[Heritage] Heritage News 2003-06-13

[INFO Heritage]

In this issue:
1.  Century Farm and Ranch Program deadline nears
2.  Cape Meares lighthouse to close Monday


CENTURY FARM AND RANCH PROGRAM DEADLINE NEARS

The deadline for applications for designation this year as an Oregon Century Farm on ranch is July 1. Program information and application forms are available at <http://oda.state.or.us/information/oregon_ag/cfr.html> 

The Century Farm & Ranch Program started in 1958, on the eve of the Statehood Centennial Celebration, to honor farm and ranch families with century-long connections to the land and to recognize Oregon's rich agricultural heritage. The program is operated through the Oregon Agricultural Education Foundation and partially funded through a partnership with the Oregon Farm Bureau, Oregon Department of Agriculture, and the Oregon Historical Society. 

Successful applicants receive a special certificate, signed by the Governor of Oregon. A metal road sign to identify their historic Century Farm or Century Ranch property is also available to the honored families. This year's awards ceremony will be Saturday, Aug. 30, at the Oregon State Fair. 


CAPE MEARES LIGHTHOUSE TO CLOSE

Cape Meares Lighthouse, including its interpretive gift store, will close Monday, June 16, because of restoration work. 

Park Manager Pete Marvin said the building and surrounding area will remain inaccessible to the public until some time in early July while construction workers remove paint and re-coat the 113-year-old structure's surface.

Work began last April to remove and re-fabricate metal detail severely damaged by water leaks. The lighthouse's roof also will be removed and replaced before the restoration's expected completion in August. 

Although he expects to reopen the lighthouse's gift store extension in July, Marvin said public safety concerns may dictate more "total closures" of the complex as the project continues through the summer. The gift store is operated by the Friends of Cape Meares and Wildlife Preserve, which is helping finance the restoration.

The lighthouse is the centerpiece of the 233-acre Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint, 10 miles west of Tillamook on the Three Capes Scenic Loop.
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Heritage News is a service of the Oregon Heritage Commission.