Our purpose shall be to collect, preserve, and spread knowledge
About Us
The Oregon Area Historical Society was chartered in 1987, the inspiration of a group of local residents who shared an interest in preserving and sharing the history of Oregon and the surrounding area.
The Oregon Hotel was the first occupant of the current site of the Oregon Area Historical Society and Museum. Being near the Railroad Depot, it was a favorite stopping place for traveling salesmen and stock dealers.
The hotel burned down in May of 1906. This is the second building on the site that was built in 1908 and functioned as a Farm Co-op. The scales for weighing wagons are still located underground on the east side of the building and a portion is visible in the lower level.
In the early 1930’s, the Allen Lumber Company assumed ownership of the building and it was used by various owners of the lumber yard until it was purchased by Florice Paulson from Fred Chase in 1989. She then donated the building to the Oregon Area Historical Society for use as a Museum.
The Oregon Hotel was the first occupant of the current site of the Oregon Area Historical Society and Museum. Being near the Railroad Depot, it was a favorite stopping place for traveling salesmen and stock dealers.
The hotel burned down in June of 1906. This is the second building on the site that was built in 1908 and functioned as a Farm Co-op. The scales for weighing wagons are still located underground on the east side of the building and a portion is visible in the lower level.
In the early 1930’s, the Allen Lumber Company assumed ownership of the building and it was used by various owners of the lumber yard until it was purchased by Florice Paulson from Fred Chase in 1989. She then donated the building to the Oregon Area Historical Society for use as a Museum.
The Oregon Hotel was the first occupant of what is now the site of the Historical Society. Being near the Railroad Depot, it was a favorite stopping place for traveling salesmen and stock dealers.
The hotel burned down in May of 1906. This is the second building on the site which was built in 1908 and functioned as a Farm Co-op. The scales for weighing wagons are still located underground on the east side of the building and a portion is visible in the lower level.
In the early 1930’s, the Allen Lumber Company assumed ownership of the building and it was used by various owners of the lumber yard until it was purchased by Florice Paulson from Fred Chase in 1989. Florice then donated the building to the Oregon Area Historical Society for use as a Museum. Dedication of the museum was held on May 18, 1991–the year of Oregon’s 150th birthday.
The Board
1987 Board of Directors
Bottom row left to right: Faye Schneider, Mary Hauschild, Susan Shedivy, and Martha Curless; Middle row left to right: Max Gefke and Florice Paulson; Top row left to right: Joan Wethal, Troy Brummond and Eeda Lumley
Presidents
The Board
Tuesday Crew
Heather Young (2024-present)
Joel Olsen (2022-2024)
Dave Gasner (2019-2022)
JoAnn Swenson (2017-2019)
Dave Gasner (2010-2017)
JoAnn Swenson (2008-2010)
Karen Everson (2005-2008)
Melissa Destree (2001-2005)
Robert Gefke (2000-2001)
Norm Champion (1996-2000)
Florice Paulson (1993-1996)
Eeda Lumley (1987 – 1993)
Heather Young (President)
Kermit Traska (Vice President)
Luke Heiar (Treasurer)
Kara Ripley (Secretary)
Jon Blanchard
Mary Davidson
Deanna Fischer
Brian Richards
JoAnn Swenson
Dixie Brown (Museum Coord.)
JoAnn Swenson (Newsletter)
Heather Young (Publicity Coord.)
Carol Wichmann (Archives)
Kermit Traska (Building)
