Tommy Fox (Baritone Sax & Clarinet) He was born in Albany, Oregon to Lillian and Harry Fox and lived nearly his entire life in the local area. Tommy married his wife Geraldine in 1943 in Pensacola, Florida while serving in the Navy during WWII. They raised two children, Sharon and Tom, in their home in Springfield. Tommy spent 43 years at Southern Pacific Railroad and … [Read more...]
Snapshot of Lane County in the 1950's
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...]
Clingman’s (1935-1955)
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...]
Willamette Park Ballroom (1931-1953)
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...]
Max’s Tavern (1932-Present)
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...]
Embers Club (1930s-Present)
Location: 1811 Hwy 99 North, Eugene One of the oldest music venues in Eugene! Music History 1978 – Real McCoys … [Read more...]
Elks Club (1912-1958)
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...]