Ever wanted to take a peek into Oregon’s past? The Beaver State has certainly come a long way in the last century. The following 13 photos offer a glimpse into Oregon life from around 100 years ago. Take a look and see what’s changed in your hometown:
- A Seaside scene (c. 1908)
Flickr/OSU Special Collections & Archives Pictured is a view of Seaside on the Oregon Coast, looking north from the Hotel Moore Pier.
- Eugene streets (c. 1909)
Flickr/OSU Special Collections & Archives Pictured is 7th and Willamette St. in Eugene.
- Students in Newberg (1911)
Flickr/OSU Special Collections & Archives Pictured above is the class of 1911, standing outside a school in Newberg.
- a birds-eye-view of Eugene (1908)
Flickr/OSU Special Collections & Archives Here’s a view of Eugene, looking south from Skinner’s Butte.
- Loggers on the job (early 1900s)
Flickr/OSU Special Collections & Archives The logging industry played a major role in Oregon’s history. Pictured above is a group of loggers from the early 1900s.
- Railroad turntable (c. 1900)
Flickr/OSU Special Collections & Archives This Detroit, OR railroad turntable was snapped around 1900.
- The heart of Detroit, OR (early 1900s)
Flickr/OSU Special Collections & Archives Detroit is still a small town, but the downtown area definitely looks a little different today!
- Cutting grain (c. 1916)
Flickr/OSU Special Collections & Archives Agriculture also played a role in early Oregon history. This horse team was cutting grain in Lebanon, OR.
- Downtown Bend (c. 1920)
Wikimedia/Carey, Charles Henry/public domain Did you know Bend’s name came from Farewell Bend on the Deschutes River? The bend was one of the few places where it was safe to ford the river, and the city eventually grew up around this area. Downtown Bend looks nothing like this these days!
- A Willamette River view (early 1900s)
Flickr/OSU Special Collections & Archives This view of the Willamette River was captured in Springfield, OR.
- Cape Blanco Lighthouse (c. 1936)
Flickr/Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington The Cape Blanco Lighthouse was constructed all the way back in 1870. Though the lights were automated in 1980, the structure hasn’t changed much over the years. You can still visit the historic lighthouse today!
- A Portland street scene (c. 1915)
Flickr/OSU Special Collections & Archives Pictured above is the Imperial Hotel in downtown Portland. The hotel, now known the Kimpton Hotel Vintage Portland, first opened in 1894 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
How has your hometown or city changed since the early 1900s? Share your thoughts and comments with us below!
Flickr/OSU Special Collections & Archives
Pictured is a view of Seaside on the Oregon Coast, looking north from the Hotel Moore Pier.
Pictured is 7th and Willamette St. in Eugene.
Pictured above is the class of 1911, standing outside a school in Newberg.
Here’s a view of Eugene, looking south from Skinner’s Butte.
The logging industry played a major role in Oregon’s history. Pictured above is a group of loggers from the early 1900s.
This Detroit, OR railroad turntable was snapped around 1900.
Detroit is still a small town, but the downtown area definitely looks a little different today!
Agriculture also played a role in early Oregon history. This horse team was cutting grain in Lebanon, OR.
Wikimedia/Carey, Charles Henry/public domain
Did you know Bend’s name came from Farewell Bend on the Deschutes River? The bend was one of the few places where it was safe to ford the river, and the city eventually grew up around this area. Downtown Bend looks nothing like this these days!
This view of the Willamette River was captured in Springfield, OR.
Flickr/Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington
The Cape Blanco Lighthouse was constructed all the way back in 1870. Though the lights were automated in 1980, the structure hasn’t changed much over the years. You can still visit the historic lighthouse today!
Pictured above is the Imperial Hotel in downtown Portland. The hotel, now known the Kimpton Hotel Vintage Portland, first opened in 1894 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
For more vintage photos from Oregon, check out our previous article: These 18 Photos Of Oregon In The 1960s Are Mesmerizing.
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