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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
Masonic Temple (1856-Present)
First fraternal organization in Eugene. Location: Originally at 47 W 8th Ave, downtown Eugene, then moved to 992 Olive St.
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) […]
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!
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. It […]
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 […]
El Capitan Supper Club
Content Coming Soon!
Art Holman
Art Holman (?-1961) Art Holman was a popular musician and band leader in Eugene, Oregon in the mid 1930’s to late 1940’s. He went to the University of Oregon and was a UO Track Star in the early 1930’s. According to Duck track coach Bill Bowerman, Art Holman was “a very fine quarter-miler, a pretty good low […]
Archie Parrott (1914-1972)
Archie Parrott and his orchestra played for many dances up and down the Willamette Valley and often traveled with many instruments. In the photo to the right, they are playing in a musical bandstand built of lattice work with a stylish decorative backdrop in Eugene’s Willamette Park in 1936. (Oct 17, 1936 RG article) Archie (standing) […]
Armory (Eugene)
The Eugene Armory, located in downtown Eugene on the northeast corner of 7th and Oak, was a popular music venue attracting both local and national acts. aka: the Eugene’s National Guard Armory or The Armory. Address: 125 E 7th St., Eugene, Oregon Building History The Armory was built in 1914 and designed by a notable local architect John […]
Wayne Ryan (1911 – 2004)
Wayne Ryan was a popular Dixieland Jazz musician in the Eugene area between 1935 and 1953. His primary instrument was the trumpet but later went on to play the organ and the accordion. Wayne Ryan and his Dixieland Band frequently played at the Swimmer’s Delight Saturday night dances. Wayne Ryan was born and raised in Grants […]
Vera McAdams (1895-1994)
Vera McAdams (piano) Early 1930-40s – She was in the Winter Garden Orchestra (9 piece) for 12 years, house band for the Wintergarden at 8th & Charnelton in Eugene, Oregon. Mid 1940s – 1968 – Vera McAdams Orchestra for WOW Hall for 22 years at 8th & Lincoln St. 1968 – Vera McAdams started The Harmony Notes […]