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<br /> Johnny R. Medlin, Director September 22. 2008
<br /> City of Eugene
<br /> Parks and Open Space
<br /> 1820 Roosevelt Blvd.,
<br /> Eugene, OR 97402
<br /> Dear Mr. Medlin:
<br /> This letter is in response to your request for clarification as to why the Wayne Morse Historical Park
<br /> Corporation Board is requesting a formal change to the name of the Wayne Morse Park.
<br /> Wayne Morse Park started life as Edgewood Farm, the home of the late Senator Wayne L. Morse. his wife
<br /> Mildred, and daughters, Nancy, Judith and Amy. After the Senator's death in 1974, private buyers expressed
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<br /> strong interest in purchasing and developing the26.65 acre property. But, the Morse family, and concerned
<br /> that citizens believed the farm should remain intact as a memorial to the late Senator. The fledgling Wayne
<br /> Morse Historical Park Corporation partnered with the family in lobbying the State, City and federalgovernment
<br /> to find the funds to purchase it as a memorial to Wayne L. Morse.
<br /> According to Kermit Rohde, a founding member of the WMHPC, someone in our organization at the beginning
<br /> of this process called the property a"ranch." The name stuck! Thereafter, in all the applications and paperwork,
<br /> the site was called the"Wayne Morse Ranch."
<br /> . .
<br /> The property was finally purchased in 1976 with a combination of City, CD. State and federal Bureau of Recreation
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<br /> funds. In 1977, the City of Eugene came up with a program narrative
<br /> "The purpose of this acquisition is to preserve, protect and secure for public use,and enjoyment,. a
<br /> parcel of property, valued for its ecological scenic and outdoor recreational qualities...potential uses
<br /> indicated by the size. location, and natural features of the site would be a community park with regional
<br /> interest and appeal, offering scenic vistas, park uses, recreation spaces, picnicking, hiking and jogging
<br /> trails, nature study, and wildlife preserve."
<br /> In the last few years, the surviving Morse daughters, Nancy Morse CampbellaIt and Morse Bilich, havebeen
<br /> reminding us that the site was incorrectly named. 'It was a farm, not a ranch!" was time for us correct our
<br /> mistake. Earlier this year, the WMHPC board reviewed names recommended by the
<br /> daughters. as well as
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<br /> other possible names, and found that we concurred with one of their suggestions- Wayne Morse Family
<br /> Farm. After receiving family approval,we formally presented our proposed name change to the City
<br /> Parks
<br /> and Open Space and Recreation Services, our neighbors through the Crest Drive Citizens Association(ata
<br /> board meeting and through their newsletter)and the Morse Dog Park group. We have also tried to find out if
<br /> there might be any possible objections from any other community groups. Without exception, it has been
<br /> enthusiastically greeted by all as a name that is welcoming and pays tribute to the family and the site's history,
<br /> Now, we would like to have it presented to the City Council for their review, and, are asking them to move
<br /> forward with putting forth a resolution to rename the Morse Ranch the Wayne Morse Family Farm. Thank
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<br /> .1 you for your assistance in this matter.
<br /> 1
<br /> Yours Sincerely,
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<br /> Le-- . . ,
<br /> Alison M. Voss, Co-Chair
<br /> Wayne Morse Historical Park Corp.
<br /> 595 Crest Drive
<br /> Eugene, OR 97405
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