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 hurdler and a very fine musician”. Bill Bowerman was also an … [Read more...]
Snapshot of Lane County in the 1940's
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) came from a Portland family of … [Read more...]
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 Hunzicker (1867-1945), who … [Read more...]
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 Pass, Oregon and moved to Eugene in 1935 where he … [Read more...]
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 after resolving the Orchestra in 1968. She owned the … [Read more...]
Maurie Binford
Maurie Binford’s Orchestra 4/7/1939 - Maurie Binford, University of Oregon maestro will lead his orchestra through the rhythms of the day. Swimmers Delight … [Read more...]
Herschel Davis (1901-1984)
Accomplished musician, Herschel Davis, was well renowned in the Northwest for his swing and big band music. He directed his own orchestras and played piano and the organ in the Eugene area from 1921 – 1974. Herschel was born to P. Waldo Davis and Lizzie DeMoss, of the famous musical family, The DeMoss Family Bards of Oregon. Herschel grew up on the stage and was known as the … [Read more...]
Eldred Glaspey
Eldred Glaspey played the Violin and Saxaphone and was renowned in the Willamette Valley for his swing and big band music. Eldred was born in Fall Creek, Oregon October 21, 1912. He graduated from Springfield High School and studied music at the University of Oregon. He performed for over seventy years, from the 1920’s through the 1990’s at various dance venues throughout the … [Read more...]
Carl Rooen
Carl Rooen operated a dance orchestra in the Eugene area. June 9, 1937 - Swimmers Delight Jan 24, 1937 - Lane to Benefit From Ball Funds: Carl Rooen and his 8-piece orchestra Feb 25, 1937 - Ski Quartet will Broadcast Tuesday: Obsidian Ski Club quartet…by train to Cresent Lake…broadcast on KORE…Arrangements for the train include another four-piece swing band under the … [Read more...]
Playground (1941-1961)
Located between Jasper and Fall Creek on Jasper Road (4 miles above Jasper). Dance hall located near a swimming hole on Fall Creek. Had picnic grounds and play area for the kids with swing set, etc. Kids had a place to play outside while the parents danced. Building History Originally the Shady Nook Resort in the 1930's. Jan, 1937 - Thomas Tengs purchases Shady … [Read more...]