|
11ff P*
<br /> or,
<br /> = _ - 1t 1• r 1// \ ' ...r,SV�r. �. ~
<br /> •=' I, — � 1 .� ••,� ,s �■ �/ r`it h � • r� � �, ."�ri �,,�,,�,!'!j�`.�1i• qn,! � a.. ---- ,"' +v.r'-�1
<br /> q +Ir !� rl 11 4►i 1 ylf �/• , r� "4t,"'tr1 9 �.. !•�,.'• 1 1 4,i 01, Jti� it'',
<br /> { l•I�. 1 -113 1a� �r1 i pp't }; 1 i1➢ Ilr "� y y �.' P 1 r r f /SS��. • t\ iYT. E 1 •
<br /> � T% � 1 �• H +.' /� • I�! Q, �Ifi�11 I r SY •,`.I,,,������,,,/�1: r�.�/�� I Y`� ,J` 'f
<br /> `� Al / -•ti(,/ ` l I ��1 / +�li�� ��. •J '
<br /> The Wayne Morse ,ff�� �'e •
<br /> Historical Park Corporation •
<br /> °sii
<br /> 595 Crest Drive • Eugene, Oregon 97405
<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
<br /> strong interest in purchasing and developing the26.65 acre property. But, the Morse family, and concerned
<br /> citizens believed that 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 federal government
<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 /> The property was finally purchased in 1976 with a combination of City, CD, State and federal Bureau of Recreation
<br /> funds. In 1977, the City of Eugene came up with a program narrative outlining site usage.
<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 Campbell and Amy Morse Bilich, have been
<br /> reminding us that the site was incorrectly named. "It was a farm, not a ranch!" It was time for us correct our
<br /> mistake. Earlier this year, the WMHPC board reviewed names recommended by the daughters, as well as
<br /> other possible names, and found that we concurred with one of their suggestions-The Wayne Morse Family
<br /> Farm. After receiving family approval, we formally presented our proposed name change to the City Parks
<br /> and Open Space and Recreation Services, our neighbors through the Crest Drive Citizens Association (at a
<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
<br /> you for your assistance in this matter.
<br /> Yours Sincerely,
<br /> Alison M. Voss, Co-Chair
<br /> Wayne Morse Historical Park Corp.
<br /> 595 Crest Drive
<br /> Eugene, OR 97405
<br />
|