[Heritage] Oregon Heritage News 2008-09-18

[Heritage Info]

In this issue:
1.  Thompson's Mills to celebrate 150th anniversary
2.  Hispanic Heritage Month recognized
3.  Bandon, Cannon Beach and Portland to host events
4.  National panel seeks preservation program comments


THOMPSON'S MILLS TO CELEBRATE 150th ANNIVERSARY

The clock will turn back at Thompson*s Mills State Heritage Site on
Sept. 20 in celebration of the 150th birthday of Oregon*s oldest
surviving water-powered mill. Mill tours, a display of antique farm
equipment, live bluegrass music by Blue Light Special and old-time
children*s games guided by volunteers in period costumes will be part
of the public party, from noon to 4 p.m. Refreshments will include
birthday cake.

*We wanted this once-in-a-lifetime event to be a family affair,*
said Doug Crispin, the state park ranger at the site. *The mill was
important to the families who helped settle the Willamette Valley.*

The celebration, hosted by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
(OPRD) and the Friends of Thompson*s Mills (also known as the Boston
Mill Society) will begin the expansion of both the mill*s tour
schedule and interpretive presentations. Beginning Sept. 22 and
continuing through the fall, park staff and hosts will offer tours of
the mill on weekdays at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. as well as on Saturdays
and Sundays from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The state heritage sites grounds will be
open daily, all year, starting Oct. 1. New interpretive exhibits will be
unveiled both outside and inside the mill on Saturday.

Constructed at the end of a millrace, the 23,326 square foot mill
building was originally built in 1858, destroyed by fire in 1862,
rebuilt soon after and expanded in the 1920s. It was listed in the
National Register of Historic Places in 1979. OPRD bought the mill, its
water rights and other buildings on the 20-acre property with State
Lottery funds in 2004. 

Thompson*s Mills State Heritage Site is just east of Shedd on Boston
Mill Road. Shedd is 14 miles south of Albany. Up-to-date information on
tour schedules and other visitor activities is available by calling
541-491-3611.


HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH RECOGNIZED

Governor Ted Kulongoski has issued a proclamation declaring Sept. 15 -
Oct. 15 to be Hispanic Heritage Month in Oregon and urged all Oregonians
to participate.

"The State of Oregon takes great pride in its rich diversity of
cultures and in the impressive and invaluable contribution made by its
citizenry to the State's programs, prosperity and well-being," said the
Governor.  "During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize the
many Americans of Hispanic descent who have made outstanding
contributions to our Nation. 
 
Hispanic Heritage Month began on Sept. 15, the anniversary of
independence for five Latin American countries-Costa Rica, El Salvador,
Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico declared its
independence on Sept. 16, and Chile on Sept. 18. 

"Increased cultural awareness and broader understanding of the Hispanic
population is a first step toward improved overall conditions," the
proclamation added.


BANDON, CANNON BEACH AND PORTLAND TO HOST EVENTS:

BANDON:  In remembrance of the Bandon fire of Sept. 26, 1936, the
Bandon Historical Society Museum will host an open house, remembrance
and celebration from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 28 at the museum, 270 Fillmore
at Highway 101. A program with fire survivors will begin at 2 p.m. For
more information, call 541-347-2164.

CANNON BEACH:  Cultural geographer Doug Deur will share newly
translated stories from the local native tribes at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 8 the
Cannon Beach History Center & Museum. This event is free to the public.
Deur is research coordinator with the Pacific Northwest Cooperative
Ecosystem Studies Unit at the University of Washington.  He co-authored,
with Nancy Turner, the book "Keeping it Living: Traditions of Plant Use
and Cultivation on the Northwest Coast of North America." He is
currently working on a book tentatively titled "South Wind Traveled in
Winter: A Collection of Nehalem-Tillamook Stories", along with linguist
Terry Thompson. Deur is an associate of the Clatsop-Nehalem Confederated
Tribes, who assist him in his work. The Cannon Beach History Center &
Museum is located at the corner of Spruce
and Sunset. For information, call (503) 436-9301.

PORTLAND: "BATHOLOGY 101: History and Design of the American Bathroom"
will be offered at 10 a.m. Oct. 4 at the Architectural Heritage Center,
701 SE Grand Ave. From the 1890s through the 1950s the American bathroom
evolved from a utilitarian space to a place of respite and expression of
artistry. Arciform designer and co-owner Anne DeWolf will speak on the
design and materials commonly found in vintage bathrooms as well as how
to integrate modern amenities into a renovation while
maintaining a period-appropriate look and feel. Joining DeWolf will be
Milo Linville of Power Plumbing, who will provide insight into the
history of plumbing, codes, and recent advances in materials that
benefit the late 19th and early-20th century home. Pre-registration is
encouraged - call 503 231-7264 or go online to
www.VisitAHC.org.


NATIONAL PANEL SEEKS PRESERVATION PROGRAM COMMENTS

In October 2006, representatives from federal agencies, educational
institutions, non-profit organizations, and businesses came together to
celebrate the 40th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation
Act. The Preserve America Summit participants discussed successes and
challenges of national historic preservation programs. From these ideas,
the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation selected 13 priority
recommendations. One recommendation called for an independent review
panel to evaluate the structure of the historic preservation program.

This independent panel has been organized and has begun its
deliberations. The Expert Panel Examining the Structure of the Federal
Historic Preservation Programs includes individuals from federal, state,
tribal and local government, the business community, the non-profit
sector, and academia. The panel, an effort of the Department of the
Interior and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, wants input
from the historic preservation community on national priorities. Please
go to http://survey.preserveamerica.gov/ to fill out a survey. The
survey asks for your preferences on the structure of the federal
historic preservation programs. The survey will continue until Oct. 3.
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Oregon Heritage News is a service of the Oregon Heritage Commission,
which can be contacted at heritage.info at state.or.us