Oregon Celebrates in Style

The state of Oregon is all gussied up and it is time to celebrate! Our grand state is celebrating her 150^th birthday on February 14^th and we all share in her colorful history. Oregonians have long been known for their leading edge thinking while never forgetting to take time to help those around them in need. With the exception of one weekend out of the year, Beavers and Ducks co-exist peacefully, but this rivalry arrived long after the establishment of what is now Willamette University.

Our majestic state capitol, which recently suffered a minor fire, was rebuilt after a previous fire had destroyed the first capitol building in Salem, having been relocated from Oregon City. The wings were added later. The mural in the senate chamber depicts news of statehood coming to Salem with a young Aashel Bush in the painting receiving the news in March of 1859. It took a month for word to reach Salem from the then capitol city, Oregon City. Corvallis also served as the state capitol for a period of time.

Mission Mill Museum houses the parsonage and Jason Lee House on their grounds, interpreting the mission and woolen heritage that was so much a part of our early history. These stories and more are part of their Facing Statehood exhibit which celebrates our state’s history from the 25 pre-statehood years through to modern times asking visitors to contribute their own Oregon story as part of this living history. This exhibit, which opens on Valentine’s Day and will run through spring 2010, is one of many sesquicentennial celebrations taking part across the state. So often we all drive by the museum as we go about our busy lives, but now is the perfect time to reacquaint ourselves with this wonderful treasure we have right in our own backyard

For more information about Facing Statehood and other activities taking place at Mission Mill visit www.missionmill.org. Visit www.artsmartsalem.org for a listing of events for the current month and remember, “There’s Something to do in Salem”.