Salem in 2017

World Events

• Women's Marches in response to Trump election drew the largest American and world-wide protests in recent history.
• President Trump's first year is overshadowed by Special Council Mueller's investigation of Russian intervention in the 2016 election.
• Hurricanes created extensive damage in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico recovery and repairs especially delayed.
• In Las Vegas fifty-eight people are killed and 546 injured during another shooting. Use of "bump" stock and civilian availability of military semi-automatic weapons is debated Congress, but no action.
• #MeToo signals women's campaign to reveal sexual harassment and abuse against them. Several men in prominent business and political positions lose their reputation and careers.
• Amid world-wide protect, the US launches 59 Tomahawk missiles against Syrian targets, damaging US-Russian ties.
•  President Trump announces several international changes in U.S. policy: the intention to leave the Paris Climate Agreement, withdrawal from UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization), and moving our embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
• The Academy Awards: "The Shape of Water" (US), "A Fantastic Woman" (Chile). Prize-winning book: Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward.

 

Ron Cooper photograph, City of Salem

In Salem
At long last, the eagerly awaited bridge connecting Riverfront Park to Minto Island is completed. The public was allowed, temporarily, to cross in the spring, but it was closed and opened again in August for an official ceremony. The crowd was enthusiastic, despite the soaring midday temperature of over 100 degrees. The joyous occasion began with a parade from Wallace Marine Park, over the Union Street Bridge, and into Riverfront Park ~ dignitaries, musical units, pet dogs, and plain ordinary folks joined in the joyous celebration. Speeches were delivered from under a shade canopy while listeners in the sunshine enjoyed refreshments (supplied by Roth's) although the chocolate in the cookies melted before they could be consumed. Representatives from many city departments attended and all were in a holiday mood. A great time was enjoyed by all!
The bridge has been deemed a success, with many daily pedestrians enjoying the opportunity to access Minto Island from Riverfront Park.
Mayor Chuck Bennett said, "The Peter Courtney Bridge is the realization of a decades-old community plan to connect Minto Island to the rest of Salem. The bridge is an iconic and valuable addition to Oregon's Capitol City."
First envisioned in 1975, the Peter Courtney Minto Island Bridge and Trail is the last critical link in connecting 1,300 acres of City parks and nearly 30 miles of trails between South Salem, Downtown and West Salem. When combined, the acreage is larger than New York's Central Park.

When You Visit
The bridge can be accessed from either Minto Brown Park or Riverfront Park. Parking is available from Front Street either at the turnout to the left at State Street or take the Union Street turnoff to the left. The bridge is visible and close by. In Minto Brown Park, use any parking lot and follow the signs. Be aware that the walk in Minto Brown is a mile or more, depending  on which lot you choose. It is a delightful walk, which ever path you choose.
Because Minto Island is a Conservation Area containing sensitive habitat and wildlife, the City reminds walkers to stay on the trail and keep their pets on leashes.

Other Events 

•  A citizen appeal to LUBA, testifying against a recent Urban Growth Boundary extention, was upheld. The mayor recommended to the City Council that other solutions to traffic problems be pursued instead of a "3rd Bridge" between Pine Street and West Salem.
• The solar eclipse is enjoyed by Salem residents as well as many visitors for the day.
• Lancaster Mall is partly closed while that shopping enterprise is redeveloped as Willamette Town Center.
• Two bond measures pass: one will finance a new police facility at a lower price ($61.8 million) and the other to retrofit the city library against human injury and property damage in case of an anticipated earthquake.
• Homelessness is growing problem, especially downtown. The Union Gospel Mission will relocate from downtown to a location to north, across Liberty Street from the future police facility.
• A new councilor is elected to replace the one who recently resigned: Chris Hoy is the 5th candidate successfully sponsored by Salem Progressives.

• Le Breton Hall, the last remaining structure of the former Oregon State Fairview Institution was razed for the creation of a city park. This 1908 structure was designed by Walter Pugh, distinguished architect of many, now demolished, local historic buildings.

• Another historic structure, the former Wells Fargo building, designed by Pietro Belluschi (who also designed our Marion County Courthouse) was demolished. At the corner of Liberty and Chemeketa streets, it contributed to the Downtown National Register Historic District, but had remained vacant for many years. Eight Frederic Littman marble relief sculptures were removed and will be used to decorate the new building that will be erected in that location.
• The Historic Landmarks Commission honors David Holton with the Historic Preservation award for serving as a role model while a Commission member and for his leadership in promoting historical renovation projects in Salem.
• Salem On Ice, a 7,200 square feet seasonal rink opened in Riverfront Park November 17. The temporary facility will be open through January 21, 2018. The city agreed to a four year contract with the sponsors, so we can expect to see the structure reconstructed again for at least three more years.

Salem in 1956

World Events

• Gamal Abdul Nassar nationalizes the British and French controlled Suez Canal, hoping to use tolls to pay for dam on the Nile. Israel invaded Egypt, but due to international pressure the Israeli forces left in March, 1957. The Canal reopened under Egyptian control.
• The Hungarians revolt against the Warsaw Pact. Soviet forces agreed to negotiate, but then moved to crush the rebellion resulting in mass executions and arrests. 200,000 refugees fled the country.
• Dwight Eisenhower and Richard Nixon re-elected as President and Vice President for second terms.
• Negroes in Montgomery with Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. as a leader, begin boycott after Rosa Parks is arrested for sitting in the front section of a city bus.
• The Andrea Doria sinks off Nantucket Island.
• Interstate Highways approved as important to national defense.
• "Rock and Roll" takes over popular music with Elvis Presley becoming a star attraction.
• "Around the World in Eighty Days" was this year's film that won the Academy Award (1957). National Book Award (Fiction): Ten North Frederick, John O'Hara.

In Salem

Paul Wallace leaves 24 acres of prime riverfront land in a bequest to the citizens of Salem. Subsequent purchases and gifts have increased the size of Wallace Marine Park to 68 acres. Although it quickly became a popular place for riverfront recreation during the basic development of the park, it was not designed or constructed to resist the high waters of the Willamette River: the Christmas flood of 1964 swept away the two boat launching ramps, roadways and picnic facilities that had been developed. New facilities were constructed in 1967.

When you visit
Many recreational opportunities are available in our largest park with softball tournaments especially popular and well attended. There is a boat launching dock, places for individuals who like to fish, picnic benches and walking trails. In 2009, the Union Street Railroad Bridge and Trestle was renovated as a pedestrian and bicycle path, connecting our two parks, Waterfront Park on the east side of the Willamette River and Wallace Marine Park on the west side. New sidewalks, including one leading to a river-viewing platform, have been constructed by the city in 2012. New paved walk/biking trails are completed around the sports fields and between the Union Street Trestle and Glen Creek Road are completed in 2014.
In 1969, a Parks and Recreation Advisory Board was established. Anyone interested in the development of Salem public parks and playgrounds is invited to apply. All residents are invited to become volunteers: The Salem Parks Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose purpose is to promote, develop, facilitate, and sustain stewardship dedicated to the enhancement of the parks of our city. It is also affiliated with the Oregon Cultural Trust. Their public meetings are 1st Thursdays, 6 p.m., Parks Operation Building #14, on 22nd. Street.

Other events

• His political supporters convinced Douglas McKay to leave his appointment as US Secretary of the Interior to run against Wayne Morse for the United States Senate. This was the first election McKay lost. He then served President Eisenhower on the International Waterways Commission.
• A five year effort by the YMCA is completed. In 1951, the Nelson property on Court Street, adjoining the Y had been purchased, and a Capital Fund drive organized. By 1954, funds were raised and the new Youth Wing was completed in 1956.
• St. Timothy's Episcopal Church is established with temporary locations. It would be twelve years before their sanctuary on Ladd Avenue would be completed.
• Business events include the opening of the American Can Company and the closing of Hunt Brothers cannery with their location acquired by the Keith Brown Lumber Company.

• The Chamber of Commerce moves into new headquarters on Cottage Street. This Colonial style residence had been the home of George Rodgers, a former mayor and president of the Salem Paper Company. The property, on the northeast corner of Cottage and Court Streets, had originally been the location of the property of Joseph Holman, outstanding pioneer merchant at the founding of the city. The Chamber occupied this building until 1995 when it moved and the YMCA bought the property. The building burned in 1997.
• The 1952 Turner Reservoir is in full operation this year when J. L. Fransen retires as our first City Manager. The reservoir is named for him. Kent Mathewson receives an enhanced salary of $14,000 a year, compared to Fransen's $11,500.
• A photograph taken at the entrance of Lipman, Wolfe and Company store in downtown Salem shows mature ladies in dresses, most also in hats. Another catches a younger woman in full "poodle" skirt. Trousers on females would have been very unusual. The men appear to be dressed informally much as they are today.
• During the winter of 1956, the Capitol and the Elsinore operate only at night, except for Saturday and Sunday afternoon matinees. The Hollywood remains open as usual. A general lack of patronage, due to the popularity of TV home entertainment is the reason for closure.
• The L. H. McMahon home at 891 Front Street is still a charming cottage in 1956. Built by David McCully in 1864, it will continue to survive into the present (2010), although in a new location at 1365 John Street. The residence was purchased by Judge Leonard H. McMahan and his wife (the former Bertha Byrd) in 1919. After his death, she continued to live there until the house was severely damaged by a falling tree during the windstorm of 1962. The house was moved and became the residence of David Duniway. Mr. Duniway, Oregon State Archivist, was prominent in the promotion of Salem historic properties.

Salem in 1886

World Events

• The Statue of Liberty, a gift from France, is dedicated in New York Harbor by President Glover Cleveland. The excitement of the New York City celebration led to the first ticker-tape parade.
• Haymarket riot further contributed to the creation of an 8-hour day for workers and inspired the present-day International May Day celebrations.
• After 30 years of defiance, Apache leader Geronimo with his warriors, surrenders in Arizona.
• Karl Benz of Germany patents first gas-powered automobile.
• Inventions: Josephine Cochrane patents the first commercial automatic washing machine. Ottmar Mergenthaler's linotype machine introduced at New York Tribune. And a pharmacist, Dr. John Pembleton, creates a carbonated, caffeine beverage (kola nuts and coca leaves) that will be named Coca-Cola.
• New American Books: The Bostonians, Henry James and Little Lord Fauntleroy, Frances Hodgson Burnett

In Salem
The first Salem Bridge across the Willamette River was constructed by Robert S. Wallace to connect his large fruit orchards and summer home in Polk County (now West Salem) to the city. A contemporary photograph from the Cronise Studio in Salem shows the bridge in great detail.
Robert Stuart Wallace lived in Chicago and operated as a commodity broker in the Chicago Board of Trade. The pressure of trading was so intense that his doctor told him he must quit this stressful activity or he would die young. He took the advice and sold his holdings and came to Salem, Oregon in 1885. He had recently visited here and liked what he saw and decided to move here. He and his wife, Nancy Black Wallace, built a large house on the northwest corner of Capitol and Court Street. (This was later the site of the Miles home which was demolished in the 1940s for the Oregon State Public Service Building.) Robert and Nancy Wallace had three children, Lee, Paul and Ruth, and lived in this house during most of the year, retiring across the river to the orchard home in summer. Mr. Wallace died at 41, but during the six years he lived in Salem he accomplished many major projects including being President of the Old Capital National Bank on Commercial Street; in making improvements to the Salem Water Company and, in 1890, choosing a location on 12th Street for the first Salem cannery. This original Center Street Bridge was carried away in the big flood in the spring of 1890 and replaced the next year. 

Former Wallace family summer home

When you visit 
Wallace Road was then a dirt carriageway leading to the orchards and family summer home (seen above), now a part of Salemtowne. The former bank building, just north of State Street, attracts attention, looking like a misplaced medieval fortress among the modern retail buildings. William C. Knighton renovated the original facade in 1892. South of Trade Street, Wallace's Salem Water Company's ramps and smoke stacks were replaced by canneries. After their closing, the 1970s urban renewal projects transformed the area into the parks we enjoy for the several blocks east of Commercial Street into Pringle Parkway. His original cannery existed on 12th Street, across from the Kay Woolen Mill (now a part of Willamette Heritage Center). The business continued under various names until 1953 when the land was deeded back, as a gift, to Willamette University. It is now part of a student parking lot.
The wagon trail that led to the Wallace orchard property is now the heavily traveled, multi-laned Wallace Road, the backbone of north south travel in West Salem. Turning east off this highway onto Glen Creek Road, you enter Wallace Marine Park. His son donated the core of this beautiful natural landscape that anchors the west end of the renovated Union Street Bridge, contains a boat ramp, picnic facilities and hosts popular softball tournaments. With the connection across the Union Street pedestrian bridge and trestle, walkers and bikers find new trails in the park convenient for commuting across the Willamette River for work and leisure activities.

Other Events

• The first concrete sidewalks and limited electric service improve downtown business opportunities.
• The Pearce Building is erected on the northeast intersection of the Breyman "White Corner" at Commercial and Court Street. This traditional commercial building of red brick was transformed in the 1940s to present modern architectural style with a rounded corner. Mr. George Pearce left the property to his two daughters who became prominent local educators.
• A " lunatic with a well-whetted butcher knife" attempts a hold-up at Ladd and Bush Bank, but is subdued by Sheriff Minto and two customers.

Firemen parade

Firemen in a practice drill

• A happier day for prospective customers is depicted in a photograph of the bank this year. It shows a lively scene at the corner of State and Commercial as the firemen parade with their horses and carriages. Another photograph shows a tender team for the Tiger Company competing in a practice fire drill fireman during a tournament. The number of photographs showing various activities of the downtown tournament this year shows the importance of the five companies of fireman in Salem and the respect that was given their valuable service in a town composed of wooden buildings.
• The Salvation Army is established with open-air services near the corner of Liberty and Ferry Streets.

• At 265 Court Street, J. J. Murphy's residence is prominent feature with multiple roof lines, turrets and porches. The family lived there until at least 1905 when George Rose purchased it. The next owner was Charles Bishop whose family owned it until the 1950s when it was willed to Willamette University. After a brief use as a sorority house, it was purchased by the First Presbyterian Church and demolished for the present church building. This residence stood on a Court Street block that had housed generations of Salem's leading citizens.
• Oregon Pacific Steam Engine #6 was a sturdy pioneer of the local railroad this year, burning loads of wood for power. This engine continued in use until 1915.