Scappoose Historical Society - Scappoose, Oregon
Posted by: 
howarthe
N 45° 45.396 W 122° 52.746
10T E 509402 N 5067011
Founded in 1974, the Scappoose Historical Society is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to the collection and preservation of the history of Scappoose, Oregon, and the surrounding areas.
Waymark Code: WM8PVD
Location: Oregon, United States
Date Posted: 04/29/2010
Views: 5
"Founded in 1974, the Scappoose Historical Society is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to the collection and preservation of the history of Scappoose, Oregon, and the surrounding areas. This includes the collection, preservation and restoration of artifacts, records, photographs, buildings and individual histories.
"For many years now the Society has been working to restore the Watts House Pioneer Museum, a two-story modified Victorian house. This has included landscaping, refinishing floors, painting and repair work. We also have worked to gather articles for display in the museum. The most recent restoration has been to install a pass-through in the kitchen and dining room. Work was completed by local craftsmen who matched existing moldings and fitted the structure into the opening left by the original 1902 pass-through which had been removed prior to the house becoming a full museum.
"Working hard to gain community awareness and involvement in the Society's efforts, there have been many projects, some of which have developed into annual events. This includes decorating all the Museum rooms and hosting tours for the Christmas holiday season and a Spring Tea which is catered by the Society members. And don't forget the annual Summer Daze antique car show which started in 2003.
"As members, there is much work still to do. The Society always has ongoing projects that could use additional help. Every year a new historical photo calendar is produced and there are several publications that are being prepared for updating. We are also working to hold more community workshops.
"Currently, we are in the process of having many of our historic photos digitally restored and archived by a local business. Fundraising to pay for this effort is a huge undertaking which we are constantly working on and includes applying for available grants...
"Meetings are held monthly at the Watts House Pioneer Museum..."
Source:
Scappoose Historical Society,org
Watts House:
The Watts House was designed and built by James Grant Watts, first mayor of Scappoose. It is built in the classic Queen Anne Style. It has been at the center of the Scappoose community for more than 100 years. It was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
During 1921, Scappoose citizens met in the Watts house to plan the first city charter and elect the first official governing body. Plans for the first library, bank, cafeteria and the building of the first 12 year school house were made in this home. The first election was held here and James G. Watts was elected as the first mayor of Scappoose.
When fire destroyed much of the town in 1930, the Watts family generously opened their home's parlor to house the town's library which had also burned. The library resided in the Watts home until the town was able to build a new one in the 1950's.