Location: W 11th (Hwy 126) near Fern Ridge Reservoir 10 miles out west 11th Popular dance hall and skating rink in the area. Music History 1951-1952 Elred Glaspey Orchestra played regularly July 1954 - Jim Reeves … [Read more...]
Snapshot of Lane County in the 1950's
Erb Memorial Union Ballroom (EMU) (1950-2014)
Location: 1228 University St, Eugene, in the middle of the University of Oregon campus. Building History The EMU underwent remodeling in 2015 Concert History 1950-51 1951-52 1952-53 1953-54 Jazz great Dave Brubeck and his band playing a concert in the EMU in November 1953. Brubeck and his quartet were regulars on the college circuit in the … [Read more...]
Emerald Club (1956-1962)
The Emerald Club was a popular music venue on the Glenwood strip between Eugene and Springfield Oregon. Location: 3697 Franklin Blvd, Glenwood, Oregon (between Eugene and Springfield) 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 … [Read more...]
Dexter Lake Club (1953-present)
Location: 39128 Dexter Rd, Dexter Building History Has had many different owners but has remained a Cafe/Roadhouse throughout the years! 2015 Purchased and renamed Rattlesnake BBQ (music venue) 2011 Gregg and Shannon Stewart buy Cafe and resurrect into Roadhouse. 2007 The club interior is converted back to it’s former Animal House era layout. 1997 Cafe still in … [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...]
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...]
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...]
Arena Ballroom (1951-1953)
Location: 1850 W 6th Ave. Eugene Vern Minkler (Manager/Co-Owner) and Warren Willson (Co-Owner) opened the Arena Ballroom in November 1951. A 12-piece house band lead by Billy Hamilton played popular dance music on Saturday nights. The ballroom featured an unknown Willie Nelson in an early professional appearance playing guitar with a local band. (Note: I have a confirmed … [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...]