Active Years: 1937 - 1990's Ralph W. Wilson (owner/operator from 1937 – 1950) 1932 - Ralph Wilson and biz partner open small music store on W Broadway 1937 - Re-opens under Wilson Music House at 39 E 10th Ave. 1950 - Ralph retires and his son Bob Wilson and business partner Glen E. Houchen continues business By 1959 the store was located at 1070 Willamette Street 1970 - … [Read more...]
Snapshot of Lane County in the 1940's
Donna Dance Hall
1914 - 1950's Original Name of the Store: M.C. Hammitt General Merchandise Original Owners - M.C. and Kathleen Hammitt The legendary dance hall was located upstairs of the Mohawk General Store at the intersection of Donna and Hill Road, east of Springfield. The hall included a bar, stage and small band room. Dances were held every Saturday night. According to current owner, … [Read more...]
Civic Music Association
1943-? "During this era there were two "organized" music plans, one operated by Columbia Artists (a subsidiary of CBS Broadcasting) known as Community Concerts, and the other operated by the National Broadcasting Company as a subsidiary known as the Civic Music Association. The University of Oregon operated under the civic music plan. This plan differed radically from the … [Read more...]
American Federation of Musicians – Local 689
Celebrating 100 years of supporting live music and professional musicians! Local 689 is a chapter of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada. Local 689 was granted charter in 1914, making it one of the oldest organizations in Eugene. The Local had its own building at 2489 Portland Street in Eugene between 1960 and 1999? Dec 1960 - … [Read more...]
Masonic Temple (1856-Present)
First fraternal organization in Eugene. Location: Originally at 47 W 8th Ave, downtown Eugene, then moved to 992 Olive St. … [Read more...]
Vern Minkler (1916-1984)
Vern Minkler was an baseball player, musician and music venue owner in Lane County. Background: 1916 - Born in Oklahoma 1932 - Name in RG Vaughn News Notes - attending a social 1937 - Worked at the Vaughn Store 1939 - Lived in Oakridge, Oregon 1938 - Baseball player for the Public Market (center fielder for local team) 1939 - New Manager at Central … [Read more...]
Veterans Memorial Building/Vets Club
Veterans Memorial (1946-present) Location: 1626 Willamette st, Eugene Building History Construction of the Veterans Memorial building began in 1946 by the returning veterans from WW II. It was built as a memorial to all Veterans- past, present and future. Music History More Content Coming Soon! … [Read more...]
Roskie’s Edgewater Club
Roskie's Edgewater Club (1940 - 1970's) Location: North Jefferson St. Eugene, Oregon Building History Originally opened in 1930 as Jefferson Beach Dance Pavilion, aka Jeff Beach under the management of Johnnie DeMoss. "It was a big dance hall located on the Willamette River bank at the north end of Jefferson Street. It was a pretty place near the Willamette River. … [Read more...]
Piluso’s (1948-1956)
Piluso's was a popular night club/Jazz club in downtown Eugene from 1948 through 1956. Ernie Piluso was an interesting local character and boxer. Location: 157 E. Broadway, Eugene Building History For more than 20 years this building was a night club spot with a revolving roster of names and addresses: Aug 19, 1948 Ad: Ernie Piluso’s Cafe – Completely remodeled … [Read more...]
El Capitan Supper Club
Content Coming Soon! … [Read more...]