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Mother and Daughter Were Rhody Princesses
Few are fortunate to be selected and honored as a Rhododendron Festival princess. However, to have a mother share that experience with her daughter 18 years later, makes it all the more exceptional. Linda Hayman Kalista and Alicia Kalista Albritton...
Florence Barbershop Harmony Chorus
Among the many cultural gifts brought by early migration to America was music - including hymns, psalms and folk songs. Research shows what became known as barbershop harmony, likely originated from the influences of the African-American culture...
Florence Bank Robbery
Circumstances were unusual as the story of the 1927 Florence bank robbery unfolded. It occurred at the Lane County State and Savings Bank which opened in 1909, providing welcomed services for the growing community of Florence.Among the bank’s...
An Appetite for Clams
David Morse came to the Siuslaw area in about 1879 to homestead, as did many of our early pioneers who were driven by a sense of adventure. Originally from the East, Mr. Morse adapted to his new life, but soon yearned to expand his sources of food....
A Homestead Piano
There are times when the task at hand can seem impossible to accomplish, but not so with a bit of help. It was many years ago when news of a ship from San Francisco had arrived in Acme (now known as Cushman) with a piano for the E. B, Miller...
Remembering June Lockhart
We pause to acknowledge the recent passing of actress June Lockhart. Many may recall her visits to Florence as the Grand Marshal of the 1985 and 1986 Rhododendron Parades. A portion of one episode from the Lassie show had been filmed in Florence,...
Witness to 1964 Tsunami
During an era when tug boats on the Siuslaw River operated at all hours of the night, the bridge tender (Tiny Marsh) would initiate a siren prior to lifting the draw bridge for boats to pass. The night of March 27, 1964 began like any other, but...
From Telegraph to Telephone in Florence
The Family Behind the Phone Company “We’ve come a long way” may be an old saying, yet it sums up the evolution of long-distance communication from the days of telegraph messages to telephone. As more folks began to settle in the Siuslaw area, it...
The Motel Ragan
A look back at Florence in 1938, would reveal only two buildings on HWY 101 - a two-pump service station and the Motel Ragan. Also known as the Hotel Ragan, and Ragan Hotel, it was sold in 1976 and renamed the Lighthouse Inn. It remains an...
The Rhododendron Festival Court
The process of selecting the Rhododendron Royal Court has varied throughout the years, yet continues to remain a significant highlight of the festivities even today. Early on, contestants acquired votes by selling baskets of home cooked goods...