May
FREE
2013 The
News for the Mid-Willamette Valley
May Loc Events C al alendar Page 2
Getting Ready
For Summer
Two Rivers Market in downtown Albany was a historically acurate recreation built in the early 1980’s to replicate the building which had originally stood at the corner of Second Ave. and Broadalbin St.
Historic Preservation Month
Points
By Rick Rogers
The entire month of May is National Historic Preservation Month. When it comes to preserving our historic buildings, the city of Albany is the leader in the state. The national theme for May is, “See, Save, Celebrate.” This special month is full of activities designed to protect structures and areas in our neighborhoods and communities, raising awareness of the value of preserving local history celebrating our diverse and unique heritage. Albany has gained a national reputation as a destination for people who love historic homes, churches, and commercial buildings. According to information from the Albany Visitor’s Association, the city of Albany contains four nationally recognized historic districts with over 800 qualifying homes and buildings, three outstanding museums, and two significant churches. Within the city, there are thirteen classic architectural structure styles giving Albany the reputation of having the most varied collection of architecture in the state. During the month of May, there are many events
planned throughout Albany giving residents and tourists a chance to see much of what the city has historically to offer. On Friday, May 3, the Albany Downtown Association and the Albany Rotary Club will host the once-a-year Upstairs-Downtown Tour and Wine Walk through the downtown core shopping area from 5PM until 8PM. This brings hundreds of visitors into downtown Albany and allows them an opportunity to tour through the upstairs areas of many of the city’s oldest commercial buildings. More information on the tour may be obtained by going online to: www. albanydowntown.com. Many other activities are planned, such as a walking tours of the downtown buildings and other areas, special workshops throughout the month on researching historic homes and buildings, making accurate window repairs, heritage trees and markers, and much more. Details are available at the Albany Visitor’s Association on the corner of Third Avenue and Lyon St. or online at www.albanydowntown.com. Albany has much to offer the history buff and allows us to showcase and learn from our past when we were known as “The Hub of the Willamette Valley.”
High
The Venition Theater, built in 1913 and once destined for the wrecking ball, has been renovated into a jewel in downtown Albany housing the Fusion Faith Center.
The Monteith House in downtown Albany is the city’s oldest home built in 1848 and now operates as a museum.
The crew at the Albany Visitor’s Association stands ready to help you plan your Summer activities at their new location, Third Avenue and Lyon St. in downtown Albany.
By Karen Rogers In an archaic poem, “Sumer is icumin in, lhude sing cucu” according to an anonymous poet around the year 1226. It may seem cuckoo to get ready in May for a season that does not really begin until 10:04 P.M. June 20! But most people are all ready for summer by Memorial Day, observed this year on May 27. This is a good time to prepare for family and class reunions and the many large, warm weather celebrations. Being from the East Coast, I particularly loved to show off the beauties of Oregon to my rather effete relatives and friends. The highest “mountain” in New Jersey is 1200 feet! HA! It ain’t a real mountain unless it’s got snow on it in August or blows up on occasion! My Mom had a tough time at first realizing that the snow-caps on the local mountains weren’t clouds, and a friend from Missouri shared that view point. The Coast is another case in point. The Mid-Atlantic region is flat. The highest points are highway bridges. Areas in Delaware and Maryland have ground water levels about one foot down. Our spectacular cliffs and sea mounts are sure to awe “foreigners.” My Uncle, a real deep-sea tuna fisher and boatman, on his own large boat, LOVED sailing out of Depoe Bay! The adrenaline rush from passing through that narrow passage in heavy seas was cat-nip to him! Also, it’s fun to spring our chilly beaches on people used to warm sand and warm gentle waves. Skimpy suits and light wrappers aren’t much good when you need wool socks and basic survival gear for a day on the beach. I’m planning several barbecues for July and August, when we can almost guarantee fine weather. Oregon is a wonderful Summer Place! Bring on the tourists!