Laserfiche WebLink
<br />1908: A 50' high, wooden '0' is erected by U of 0 students as the first junior weekend <br />project. This feature remains a focus of rivalry between the University of Oregon <br />and Oregon State University. It is reportedly the fourth collegiate letter of its type <br />to be installed in the country. <br /> <br />1914: Skinner Butte and surrounding property is designated as a public park by EWB's <br />recommendation. Voters approve taking over $93,340 worth of non-operating <br />property as a public park. There is a formal dedication with fireworks, a concert <br />and dancing. Park acreage at this time totals 67 acres. <br /> <br />1915: The big 'E' is built by associates of the South Eugene High School. <br /> <br />1920s: Camping areas develop in the park between Skinner Butte and the river along <br />with automobile popularity. Facilities are added, including an open air comfort <br />station (the future Lamb Cottage). An observation point on top of butte and <br />access roads are developed. At this time, the river front park is a favorite <br />swimming hole with water slides, water wheels, a bath house and lifeguards. The <br />river is subsequently closed to swimming in the 1930's due to pollution and health <br />risks. <br /> <br />1926: EWB builds a three-million-gallon reservoir on the site of original 300,000-gallon <br />reservoir built in 1886. <br /> <br />1930: Phoebe Skinner Kinsley and the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) <br />place the Skinner's Cabin marker across the road from the basalt quarry. <br /> <br />1933: The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp opens in Skinner Butte Park as a <br />regional distribution center (Camp Skinner). Work begins clearing picnic areas <br />and constructing basalt walls and steps on the north side of Skinner Butte. Camp <br />Skinner closes in 1934, while other work progress camps continue to use the area <br />and work for several months to a year. <br /> <br />1934: A community event on Armistice Day seeks to beautify butte by planting trees. <br /> <br />1936: Wilkins proposes turning old reservoir into pioneer museum w/rock work as <br />foundation <br /> <br />1936: A wooden cross with red neon lighting is erected on Skinner Butte. <br /> <br />Late 1940s: Buildings are constructed in the park along Cheshire Avenue (today's Facilities <br />offices) as housing for veterans returning from the war. <br /> <br />1950s: The observation point is completely remodeled, and the parking area and guard <br />rails for the road are added. Lamb Cottage is remodeled and a small monkey <br />house is built as an addition to an informal zoo developed in the park since the <br />