by Deborah Lobey | Oct 19, 2025 | Oral History - Stories, Posts
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 that would soon...
by Deborah Lobey | Aug 7, 2025 | Oral History - Stories, Posts
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 became essential to...
by Deborah Lobey | Jun 29, 2025 | Posts
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 important part of...
by Deborah Lobey | Apr 30, 2025 | Exhibit, Posts, Rhododendron Festival
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 (1909), bake sales, and...
by Deborah Lobey | Mar 29, 2025 | Oral History - Stories, Posts
(Part 2 of 2), (View Part 1) From early on, John Barnes developed a connection with the forest, cultural heritage and history. One could say it was in his DNA – passed down from a grandfather who homesteaded, and a father who was a brush picker and well-known hunter...
