Can you guess in what Lake Oswego neighborhood and in what year this extension was proposed by the Oregon Iron & Steel Company?
We were recently donated a large collection of original maps featuring different neighborhoods around Lake Oswego. Found in an attic like so many other wonderful treasures, these maps have some interesting stories to tell!
Stay tuned to the end of the newsletter to find out more!
LAKE OSWEGO REVIEW: Fifty years after Saigon's fall:
Exhibit features art of Vietnamese immigrant
I just returned from the Oregon Museums Association's annual conference, held this year in historic Independence. It's a great gathering space for museums across the state to discuss topical issues, solutions, and ideas, and I always walk away with new excitement on how we might improve our organization. I even led a session with West Linn Historical Society on collaborating on our BOOTLEGGER'S BALL event, which we are continuing this year.
This year, fresh from the defunding of federal organizations (like the Institute for Museums & Library Sciences) that support museums big and small, museums (and other cultural institutions) across the state are experiencing a lot of uncertainty. But one thing we all walked away from is that, despite the slashing of federal support that will inevitably trickle down to each of our institutions in its own way, we will continue to do the best work we can. We will continue to preserve and share our community's histories. And we will continue to build connections that strengthen Oregon museums, including the Oswego Heritage House.
I am, as always, grateful for the support that you all provide to the Oswego Heritage Council. Whether that's as a member, attending an event, visiting our new exhibit, or donating a piece of your own history to our collection, we would not exist without you. We do this work with you and because of you. Thank you!
Kathryn Sinor
Executive Director
OPB: New art exhibits commemorate 50 years of
Vietnamese culture in Oregon
After months of hard work, our finding aids are now LIVE on our website!
You might be wondering - what exactly is a finding aid? A finding aid is a document which gives a brief overview into each of our collections. With 40 family collections and 42 general museum collections, that's A LOT of information, now distilled in an easy-to-use form.
Our finding aids also include a link to the full index of items within each collection (yes, every item) and, when applicable, links to any digitized part of the collection. While poking around the finding aids, you'll discover some amazing treasures in our collection like:
A collection of 1,255 glass lantern slides (like pictured here) taken by Oswegan Rev. William Wallace Youngson during his travels around the world c. 1920s, as well as reproductions of images from National Geographic Magazine Volumes
Lake Oswego city records from 1901-1928, including the 1910 charter of the City of Oswego
Important genealogical information of many of Oswego's early families
And so, so, SO much more!
Explore the Finding Aids Now
All families are welcome at the Oswego Heritage House!
This new mother (with 11 ducklings in tow!) visited the museum last week and found our outside decor particularly welcoming, as it offered some shade on their long journey through the garden. We hope they come back soon!
Bring your own family by the museum to check out our wonderful exhibits and historic garden.
The museum is open the first Saturday of the month, from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, beginning THIS SATURDAY, May 3rd!
JOIN US FOR THIS YEAR'S
BOOTLEGGER'S BALL!
New performances, delicious food, live music, and so much more...
.jpg "bootlegger's ball flyer")
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Step back in time to the 1920s, when the music was big and the booze was illegal! There will be live jazz music, light dining, and for those willing to bend the rules, for those who have the secret invite, a burlesque show in our speakeasy soiree. Don your skirts that fall above your ankles, put on your best suits and biggest hats, and be prepared for a night of vices, history, and fun.
The Bootlegger's Ball is a fundraising event for the Oswego Heritage Council and the West Linn Historical Society. Donations will benefit both historical organizations. There will be a silent auction, live jazz band, prohibition-style drinks, the optional speakeasy show which features burlesque professionals, and other opportunities to give.
Dressing up is encouraged!
Featuring...
The Ne Plus Ultra Jass Orchestra
The Headless Carriage Club
Historical Burlesque Performances
And more!
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Were you able to guess in what Lake Oswego neighborhood and in what year this extension was proposed by the Oregon Iron & Steel Company?
Here's the map zoomed out a bit! The top reads: "A portion of the Oregon Iron & Steel Company's Extension to the Oregon Iron & Steel Company's First Addition to Oswego. The within map approved by the 1908 County Court this fifth day of November."
Did you guess 1908 in the First Addition neighborhood?
If you look at a current map of First Addition, what do you see?
While some of our new maps are ones we have seen before, there are several that are new to us. We look forward to adding them to our collection and sharing them with you all soon, along with additional historical context.
AND REMEMBER: If you find something interesting and old in your attic, don't throw it away! Call us first!
