SALEM, Ore. – The Black Historic Resources in Oregon, 1788-2002 Multiple Property Submission and an update to the Hannah and Eliza Gorman House designation in Corvallis are the newest of Oregon’s entries in the National Register of Historic Places. Oregon’s State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation (SACHP) recommended the submission at their June 2024 meeting.
Black Historic Resources in Oregon, 1788-2002, Multiple Property Document (MPD), provides an expansive history of African Americans in Oregon beginning with the first known Black person to have set foot on Oregon’s land and ending with the removal of race-related language from Oregon’s constitution. By mapping the people and the places associated with Black history in Oregon across more than two centuries, this document demonstrates that Black Oregonians had, and continue to have, a unique and significant role in the history of the state.
This document provides an overview of the history of African Americans in Oregon through six different historical contexts and establishes a framework for identifying and listing Oregon’s African American resources in the National Register of Historic Places. This thematic document provides information and structure for individuals interested in listing properties significant in Black history in the National Register. For information about this document or if you would like to learn more about how to use this document, please contact Caitlyn Abrahms at Caitlyn.ABRAHMS@oprd.oregon.gov
Thematic Contexts discussed in the document include:
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Submitted with the MPD is an update to the nomination for the Hannah and Eliza Gorman House property in Corvallis. This amendment discusses the archaeological significance of the site and its potential to yield significant information about the lives of Oregon’s early Black pioneer residents, women in particular, during the non-Native settlement period and the era of exclusion laws.
This project is the result of several years of outreach and documentation through a partnership with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and Oregon Black Pioneers. SHPO received funding through an Underrepresented Communities Grant from the National Park Service and Oregon Cultural Trust funds.
The University of Oregon’s Museum of Natural and Cultural History joined the project to coordinate and collaborate with Oregon Black Pioneers and Moreland Resource Consulting LLC to draft the complex document. Additional authors include Kimberly S. Moreland, Christopher Ruiz, Ann Craig, Ishalom Keren, Jessica Engeman, Milo Reed, and Erik Hovmiller.
The inclusion of this document in the National Register of Historic Places supports the goals of the Oregon Historic Preservation Plan. “Working hand-in-hand the community whose story is told in this document reinforced for us how was critical partnerships are to the success of historic preservation work in Oregon.” noted Chrissy Curran, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer. “This is another step forward in acknowledging Oregon’s diverse history.”
This document pairs nicely with the African American Resources in Portland, Oregon, from 1851 to 1973 MPD at that was accepted in 2020. Several properties have been listed using this tool since its submission including: Dean’s Beauty Salon and Barbershop, Golden West Hotel, Mallory Avenue Christian Church, Mt Olivet Baptist Church, Williams Avenue YWCA (also known as the Billy Webb Elks Lodge). This new MPD expands similar possibilities throughout the state.
The National Register is maintained by the National Park Service under the authority of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. Properties listed in the National Register are:
- Recognized as significant to the nation, state, or community;
- Considered in the planning of federal or federally assisted projects;
- Eligible for federal and state tax benefits;
- Able to apply for historic preservation grants when funds are available;
- Eligible for leniency in meeting certain building code requirements;
- Subject to local laws pertaining to the conservation and protection of historic resources.
State law in Oregon requires local governments to offer a minimal level of protection for properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places; the decisions about how to accomplish that goal reside with local governments, which also have the authority to create and regulate local historic districts and landmarks.
More information about the National Register and recent Oregon listings are online at oregonheritage.org (under the heading “Designate”).
Astoria, Ore. – The State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation (SACHP) will meet on October 17 and 18 at the Ten Fifteen Theater in Astoria’s Odd Fellows Building, 1001 Commercial St, Astoria, OR 97103, to consider nominations to the National Register of Historic Places. The SACHP meeting is hybrid and open to the public.
The meeting agenda includes guided tours, presentations, and hearings of four proposed nominations. The guided tours are scheduled for Thursday, October 17, at 1:00 p.m., and the business meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, October 18. Anyone may attend the meeting in person or virtually; instructions on how to attend virtually are posted on the commission web page. Registration is required to speak at the meeting. Instructions to register to speak can be found here.
On Friday, October 18, the committee will review four proposed nominations beginning at 1:00 p.m.: the Burkes-Belluschi House and the Juniper House in Portland, Multnomah County; the Lee-Janouch House in Medford, Jackson County; and the Edward and Anne McLean House in West Linn, Clackamas County. For estimated hearing times, please refer to the online agenda: www.oregonheritage.org (click on “Commissions & Committees” at top of page and look under “State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation”).
The SACHP is a nine-member governor-appointed citizen commission with credentials in many historic preservation-related fields. Nominations recommended by the SACHP go to the National Park Service, which maintains the Register under the authority of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.
This effort aligns with the Oregon Historic Preservation Plan goal to increase the thematic diversity of Oregon properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It also supports the goals to include more voices and increase access to Oregon heritage that are part of the Oregon Heritage Plan.
The meeting is accessible to people with disabilities. Special accommodations may be made with at least three days of advance notice by calling (503) 986-0690.
More information about the National Register of Historic Places process is online at www.oregonheritage.org.
SALEM, Oregon—Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking public comment on a proposed rule change that would give the director greater flexibility to decide which parks charge a day-use parking permit fee.
The proposed rule change would require day-use parking permit fees at all state parks but give the director the ability to waive the fee. If adopted, the director plans to waive the fee at most parks.
Currently, 25 Oregon State Parks require a day-use parking permit fee, and those parks are identified in rule. Under the proposed rule change, the director would have the ability to implement parking permit fees as needed to help manage parking congestion, traffic and the impact on natural, cultural and recreation resources.
The collected fees could also help pay for ongoing operations and maintenance at some of the busiest parks. OPRD already announced an increase in some of its fees for 2025 to help keep pace with rising costs.
In addition, the proposed rules would expand the 25% out-of-state camping surcharge (recently expanded from RVs to all site types) to also include buildings and other facility rentals.
Public comments on the proposed rule change will be accepted through 5 p.m. November 1, 2024 and can be submitted:
- Online: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/pages/PRP-rulemaking.aspx
- Mail: OPRD Department, attn: Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301
- Email: OPRD.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov
A public hearing will be held for the public to provide comments.
- Virtual Hearing: Wednesday, October 23, 2024, 5:30 PM. Register to attend the hearing at: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_V32OTU_WRX6OKPmeo3kPIg
Once the public comment period ends, the proposal with any incorporated updates is slated to go to Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission in November for possible adoption. Any changes to parks that charge for parking permits could be effective as soon as Jan. 1, 2025.
GRANTS PASS, Oregon— As daylight hours get shorter this time of year, Valley of the Rogue staff would like to remind visitors that the seasonal hours for the day-use area are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. starting October 1, and the hours will continue to change throughout the season based on daylight hours.
Posted signs will reflect changes as they occur at the park, which is located at milepost 45B near Grants Pass. Park staff will close and lock the gates at the park’s entrance at 7 p.m. and reopen them at 8 a.m. starting October 1. The park is no longer a rest area with 24-hour access as of fall 2023. Overnight parking is prohibited in the day-use area and restrooms will not be available when the day-use area is closed.
There is no space in the day-use area for semi-trucks to turn around while the gates are closed.
The park does include a campground with 175 campsites including full hook-up sites, tent sites, group sites and yurts. Overnight parking in the campground is only for visitors with a reserved campsite. Showers and overnight facilities are for registered campers only.
The day-use area includes two restrooms, a fenced area for dogs off leash, access to the Rogue River Greenway Trail, a boat launch for the Rogue River, picnic tables, an Applegate Trail interpretive kiosk and interpretive and wood carving displays.
The City of Albany has received a grant through the federal Historic Preservation Fund, administered by Oregon State Historic Preservation Office to fund the following local preservation project.
Linn County
City of Albany
406 6 Avenue SW
$2,485 grant funds
Complete porch repairs including flooring, steps and railing.
This notice serves to make the public aware of the projects and solicit comments pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. The comment period is open for 30 days from the date of this announcement. To provide comments or learn more information about this project visit the federal grant public comment section of our website or contact Kuri Gill at Kuri.Gill@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-986-0685.
The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 authorizes a program of federal matching grants, known as the Historic Preservation Fund, to assist the various states in carrying out historic preservation activities. The Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, and in Oregon, is administered through the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office. For information about the grants contact Kuri Gill at 503-986-0685 or by e-mail: Kuri.Gill@oprd.oregon.gov.
SALEM, Oregon – Oregon Main Street (OMS) has accepted the Tigard Downtown Alliance (TDA) at the Designated Main Street level of the OMS Network.
The Designated Main Street level is a mark of distinction that reflects a demonstrated effort to building, growing, and sustaining a main street organization to support efforts to improve a community’s historic downtown by leveraging partnerships and engaging community members.
Communities participating at this level have a high degree of commitment to using the nationally recognized place-based Main Street Approach™ methodology to create lasting impact in enhancing their historic downtowns.
“We are very excited to have the Tigard Downtown Alliance” move up a tier in the Oregon Main Street Network,” said Sheri Stuart, State Coordinator, Oregon Main Street. “They have been slowly and thoughtfully growing their organizational structure over the past two years and have demonstrated a deep commitment to support their downtown and develop activities to enhance its vitality.”
“Over the past ten years, we have made significant progress, and our team is prepared to continue the hard work required to grow a thriving community rooted in the Main Street Four-Point Approach, said Dr. Kevin Bates, President, Tigard Downtown Alliance. “We are deeply grateful to our executive director—Kyle Knepper, our board of directors, volunteers, and Sheri Stuart with Oregon Main Street, whose support made it possible for us to achieve Designated Status.”
Designated Main Street level communities must have a cohesive core of historic or older commercial and mixed-use buildings that represent the community’s architectural heritage and may include compatible in-fill. They must also have a sufficient mass of businesses, buildings, and density to be effective, as well as be a compact and pedestrian-oriented district.
The primary emphasis of the Designated Main Street level is to provide technical assistance to organizations to help them strengthen their revitalization efforts. Acceptance into this level allows communities to participate in training, program evaluations, technical assistance, and receive local capacity building support. There isn’t a fee to participate in the Oregon Main Street Network.
The selection process included submitting an application that describes their district, previous efforts to improve downtown, readiness to implement the Main Street Approach™, board development efforts, in addition to other criteria.
Currently, there are 109 communities in Oregon participating in one of the four levels of the Oregon Main Street Network: Accredited Main Street, Designated Main Street, Affiliated Main Street, and Connected Communities. TDA was at the Affiliated Main Street level prior to being accepted at the Designated Main Street level.
Oregon Main Street is part of Oregon Heritage in Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
SALEM, Oregon— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is increasing its camping, parking and reservation fees to keep pace with the rising cost of utilities, operations and maintenance.
Most of the increases range from $2 to $5 depending on the fee.
The park system has experienced record visitation as well as the impacts of rising costs and inflation. Utility costs for example have increased by 28% over the last 4 years, but most fees have remained the same. Depending on the fee, the last increase was anywhere from seven to 15 years ago for base fees.
“We know that raising fees by any amount can be challenging for visitors, and we don’t make this decision lightly. We try to keep costs and fees as low as possible to minimize the impact while still fulfilling our commitment to stewardship and recreation,” said OPRD Director Lisa Sumption.
Oct. 15, 2024:
OPRD will increase its base camping fees for the first time since 2017. The increase applies to all camping reservations for 2025. Starting on October 15, 2024, all reservations made for 2025 stays will include the fee increase.
Increases in base rate by site type:
- $2 increase for misc. sites (includes teepees, meeting halls and other facilities)
- $3 increase for tent sites (includes horse tent sites, horse group sites, group tent) and primitive sites (includes overflow, fly-in and walk-to-sites)
- $4 increase for RV sites (includes full hookup, electrical, horse RV and group RV sites)
- $5 increase for cabins and yurts (includes rustic, mini, totem, and deluxe sites)
(Seasonal rate increases were adopted in 2020. The seasonal adjustments will be added to the new base rates. As in previous years, summer rates are $2 more for tent sites, $3 more for RV sites and $5 more for cabins/yurts.)
Jan. 1, 2025:
- OPRD will increase its reservation fee from $8 to $10 per site starting Jan. 1, 2025. This fee has not been increased since 2010.
- Daily parking permit fees will increase from $5 to $10 at the 25 parks that charge a fee for day-use parking. Parking permit fees were last increased in 2009. The annual parking permit and the two-year permit fees remain the same at $30 for the annual permit and $50 for the two-year permit.
July 1, 2025:
- OPRD will expand the 25% out-of-state surcharge for RV campsites (required by state law) to all site types for out-of-state campers.
- New camping rate ranges replace the existing ones. These ranges set the lowest and highest fees that OPRD can charge over time. It gives OPRD’s director the ability to change fees in the future as needed. The last rate range update was adopted in 2018.
OPRD has three main sources of funding: a little less than half comes from constitutionally dedicated lottery funds, about 15% comes from recreational vehicle license plate fees and roughly 35% comes from park fees from visitors. OPRD is not funded by taxes.
OPRD does offer a few resources and programs to help increase access to Oregon State Parks.
- Most Oregon State Parks offer free day-use parking. Current exceptions include this list of 25 parks online.
- We also have special access passes for free camping and day-use parking permits for:
Next month, OPRD will open public comment on a proposal designed to give OPRD’s director more flexibility to decide which parks charge for day-use parking. The proposal would require day-use parking permits at all parks unless otherwise noted. The director would have the authority to waive the permit requirement as needed. There are no plans to charge at all parks, and OPRD would consider any changes carefully.
OPRD will continue to explore options in the future that reduce cost as a barrier while earning needed revenue to maintain our parks and manage congestion.
SALEM, Oregon— The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Grant Subcommittee will meet in person Oct. 8 and 9 to tour sites partially funded by ATV grants in Morrow and Hood River counties.
The meetings are open to the public. Site visits will include tours of staging area facilities and the OHV (off highway vehicle) trail systems accessible by dirt bikes, ATVs and side-by-sides. Members of the public are responsible for their own transportation.
On Tuesday October 8, the ATV Grant Subcommittee will meet 9 a.m. the Morrow Grant County OHV Park, 71000 East Morphine Lane, Heppner, Oregon (milepost 22 on Hwy 207). When searching for park in GPS, type in the name of the park for best results. The tour will last until 3:30 p.m.
On Wednesday, October 9, the ATV Grant Subcommittee will meet 10 a.m. at Kingsley Reservoir southwest of Hood River (45.6402, -121.6727). From there, the group will visit Binns Hill and Post Flats OHV Staging Areas until 3:30 p.m.
The subcommittee provides recommendations on grant funding to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Director for referral to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission.
The ATV Grant Program provides funding statewide for All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) recreation. Grant funds come from ATV user permit sales and a percentage of the gasoline tax revenue.
More information about the state ATV program is available at www.OregonATV.gov
Special accommodations may be arranged up to 72 hours in advance to improve accessibility by emailing ian.caldwell@oprd.oregon.gov.
The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries (OCHC) will meet in Sutherlin at the Sutherlin Community Center, 150 S Willamette Street, and via online meeting on October 10 at 1:00 p.m. The agenda includes discussion of historic cemetery records and discussion about disaster preparedness in historic cemeteries. The meeting is open to the public and the agenda includes an opportunity for public comment. Meeting information is on the agenda or you can follow this link to register for online access information.
The Friends of Mildred Knipe Memorial Park will host a visit to the park on October 11 at 9:00 a.m. Meet at the park’s day use area at 16513 Elkhead Road, Oakland. The group will share their work to identify and document a cemetery on the property and to learn about other preservation work at the park.
State law established the seven-member Commission to maintain a listing of all historic cemeteries and gravesites in Oregon; promote public education on the significance of historic cemeteries; and help obtain financial and technical assistance for restoring, improving and maintaining their appearances. For more information about commission activities, contact coordinator Kuri Gill at 503-986-0685 or by e-mail at kuri.gill@oprd.oregon.gov.
Special accommodations for the meeting – including translation services – may be made by calling (503) 986‐0609 or Mary.Newcomb@oprd.oregon.gov at least 72 hours prior to the start of the meeting. For call-in details and the agenda or more information about the commission, visit www.oregonheritage.org.
The Oregon State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has released the 2024-2033 Oregon Historic Preservation Plan. The statewide plan offers a comprehensive approach to preserving special traditions, collections, and places, and describes how to coordinate the efforts of the many people and organizations involved in this vital work.
The plan highlights four key issues:
- Building the Heritage Community: Strengthen organizations that preserve our past by supporting the development of their leaders, staff, and volunteers and their connections to an increasingly diverse community.
- Preservation Planning: Identifying, Evaluating, Designating, and Treating Cultural Resources: Save historic places that represent Oregon’s history by identifying them, planning for their future, and finding more resources for their preservation.
- Federal, State, and Local Government: Statutes, Rules, Ordinances, and Processes: Increase government efficiency, transparency, and accountability in administrating cultural resource laws and encourage agencies to support preservation efforts.
- Information Technology Tools: Develop statewide technology resources, including a public web-based database and submission system to manage federal and state programs and digitize historical documents, collections, and research materials held at institutions across the state.
The plan includes goals and objectives to address each issue, and work to include more people and broaden the scope of the history preserved it threaded through the response to each issue.
People who are doing the work of preserving and sharing Oregon’s historic resources are referred to in the plan as the heritage community, and they are the people who help achieve the goals of the statewide plans. These include federal, local, and tribal governments and local landmark commissions, museums, archives, libraries, historical societies, educational institutions, advocacy groups, and building, design, finance, and real
estate professionals, and other people and organizations that understand the value of these resources in Oregon’s communities. The plan emphasizes how these actors can take action and work together to enhance livability, community connection, and economic development through preservation of and access to cultural resources.
The plan also highlights how people and organizations can use the plan to enhance their efforts. Access the 2024-2033 Oregon Historic Preservation Plan online at oregonheritage.org in English and Spanish. Printed copies can be requested by emailing Oregon.heritage@oprd.oregon.gov or calling 503-986-0690.
To develop the issues, goals and objectives, the SHPO used several engagement methods including an online public survey, online public input sessions (including general topics and specific topics like disaster resilience and diversity and inclusion), online meetings with agencies, local governments, state committees and commissions, Tribes and other statewide and regional organizations.
Oregon Heritage, a division of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD), includes the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). The Oregon SHPO locally administers National Park Service (NPS) programs created by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, including the identification and designation of historic properties and archaeological sites; tax and grant programs; and the Certified Local Government Program (CLG), a partnership program between local jurisdictions and the state and federal government. The SHPO office is funded in part through a grant from NPS. The SHPO also coordinates closely with other Oregon Heritage programs, including the Oregon Heritage Commission and Oregon Main Street, Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries, and various grant and technical assistance programs. SHPO is also guided by the Oregon Heritage Plan and the mission and goals of OPRD.
To learn more about the Oregon SHPO and Oregon Heritage programs, visit www.oregonheritage.org.
ALLEGANY, Oregon— Join park rangers for the Golden and Silver Falls State Natural Area fall clean-up event 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28.
Volunteers will help clean up the parking area and conduct trail work at the park, which is about 25 miles northeast of Coos Bay. There will be something for everyone to help with. Lend a hand and help get the park ready for winter. Please sign up at https://form.jotform.com/240576122083047.
Participants should be prepared to travel a short distance on uneven ground and trails to the service site. Service will take place outdoors, and volunteers should be comfortable wearing work gloves and using hand tools.
Dress for the weather. Closed-toed shoes are recommended. Wear something you don’t mind getting dirty. Remember to bring a water bottle, sack lunch and work gloves if you have them (some will be provided if not). Snacks will be provided.
If you have questions about the event, email ranger Jess at jess.hayward@oprd.oregon.gov.
If you need to contact staff on the day of the event, please call park ranger Jake Caldwell, 541-294-0644 or Jess Hayward, 541-888-3732.
CLATSOP COUNTY, Oregon— Saddle Mountain State Natural Area near Seaside will close Oct. 14-18 for a hazard tree removal and tree thinning project to support public safety and forest health.
The work will take place throughout the park, including along the main roadway, prompting a park closure to maintain public safety. Both the Grindy Creek (lower) and Lewis & Clark (upper) gates on Saddle Mountain Road will be locked.
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) rangers and instructors will perform the work as part of an OPRD training for rangers who want to expand their skills.
The park might reopen as early as Friday, Oct. 18. Please check the park webpage for updates. We thank visitors for their patience as we work to train our rangers and improve forest health at Saddle Mountain State Natural Area.
SALEM, Oregon— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is asking visitors to help slow the spread of the destructive emerald ash borer by choosing certified heat-treated firewood or firewood harvested within 10 miles of their destination to avoid bringing the invasive insect into state parks.
OPRD also asks visitors to leave any ash, olive and white fringe tree firewood and materials at home.
The invasive emerald ash borer is considered the most destructive forest pest in North America, killing hundreds of millions of ash trees across the country. It has been detected in four Oregon counties: Washington, Yamhill, Marion and Clackamas, prompting a permanent quarantine in those counties.
“So far, emerald ash borer has not been detected in Oregon State Parks, and we would like to keep it that way for as long as possible,” said OPRD’s Natural Resource Coordinator and Ecologist Noel Bacheller.
The invasive insect can only travel about 10 miles on its own during its brief adult life, but humans can spread it hundreds of miles through infested firewood and other tree materials. Once an ash tree is infested, it has little chance of survival even if it’s otherwise healthy. The insect’s larvae consume the inner bark, causing ash trees to decline and eventually die.
The emerald ash borer threatens to wipe out Oregon's ash tree population as it has in other states around the country. But visitors can help slow the spread to protect Oregon’s ash trees and forests for as long as possible.
Slowing the spread will give parks and landowners the chance to respond including underplanting with resistant tree species that can quickly fill in when ash trees decline. It will also soften the impact of the insect on forest health overall.
Help protect Oregon's trees and forests by following these firewood tips:
- Buy firewood local to your campsite: Choose firewood harvested within 10 miles of your destination or buy certified heat-treated firewood. This helps reduce the spread of invasive insects, including emerald ash borer, and diseases.
- Avoid transporting restricted wood: Do not bring ash, olive, or white fringe tree materials into any Oregon State Park even if it’s within the same quarantine area. When in doubt about the tree species, leave it out.
- Stay informed about quarantines and regulations: Learn more at Oregon Department of Agriculture’s website, including proper disposal of ash tree material, and insect and tree identification at the Oregon Invasive Species Council website.
Ash trees grow in riparian areas along rivers, streams and other low-elevation bodies of water in Western Oregon. The loss of ash trees could have a significant impact on riparian ecology including loss of shade, increased water temperatures and decline in fish health.
Learn more about ash trees and the emerald ash borer on our website, including emerald ash borer activity pages with lessons for all ages that show how to recognize and prevent the spread of this invasive insect.
MILTON-FREEWATER, Ore. – The J.L. Elam Bank is among Oregon’s latest entries in the National Register of Historic Places. Oregon’s State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation (SACHP) recommended the nomination at their June 2024 meeting for its significance as one of the few examples of Classical Revival architecture in Milton-Freewater. The National Park Service, which maintains the National Register of Historic Places, accepted this nomination in August 2024.
Constructed in 1906, expanded in 1908, and remodeled with a new façade in 1920, the J.L. Elam Bank is located amongst other commercial buildings on Main Street in downtown Milton-Freewater. The one-story, rectangular building has painted, smooth concrete block walls and displays many character-defining features of the Classical Revival style, including a flat roof with decorative balustrade on the parapet, flat arch lintels above windows and doors, symmetrical entrance with columns, smooth exterior walls, and an entablature. The building is one of the few and most notable examples of the Classical Revival commercial style in Milton-Freewater, and it reflects the evolution of the Classical Revival style in rural communities.
The J.L. Elam Bank was originally constructed to house the Freewater Branch of the Walla Walla-based Elam Bank. At the time of its opening, it was the first and only bank in the town of Freewater, and it had been much anticipated by Freewater residents; however, it closed after only two years in operation. The property has had many other commercial occupants over its 118 years, including law offices, doctor offices, post office, a second bank, an insurance agency, a restaurant, and presently a winery tasting room.
The National Register is maintained by the National Park Service under the authority of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. Properties listed in the National Register are:
- Recognized as significant to the nation, state, or community;
- Considered in the planning of federal or federally-assisted projects;
- Eligible for federal and state tax benefits;
- Qualify for historic preservation grants when funds are available;
- Eligible for leniency in meeting certain building code requirements;
- Subject to local laws pertaining to the conservation and protection of historic resources.
State law in Oregon requires local governments to offer a minimal level of protection for properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places; the decisions about how to accomplish that goal reside with local governments, which also have the authority to create and regulate local historic districts and landmarks.
More information about the National Register and recent Oregon listings are online at oregonheritage.org (under the heading “Designate”).