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 [...]
July 2018
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 a [...]
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 [...]
Eola
Hillside view of the former town of Eola, date unknown. WHC 2004.10.360 Have you ever time-traveled on your daily commute? I'll admit [...]
Belva Lockwood Almost Speaks in Salem, 1885
Handbill found in the Willamette Heritage Center's Collections (WHC 80.8.13.5.2) announces an lecture by Belva Lockwood the famous woman lawyer at Salem's Reed Opera House [...]
March 2018
Fannie Case – the first woman to climb Mt. Hood?
So often in the process of researching and writing a monthly article for the Statesman Journal, I uncover fascinating side stories. A different angle [...]