Oregonians celebrated the state’s 150th birthday on Valentine’s Day by taking part in events all across Oregon. Some folks in Springfield did so with a hands-on history lesson. The Willamalane Park and Recreation District sponsored its own party at Dorris Ranch.
Two years ago, volunteers built a log cabin so that people could experience firsthand what life was like for pioneer families in Oregon.
In commemoration of Oregon’s sesquicentennial, adults and children got to climb on board a wagon, smell the smoke of a campfire, and look inside the cabin that is a replica of the first cabin the Masterson family lived in when they settled on the land that is now Dorris Ranch.
Organizers say some people aren't aware of Oregon history as much as they used to be.
“Years ago, in the 50s, there used to be rail to trail program,” Scott Dano with Willamalane explained. “It was a big festival where people have had re-enactments of wagon trains and such. And we kind of forgot that little bit of history, so we're trying to bring it back here today at the ranch."
More than fifty people showed up for the celebration event. Oregon even had its own birthday cake, but without 150 candles. Participants also planted native trees to commemorate the state's sesquicentennial.
The log cabin at Dorris Ranch also becomes a classroom during the spring and fall, when Lane County teachers bring their classes to the site for educational field trips.
