Lane County Music History Project
Explore Our Rich Music History
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...]
Taylor's (1922-Present) Originally, Taylor’s was started by Fred and Hersch Taylor (son). Location: 13th St, near University of Oregon Music History Taylor’s is best known for it’s tradition of a friendly atmosphere and great live music. Regular appearances by Curtis Salgado in the 1970’s. Blues Traveler in the 80’s and Widespread Panic in the 90’s all highlight the … [Read more...]
McArthur Court was the basketball arena on the University of Oregon campus. Also known as the Igloo, The Pit and Mac Court. Architect: Lawrence & Holford Construction began in June 1926 and ended in December of that year. ASUO funded McArthur Court, named for Clifton N. 'Pat" McArthur, the first president of the ASUO (1899-1900). Initially designed to seat 6000, later … [Read more...]
Location: 222 E Broadway, Downtown Eugene Building History The Eugene Hotel opened its doors with dinner, dancing (to big band orchestras) and much fanfare on June 15, 1925. Many prominent people in business and hotel circles throughout the state attended the Grand Opening. The Americanized-Spanish architectural style, with cream-colored stucco finish, caused it to be … [Read more...]
Original Location: 15 W 7th Ave. Downtown Eugene Building History 1923 - Dreamland Hall first mentioned 1925 - Hall has been remodeled and redecorated 1926 - New hardwood maple floor added 1931 - Grand Opening at 7th and Willamette location C. 1934 - Moved to West Broadway After 1952 - Moved to 13th and Chambers Vera McAdams recalls, "The Moose Hall was … [Read more...]
Location: 961 E 18th Ave. Eugene University of Oregon Beall Concert Hall was built in 1924. Beall Concert Hall Website … [Read more...]
Melody Ranch was a country western dance hall located in the Four Corner's area. Operation Dates: 1947 - 1957 Owner/Operator: Lloyd “Grandpappy” Smith was an upright bass player and bandleader of the Western Valley Boys, the Melody Ranch house band. Location: 2272 Roosevelt Blvd, Eugene, Oregon Attracted Grand Ole Opry touring performers such as Ernest Tubb, … [Read more...]
Location: 3202 Jasper Rd, 2 miles east of Springfield, Oregon The Cascade Club was owned and operated by Pat Mason, a major N.W. agent and promoter (Far West Amusements). Pat booked national acts and N.W. local bands to perform primarily on the weekends. The Cascade Club was mostly closed during the week and served as a recording studio under Lavender Label with layover for … [Read more...]
Location: West Eugene, Oregon With roots in the early rock 'n roll scene, now known as Rockabilly music, Leon Smith can be found in the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. Leon Smith's 1959 hit single, Little 40 Ford, quickly rose to the top of the charts on the West Coast and allowed him to make his mark in rock 'n roll history. Early in his career he shared the stage with numerous … [Read more...]
Drum pedal inventor and musician from Springfield, Oregon The GHOST was designed by J.R. "Bob" Ramsey. Local Drum Pedal Inventor’s Ghost Beats Way to Fame - 1951 RG article Inventor’s Drum Pedal Wows Big-Name Players - April 5, 1951 RG Article Bob Ramsey Writes Details of Life in US Navy Music History Jan 26 1938 – Play at Wintergarden on Friday night March 17, 1939 – … [Read more...]
