Roadways and Waysides Archives - Oregon Travel Information Council

Grove of the States Image Gallery

Posted on: May 24th, 2016 in Roadways and Waysides |

Summary of the project and its significance to Oregon’s public

Oregon’s Grove of the States is located at the French Prairie Rest Area (southbound I-5 at Milepost 281), near Wilsonville. The grove is believed to be the oldest arboretum of state trees in the US and was originally a collection of trees from 53 US states and territories. The concept for the grove was conceived and implemented by former Oregon Attorney …

Heritage tree connections

Posted on: April 5th, 2016 in Roadways and Waysides |

Directory of community heritage tree programs

Not all of Oregon’s spectacular or historically significant trees qualify for official statewide recognition. However, many cities and counties maintain their own local registries and recognition programs. We hope you will find this directory helpful in learning more about Oregon history and arboriculture across the state.
The directory is organized alphabetically in two sections: city and county. Where nomination forms are available directly on the organization …

Sign crews install new historic marker at Dayton

Posted on: June 18th, 2013 in News & Press, Roadways and Waysides |

Many hands raise new awareness to historic Dayton and its Fort Yamhill Blockhouse

This week, OTE’s sign crew and their Oregon Department of Transportation brethren were onsite at Dayton’s Courthouse Square Park, drilling holes and securing a brand new historic marker into place.

OTE’s crew; Mike Bryant, Josh LoBue and Cameron Sulak, were elated that ODOT helped to erect the marker.

“Normally, if we arrange for ODOT’s sign crew to drill deep post …

Tillamook finds its northern Blue Star once more

Posted on: May 7th, 2013 in News & Press, Roadways and Waysides |

When OTE assumed management of the Tillamook rest area one year ago, its onsite rest area team embarked on a vigorous campaign to revitalize the surrounding landscape. The team’s goal was to improve visibility and safety for motorists, and at the same time, highlight the rugged beauty of Oregon’s North Coast.
In 2012, OTE held a grand rest area “re-opening” event and invited the Tillamook community to celebrate with us. However, …

Marking the spot – The Salemtowne volunteers

Posted on: November 20th, 2012 in News & Press, Roadways and Waysides |

Feature story by Madeline MacGregor
The Oregon Historical Marker Committee regularly reviews text on the program’s iconic “Beaver Board” wooden markers. These periodic text review helps support relevant cultural and ethnic contributions. During the mid-20th century, short historical summaries inscribed on markers often described events from an Anglo Saxon view point, while the contributions of indigenous peoples or persons of color was notably absent.
While text review and correcting historical fact is …

Shipley Cook Heritage Grove dedication

Posted on: November 14th, 2012 in Roadways and Waysides |

Oregon’s Indian summer provided a halcyon backdrop for the last 2012, OTE heritage event. On a balmy Friday afternoon in early October, a small crowd gathered under a thick canopy of leaves at the Shipley-Cook Century Farmstead. The farm’s owner, Rick Cook, greeted guests enthusiastically—inviting them to sit and enjoy the rustle of the breeze in the historic trees overhead. The Oregon Heritage Tree Committee and Oregon Travel Experience held …

Giving name to a lost seaman

Posted on: September 13th, 2012 in Roadways and Waysides |

Black crew member finds new life two centuries after dying

Story submitted to OTE by Gwenn Carr
Last year, I had the opportunity to take my grandchildren on a drive along Highway 101 near Tillamook. We happened to notice a historical marker near the side of the road. Since I find it hard to drive past these markers, I pulled over to see what it had to say. I must admit that …

Class of 2012 Oregon Heritage Trees

Posted on: March 30th, 2012 in News & Press, Roadways and Waysides |

Part three: the Smokejumper Pine Tree

As part of the 2012 Oregon Heritage Tree Statewide Dedication festivities, we’re blog-posting on the four honorees. Up third, a scrappy Illinois Valley survivor of tough soils and challenging climate.
Perhaps something of a rarity, all Oregon Jeffrey pine trees are located within the state’s southwest corner. Tolerant of arid conditions, nutrient deficient soil, and high concentrations of chrome and nickel, the Smokejumper Heritage Pine Tree …

Class of 2012 Oregon Heritage Trees

Posted on: March 30th, 2012 in News & Press, Roadways and Waysides |

Part four: The Oregon State University (OSU) Trysting Tree

As part of the 2012 Oregon Heritage Tree Statewide Dedication festivities, we’re blog-posting on the four honorees. Up fourth, a tree for romantics and historians.
For heritage tree lovers everywhere, a trysting tree equals both romanticism and history at the same time. Nominated for the 2012 Class of Oregon Heritage Trees, Oregon State University’s (OSU) 29 year old Trysting Tree will be one …