Lane County Historian

THE CIRCUIT RIDERCommemorating the labors and achievements of the ministers of the gospel who as circuit riders became the friends, counselors, and evongels to the pioneers on every American frontier. Lomox photo

LANE COUNTY PIONEER - HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Vol. Xl - No. 3 Eugene, Fall 1966

PRICE 50 CENTS PER COPY LANE COUNTY PIONEER-HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Alfred L. Lomax, Editor 740 West 13th Avenue, Eugene, Oregon97402 Dr. E. E. Gray, Membership Secretary 1 937 Orchard St., Eugene, Oregon 97403

CONTENTS

EUGENE'S EARLY CHURCHES 43

EARLY PROTESTANT CHURCHES IN THE SIUSLAW VALLEY 47

JOHN STRAUB 49

THE EUGENE JUNIOR SYMPHONY 52

THE CRESCENT LAKE MONSTER 57

ILLUSTRATIONS

COVER - THE CIRCUIT RIDER CAPITAL GROUNDS, SALEM 41

EUGENE'S EARLY CHURCHES 43

EVANGELICAL CHURCH AT FLORENCE 46

POINT TERRACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 48

JOHN STRAUB 49

EUGENE JUNIOR SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 54-55

42 ettene'i ea,4 Churchei

£BCDPL CJ1ICH - 51 CIIflCI

ETQDST CHUFC4 F5E5YE. oEicEE GTYsr

Eugene's Early ChurchesAll were builtin the1 850s andI 860s except the Presbyterian Church, 1883. Wallings History of Lane County During the time that the pioneers The group continued to meet in were getting homes built and crops the Harlow home until 1857 when cultivated, religious worship was they decided to move their meeting not neglected. Small groups met in homes and worshipped God accord- place across the river to Eugene, a ing to their beliefs. One such group populous place of 500 souls. The to formally organize a church met first meeting was at the Red Top in the home of Mahion Harlow in Tavern, a hotel owned by Mr. Har- 1852 and formed the Willamette low 10 c a t e d at 8th and Pearl Forks Baptist Church of J e s u s Streets. Later, when the Cumber- Christ. There were seven charter land Presbyterian Church was built members. Here, as in other parts they were offered the use of that of pioneer Oregon, the influence of structure. In 1867 the Baptists com- the Circuit Rider was felt. Elder pleted their first building on the William Sperry agreed to come to northeast corner of 8th and Pearl Eugene to hold services n c e a Streets. In 1889 the building was month. sold and moved off the lot in prep- 43 aration for a new and larger struc- 11th and Willamette Streets. Dur- ture. ing the following eight months of Reverend Jacob Gillespie arrived construction the Methodist congre- by wagon train from Tennessee in gation met in the Rhinehart Opera 1852 and by the spring of 1853 had House. organized the Cumberland Presby- The same year that the Metho- terian church. T h e congregation dists had their first meeting, Epis- met in homes at first followed by copalians met in the new County meetings in the Bogart school in Clerk's Office building* to organize what is now the Willakenzie Dis- their membership. But the records trict. Four years later a lot was are rather obscure and not much is purchased on the northeast corner known about the early days of this of 6th and Pearl Streets from Eu- denomination except that it suf- gene S k i n n e r for $50.00 and a fered through many problems. It is church building was begun. The known that Mary Skinner in 1859 building costs and the bell were the gave a lot on the southwest corner giftsof the Reverend Gillespie, of 7th and Olive Streets to this whereas members of the congrega- group for a church site and con- tion contributed their labor. struction began immediately. When In 1856 the church sponsored an the building was outgrown a new ambitious educational venture by one was made possible by the gen- building the ill-fated Columbia Col- erosity of Mrs. Hanchett, wife of lege whose site was on the corner Eugene's first physician. The cor- of 19th A v e n u e East and Olive ner-stone for the new building was Street. It opened with some 50 stu- laid in 1889. dents, among whom was Joaquin In these early days when formal Miller, the Oregon poet. Between pulpit-filling for each of the denom- incendiaryfires and q u a r r e 15 inations was extremely difficult, the among the brethren the institution Circuit Rider was a welcome visitor failed to survive, but a stone mark- to isolated communities. Word soon er from the old building still stands spread throughout the area when on the corner site. he arrived and groups gathered for The Methodists organized their preaching services. He was a lonely, congregation in 1854 around Solo- awesome figure dressed in black, mon and Nancy Zumwalt, whose with a flowing cape and a w i d e- log-cabin home was near the pres- brimmed hat. He was not only a ent intersection of Highway 99 and messenger bringing spiritual com- Elmira Road. Twenty charter mem- fort to ofttimes lonely people, but bers started Methodism on its way also was family counselor and con- in Eugene, augmented by 10 more fidant in adjusting their personal shortly thereafter. Until the first problems. church building was erected in 1857 A Mrs. Belknap, writing in her on t h e southwest corner of 10th diary says of the Circuit Rider: "It and Willamette meetings were held is like a ray of bright sunshine on in homes. When the first building a dark, cloudy day to meet him. was outgrown by 1886 the struc- Whole families go by ox-cart or ture was sold to the Catholics, who even on horseback. We have a Sun- moved it to the northeast corner of day-school and prayer-meeting and

Constructed in 1853 and is the oldest building in Eugene. It may be seen at the Lane County Pioneer Historical Museum. 44 '1 then handshaking and visiting for formally organizing, but in 1889, an hour and we go to our distant under the leadership of Dr. Thomas homes greatly refreshed. We have Condon, a group of 34 people gath- little space in our one-room cabin, ered in the Rhinehart Opera House but there is always a cozy corner to effect an organization. Reverend for the minister and his books." P. 5. Knight from the Salem Con- In May, 1855, five people met un- gregational Church agreed to come der an oak tree on the southwest every two weeks for a service. c o r n e r of 10th and Willamette Prior to this time, most of the Streets and organized the Eugene Congregationalists h a d attended Presbyterian Church. By 1858, the the Presbyterian Church. The fol- membership had increased to eight, lowing spring the Congregationalist including the pastor's wife. The group was offered free use of the minutes of the Session give the im- second floor of the Hovey Building pression that the Reverend Robert at 8th and Olive Streets for their Robe was the pastor from 1855 to Sunday services. Old timers recall 1865, but there was no formal call that the entrance was by way of and that he should be called a Stat- an uncovered stairway which re- ed Sup p 1 y. A building was con- sulted in wet s k i r t s and ankles. structed in 1859 on the corner of Later, Mrs. Wesley Shannon donat- 8th and Lincoln streets. When fire ed a lot at the corner of 7th and destroyed this structure a second Charnelton Streets for a building one was built in 1883. In 1906 the which was dedicated in June 1891. church building was sold to t he The Catholics did not h ave a W.O.W. lodge, whereupon the two church site until 1873 when prop- Presbyterian groups merged to call erty was purchased on 11th a n d themselves the Central Presbyter- Willamette and the old Methodist ian Church. A building with stone church building was moved there. facing was constructed in 1908 on Mass had previously been held in the southwest corner of 10th and private homes or in the old Court Pearl Streets. House. In 1866, members of the Chris- The following years brought new tian Church, who had been meeting buildings as the population of Eu- irregularly in h o m e s during the gene expanded. In 1910, the Chris- past five years, decided to formally tian Church moved into its present organize a church group and hold building, to be followed in 1913 by services in the Court House. Two the Methodists in the edifice they years later a small brick building now occupy. In 1925, the Congre- was erected with a seating capacity gational Church moved to 13th and of 350, located on the northwest Ferry and two years later the Bap- corner of 9th a n d Pearl Streets tists were worshiping in their new (now Broadway). By 1893, the con- quarters at 868 High Street. The gregation had outgrown the orig- Episcopalians b u ii t at 13th and inal building and moved into a new Pearl Streets in 1938. Both the one on the northwest corner of 11th Presbyterians and the Congrega- and Willamette. tionalists have met the needs of ex- The Congregationalists were lat- panding membership in their new er than the other denominations in church buildings, the former at

'Moore, MeCornack, McCready, The Story of Eugene, Stratford Press, New York, 1949, page 27. 45 1475 Ferry Street, since 1956, and to Heaven. The story is told that the latter at 1050 23rd A v e n u e the road was not always a matter East in 1957. of denomination, at least in the case of one opportunist whose business Churches were important in the was window-washing. He wearied lives of pioneer builders. Each ar- of trying to keep the windows of gued the points of his particular the Methodist Church clean under church, and as the years passed a roof that 1 e a k e d badly, so he there were also arguments within switched his bucket along with his the church with groups drawing faith to the Presbyterians who had apart to choose independent roads just put on a new roof!

Evangelical Church in Florence. Dedicated in 1902. Rev. Yost first pastor Mrs. Margie Y. Knowles Collection

46 ear4 Proteitanl Churcheiinih.&ujaw Va/Eej In 1889 the Board of Home Mis- son family can be charged back to sions of the Presbyterian Church, the Board of Home Missions which U.S.A., sent Reverend Albert Rob- agreed to pay their minister a stip- inson from Eugene to Florence to ulated annual salary, and for every establish a church, the first of the new baby $100 extra. The Board's protestant denominations to be rep- birth subsidy had the desired effect resented in that part of Lane for the babies came so regularly the County. Services were held in the stipend was cut to $50. Then the Florence schoolhouse at first, but twins came, and the Robinsons got the ambitious young minister was their $100 anyway. not long in planning a church edi- In the thirty-one years from 1889 fice which was erected on the Hurd to 1920, 13 ministers served the hill, the highest point of land in spiritual needs of western Lane the town, and dedicated in 1892. Presbyterians. The little white church was a land- mark for mariners of the coasting Methodist. The Methodist Epis- vessels and was the only beacon in copal denomination was organized that area until the Heceta Head by Reverend E. L. Thompson at lighthouse was constructed in 1894. Glenada across the r i v e r from During his pastorate he established Florence on July 31, 1891. This was Presbyterian churches at Glenada, largely inspired by George H. Col- Acme (Cushman), Point Terrace, ter's gift of land and Henry Bar- Blachly and Deadwood. rett's cash donation, a 1 t h o u g h The Lake Creek Presbyterian smaller contributions were made by church at Deadwood was incorpo- members of the congregation. The rated in February 1893 with twelve building was completed November members. Later, the Lake Creek, 1, 1892, at a cost of $1,200. Colter Horton, and Blachly Presbyterian wasthesuccessfulconstruction churches merged and built a larger bidder. church at Lake Creek. When Mr. Thompson left in Aug- The Robinsons had a large fam- ust 1891, Reverend W. H. Church ily of six boys and three girls. came for one year and was suc- Homes were built on the Woahink ceeded by Reverend Henry Moys Lake homestead of 163 acres, now whose tenure also was one year. a part of Jessie M. Honeyman State Three other ministers followed up Park, and another was a large to September 1896. house just west of Florence. A church building which re- His was a very busy life as he mained uncompleted at Florence performed his pastoral dutiesper- was purchased by the United Evan- f o r m i n g marriages, christening gelical Church on November 18, children, and attending funerals in 1901, for $150.00. the isolated settlements. The lower United Evangelical. This denom- river was the main artery of com- ination did not come to the Siuslaw munication for the communities on area until 1900 when the Oregon its banks, but Blachly and Dead- Conference of the church meeting wood required an arduous trip over inHillsborodesignated western the mountains. He was often away Lane County and the Alsea Valley from home days at a time. as mission fields. Thomas A. Yost, Perhaps the size of the Robin- the first missionary, served until 47 his death in 1926, a long and de- but none served so long and faith- voted ministry. fully as "Uncle" Thomas A. Yost. His first pastorate was in Glen- (Adapted from articlesin the ada as he made his home in that Siuslaw Pioneer for 1953 and 1959 community. When the Methodists by Mrs. Archie Y. Knowles, Mrs. at Florence were unable to finish Neva Severy Welty, and Mrs. Olive their building for lack of members, Benke Dallas). he arranged to complete it for his denomination.Dedication was in 1902. Like the ministers of the other denominations, calls to the river- side communities were made in a rowboat until a launch was built. Other calls were made on foot. When the Reverend J. S. Plow- man came as an assistant in 1901, he was assigned to the more dis- tant points and visited them on horseback. Yost was kept at the Florence pastorate. Reverend C.A. Burns came three years later and built the Ma- pleton church for $784. Money was scarce, so everybody contributed in some way toward its construction. Lumber was bought at the Acme sawmill. Albert Knowles and his two sons, Archie and Silas, having promised to get the lumber, left Mapleton in their rowboat on a high tide, rowed the eleven miles to the sawmill, as there was no road.Rafting the lumber, they started back on an incoming tide towing the heavy raft. They stayed overnight with friends and next day tied up at Hadsall Creek. They arrived at Mapleton on the third day, got their wagon and team, and hauled the lumber to the church grounds. Reverend N. W. Phelps followed Mr. Burns and lived in the new par- sonage from 1907 until 1909. In a long list of ministers who served the U n i t e d Evangelical churches in the Siuslaw Valley, Point Terrace Presbyterian Church, 1901. their tenure was short, some for Site was on south side of the Siuslaw River only a year, some for two years, about five miles below Mapleton. 48 fl0h &rau By Mary Elizabeth Straub Stafford

Kennell-Ellis Photo, 1924 JOHN STRAUB - 1853-1932 The pioneers of Oregon were in- fall of 1876 Deady Hall was suffici- tensely aware of the importance of ently completed so t h a t classes education and were determined to could be offered. This building was provide the opportunity for their placed on a slight elevation which children to acquire learning. Con- in 1872 was about one-half mile sequently, colleges were established east of Eugene. in many of the larger towns, mostly John Straub, who devoted fifty- denominational. two years of his life to the service The desirability of establishing a of the , joined state university was discussed for the faculty in 1878. He was born many years as was also the prob- and raised in Philadelphia and at- able location of such an institution. tended Mercersburg College, from It was finally decided to establish which he graduated in 1876. He a state university and to locate it in then did postgraduate work at the Eugene. The promoters of this plan University of Pennsylvania. When worked very hard to raise money he came to Oregon there were only by private subscription for the erec- three men on the faculty, namely, tion of the first building. By the President , 49 who, in addition to his administra- them and remember their names. tive duties, taught Latin; Dr. Thom- His boys and girls were a very im- as Condon, pioneer geologist; and portant p a r t of his life and he Professor Mark Bailey, who taught meant much to them. mathematics. John Straub taught He welcomed the freshman class Greek and German and such other every year by saying "This is the courses as were needed. largest and the best class that has In addition to teaching, J o h n ever entered the university," a cus- Straub spent a great deal of time tom which became a tradition. He and money in helping the students became known as "The Grand Old solve their problems. There were Man of Oregon" and was honored no dormitories in the early days so in many ways by both the faculty he helped the students find rooms and the students. One of these hon- in the homes of townspeople. He ors was the naming of the then new also found part-time jobs for those men's dormitory "John S t r a u b who needed them, and he loaned Hall." The class of '33 presented a money or signed notes for students bust of John Straub to the univer- to the amount of $25,000 and never sity to be placed in the dormitory. lost a dollar. He trusted the stu- Dean Straub b e c a m e widely dents and they trusted him. He known as a public speaker in high came to be known to them as "Dad- schools and universities all over the dy Straub." There were twice as state. He impressed h i s hearers many saloons as churches in those with the value and desirability of early days. Drinking by the stu- higher education and inspired many dents was not allowed. John Straub young people to continue their edu- was a strict disciplinarian at this cation. time but the students loved him He was also interested in improv- anyway. ing the beauty of the campus. The It w as customary at that time only trees on the original campus for a university to have debating were two oak trees, later designat- societies. Soon after the university ed as the "Condon Oaks" w h ic h was established, the Laurean So- were planted immediately to the ciety for the men and the Eutaxian north of Deady. Shortly thereafter for the women we r e organized. was constructed close These organizations provided much to where these grand old trees still of the social life for the students. stand. John Struab asked the re- They also enjoyed hikes into the gents for $200 each of three suc- country, a favorite o n e being to cessive years with which to acquire Spencer's Butte, climb to the top, more trees. When the request was eat lunch there where they could finally granted campus beautifica- see many beautiful mountains and tion began in earnest. snow peaks, then walk back to Eu- Dean Straub's valued association gene. John Straub frequently ac- with the students was shared by companied the students. his wife, Cornelia Miller Straub, In addition to teaching and work- whom he married just before leav- ing with the students, John Straub ing Philadelphia. They made their served as secretary of the faculty home on Eleventh Avenue East, for 21 years and also as Dean of between Hilyard and Patterson, a Men. His relationship with former social center for the students. Small students was stimulated by the fact groups were entertained informal- that he could a 1 way s recognize ly, and at Christmas and N e w 50 Years large parties w e r e given. Man of Oregon" died Sunday night These were especially enjoyed by at 9:15 at his home here. His death the students who could not afford ended more than half a century of to go home for the holidays. For kindly public service which endear- 21 years Dean Straub was Sunday- ed him to thousands who knew him school superintendent at the Cen- as a friend and countless o t h e r s tral Presbyterian c h u r c h. Here, who knew him for the great part he again he enjoyed association with played in the life of the University." the young people. In 1901, he being Dr. Arnold Bennett Hall, presi- an Elder, was sent to the General dent of the university, sent the fol- Assembly of the church in Philadel- lowing message: phia. At this time, the question of "The University has lost a infant damnation was under discus- staunch friend in the passing of Dr. sion. Finally, a motion was made to John Straub. For more t h a n 50 change the Articles of Faith so that years he contributed work of the all infants could be saved. D e an finest type to the institution which Straub rose and said he would like he loved. He has been an inspira- to propose an amendment to the tion to thousands of students who motion. "I move," he said, "that have passed through the campus the action of the motion be made halls, and has been a friend to all. retroactive." After a moment of The greatness of his character, the silence, wild cheering followed. warmth of his friendship, the zeal Dean Straub has been described as with which he always attacked his "a Greek professor with a sense of work, will never be forgotten so humor." long as t h e institution remains. The Eugene Register-Guard pub- This university, his city a n d his lished the following announcement state will mourn his passing, but on September 19, 1932: all will r e m e m be r his unselfish "Dean John Straub, "Grand Old service and his fine personality."

51 Jhe Cujene Jlun;or Syrnphon,

Josephine Evans Harpham For some time prior to the fall as follows: chairman, C. A. Horton, of 1934, Mrs. C. A. Horton, well- William East, Mrs. John Stark Ev- known civic and cultural leader of ans, Mrs. W. E. Robertson, Hugh Eugene, felt that t h e community Rosson, Mrs. J. Bishop Tingle. Ba- should have a junior symphony or- sic points of the constitution were: chestra. Among her varied inter- In order to become a member of ests were music and worthwhile ac- the orchestra, a student must play tivities for youth. in his o w n school orchestra or In the early fallS of 1934, Mrs. band; he must also be taking pri- Horton conferred with Rex Under- vate music lessons, must read mu- wood, widely known violinist on the sic with facility, and must play in staff of the University of Oregon tune. School of Music, and with the late The name chosen for this youth Mrs. W. E. Robertson, an active group was the Eugene Junior Sym- member of the Mu Phi Patronesses phony Orchestra. The age of mem- Association. On October 4, 1934 an bers was to range from nine to organizational meeting was held for eighteen. the purpose of formulating the Eu- The supporting organization was gene Junior Symphony Association. called the Eugene Junior Sympho- Many civic, cultural, fraternal, and fly Association. Its purpose read as religious groups sent representa- follows: "The purpose of this As- tives to assist in laying the founda- sociation shall be to stimulate mu- tions of the organization. sical interests and standards and Rex Underwood was chosen con- develop musical talent in the city of ductor for the new Junior Sym- Eugene and surrounding territory;; phony Orchestra;assistantcon- to sustain and conduct a symphony ductor was Delbert Moore, director orchestra, using the proceeds there- of instrumental music in the Eu- of for the maintenance and expense gene public schools. of said o r c h e s t r a and not for Officers for the Junior Symphony profit." Association were elected as follows: Rules for membership in the As- President, H. W. White; vice presi- sociation were recorded as follows: dents were Mrs. C. A. Horton, Dr. "The membership of this Associ- Gavin Dyott, Mrs. W. E. Robertson, ation shall consist of representa- Dr. G. S. Beardsley, John W. An- tives of civic-minded organizations derson; secretary, Mrs. W. H. of Eugene and nearby communities, Chapman; treasurer, 0. A. Houg- and of persons especially interested lum. The Board of Directors: Alton in the purpose of the Association Baker, Fay M. Bennett, William and willing to work to further its East, Charles G. Howard, Mrs. interests." Belle Lydick, Mrs. Edith Siefert, On October 12, 1934, the first re- Mrs. Warren D. Smith, Mrs. Wil- hearsal was held in the Chamber of liam M. Tugman, Rev. H. R. White, Commerce rooms on West Broad- Mrs. George Schaefers. way. Later rehearsals were held in A constitution committee was ap- the old YMCA building at 11th and pointed by president H. W. White Willamette followed by the, Eugene 52 High School music rooms for re- OBOE: hearsals, with music and instru- Russell Helterline, Mildred Sanford CLARINET: ments used cooperatively by the Charlotte Plummer, Phoebe Breyman, high school and symphony person- Maxine Horton, Samuel Sickafoose nel. The symphony Association has FRENCH HORN: been very grateful to the school ad- Bill Curry, Charles Dennison TRUMPET: ministration for this arrangement Dan Keefe, Martin McCormick,How- and for its interest over the years. ard McFadgen, Eyvind Ruder In the beginning most of the music TROMBONES: used by the new orchestra was bor- Eldon Lee, William Rosson TUBA: Wendel Gilfrey rowed from the University of Ore- PERCUSSION: gon, and from the Eugene public Billy Abott, Cleo Van Vleit schools. The Wilson Music House HARP: Brandon Young acted as music librarian as a service LIBRARIAN: Leo Lohikoski to the organization. () University students The Junior Symphony's first con- PROGRAM cert was given on January 27, 1935 1. Overture to Egmont ...... Beethoven at the University of Oregon School Unfinished Symphony Schubert of Music. There were 52 orchestra 3 A short talk about instruments of the orchestra and a few solos and group members playing under the baton numbers by young players as follows: of Rex Underwood. In addition, 12 Harp solo, Ballade Hasselmann music students from the university BRANDON YOUNG played to fill in positions in the or- Trio for two oboes and harp chestra. Mike Gross, a figure in Sarabande and Minuet------Corelli MILDRED SANFORD, RUSSELL civic and music circles and then 63 HELTERLINE AND B R A N D 0 N years old, played in the bass sec- YOUNG tion. The conductor's nine-year-old Trumpet Quartet Selected son, Rex John Underwood, was the DAN KEEFE, MARTIN McCOR- MICK, HOWARD McFADGEN and youngest member of the group. EYVIND RUDER VIOLINS: Horn solo, Excerpt from Concerto, Nancy Anderson, Laura Beck, Lorene Mozart WILLIAM CURRY Bailey, H a z e 1Baltimore, Elizabeth Chamber Orchestra..."Spring Song" Chesbro, Doris Graham, Fred Hichens, Mendelssohn Peter Ben Howard, Rachel Keken, Lois Violins: Jane Veblen, Rachel Ko- Koppe, Elaine Lee, Dorothy Lenhart, ken, Lois Koppe, Doris Graham, Lorene Mitchel, Patricia Plinsky, Bu- Buford Roach, Jr.,Peter B e n ford Roach, Jr., Doris Reinholtz, Ed- Howard, Lorene Mitchell, War- ward Schaefers, Warren Smith, Wilma ren Smith Stein, Marjorie Theda, Jane Warren, Cellos: Madge Conaway, Charlotte George Wilhelm, Jane Veblen, *(Louise Cherry Johnson, Ruth Wolfender, Mettie Low- Clarinets: Charlotte Plummer, Sam ell, Norma Loffelmacher) Sickafoose VIOLAS: Flute: Theda Spicer Yvonne Atkinson, * (Ellen Dixon, John Oboe: Mildred Sanford Caswell, Wayne Gilfry) 4. Caucasian Suite Ippolitow-Ivanow CELLOS: In the Village Madge Conaway, Charlotte C h e r r y, March of the Sardar Doris Edwards, Jane Hall, Gwendolyn 5. Farandole Bizet Kremmel, Catherine Murdock, M a r y Booth, *(Corrine Combs) Douglas Orme, new director of BASS: instrumental music in the Eugene *(Bob Keefe, George Varoff, Ruth Van Public Schools, became assistant Schoonhoven) Mike Gross FLUTE: conductor in the fall of 1935. Late Earl Atkinson, Helen Curry, Jeanne in 1936 he assumed full charge of Lehman, *(Theda Spicer) the orchestra until December, 1942, 53 EUGENE JUNIOR at which time he left for the armed School of Music, was conductor for services and Rex Underwood again the Junior Symphony. assumed leadership of the Junior In the fall of 1947, Byron Miller, Symphony. In the fall of 1944 Mr. supervisor of instrumental music Orme returned and resumed his po- in the Eugene Public Schools, was sition as conductor. In 1945 he re- selected as the fourth conductor of signed to go into private business. the orchestra. He served in this ca- A feature of one of the programs pacity most faithfully for over 13 during Mr. Orme's tenure as con- years. Mr. William Tweedie was ductor was the performance of a assistant conductor of the orchestra composition for two pianos with from 1956 to 1959. double string quartet accompani- Mr. Miller's first concert held in ment entitled "Allegro Concertan- March 1948 in McArthur Court was te," composed by Thad Elvigon, a memorable one. The Loyal Order high school student. It was played of the Moose sponsored the event. by Thad Elvigon and Laurie Pratt Hal Young, on the staff of the Uni- at a Junior Symphony concert in versity School of Music and widely 1940. known singer, was guest artist. The During the academic year 1946- young people gave an excellent per- 47, George H. Boughton, widely formance before one of the largest known violinist and member of the audiences ever to attend a Junior staff of the University of Oregon Symphony concert. * * Mr. Miller served the Junior Symphony as conductor for 17 years and is now in an advisory capacity as Executive Director to the orchestra and Beard in charge of busi- ness matters, scheduling, and arranging out-of-town appearances. He is now Music Consultant for the Eugene public schools. Nathan Cammack, presently conductor of the Junior Symphony, is a graduate of the University of Washington. His experiences as musician and conductor with musical organizations in Seattle, Spokane and Eugene eminently qualifies him as the Junior Symphony's leader. He is also Director of the South Eugene High School orchestra. 54 SYMPHONY - 1950 Financially, orchestra activities the Eugene Hotel; and for one out- have been supported by a member of-town concert each year, at such registration fee of two dollars an- places as Reedsport, Drain, Cottage nually. In addition, family sustain- Grove, Roseburg, McKenzie Bridge, ing memberships in the Association and Junction City. have been sold annually at two dol- The annual award of the Junior lars, then three, and now five. At Symphony Trophy to the outstand- various times over the years nu- ing senior member of the orchestra merous c I u b s and organizations is a highlight of the spring concert. have helped by including in their The annual reception for orchestra budgets a sUbstantial contribution members, their parents, and mem- to the Junior Symphony. bers of the B o a r d features the Also, business firms a n d civic awarding of pins to deserving play- clubs have contributed scholarship ers. In the fall, the Board members funds. give a get-acquainted dinner for Among the main activities of the symphony personnel and their par- Association have been the presen- ents. tation of three concerts the first A substantial contribution to the year (1934-35) and two annually development of musical talent has thereafter. The major concert is been accomplished through the pur- given usually in M a r c h, with a chase of fine musical instruments guest artist, or with groups such as as the need arises and funds a r e choirs and ballet troupes. available. The Junior Symphony also plays One of the most important proj- for civic, fraternal, and religious ects of all is the annual award of organizations on occasion. It has music scholarships to outstanding played for Junior Programs; for a sophomore and junior members of special children's concert; for Sun- the orchsetra. Recipients have at- day afternoon dinner concerts at tended the following: National Mu- 55 sic Camp at Interlochen, Michigan; serves as a working arm of the Pacific Music Camp at Stockton, Symphony Board. Calif.; Western State Music Camp, Also throughout the p a s t 30 Gunnison, Cob.; and the University years countless young people have of Oregon High School Music Sum- contributed their talents to the or- mer Session. chestra and to the community and Today the orchestra averages in turn have received great bene- about 70 members. Although most fits from their participation. of the young people live in the Eu- Several honors have come to the gene-Springfield area, some attend Symphony. Perhaps t h e greatest very faithfully from Bethel, Cot- was several years ago w h e n the tage Grove, Drain, Elmira, Junc- group was invited to make two ap- tion City, McKenzie, and Veneta. pearances in Portland for the five- Some students have played with state meeting of Music Educators. the orchestra over six years. Many At one time the orchestra was writ- of them have gone from the Junior ten up in Etude, a national music Symphony into college and univer- magazine. And in 1948 the Moose- sity orchestras of note and from hart, a national publication, car- these into s o m e field of musical ried a feature story on the Moose- work. sponsored concert of the spring of Many people and many organiza- that year. tions through the 30 years of the To Mrs. C. A. Horton, "Mother Junior Symphony's existence have of the Junior Symphony," the com- loyally and faithfully worked to munity owes sincere and deep ap- help sustain this fine youth group. preciation. In her own words she Some y e a r s ago the Symphony expresses her aims and ideals and B o a r d conferred honorary life those that others have shared with membership on Mrs. William Tug- hre: man and on Mrs. C. A. Horton, the "It is not the aim of the Associ- later becoming president emeritus ation to turn out an entire group of the Symphony Association as of finished musicians. It is to arouse well. Others elected to honorary their interest in and appreciation of membership in the Association for the great symphonies and to stimu- having served actively for ten years late their aesthetic sense and mu- or more are as follows: Mrs. Frank sical talent for their own en joy- Anderson, Mrs. Everett Harpham, ment and that of t h e i r families, Mr. Delbert Hill, Mr. Olaf Houg- friends, and community, through- lum, Mr. Charles H o w a r d, Mrs. out a lifetime Their influence on Francis Kelley, Mr. Douglas Orme, other young people will keep this Mrs. Paul Plank, and Mrs. Irene appreciation and talent active for Bryan Wiseman. an indefinite period, thus carrying In the fall of 1957, parents of the on the culture that tends toward a symphony members were organ- finer, more deeply rewarding plane ized into a parents' group, which of living."

56 7h Creiccnl ,Labe 'T//1onjIcr Lawrence Hills, Mayor of Oakridge About a half a century ago great sea serpent? I vow that's what I excitement was caused in the Wil- saw. It must have been left over lamette Valley by the sighting of in some wayand left the ocean to a great, fearsome water creature swim up the Columbia to the Des- about a mile from the south end of chutes River from where it found Crescent Lake. its way up the outlet of Crescent Two hunters were following the Lake.Oh! Of course, that was lake shore trail that had been used when it was jest a little feller.It's for centuries by the Indians, when had a lot of time to grow up to its it reared up in the water. Being at e-normous size!" what appeared to be a safe distance, So much for his theory.The they decided to take a shot at what- word spread like wildfire and the ever it might be. A bullet, they story lost nothing in the telling. An reasoned, would be the best means old Indian legend was even dredged of defense. According to their story up from the memory of old-timers IT appeared to be sticking its head to help prove that the monster some five or possibly even six or really existed in the high mountain seven feet out of the water on what lake. looked like a long neck. After tak- Many people were afraid to go ing careful aim the shot was fired near the lake, but by the next sum- and their target sank slowly from mer some Eugene people who were sight. The badly frightened hunt- brave started over the Cascades. It ers could not be sure if their bullet was a very rough trip, and when had found its mark. they arrived at Crescent Lake they They told their story to my decided to camp, unload the boat father, Jasper Hills, with real con- and catch a mess of fish for supper. viction."Jap," as he was often With the camp settled and the boat called, was a no-nonsense mountain in the water, they rowed out a cou- man who had lived most of his life ple of hundred yards and started to in the wilds and was accustomed to fish. One of the men looked up just hearing s t r a n g e tales. He was in time to see a huge wave coming deeply curious and accused the men rapidly toward them. Something of having found a moonshine cache. was swimming very fast between This, they firmly insisted, was not them and the shore, where the the case. They HAD actually seen water appeared to be between 20 "something" and it was both big and 30 feet deep.This creature and fearsome. He questioned them made the water so rough that their regarding the possibility of a log or fishing boat was almost swamped. the root of a tree that might be As soon as they could make it sticking up out of the water; but, safely, they rowed hurriedly back they argued, if it were something to shore.Swearing they would not alive, why would it disappear never wet a line in that lake again, from sight when a shot was fired? they dismantled their camp, caught This only added to the mystery. their horses, and moved that very One of the men had a theory and night to a safer camping place. asked, "Didn't you ever hear of a This story was soon circulated 57 and very soon big, black headlines sepulchral voicehalf whispered, appeared in the papers. The Cres- "My God! What was that?" Lewis, cent Lake monster became the nost when he had recovered his voice, important subject of conversation said, "It sure is something BIG." throughout the valley. People were They were really scared, and their wildly excited and were soon con- faces turned as white as the pro- verging on the lake from all direc- verbial sheet. Due to the wobbly tions. They all went home disap- condition of the raft I could not pointed, for their quarry had be- immediately get to their side where come bashful in the presence of so the excitement was, and when I did many people and refused to rise get there where I could see the above the water. great monster (if that is what it Late that summer, together with was), it had sunk from sight. This Lewis Flock and his wife Lina, I was a real disappointment to me, went for a couple of days fishing. but I was convinced that they had We agreed that Crescent Lake seen something highly unusual and would be a good place to go, since that there was something to their we did not have a boat. This equip- excited story, for they were both, ment shortage did not bother us according to their own admission, much, as we would take a couple of "scared silly!" axes, some hay wire, and a few These pioneer people were accus- nails. The building of a raft would tomed to meeting up with strange be a simple matter. After our ar- and unexpected experiences and rival at the lake the raft project were not the kind to jump at con- was completed in short order. Our clusions. Though they were deeply greatest problem was to find poles puzzled, they were firm in their in the scrub pine timber that would conviction that there was "some- float high enough in the water to thing" there, big, frightening and support the combined weight of the mighty unusual. And they had ac- three of us. tually seen IT! The Flocks were After the raft was judged sea- serious minded people of the old worthy, we split a paddle out of a school who would not have pole and smoothed the end down dreamed up something just for the with a pocket knife. This made a sake of additional excitement. reasonably good handle. Our equip- How I wish I could have had even ment for fishing was strictly rough one quick look before it vanished and ready, and after placing three under the surface of the lake with- powder boxes on board for seats we out leaving as much as a ripple. To were ready to shove off. I was on my knowledge, this was the last one side propelling the raft, which sighting of the much-discussed and was rather unmanageable and none hotly-debated sea serpent. For a too sturdy. The Flocks put their long time people continued to haunt lines out on the opposite side and the shores of Crescent Lake hoping started fishing. This was the mo- to get a look, or better still to snap ment we had been waiting for. The a picture, of what they were so sun was bright and a slight breeze firmly convinced REALLY existed. dimpled the surface of the lake. We Like all strange and highly un- had only been away from shore a usual occurrences, I am sure the short time when the peace and quiet stories grew with the telling. One of the scene was shattered by a version was that the creature had piercing scream. Then Lina in a eyes like those of a horse, only con- 58 siderably larger, that its neck was Lochs of Scotland gained great c o v e r e d with either weeds or fame through its mythical monster, shaggy hair, that it was a mottled and to Oregonians the reasoning brown colorand on and on! was, "If Scotland has one, why not "The monster" was good for lots Oregon?"As for mewell, I nearly of conversation in the Valley. The saw IT too!

flewj fl°t The Lane County Fairgrounds below, who were unable to be pres- auditorium was the scene of the an- ent: Millard Cornelius, Rena Cal- nual pioneer picnic where 103 reg- vert Edmiston, J e n n y Smithson istered guests were in attendance Fisher, Neva Harvey, Mable Hillis, to renew old friendships and to eat Bertha D. Hyland, Ira D. Hyland, the always plentiful cold meats, sal- Bertha Jacobs, Charles Omer Mc- ads, pies and cakes. Bee, Moody Neet, Stella Calvert A thought-provoking reading by Nesbit, Ernest Collier Nicholson, Mrs. Dennis Warren preceded the Maggie Lorretta Olson, Lena Saul, presentation of six honorary mem- Myrtle Shelley, H e n r y Ernest bership certificates to Anna Duck- Walker, Harry Warner.Certifi- worth, Elmira; Floyd E. Kelsey, cates will be mailed or delivered to Springfield; Fannie Lattin, Cres- them in due time. well; Alva McPherson, Springfield; Old-time fiddling by Dennis War- Mary E. Stafford, Eugene; William ren and a soft-shoe dance by Ora Wooten, Springfield, all of whom Carter enlivened the affair. had been born in Lane County 80 Mrs. Lester Calder and her kit- or more years ago. Board member chen committee received a rousing Stuart Hurd and President Hallie vote of appreciation for their effici- Huntington made the awards and ent handling of the business in that read the names of 17 others listed department.

Over 200 persons attended the dedication of the Pioneer Museum at Oak- ridge on Saturday, June 11. Mrs. Henry Holt, wife of Henry Holt, president of the museum association, outlined the history of the museum, followed by Hallie Huntington (Mrs. C. A. Huntington), daughter of Jasper Hills, an early settler in the Oakridge area, who gave the history of the upper Willamette Valley. Master of ceremonies was Reverend Leif Malmin. Exhibits included a living room of a typical pioneer home; a kitchen, country store with prices posted on different articles; and a postoffice.

Mrs. E. E. Foss, Curator of the Lane County Pioneer Museum, has re- turned after a year's leave of absence working with VISTA in Chicago and Detroit. Mrs. Wilbur S. Hulin was the Acting Curator during Mrs. Foss' absence. 59 7hi Wai17/ewó The Board of Regents of the Uni- Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Osburn, pro- versity of Oregon voted to buy 34 prietors of the Hoffman H o u s e, acres in Gross Addition adjoining purchase property at East 8th and the campus on the east for $18,000; Pearl from Mr. and Mrs. Eli Bangs also the Kincaid tract on the south as a site for a modern hotel (Ibid, for $10,000 (Eugene Morning Reg- September 1, 1908). ister, September 12, 1908) Salaries increased at the Univer- L. G. Hulin 111tear dowm the sity of 0 r ego n: President P. L. frame buildings on the west side of Campbell from $3,000 to $4,000; 0. Willamette Street between 9th and F. Stafford, Professor of Chemis- 10th adjoiningthe alley and will try from $1,600 to $2,000; L. H. erect a good two-story brick build- Johnson, Secretary; from $1,800 to ing 28 x 100 feet. (Ibid September $2,000; W. L. Hayward, Physical 2, 1908) Director, from $1,100 to $1,600; Trolley wire is being strung. The Miss Julia Burgess, Instructor in heavy copper trolley wire for the Rhetoric, to $1,000; Dr. J. H. Gil- street cars was strung from the de- bert, Instructor in Political Econo- pot almost to 11th Street yester- my, to $1,200 (Ibid). day (Ibid, September 6, 1907). 2oorwas into Jhoior, Between the heavy paper covers of this most attractive brochure are 56 pages of photographs depicting the architectural charm of homeswhose owners molded the early business, cultural and sociallife of Eugene and its environs. Each page is like an entranceway whose door opens to the reader the historical backgrounds of each house and the families who occupied it. Mrs. Harpham's publication must be recognized as a valuable contribution to the perpetuation of local history.

Lane County Pioneer-Historical Society Non-Profit 740 West 13th Ave., Eugene Oregon Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 96 Eugene, Oregon

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