Jefferson Beach Dance Pavilion (1930-1939)
Jefferson Beach, also known as Jeff Beach was a big dance hall located on the Willamette River bank at the north end of Jefferson Street. It was a pretty place near the Willamette River. It was torn down to make way for the Washington and Jefferson street bridges to cross over to the Valley River shopping center. (Source: Vera McAdams Manuscript)
Building History
1930 – First ad I could find that mentions dance
1931 – Mrs. Johnnie De Moss was the manager
Oct 22, 1932 – Under new management (assuming is was Arthur Steinmetz)
June 26, 1935 – Ad mentions providing guests of the carnival/dance the use of the swimming pool and boats
July 22, 1936 – Arthur Steinmetz start managing Eddie Scroggin’s band and takes on road on off days from Jeff Beach
Aug 17, 1938 – Mention of being under new management. “Jefferson Beach to reopen Sunday. Completely redecorated and under new management, the Jefferson Beach Dance Pavilion will reopen Sunday …Paul Garboden’s seven-piece orchestra will furnish the music. Opening for the first time since its discontinuance shortly after the first of the year…
March 10, 1939 – Last ad I could find refers to Jefferson Beach Ballroom.
1940 became the Roskie’s Edgewater Club
Current location of the Rose Garden & the Washington/Jefferson Street Bridge
Music History
July 29, 1930 – Rooen’s Dance Band
Aug 10, 1930 – Carnival Dance tonight with Rooen Band
Aug 24, 1931 – Jefferson Beach dance pass…
Nov 8, 1931 – Jeff Beach Band
Nov 22, 1931 – Californians playing…
June 11, 1932 – Old time dance with the Veneta Kids Orchestra
July 8, 1932 – Modern dance with the Eagle’s Orchestra
Aug 5, 1933 – Wintler’s Elks Orchestra
Aug 12, 1933 – Al’s College Co-eds, that famous 7-piece dance band
Sept 16, 1933 – Larry’s Lumberjacks Old Timer
March 18, 1934 – Earl Gibson and his Orchestra
April 27, 1934 – Harry’s Hamonettes; Eugene’s all girl orchestra
May 18, 1934 – Jefferson Beach All Girl Orchestra
June 27, 1934 – Phat Hart (that clowning – crooning drummer) and his band
Oct 29, 1935 – Eddie Scroggin’s Band
Jan 3, 1937 – Milt Taggart and his famous Vagabonds
Mar 9 & 10, 1937 – Gene Coy and His 11 Black Aces
July 22, 1937 – Dances for the Oregon Trail Pageant at Jefferson Beach.
Sept 1, 1937 – Reggie Child’s and his Famous 18 piece Orchestra
Sept 23, 1938 – Paul Garboden’s Orchestra – Dancing every Sat nite