Oregon is more than a place— it's a source of inspiration, a setting for adventure, and a journey of discovery.
Share your Oregon Story now.
Check out our interview questions to jump-start your thoughts, or read through our toolkit to see just what we're looking for.
by Marie Melsheimer
Bend, OR
In the summer of ’69, 29-year-old William Lee “Bill” Smith came to Bend. Since then, he has been an instrumental part of shaping many of the area’s landmarks, such as the Old Mill District and Les Schwab Amphitheater. Over the years, Bill has seen the small logging town of Bend grow in [...]
by Christopher P. Betts
Keizer, OR
In 1970 I was an 8th grader at Lynch Park Elementary G.S. in unincorporated east Portland. One of the leaders in my Boy Scout troop #654 was a young, energetic Jack McGowan. Our 8th grade science class, taught by Linda Shockey, helped him organize and execute one of the first Oregon [...]
contributed by Sharon Riffle & Marilyn Russell
La Pine, OR
La Pine resident and 14-year SMART volunteer reader Marilyn Russell has true Oregon pioneer roots. Upset at her mother’s re-marrying when her sea captain father was lost at sea, Marilyn’s grandmother, Emma Chapman, ran away from Sweden at age 18 with her friend, Tilly—boarding a ship and [...]
by Cody Hasz
Oregon City, OR
The most important person that I have had in my life is my Grandma Sue. Even though she may be gone, she still plays a huge part in my life. I believe that without her in my life, I would be a completely different person, and I know that’s the [...]
submitted by Andrew Anderson
Salem, OR
We don’t often think of looking to a funeral home for history, but it is amazing what you will find. The archives at Howell-Edwards-Doerksen with Rigdon Ransom are a treasure trove of history. We dusted off funeral records dating back to 1891 to share the role that our business [...]
Jennifer Fleck
Newport, OR
Butterflies, excitement, and happiness-three of the many things I feel before I go on stage in front of the community. The Newport Performing Arts Center, known by locals as the P.A.C, in historic Nye Beach, overlooks the beautiful ocean. It is my second home; I’ve grown up in that magical theater. [...]
submitted by Janet Dodson
La Grande, OR
visitlagrande.com
Pack up the family wagon and hit the trail for La Grande, in Oregon’s northeast corner. Pioneers traveling on the Oregon Trail raved about the beauty of the area. They rested in the shadow of the Blue Mountains and restored their strength for the most challenging part of their journey [...]
submitted by the Claire McGill Western History Room
Burns, OR
When Harney County was established from a portion of Grant County in 1889, the county seat was set up in Harney City. Feeling slighted, citizens from nearby Burns strongly protested. Listen, as Morgan from Crane Elementary tells the story of how the Oregon Supreme Court [...]
by Scot Siegel
Forward Stride Therapeutic Center, Scholls, Oregon
Lake Oswego, OR
for Lianne
First day on the job
my daughter, the volunteer,
stands ready, listening…
*
This is for catching
Dancer with the red clicker
If you don’t know how
Please ask a helper
It’s not for any other
just Dancer!
Ladybug’s easy; keep
An eye on Ruby, and
don’t leave Tucker’s hay
soaking anywhere
near [...]
by Warren Hartung
Happy Valley, OR
I walked the streets of Damascus Oregon, watching with wide eyes the Centennial Candle, the Wild West Sherriff’s shoot-outs in the streets, and my Grandfather’s green beard. Yup, he dyed it bright green in celebration of Oregon’s “coming of age”, as he called it.
Remember this is 1959, men [...]
By Christine Brousseau
Executive Director
Camp Fire USA, Central Oregon
Bend, OR
Camp Fire USA has been serving the Central Oregon community for over 80 years, by helping to build caring, confident youth and the finest of our future leaders. Many think we are still only serving girls but we have actually been co-ed since 1975. We are all-inclusive [...]
