Announcement: Once again, the Cottage Grove (Oregon) Historical Society is presenting its annual Buster Keaton Day program, Saturday, October 18, 2008. This year the Society will be showing Balloonatic, Convict 13, and Battling Butler. Show time is 7:30 p.m. at the Cottage Grove Community Center in Historic Downtown Cottage Grove.
For many years the Cottage Grove Historical Society has been presenting its annual tribute to the comic genius of Buster Keaton as a reminder to the community of the impact Buster made on Cottage Grove in 1926 when he filmed The General here. Every five years the Society invites the Damfinos to Cottage Grove for special viewings, lectures, discussions, and tours of the various locations Buster used to create his masterpiece. The next Damfino "Walk in Buster's Footsteps" conference is planned for summer/fall of 2011 (the 85th anniversary of the filming). For information, you may call Lloyd Williams at (541) 942-1310.
Cottage Grove Historical Society is a non-profit society of volunteers with membership open to all who meet to learn more about protecting our local cultural heritage.
Mission
The mission of the Cottage Grove Historical Society is to preserve and celebrate the history and heritage of the Cottage Grove area and to stimulate interest and knowledge for generations to come.
Library
The historical library collection is located downtown Cottage Grove at 737 Main Street. Call 942-2255 or 942-2233 for an appointment. The Research Library Committee gathers, organizes, and catalogs information into a traditional library setting so it can then be used by the general public.
Meetings
Monthly meetings are held at 10 a.m. the third Saturday of the month at our new downtown loacation, 737 Main Street.
History
Nicknamed "Slab Town" because wood slabs were placed in the trail ruts to keep the wagon wheels from sinking into mud during rainy seasons, the original town of Cottage Grove paralleled the west side of the Coast Fork of the Willamette River following the old Applegate Trail.
As the business district grew, it moved east. When the railroad came in 1872, businesses developed on what is now Main Street. The railroad was the center of commerce as well as the principle form of transportation, other than stage coach or team and wagon. During this time, a city council was formed which still exists today.
When gold was discovered in the nearby Bohemia Mountains in 1858, many downtown businesses were started by people who obtained their grubstake in the mines. At one time, there were seven saloons on the north side of Main Street. Those who didn't have anything to do with cards, dancing or alcohol, walked on the other side. The ladies and children had small park areas and inside reading rooms to rest in while waiting for their men to take the family home.
The post office became a bone of contention: one side wanted it to be near the railroad station, but the others didn't want it moved at all. The East-Siders referred to their town as "Lemati", a Native American word meaning "peaceful valley." Whoever happened to be appointed Postmaster moved it to their home or business location. During the Lemati feud, the post office was moved under cover of darkness by members of two prominent families to an area between the warring factions. It was literally dragged by a team of horses, probably as a prank, but ended up being a satisfactory solution to both sides.
Movie Locations
Several feature films have been shot on location in and around Cottage Grove including The General; numerous scenes from Animal House, most notably the parade scene; Stand By Me and Emperor of the North.