Cottage Grove Historical Society is a non-profit society of volunteers with membership open to all who meet to learn more about protecting our local cultural heritage.
Mission
The mission of the Cottage Grove Historical Society is to preserve and celebrate the history and heritage of the Cottage Grove area and to stimulate interest and knowledge for generations to come.
Library
The historical library collection is located downtown Cottage Grove, Oregon at 737 Main Street. Call 541-942-5022 for an appointment. The Research Library Committee gathers, organizes, and catalogs information into a traditional library setting so it can then be used by the general public. Our Library hours are Wed through Sat from 1 - 4 p.m.
Meetings
Monthly meetings are held at 10 a.m. the third Saturday of the month at the Community Center on Gibbs Avenue (Cottage Grove Public Library).
History
Nicknamed "Slab Town" because wood slabs were placed in the trail ruts to keep the wagon wheels from sinking into mud during rainy seasons, the original town of Cottage Grove paralleled the west side of the Coast Fork of the Willamette River following the old Applegate Trail.
As the business district grew, it moved east. When the railroad came in 1872, businesses developed on what is now Main Street. The railroad was the center of commerce as well as the principle form of transportation, other than stage coach or team and wagon. During this time, a city council was formed which still exists today.
When gold was discovered in the nearby Bohemia Mountains in 1858, many downtown businesses were started by people who obtained their grubstake in the mines. At one time, there were seven saloons on the north side of Main Street. Those who didn't have anything to do with cards, dancing or alcohol, walked on the other side. The ladies and children had small park areas and inside reading rooms to rest in while waiting for their men to take the family home.
The post office became a bone of contention: one side wanted it to be near the railroad station, but the others didn't want it moved at all. The East-Siders referred to their town as "Lemati", a Native American word meaning "peaceful valley." Whoever happened to be appointed Postmaster moved it to their home or business location. During the Lemati feud, the post office was moved under cover of darkness by members of two prominent families to an area between the warring factions. It was literally dragged by a team of horses, probably as a prank, but ended up being a satisfactory solution to both sides.
Movie Locations
Several feature films have been shot on location in and around Cottage Grove including The General; numerous scenes from Animal House, most notably the parade scene; Stand By Me and Emperor of the North.
Dr Pierce Barn
CURRENT THREAT
A local resident purchased the Dr Pierce Barn property in 2009. At the time, the property, including both the barn and the house had been foreclosed. The new owner renovated the accompanying house and placed the property on the market in 2010.
The owner has now filed an application for demolition permit with the City of Cottage Grove so he can develop the land. The permit process has gone before the Landmark Commission and then on to the Planning Commission where the permit process was given a 90- day delay. That delay will end August 22 when it goes before the city council.
The newly formed group of supporters, “Friends of Dr. Pierce Barn”, is now preparing to present a plan to purchase the entire parcel including barn and house to the city council in August. If the council feels they are working towards a feasible solution, they will grant another 210 delay.
SAVE THE BARN DONATIONS
“The Friends of the Dr. Pierce Barn” along with the non-profit Cottage Grove Historical Society are working together to keep this historic site as part of the community. Any donation will be tax deductible. Checks payable to Save the Barn can be mailed to Cottage Grove Historical Society, PO Box 142, Cottage Grove, OR 97424.
For more information on this situation or how to join The Barn Friends, please contact info@cottagegrovehsitoricalsociety.com.