Boys of Summer: Baseball in the Mid-Willamette Valley
In 1867, members of Edward E. Dodge’s Salem “Town Nine” challenged the Salem “College Lads” to a game of baseball where the Marion County [...]
August 2018
Salem U.S.O. the “It” Spot in WWII
Salem U.S.O. One of Salem’s USO buildings. Look familiar? It is now the offices for Sherman, Sherman, Johnnie & Hoyt, LLP, on the [...]
July 2018
Charles E. Couche – Rivercrest Jersey Farm
On a tour of the new Yesterdayland: Innovations of the Past exhibit at the Willamette Heritage Center I found myself stumped by a set [...]
Salem Water Woes Nothing New
What is the answer to the water pollution problem faced by the city of Salem? Photo Postcard showing artisian spring. c. 1920. Despite [...]
June 2018
Steam Cookers – the original instant pots
In preparation for our new exhibit Yesterdayland: Innovations of the Past we’ve been immersed in the history of early 20th century technology and having [...]
May 2018
Salem Steam Laundry
“I have a laundry list of things to do today.” It is one of those idioms I use a lot, but never really thought [...]
1871 Salem City Directory
What was Salem Like in 1871? If you really want to understand a community, a city directory is a good place to start. In [...]
Pogo Stick Fad in Salem
Salem residents on Pogo Sticks as published in the Oregon Magazine February 1922. (WHC Collections 2008.038.0018) Murray Wade, editor of the Oregon [...]
Granny Faulkner’s Quilt
Granny Faulkner quilt, courtesy of the Santiam Historical Society A rare opportunity came my way a few weeks ago, to examine [...]
April 2018
Wolfer’s Mineral Springs, Hubbard, Oregon
Gushing forth 100 gallons per minute of Nature’s healing waters each and every minute of the day, and every day of the year, is [...]