Trip Report

This trip got off to a bit of a rocky start: as our leader was ill and the assistant leader had to take over; the weather was gloomy and raining hard as we gathered in the Shopko parking lot; and we had a new driver who was 15 minutes late arriving. We stayed in our cars and did the sign in routine on the bus. As we headed north on I-5 we were all wondering what kind of day we would have! But…once again Mother Nature came through for us! As we approached the Santiam River the rain stopped, the skies brightened and we were met at the rest area by the smiling faces of the Beard family. Following our usual yummy coffee break we enjoyed the beauty of the Willamette Valley’s lush green appearance as we drove to Champoeg. We viewed hundreds of sheep in the fields, some herds of beef cattle, horses and even some goats. Upon arrival at Champoeg, we went first to the visitor’s center where we were greeted by volunteer hosts who were happy to answer questions and explain displays. To our disappointment the auditorium was closed due to “interviews” so were unable to watch any of the history related videos usually available. They have an especially nice pictoral display describing the 52 – 50 vote when the settlers chose to seek provisional government from the United States. Next stop was the Pioneer Mothers Memorial Cabin where we were met by Judy Van Atta, DAR Museum Director and resident host at this site. Judy did an excellent job of sharing historical information, including showing us the high water marks of many floods this area has suffered. The log cabin was originally built, as a museum, along the river in 1931. In 2013-2015 it was completely dismantled, each piece identified and rebuilt on the high ground where it now stands. Close by is the tiny 1840’s Butteville Jail (not very inviting); the 1860’s Butteville Academy – one half contains the classroom the other half is teacher living quarters; and the Robert Newell House which survived the 1861 flood due to its higher elevation. This charming farm house has been restored and contains excellent historical displays: Pioneer furniture; antique quilts & spinning collection; First Ladies of Oregon gowns; and Native American artifacts. Robert Newell was a central figure in Oregon statehood and first Speaker of the House – he resided at Champoeg for nineteen years beginning in 1843. Even though he lost most of his financial holdings in the flood, he did what he could to help his friends and neighbors recover from the devastating losses they suffered. We enjoyed eating our lunches in Rebecca’s Tea Porch where it was dry and warm. A quick stop was made at the Pioneer Memorial Building Pavilion & Monument Plaza which is the actual site of the famous 1843 vote. As we made our way back to Eugene we stopped at Bauman Farms where workers were busily erecting new display areas and unloading a great assortment of plants in anticipation of spring. And, yes they did have ice cream available. We dropped Barbara and Paul back at the Santiam rest area and arrived home before 5:30. It was a great day to reconnect with our regular bus riders and to get acquainted with some welcome newcomers.