What structure, used by the Bickner family c. 1906, is pictured here on Oswego Lake?
Stay tuned to the end of the newsletter to find out more!
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
We were so lucky to host cemetery walking tours at the Oswego Pioneer Cemetery last weekend. Despite heavy rains the day before, our two tours had good weather and good attendance! (We actually SOLD OUT both tours extremely quickly.) From the oldest gravestone onsite to Civil War veterans to the first mayor of Oswego to so many more, visiting the cemetery provides a great and unique chance to come close to Lake Oswego history.
We hope to host more of these when the weather's a little better, focused on specific themes!
RENOVATION UPDATE!
If you've ever done a renovation project in your home, you know that, in trying to do one thing, you end up doing ten others to make it happen. We have new flooring in the museum space, painted walls, and our new permanent exhibit in its final stages of production. What started as a small overhaul has turned into a big one, and since we want to make sure we're doing this right, it's taking a little longer than expected!
But the museum will open again to the public soon! Members, those who donated to the project, and special guests will be invited to a private opening. Details coming soon!!
Kathryn Sinor
Executive Director
THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO HAVE DONATED SO FAR!
As you can see, we're doing a lot of work to both return the historic character to the Heritage House and to create a permanent exhibit that is engaging, interesting, and will last a long time (while also continuing our tradition of a smaller, rotating exhibit every 6-8 months). These projects have been made possible because of contributions from community members like you!
We have moved forward with these projects thanks to grant funding, donations, and our fundraising events, but our goal is to have more of the final cost covered! There is still time to make that happen. Please consider a small donation, which will go towards the renovations. Those who donate will be invited to a private opening of the new exhibit. All donations are tax deductible.
JOIN US FOR A MARKET OF HOLIDAY CHEER
ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3RD!
Vendors will be throughout the house with local-made goods available for purchase. Santa Claus will also be visiting from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM for photos, with food donations accepted for the Lake Oswego Food Pantry!
CONFIRMED VENDORS INCLUDE:
Art by Queen of Hearts
Atelier
Carman Rusca Art
Collett Woodwork
Crown Miniatures
Donald Guenther Wood Turned Bowls
Granny Fi's Shortbread
Ha Austin Ceramics
The Hand that Rocks the Cribbage Board
Joie de Weave
Karen Harris Accessories
Laila Dutta Studio
Liz Peterson Metalartist
M. Alexis Bomarito Fine Art Papercrafts
Nana's Choice Goat Milk Products
Paul Bartos Ornaments
Snazzy Swags
Wigglewyrm Workshop
INTERESTED IN THIS SEASON'S CHAUTAUQUA LINE-UP?
November 5th (AT THE SPRINGS): Power, Politics, and Public Access: The Contested History of Oswego Lake by Dr. Stephen Beckham
December 3rd: Holiday Marketplace
February 4th: Memory, History, and the Enduring Power of Place by author Dede Montgomery
March 4th: The Oswego Pioneer Cemetery by Courtney Clements and Angie Baker
April 1st: LO Reads Topic
May 6th: Porch Time: Home Life and Leisure in the Early 20th Century by Kay Demlow
Were you able to figure out what structure, used by the Bickner family c. 1906, is pictured here on Oswego Lake?
You may recognize it, as there are many on the lake today! This is the Bickner boathouse, photograph taken by William Bickner c. 1906.
The Bickner family moved to Oswego in 1894 and purchased the Henry Gans general merchandise store in South Town. This photograph of the family below, taken c. 1896, shows them in the back of their home in South Oswego (on McVey & Erickson St.). They would move to First Addition in 1902 and open a new grocery store on Front Street. Eventually, their store would be bought by Safeway.
William Bickner (in the back row, second from the left) took an amazing series of photographs at the beginning of the 20th century that capture life in Oswego with amazing clarity.
