When was the wooden dam for Oswego Lake replaced by a concrete dam that allowed the levels of the lake to be controlled?
Stay tuned to the end of the newsletter to find out more!
The wooden dam (pictured here) presented unique problems during weather events. Several times, the dam was severely damaged during a flood. There were many dams throughout Oswego's history, placed along different locations, although this one was the major dam connecting the lake to the creek.
We're open on Saturdays now! This has been a big dream for a while now. I can't tell you the number of times I've heard something along the phrase of, "We'd love to come visit, but we aren't able to because of your hours!" Now, we'll be open on Saturdays from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, which means more families, working people, and youths will be able to visit and discover Lake Oswego history.
This is only possible because of our museum docent program. Eleven people signed up to our training and have prepared to come in Saturdays throughout the summer. After summer, we'll be able to take a look at how many people came through Saturdays and adapt our new program from there. THANK YOU to those who have volunteered!
If you've been looking for an excuse to visit the Heritage House, here it is! Drop by on a Saturday, meet our new docents, and learn something new. We'll be having some special events upcoming that are worth visiting for.
Kathryn Sinor
Executive Director
MORE PHOTOS ARE NOW AVAILABLE!!
The last photographs we set out for people to take were snatched up quickly, but if you weren't able to come by, don't worry! There's another chance! We've just set-out a bunch of new or duplicate photographs for the taking... and yes, they're STILL FREE.
Stop by the Heritage House during open hours (M, W, Th, Fri from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM; Sat from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM) to grab some FREE PHOTO PRINTS! These are all historic images of Oswego! The originals are kept in our collection, but we're clearing out space so take as many of the prints as you'd like FOR FREE.
It's been a while since we've heard from you!
In an effort to continually improve our membership program, we have developed a few questions to ask you as current or lapsed members. Please answer honestly and to the best of your ability. The survey should take ~10 minutes.
To show our appreciation to the time you have given to provide feedback, you will have the chance to win some Oswego Heritage Council swag and a $20 gift card to a local restaurant.
The survey will close on Friday, June 5th.
FROM THE VOSE COLLECTION...
If you think classrooms today are much different than classrooms in 1939, check out this handwritten note offered to Miss Vose, a teacher at the Oswego Public School, from a concerned parent.
Dated December 20, 1939, the first letter is addressed to Miss Vose, a teacher. The writer identified at the end as Mrs. Gertrude E. Stevens, expresses concern about “the trouble” involving students—specifically mentioning twins and a boy named Clifford. Mrs. Stevens refers to “some foul language supposed to be used by one of the twins” and makes clear that such behavior is not tolerated at home: “We never allow any nasty talk in our conversation or allow the children to use it.”
Mrs. Stevens goes on to suggest separating the twins from Clifford, whom she describes as someone who “does nothing but fight and pick quarrels.” Whether this is entirely fair or parental bias is hard to say, but it's certainly a conversation still familiar to teachers today!
MEMBER OPPORTUNITY
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Fourth of July parade in Oswego, 1921
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We're looking for people to march with the Heritage House during the Fourth of July parade! With the 250th anniversary of the United States, it's a great time to show some pride in local history too. We'll be parading with a vintage car and antique wooden boat, but we want to highlight different eras of Lake Oswego history, and we need your help to do it! Join us, dress up in historical clothing, and walk (or ride!) with us.
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.jpg "The making of Mountain Park presentation")
OIN US ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 6TH, AT 5:30 PM FOR OUR LAST PRESENTATION OF THE SEASON
When we look at historic houses, the first thing we see is often the spacious front porch. It seems that every house built between 1890 and 1930 had a porch! This was an era when front porches were expected on houses, and when those porches were used. What was our culture like in those “good old days”? And... What did people do on their porches? This was an era when front porches were expected on houses, and when those porches were used. What was our culture like in those “good old days”?
Kay Demlow, dressmaker, fashion historian, and creator of The 1909 School, will share stories from porches long ago, and will spark ideas for spending time on your porch.
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Join us for a special Mother's Day tea on May 9th at 1:00 PM at the Heritage House! There will be tea and treats to enjoy at your own leisure. This event is free and open to the public. Grab a cup and settle into local history.
This event is free and open for the public. RSVP is recommended, but not required.
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Gotta have chocolate?
Then you're one of us! Indulge in a chocolatey daze of delectable sweetness when you discover everything there is to know about the smooth, satisfying richness that is irresistible chocolate!
Join Denise Puleo, a Nutritional Health Coach from Natural Grocers, for this delicious workshop! This event is open for the public. RSVP is recommended, but not required.
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When was the wooden dam for Oswego Lake replaced by a concrete dam that allowed the levels of the lake to be controlled?
1921!
While people like Albert Durham, JC Trullinger, and Socrates Tryon operated dams in the 19th century, the first wooden dam built by an iron company was in 1860, with a higher dam completed in 1866. This, combined with the new canal in 1872, increased the length of the lake.
In 1921, the first concrete dam, built by the Puget Sound Dredging Company, allowed for the levels of Oswego Lake to be controlled.
