New Search
i <br /> 1.908: A 50' high, wooden `O' is erected by U of O 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 /> 1914: Skinner Butte and surrounding property is designated as a public park by EWB's <br /> recommendation. Voters approve taking over $93,340 worth ofnon-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 /> 1915: The big `E' is built by associates of the South Eugene High School. <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 /> 1926: EWB builds athree-million-gallon reservoir on the. site of origina1300,000-gallon <br /> reservoir built in 1886. <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 /> 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 /> <br /> j 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 /> 1934: A community event on Armistice Day seeks to beautify butte by planting trees. <br /> 1936: Wilkins proposes turning old reservoir into pioneer museum w/rock work as <br /> foundation <br /> 1936: A wooden cross with red neon lighting is erected on Skinner Butte.. <br /> j <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 /> 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 /> <br />