Preservation Pub: The End of the Trail for Oregon’s Pioneer Places?
May 29, 2014 |
A century and a half ago, thousands of Americans left their “civilized” homes to make the grueling 2,000-mile, months-long journey to the unknown wilds of the Oregon Territory. Enticed by the promise of free land, better health, or simply a new start, white settlers poured into the Willamette Valley, building houses, barns, and entire farmsteads to sustain life and reap economic rewards from the fertile land. Today, just 5% of those pioneer buildings still stand to tell their story.
The collection of handmade structures built in the Willamette Valley between 1841 and 1865 embody the culmination the Oregon Trail experience. While their significance to our state’s history is paramount, these buildings are being lost at an alarming rate. Of the remnant that is left, most pioneer properties are today greatly threatened by deferred maintenance, economic hardship, land use barriers, and a general lack of public support of their importance.
Witnessing house museums falter, unused timber frame barns sink into the landscape, and iconic houses be replaced by McMansions, in 2013 Restore Oregon listed Willamette Valley Pioneer Houses and Farmsteads as one of Oregon’s Most Endangered Places. Coordinated efforts are now underway to identify, document, study, and generate solutions that will save these storied buildings.
Join Restore Oregon for a presentation and conversation about why Oregon’s oldest houses and barns matter and what can be done to preserve them…over drinks, of course!
Time: 5:30pm
This Preservation Pub® is one of a series of programs intended to connect Oregonians to the stories behind the still-to-be discovered gems of Oregon history. No RSVP or historic preservation background is required to have a good time. Food and beverage can be purchased before and after the event. A $5 donation to Restore Oregon is suggested.
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Website:
www.restoreoregon.org |
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| Location Information |
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Big River Restaurant |
101 NW Jackson Ave
Corvallis, OR |
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| Contact Information |
| Email:
info@restoreoregon.org |
| Phone:
503-243-1923 |
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