Netherwood Hall was located on the corner of Main and Jefferson Streets was built by Charles W. Netherwood. This later was the location of a bank, and is now green space.

A black and white photo of a building in ruins due to a fire.
Fire destroyed the building in June 1898.

The original building burned down in 1873, but C. W. Netherwood rebuilt on the corner. Additional one-story businesses were later added. The second story was used as a meeting hall for many fraternal and literary groups as well as for social functions (Cronk’s Opera house had not yet been built).

 

Fire destroyed the building again in June of 1898.

 

Black and white photo of a brick building. Supplies are stacked out front and there are not windows in the structure.
1898 Construction of the Netherwood Building

This photo shows the 1898 construction of the Netherwood building on the south side of the square. Italian workmen came from Chicago to work on the building. Many businesses were located here over the years, including the Oregon Observer, the post office, and the library. The Village Hall is located to the back (right side) of this building. This originally was the center part of the 1867 school and moved later to this location. It was moved again in 1912.  Oregon Area Historical Society, 2007.20

Netherwood once again rebuilt in 1899 and this time it was called the Phoenix building. Black and white photo of a brick structure with 1950s cars parked outsideThe current building was erected and has been home to many businesses over the years.  The Post Office was there from 1898 to about 1928. Laughlin’s and then Wischoff’s jewelry store had a store there until 1941. A barber shop has been there, the public library had space there, a Meat Market was there from 1899 to 1921. The second floor was leased to a fraternal organization, called the Modern Woodmen.