Lane County Music History Project
Explore Our Rich Music History
Cole McElroy (1888 - 1947) J. Cole McElroy, also known as “Pop” McElroy was a popular Jazz musician and widely known dance hall manager from Oregon. "Born in Corvallis to E.B. McElroy, he moved to Eugene to attend the University of Oregon in the late 1800’s. He graduated from UO in 1900. In 1910, after nine years managing his father’s farm near Monroe, he decided to … [Read more...]
Clingman's was a popular music venue on the Glenwood strip between Eugene and Springfield Oregon. Location: 3697 Franklin Blvd. Owned by Otis Clingman, a popular wrestler. Building History Clingman’s (1935-1955) The Emerald Club (1956-1962) Bimbo’s (1965-1966) The Kon Tiki (1966-1969) Roman Forum (1970-1974) Currently the Ace Trading Company … [Read more...]
Ballroom History Willamette Park Ballroom was a very popular music and dancing spot that opened May 23, 1931. The park was located on Pacific Highway / Rt 2 Hwy 99 S just before the railroad overpass in Glenwood (now would be described as just south of the Operating Engineers Training Center at 5001 Franklin Blvd). The Proprietor and Manager was A. B. Loud. He also owned … [Read more...]
Location: 24 W 7th Downtown Eugene (Willamette) Across the street from the Paramont Skating Rink (25 W 7th). Block away from the Moose Ball Room (15 W 7th). 1936 - Listed as a Semi Modern Dance Hall 1937 Dance Hall listing in the phone book for Townsand Club #1 at 24 7th W. Music History 1931 – Valley Orchestra 1939 – 1946 The Silver Spray Modern Boys … [Read more...]
Located between Jasper and Fall Creek on Jasper Road (4 miles above Jasper). Dance hall was 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 1930s. Owned by Mr. and Mrs. Sam Staton. Aug 1-2, … [Read more...]
Location: 13th Ave, Eugene 1990 – New Max’s Tavern 1990 Article 2014 – Names best bar in the world – Connection with the Simpson’s … [Read more...]
Location: 3709 Franklin Blvd, Glenwood Around the 1930’s a hall was built on the old highway between Eugene and Springfield which was called “The Midway” and later, “The Holland”. We played dances there one winter. They held wrestling and boxing matches there and finally turn it into a skating rink, then into a grocery store. Source: Vera McAdams Manuscript, LCHM Building … [Read more...]
Location: 1811 Hwy 99 North, Eugene One of the oldest music venues in Eugene! Music History 1978 – Real McCoys … [Read more...]
Building History Located on the southeast corner of West 7th Avenue and Olive Street (later 76 West 7th Avenue, until c.1945) 86 West 7th Avenue (formerly 76 West 7th Avenue), on the southeast corner of West 7th Avenue and Olive Street. Dec. 1958 - Fire burnt down the building Music History … [Read more...]
WOW Hall (1924-Present) W.O.W. is an abbreviation for "Woodmen of the World" Location: 291 W 8th (NE corner of 8th & Lincoln), Eugene, Oregon Building History The corner of 8th and Lincoln has been a community gathering place since the days of city founder Eugene Skinner. The first building erected on the site was a small church; it was replaced in 1883 by a … [Read more...]
