Salem in 1983

World Events

• President Reagan says the USSR is an "evil empire" and proposes a defense system "Star Wars". Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to support the Contra rebels in Nicaragua. 
• Britain's Conservative government, lead by the controversial Margaret Thatcher, is re-elected by a landslide majority. (Her political views became unpopular during her 3rd term: she retired in 1990.)
• The Reverend Jesse Jackson travels to Syria and secures the release of U. S. Navy Lt. Robert Goodman who was shot down over Lebanon in a bombing mission in retaliation for Beirut bombing of the Multinational Force. The pilot, Mark Lange, died when his parachute did not deploy.
• M*A*S*H ends on TV having attracted the largest audience (125 million) for an episode. Motown celebrates its 25th anniversary with a TV special in which Michael Jackson introduces his Moonwalk.
• Sally Ride becomes the first woman in space on Space Shuttle Challenger mission. The first African-American in space is Guion Bluford.
• Vanessa Williams is the first African-American crowned Miss America.
• Academy Awards "Terms of Endearment" (US), "Fanny and Alexander" (Sweden). Prize-winning Book: The Color Purple, Alice Walker.

Interior of Governance Center, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon

In Salem
Grand Ronde Governance Center, 34 miles west of Salem on highways 22/18 in Polk County, was formerly within the Grand Ronde Indian Reservation, established when several tribes of Native Americans were forced off their lands into this confinement. The southern Oregon tribes were marched 263 miles from their homelands to Grand Ronde during 33 days of February and March of 1856. In all, over 25 tribes from western Oregon, the Willamette Valley, the central Columbia River, the Cascade Range and the Umpqua and Rogue River valleys were removed to the reservation under seven treaties. The Bureau of Indian Affairs area office of the reservation was closed in 1925, but had been removed to various locations, either Siletz Agency, Chemawa Indian School or Portland from 1856 to 1954. The Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon was originally governed by a council of tribal representative chiefs. On May 13, 1935, the corporate charter of the reservation was accepted by the BIA. The tribe and reservation was terminated August 13, 1954 when the Western Oregon Indian Termination Act (Public Law 588) revoked the tribe's sovereignty. Kathryn Harrison, who has spent almost 25 years on the council, recalls each tribal member receiving $35 and being told they were no longer a sovereign people. She remembers that larger tribes with resources could go to Washington, DC and testify that they didn't want to be terminated. However, it was many years until Grand Ronde members could take part in their own petition process that began in 1972. By that year, of their originally allotted 69,100 acres, only 2.5 acres remained, the tribal cemetery. Mrs. Harrison said the restoration was a justice issue that required educating government representatives, historical societies, and other tribes of the Grand Ronde's distinctive culture. The long years of tribal effort were rewarded when Congress restored the sovereignty of the Grand Ronde Confederated Tribes in 1983.

When you visit
In 1994 members voted to pursue gaming as a revenue source. A direct result of the successful Spirit Mountain Casino is the Spirit Mountain Community Fund established in 1997. Salem cultural and charitable enterprises benefit from part of the 6% of profits that are distributed in 11 Oregon counties. The casino entrance reminds visitors of the tribal culture; it features a representation of a tribal grandmother and child, Hattie Sands with her grandchild Gertrude (Hudson) Mercier. The Hall of Legends, leading to the lodge is lined with interpretive historical displays. "You have to keep telling your story", Mrs. Harrison says. "Otherwise, people will forget."

The Governance Center of the restored Grand Ronde Community is located a few miles from the casino. The sunlit interior, seen above, features a historic canoe donated to the tribe by the Willamette Heritage Center. The design of the Council Chamber recalls traditional Native American council chambers. An impressive Veteran's Memorial to tribal members of the US military forces stands near the Governance Center.

Our thanks to David G. Lewis, PhD, Cultural Resources Department Manager, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde for his editorial contributions.

Other events

• Ralph Hanley retires as City Manager and Russ Abolt, his assistant, is appointed.

Chief Moore joins a neighborhood celebration

• Our Police Department is one of the first in the nation to sponsor a local celebration of "National Night Out", an opportunity for a neighborhood start a special community project in their area with a goal to complete on National Night Out. Some areas have neighborhood clean-up, graffiti paint-overs, expand Neighborhood Watch or other neighborhood problems as their project. Some block parties sponsor food drives, neighbors bringing canned food donations.
• Salem Electric provides a Member Assistance Program for 100 member families to receive help in paying their utility bills during an exceptionally cold winter.

A view of Willamette University campus

• Willamette University is selected by a U. S. News and World Report poll of college and university presidents as the best small comprehensive university in the West.
• The rodeo, which had suffered from lack of attendance and low revenues, is discontinued the State Fair. From its original agricultural focus, the fair has grown into a large and diverse event, with something for everyone: livestock, floral, 4-H and home economics exhibits, country western and jazz concerts, commercial exhibits, art and photography displays, food from all cultures and, of course, the carnival.
• The Salem Parkway is completed, allowing southbound 99E traffic to exit I-5 near the Lockhaven Drive/Chemawa Road in Keizer and connects with Broadway, Commercial or Front Streets in Salem. This is a by-pass of Portland Road, the traditional entrance to the city. This by-pass is near two local attractions: Salem-Keizer Volcanoes Stadium, hosting baseball games and the recently established Keizer Station, a complex of shopping venues.
• The Salem Cultural and Tourism Advisory Board is established to advise the City Council on matters pertaining to the use of the transient occupancy tax, cultural activities and convention/tourism business in Salem. The board encourages development of a unified approach to the promotion of Salem; recommending an annual budget to implement such activities; and reviewing and making recommendations on the performance of contractors funded by the transient occupancy tax. The CTPAB budget for 2012-13 offered three types of funding for local cultural attractions. Operating Expense funding was awarded on a competitive basis to 10 venues: the Salem Multicultural Institute, Willamette Heritage Center, Salem Art Association, Willamette Art Center, A. C. Gilbert's Discovery Village, Hallie Ford Museum of Art, Elsinore Theatre, Deepwood Estate, Riverfront Carousel and Grand Theater. Three Capital Improvement projects were evaluated and awarded according to need. Twenty-one Special Event requests were also partially funded according to requests. This funding is directed both toward encouraging tourism and offering cultural opportunities for Salem residents.

Salem in 1976

World Events

• Mao Zedong of Communist China dies after a mortality record of causing up to 70 million deaths due to executions and forced labor.
• IRA bombs explode in London. Ten thousand Protestant and Catholic women demonstrate for peace in Northern Ireland. (Irish rock band U2 is formed by drummer Larry Mullen.)
• The US celebrated its 200th anniversary. Jimmy Carter is elected as President after a Democratic convention keynote address is delivered by a first African-American, Barbara Jordan.
• "Legionnaires' Disease" strikes in Philadelphia causing 29 deaths. The Ebola virus occurs in Yambuku, Zaire.
• The (supposed) last U.S. convertibles roll out of Detroit, new Apple Company, founded by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak.
• At Uganda's Entebbe Airport, Israeli commanders free 103 hostages held by Palestinian hijackers of an Air France plane.
• Viking 2 spacecraft lands on Mars: NASA releases Mars photo. 
• Nadia Comaneci earns the first of 7 perfect scores 10  in gymnastics at the Summer Olympics in Montreal.
• Academy Awards: "Rocky" (US) and "Black and White in Color" (France). Prize-winning Books: J R, William Gaddis and Humboldt's Gift, Saul Bellow.

In Salem
A 40-year Salem controversy between a local cooperative, Salem Electric and PGE over electric power service was resolved this year, bringing underground wiring to downtown. Salem Electric was founded in 1938 by a group of West Salem residents led by Harry Read. Mr. Read stubbornly refused to limit SE's growth into downtown Salem commercial area, linking its West and North Salem service areas. During 1968, after several years of discussions, Salem Electric and PGE reached agreement on service boundaries for the Salem/Keizer area. In 1972, Salem Electric received its third point of delivery, Brush College Substation, from Bonneville Power Administration, providing a 70% increase in the co-op's available capacity. In 1975, Salem Electric's Board approved a $1 million loan to continue its acquisition of the remainder of PGE facilities and for conversion of overhead to underground facilities in the downtown area. When the project was complete, Liberty Street gained this improved appearance (seen in 2007) as part of a revitalized business environment.

When you visit
Salem Electric has moved from its former headquarters adjacent to downtown Salem. In 1968, Salem Electric had constructed a new office building and warehouse located adjacent to the old headquarters on the northwest corner of Front and Union Streets. But in 1976, the City of Salem condemned the co-op's eight-year-old headquarters as a part of its Front Street widening project. The current headquarters are on Seventh Street in West Salem.

The historic downtown, one of our most attractive civic features, has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Many of the designated Local Landmark buildings have informative plaques at their entrances. For an online walking tour, please click on that image on the homepage of SHINE. For a copy of the 2011 booklet that is a guide through the history of downtown Salem, call the Community Development Department at 503 588 6173.

Other Events

• Craig Metten provides a dramatic sight for pedestrians on the ground as he scales the First Methodist Church tower during repairs. The steeple is replaced at this time. An even more startling photograph is taken looking down at Craig and the street below at the intersection of State and Church Streets.

View from Methodist Church steeple

Dining atop the Equitable Building

• The new Equitable Building at Center and High Streets, now completed, rises above the one-story businesses to the south at Chemeketa Street. This new six-floor tower has a bank on the ground floor with offices above. But the real treat is the opportunity for a downtown view from one of the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Loft Restaurant on top floor. Unfortunately, the restaurant was open only a few years.
• The Oregon State Capitol undergoes an expansion this year with wings at the north and south along State Street.
• Karr's Tavern occupies the historic Boon Store; the renovation to contemporary use of this 1860 building is yet to come. The interior had the appearance of a living room in a residence. The 1846 Boon House had been removed to Mission Mill Museum property and placed on the National Register of Historic Places the year before.
• Our McNary Airfield Air Control Tower receives an award for meritorious service by the Oregon National Guard. United Airlines is serving Salem this year with regularly scheduled commercial and passenger flights.
• In August, Salem residents enjoy rides over the city in a Goodyear blimp. Refer to Oregon Historic Photographs Collection for many aerial views of Salem in 1948 and 1976.
• The Downtown Development Advisory Board is created this year. Composed of a total of 11 members, 6 presently represent the interests of business, property owners and others with interest in the Riverfront Downtown Urban Renewal Area and 5 represent the community at large. Two members represent West Salem specifically.

The Reed Opera House undergoing renovation

• A major rehabilitation of the Reed Opera House provides space for almost two dozen small retail stores in the basement and first floor. An attractive mezzanine opens the area for attractive vistas of the interior. Due to the attention being given to Salem historic preservation, the building is successfully nominated for the National Register in 1978. The Reed Opera House is featured on the Historic Downtown walking tour slide show on SHINE website.

Five neighborhood associations are organized this year:

• Morningside, which is generally bordered by Madrona and Kuebler Drive as you travel south, east of Commercial and west of Fairview Industrial Drive. Businesses line both sides of Commercial Street, but the neighborhood remains residential. It was originally an area of orchards and a few properties still reflect that history. The SHINE Morningside photograph album shows 2 Local Landmark structures moved to the neighborhood, 3 that were in orchards, a significant International style home and another associated with one of Salem's most prominent early families.
• Southeast Salem Neighborhood Association (SESNA) is located south of State Street where early middle class families as well as laborers of the Kay Mill and the railroad built their small craftsman houses 100 yeas ago.
• Sunnyslope, is a relatively new South Salem section of the city and has had little historical research. The Wingate house on Kuebler Drive is the only representative so far.
• Highland was organized by Henry Minthorn as a Quaker community. It later featured the suburban Hollywood Business area along Portland Road.
• Grant, just north of downtown, is one of our oldest neighborhoods (and the smallest), containing many historic properties. The neighborhood is working on establishing a historic district. The city maintains support of these organizations and provides information on the Neighborhoods page of the city website.

Salem in 1941

World Events

• Federal law declares all persons born in Puerto Rico are U.S. citizens.
• In a radio broadcast, Churchill asks US to "Give us the arms, and we will finish the job".  Congress passes the Lend-Lease Act. The United Services Organization (USO) is created to entertain to troops. Defense Bonds and Stamps go on sale to help provide funds for the military.
• The Grand Coulee Dam begins operation; Mount Rushmore Memorial completed. Disney's fourth film, "Dumbo", is released. General Mills introduces CheeriOats (Cheerios).
• On December 7, Japanese planes bomb Pearl Harbor, destroying or damaging 12 American ships and killing over 2,500 servicemen. Congress declares war on both Japan and the Axis after Roosevelt's "Day of Infamy" speech to Congress, heard by radio in 80% of American homes.
• Orson Welles produces and stars in the much applauded "Citizen Kane", but the Academy Award goes to "How Green Was My Valley". Prize-winning book: Hold Autumn in Your Hand, George Sessions Perry.

In Salem
In May of 1941, Memorial Day in Salem commemorated the military loses of a first World War while the nation prepared to enter the second. Radios are tuned into President Roosevelt's "Four Freedoms" speech to Congress promoting aid the Allies while hopes dimmed for US staying out of the war. Foreign consulates are closed and there are rumors of submarine attacks at our coastlines. "Preparedness" was the term for this activity, and Salem residents participated by taking part in collecting aluminum for munitions production, honoring past veterans with giant Courthouse billboards, buying Defense Savings Bonds and stamps, or watching the mail for a possible Selective Service notice for a young man in the family. When the Japanese attack came on December 7, Salem families were anxious for the safety of their loved ones at Pearl Harbor. Willamette's football team, at the University of Hawaii, spent the next three weeks patrolling the beaches until returning home by sea. Eight families had sons serving at Pearl Harbor, and two more were at Midway and Wake Island. All survived the initial attack though some were wounded. In other communities, Japanese-Americans were taken into custody and turned over to immigration agents. But Salem's officials reported no such orders had been received here and reported that Japanese in this area have been here many years and are either citizens or wish they could be. A total blackout was ordered and air raid wardens patrolled Salem.

When you visit
The Courthouse where the 1941 Memorial Day commemoration took place is no longer there: it was replaced in 1952. The Doughboy statue is now found at Oregon Department of Veteran Affairs Memorial Garden on Summer Street. It is only one memorial in the park there, having been joined since that time by memorials to those who had been awarded the Medal of Honor as well as all those who served in our nation's military engagements in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq.The state has produced "Memorials", a walking tour brochure locating and describing these sites. Ask for it at ODVA or at Travel Salem.

Other events

• On Broadway, at Mill Creek, Marion County Historical Society mounts a display commemorating the centennial of the Salem settlement at this site.

• United Airlines begins flying out of McNary Field, bringing airmail to Salem for the first time.
• Max Gehlhar becomes the first customer of Salem Electric Company, powered by the Bonneville Dam.
• The Southern Pacific Freight Station on 12th Street is busy with railroad traffic.
• A site for Camp Adair is chosen in Polk County. It was named for Henry Rodney Adair, who was a native of Astoria and a member of a prominent Oregon pioneer family. After graduating from West Point, he became a cavalry lieutenant and was killed during the Pancho Villa Expedition on June 21, 1916. The 57,159-acre site was built during 1942–1943 division training and cantonment camp, and had temporary quarters for 2,133 officers and 37,081 enlisted personnel. From 1944–1946-07-23, Camp Adair served as a prisoner -of-war camp, housing German and Italian POWs.

Salem industrial haze as seen from West Salem hillside

• Industrial haze plagues the downtown Salem area.
• The 1937 Timberline Lodge is still popular with Salem travelers before gas rationing takes effect.
• Marion County operates a "Poor Farm" on north Front Street.
• The Boon House, now at Mission Mill Museum, is photographed in its original location by the  "Boon's Treasury" building on Liberty Street.

• Highway 99E near Silverton Road, now absorbed by I-5, is a two-lane road with scattered "cottages" for motorists and small businesses at the edge of town.

From the Capitol Journal:

• Five Salem shops arranged displays stressing the Bundles for Britain theme with British and American flags to emphasis the message.
• The Oregon House approved 38 to 19 a two-sent per pack tax on cigarettes sold in Oregon. This tax was designed to raise $2,000,000 a year to help increase the average old age pension from $21 a month to $30.
• At Eola Hills orchard, where 500 cherry pickers were usually employed, only 50 were on hand to harvest the crop. Nor was there much hope of additional pickers, according to the manager. Work was much more attractive, and at higher wages, with the build up of defense contracts and the military expenditures.
• Salem women were rushing to hosiery counters in shops, fearful that their trim legs might suffer by the order freezing Japanese silk imports. Stores reported a 100% increase in silk stocking purchases over a three-day period.
• United Airlines first plane to and at Salem airport attracted a crowd of 100 spectators.
• Congressman James W. Mott asserted that Hitler was on his way out and that time was not too far in the future.
• Six Oregon men, first to be sent to conscientious objectors' camp in the state, would report to the newly established Civilian Public Service Camp No. 1 at Cascade Locks.
• In a matter of minutes following the first bulletin announcing the Japanese attack on Honolulu, Marion County civilian defense and Salem city administration were in session at the Courthouse oiling up their organization to meet the emergency. A blackout was ordered in Salem to test the signal system and determine the ability of citizens to douse their lights quickly. Results were satisfactory except in South Salem, where the signal could not be heard.

(See Ben Maxwell's Salem, Oregon, edited by Scott McArthur, 2006.