition from animal spool steam donkeys were one of the power to steam. Tom first manifestations of the industrial HuppiThe Douglas Fir log was revolution to show up in woods. In donated and cut by its elegant mechanical simplicity, on hisMick property Green upMike it provides striking contrast to its VaughanCoos River and delivered to predecessor, the yoked oxen, and to its successor, the more sophisticated the site by . Tom Hull welded the log “sniped” the log in drum donkeys that eventually dogs into place so they can replaced the bull teams entirely. It not be easily dislodged. perfectly represents the transition between the ancient use of cattle for motive power, to the development of huge steam engines which peaked From left, Lionel Youst, by the late 1920’s. By the end of Dick Jamsgard, Steve Greif, the Second World War, steam in the Tom Hull and Tom Huppi woods had been completely replaced helped on the project. with diesel-powered machines, which provide the motive power in logging Photos by Steve Greif to the present day.(continued on page 9) The machine owned by the Coos 8 Spring 2018 . . . Steam Donkey Is it time to purchase or renew your (continued from page 8) annual membership? Make a donation? Annual Fee: Membership has its rewards History Museum was built in 1902 by Marschutz & Cantrell of San Francisco Tru Furniture, Truffles!, in shopping Katrina under a Dolbeer patent and shipped ___ Student ($15) Kathleen’slocally. Show your membership10% OFF card when you to Simpson Logging Company in ___ Individual ($35) shop at and North Bend. It was first used at the ___ Family ($50) to receive regular prices. Simpson camp on Blue Ridge and ___ Friend ($100) At the Friend level and up, you can now receive subsequentlyEmmet Pierce at various camps on Coos ___ Benefactor ($250) an additional new benefit – membership in the River and Daniels Creek. It was sold ___ Historian ($500) North American Reciprocal Museums program to Logging CompanyJack in ___ Curator ($1,000) with free admission to 973+ museums across McDonald1904 and used on the Coquille River, the U.S. A link to the list of NARM members is then, Williamin 1905, VaughanPierce sold it to ___ DonationBusiness membership $______($100 or above) posted on our website and available for review who formed a partnership at our front desk. with under the Your___ annual membership becomes active from date of purchase. name of McDonald and Vaughan Logging Company (re-formed as Coos Bay Logging Company in 1917). It Member Name:______Date:______remained in use by Vaughn and the Coos Bay Logging Company at its Old Business Name:______Town Mill in North Bend (the successor Mailing Address: ______to the original Simpson Mill) until the mid-1930’s. It was one of the last such Phone #:______Email:______spool donkeys in use in Oregon. ___ Yes, send information about events via email. In 1950, William Vaughan donated ___ Send information about volunteering and gifting. the steam donkey to the Coos County Historical Society. A new log sled was If your VISA/MasterCard/DiscoveryCard is by mail: Card Type:______then built and donated by the Menasha Card #:______Exp Date:______3-digit Security Code:______Corporation of North Bend in 1994. The exhibit stood outside the museum in North Bend until moved to its current location in Coos Bay in 2015. The spool donkey at the Coos History Museum is the only one built by Marshutz & Cantrell. It has a six- inch bore and twelve-inch stroke (6 X 12). It has a 30-inch flywheel and six-inch pinion gear powered by steam from a 36-inch boiler. The gypsy capstan is 16 inches high, which makes it significantly larger than the other spool donkeys in the state. The museum’s machine has much significance to local history. It represents the continuity of the Simpson and Vaughn presence in the area–two names going back to the beginning of the lumber industry on Thank You, Volunteers! the Bay. The exhibit also represents the transition between animal and machine power and does it vividly and Four new interpretive signs were recently installed in the ecological clearly. In the spring, hundreds of 5th landscaping in the CHM parking lot by students involved in the Coos grade students annually visit the Coos : Kamara Mill, Tyler Warner, Breahna Head, Kody Cochell, History Museum throughAmy Pollicino the education NickWatershed Baker, Association’s James McGraw, Watershed Gavin Burch,Conservation Kayla ColemanStewardship CorpsJessy program under the guidance of CHS Garcia.program Dave Nelson Alexa Education Director . Carleton Kaedra Emmons. , and The students will enjoy counting the Crew leader was and program leaders were rings of the log to determine its age and The signs were designedPhoto by the by SteveCoos Greif and more fully understand the physics Watershed Assoc. and the Coos History Museum, with printing by BNT Springand vocabulary 2018 of old-time logging. Promotional Products. 9 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

1210 North Front Street Coos Bay, OR 97420 (541) 756-6320 www.cooshistory.org

is the quarterly publication of the Coos County Historical Society and sent to all members.

Funding for this Photo by Steve Greif We Love Our Coasties newsletter is generously provided by Ann Collins. EightDavid Coast GuardDuren menMaggie and womenNakoa volunteeredSteve Lopez severalShane hoursAbold toDan help Nielsen with landscapingAudrey Caristo the groundsBen Detroit at Coos HistoryJordan Museum Along in mid-February. Thank you, , , , , , 10 , , and . Spring 2018