THE OFFICIAL WEBPAGE
OF ROBERT D. WEST
Living in Salem, Oregon for two years, I amassed a lot of pictures of the city; so many that one page wasn't enough. This is Part 3, featuring Salem's government buildings, including Oregon State, Marion County and City of Salem buildings and parks and some Salem schools. The following links will jump to the other sections.
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Part 3: Government Buildings |
I referred to many internet resources for this project, including the City of Salem, the Salem Historic Landmarks Commission, Salem Online History, the Oregon Historic Photograph Collections, Salem Historical Quarterly and the Salem Oregon Community Guide. Various pages from the State of Oregon were used in creating this particular page. Other internet resources are linked throughout the pages. I also used a 1965-1966 copy of the Oregon Blue Book. Historical photographs and some graphics were photographed from interpretive displays at various locations in Salem. Most other graphics, including maps, are my own creations, though they may be based on maps from other sources.
Introduction
As the capitol of the State of Oregon, Marion County seat and Oregon's third largest city, Salem has many government buildings and facilities, including some former government buildings that have found other uses, and some sites of some past government buildings.
1. Oregon State Capitol
900 Court Street NE
Oregon City was Oregon's first territorial capitol. In 1850 the capitol was shifted to Salem, where it has remained, except for a short stay in Corvallis in 1855. Oregon’s first Capitol building was built in 1854 at a cost of $40,000. It had a short existence as on December 30, 1855 a fire broke out in the unfinished northeast corner. The fire spread, resulting in a complete loss of the building and its contents. The Legislature was in session at the time and started meeting in the Holman Building on the corner of Ferry and Commercial Streets, which would serve as the State Capitol until a new Capitol was completed in 1876. The Secretary of State and State Treasurer also had their offices in the Holman Building from 1857 to 1876. The Governor's office and the State Supreme Court were located in the Nesmith Building, just across Ferry Street from the Holman Building.
Historical Photos:
In 1857, the people of the Oregon Territory voted to write a constitution and petition the United States for admittance as a state (the proposal had been previously voted down three times). Oregon elected a state government in 1858, with John Whitaker as governor, without waiting for Congress's decision, which was delayed by conflicts between northern and southern states. Oregon was admitted as a state on February 14, 1859, and word was sent by overland express from St. Louis to San Francisco, where the steamer Brother Jonathan delivered the message to Portland early on March 15 and it went by horseback on to Salem, where the announcement was made from the Nesmith Building downtown. In 1864, Salem became the official state capitol by popular vote.
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Old Oregon State Capitol |
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Interior of the House of Representatives chamber. Postcard Photograph from the collection of Bob & Helen Tompkins |
Construction of a new Capitol building, designed by architect Justice F. Krumbein, was authorized by the State Legislature in 1872. Ground was broken in May of 1873 and the cornerstone was laid on October 8, 1973. The building was constructed using bricks made by convicts at the Oregon State Penitentiary. The building was completed and occupied on August 26, 1876. Construction cost approximately $325,000. Like many State Capitols, the building was patterned loosely after the Capitol in Washington D.C., though not all of the architectural features were originally included. The porticoes with their Corinthian columns, with fluted veneer facings made of Douglas County limestone, were not added until 1888, and the massive copper dome, supported by hollow metal girders, was not constructed until 1893. After completion of the dome, the total cost had risen to $500,000. The original plans also called for a tower at each end of the building, but these were never built.
Historical Photos:
Oregon State Capitol, 1888-1893
Oregon State Capitol, 1893-1925
Oregon State Capitol, 1893-1935
President Roosevelt at the Capitol, 1903
Oregon State Capitol, 1900-1915
Oregon State Capitol, unknown date
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Oregon State Capitol on fire, April 25, 1935. |
On April 25, 1935, a fire started in the basement of the east wing of the Capitol building. A strong updraft was created by stair and elevator wells, the rotunda, and the hollow girders that supported the dome. This caused noticeable smoke to be visible coming from the dome, and also allowed the fire to spread quickly. Area residents were able to save furniture, records, equipment and files from the first floor, and a few records and other items from the other floors, before the rapidly advancing fire engulfed the building. Only the exterior walls were left standing after the fire was extinguished.
Historical Photos:
Smoke coming from the Oregon State Capitol dome, April 25, 1935
Oregon State Capitol after fire, April 25, 1935
Oregon State Capitol after fire, April 25, 1935
Oregon State Capitol after fire, April 26, 1935
Oregon State Capitol after fire, 1935
Oregon State Capitol after fire
Oregon State Capitol after fire, aerial view, 1935
Oregon State Capitol columns after fire, 1935
Oregon State Capitol columns after fire, 1935
Construction
of the current Capitol building was authorized in 1935 at a special
session of the State Legislature. The building was designed by the
Trowbridge & Livingstone architectural firm, with Francis Keally as
associate architect and the
Whitehouse
& Church firm of Portland as Oregon associates. The Capitol is built of
white Vermont marble and bronze, and features modern Greek architecture
with severely simple exterior lines. As built, the building was 395 feet
long and 162 feet wide, with a usable area of 131,750 square feet. the
main building is 53 feet high, while the top of the tower is 128 feet
high. From the
top
of the tower, Cascade Mountains Jefferson, Hood, Adams and St. Helens
are visible on clear days. Mounted on the top of the tower is Ulric
Ellerhusen's golden Pioneer statue, which brings the total height
to 173 feet and an elevation of 337 feet above sea level, making it the
second tallest building and second highest point in Salem, after the
steeple spire of the First United Methodist Church. The capitol building
was occupied on July 2, 1938 and was dedicated on October 1, 1938. It
was fully completed in 1939 at a cost of $2,500,000.
The Capitol building's dedication plaque reads as follows:
THE ERECTION OF THIS BUILDING WAS AUTHORIZED BY THE STATE LEGISLATURE AT ITS SPECIAL SESSION IN 1935 IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF
GOVERNOR CHARLES H. MARTIN
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
HENRY L. CORBETT
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE
HOWARD F. LATOURETTE
MEMBERS OF THE CAPITOL COMMISSION
CHAIRMAN JOHN A. McLEAN - EUGENE
VICE-CHAIRMAN H. H. OLINGER - SALEM
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T. H. BANFIELD PORTLAND ERNEST C. DALTON ST. HELENS HORACE H. LAKE PORTLAND GEORGE R. LEWIS PENDLETON SECRETARY LEGAL ADVISOR TECHNICAL ADVISOR |
GEORGE A. MARSHALL BAKER ROBERT W. SAWYER BEND WARREN H. TREECE PORTLAND HELEN BURRELL MOORHIES MEDFORD ALTON JOHN BASSETT RALPH E. MOODY CARL F. GOULD |
THE CAPITOL WAS DEDICATED AND OPENED TO PUBLIC USE IN THE YEAR 1938
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TROWBRIDGE & LIVINGSTON FRANCIS KEALLY WHITEHOUSE & CHURCH ROSS B. HAMMOND INCORPORATED |
ARCHITECTS ASSOCIATE ARCHITECT OREGON ASSOCIATES BUILDERS |
At
the main entrance to the capitol are two statuary blocks by New York
artist Leo Friedlander. They are among the largest sculpture groups in
America. The eastern sculpture depicts the Lewis and Clark party led by
Sacajawea an carried the inscription, "Westward the star of empire takes
its way." The western sculpture represents a pioneer family en route to
Oregon and carries
the
inscription "Valiant men have thrust out frontiers to the setting sun."
Each sculpture has a depiction of a historic map of the western United
States carved in relief on the reverse. The eastern sculpture depicts
the time of Lewis & Clark's expedition, while the western one depicts
the time of the Old Oregon Trail.
Flanking the main entry doors of the capitol building are these two inscriptions, which are carved into the buildings marble exterior.
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A FREE STATE IS FORMED AND MAINTAINED BY THE VOLUNTARY UNION OF THE WHOLE PEOPLE JOINED TOGETHER UNDER THE SAME BODY OF LAWS FOR THE COMMON WELFARE AND THE SHARING OF BENEFITS JUSTLY APPORTIONED |
THE MIND OF MAN KNOWS NO EMPLOYMENT MORE WORTHY OF ITS POWERS THAN THE QUEST OF RIGHTEOUSNESS IN HUMAN AFFAIRS NO GOAL OF ITS LABOURS THAT IS SUPERIOR TO THE DISCOVERY OF THE GOOD IN THE GUIDANCE OF LIFE |
Inside
the Capitol building, the walls of the rotunda and hallways are rose
travertine marble quarried in Montana. The baseboard and ramps of the
great stairways are Vermont black marble and the rotunda floor and
stairs are Napoleon gray marble from Missouri. High on the walls are
eight octagonal medallions, each
depicting
a feature from the State Seal. In the center of the rotunda floor is a
large bronze Oregon State Seal by Ulric Ellerhusen, who also created the
golden Pioneer on top of the Capitol building, as well as other small
works above the entrances.
The
walls of the circular rotunda feature four murals by Barry Faulkner and
Frank H. Schwarz, who also painted the provisional seal above the steps
to the Senate chamber on the east side of the rotunda and the
territorial seal above the steps to the House of Representatives chamber
on the west side.
On
the ceiling of the dome above the rotunda is a decorative painting by
Frank H. Schwarz of a sunburst with a large star representing Oregon
surrounded by 32 smaller stars representing the other states at the time
of Oregon's admission to the Union. Surrounding the dome ceiling are a
series of eagles and torches.
The
Senate chamber features paneling and furniture of black walnut. The
carpet depicts wheat and salmon, symbolizing Oregon's agricultural and
fishing industries. The mural behind the Senate President's desk is by
Frank H. Schwarz and depicts a downtown Salem street scene when Oregon's
admission into the Union was announced.
The
House of Representatives chamber features paneling and furniture of
golden oak. The carpet depicts the Douglas Fir, Oregon's state tree. The
mural behind the Speaker's desk is by Barry Faulkner and depicts Oregon
pioneers establishing the provisional government at Champoeg in 1843.
The friezes near the ceiling in each of the two-story legislative chambers contain the names of 157 men and women who were connected in some manner with the history and background of Oregon.
The
Governor's reception room and ceremonial office are between the two
legislative chambers. Both are finished with black walnut paneling.
The
Governor's ceremonial office contains an ornate desk, a grandfather
clock and a fireplace. The map of Oregon above the fireplace was created
by Barry Faulkner.
On November 11, 1975, wings were added to the Capitol building, containing administrative offices and hearing rooms. The wings were designed by the Zimmer-Gunsel-Frasca Partnership to match the building's original construction and maintain its symmetry. The new wings were first occupied on January 10, 1977 and were dedicated on June 10, 1977.
The following inscription dedicated the new wings:
THE ADDITION OF OFFICE WINGS AND HEARING ROOMS TO THE OREGON STATE CAPITOL STANDS IN TRIBUTE TO THOSE CITIZENS WHO HAVE SERVED THEIR STATE AS SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES WITH HONESTY, VISION AND COURAGE SINCE 1859.
IT IS DEDICATED TO ALL THE SERVICE OF ALL OREGONIANS, WITH FAITH THAT THESE HALLS SHALL BE A PLACE OF WISE DECISIONS, OPENLY ARRIVED AT, REPRESENTING THE COLLECTIVE WISDOM OF ALL THE PEOPLE OF OREGON.
THE ADDITION WAS AUTHORIZED BY THE 58th LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY THROUGH CHAPTER 447, 1975 LAWS, SIGNED BY GOVERNOR ROBERT W. STRAUB ON JUNE 27, 1975. GROUND WAS BROKEN ON NOVEMBER 11, 1975. THE ADDITION WAS OCCUPIED BY THE 59th LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY ON JANUARY 10, 1977 AND DEDICATED JUNE 10, 1977.
THE 58th LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
JASON D. BOE
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
PHILIP D. LANG
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE
ZIMMER-GUNSEL-FRASCA PARTNERSHIP, ARCHITECT
PIETRO BELLUSCHI, DESIGN CONSULTANT
TODD BUILDING COMPANY, GENERAL CONTRACTOR
The Oregon State Capitol was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on June 29, 1988.
This
mosaic of the Oregon State Seal is on display in the Capitol. It was
created in 1973 by Russell E. Ziolkowski, an sanitation employee of the
Springfield, Oregon public works department, and consists of everyday
items like marbles, beads, coins and small toys, many of which he found
while working, as well as natural items. Ziolkowski passed away in 2004.
Historical Photos:
Oregon State Capitol under construction, 1936
Oregon State Capitol under construction, 1936
Oregon State Capitol under construction, 1936
Oregon State Capitol under construction, 1936
Oregon State Capitol under construction, 1936
Oregon State Capitol under construction, 1937
Pioneer being moved for regilding, 1938
Pioneer before being placed, 1938
Oregon State Capitol, April 4, 1947
New wings under construction, 1976
Additional Links:
Oregon State Capitol Tour from the Oregon State Legislature
Oregon State Capitol and the Capitol Mall at Salem Online History
Oregon State Capitol at Salem Historical Quarterly
Willson Park at Salem Historical Quarterly
History of the Oregon State Capitol, Central Oregon's Letter of Architectural News, April '00
Oregon State Capitol at the Salem Oregon Community Guide
Gilding the Oregon Capitol Pioneer at the Salem Oregon Community Guide
Salem Oregon's Tallest Building at the Salem Oregon Community Guide
The grounds of the Oregon State Capital are divided between the grounds to the east, which have always been owned by the state, and the grounds to the west, which are called Willson Park and were owned by the city and operated as a city park until 1965.
A. Breyman Brothers Fountain
This
fountain at the west end of the capital grounds was presented to the
city of Salem by the Breyman Brothers in 1904. At one time the
fountain was topped with light fixtures and a statue of a soldier that
served as a memorial to the Spanish-American War. The receptacles at the
bottom led some people to refer to the fountain as the "Breyman Horse
Trough."
Additional Links:
Breyman Fountain at the Salem Oregon Community Guide
Capitol View showing the Breyman Fountain at the Salem Oregon Community Guide
Historical Photos:
Breyman Brothers Fountain, January 13, 1909
Breyman Brothers Fountain, 1904-1935
Breyman Brothers Fountain, July 19, 1964
B. Oregon Trail Marker
This
stone and plaque in Willson Park marking the Oregon Trail is dedicated
to the Oregon pioneers and was placed by the
Chemeketa Chapter of the
Daughters of the American
Revolution on August 25, 1922.
C. The Circuit Rider
The
Circuit Rider statue is located on the east side of the Capitol. The
bronze statue by A. Phimister Proctor depicts one of Oregon's pioneer
circuit-riding Methodist ministers and commemorates "the labors and
achievements of the ministers of the Gospel, who as circuit riders
became the friends, counselors
and
evengels to the pioneers on every American frontier." The statue was
cast by the Roman Bronze Works in New York. It was presented to the
state of Oregon in 1924 "in reverent and grateful remembrance of Robert
Booth, pioneer minister of the Oregon Country - by his son, Robert A.
Booth." The three and one half ton statue was knocked off its pedestal
by the winds of the 1962 Columbus Day Storm.
Historical Photos:
Circuit Rider Statue, 1924-1935
Circuit Rider Statue after Columbus Day Storm, 1962
D. Liberty Bell Replica
This
replica of the Liberty Bell is one of 53 cast in France in 1950 and
given to each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico
and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Two additional bells were cast for the city
in France where they were made and Independence, Missouri, hometown of
then-president Harry Truman.
Like the original Liberty Bell, the replica bears the following words:
Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants thereof Lev. XXV vs X.
By Order of the ASSEMBLY of the Province of PENSYLVANIA for the State House in Philada
Pass and Stow
Philada
MDCCLIII
The plaque accompanying the replica reads as follows:
DEDICATED TO YOU, A FREE CITIZEN IN A FREE LAND
THIS REPRODUCTION OF THE LIBERTY BELL WAS PRESENTED TO THE PEOPLE OF
OREGON
BY DIRECTION OF
THE HONORABLE JOHN W. SNYDER
SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY
AS THE INSPIRATIONAL SYMBOL OF THE
UNITED STATES SAVINGS BONDS INDEPENDENCE DRIVE
FROM MAY 15 TO JULY 4, 1950, IT WAS DISPLAYED IN
EVERY PART OF THIS STATE.
THE DIMENSIONS AND TONE ARE IDENTICAL
WITH THOSE OF THE ORIGINAL LIBERTY BELL WHEN IT
RANG OUT OUR INDEPENDENCE IN 1776.
IN STANDING BEFORE THIS SYMBOL, YOU HAVE THE
OPPORTUNITY TO DEDICATE YOURSELF,
AS DID OUR FOUNDING FATHERS, TO THE PRINCIPALS
OF THE INDIVIDUAL FREEDOM FOR WHICH OUR NATION STANDS.
THIS BELL IS ONE OF FIFTY-THREE CAST IN FRANCE IN 1950,
AND GIVEN TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT BY:
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AMERICAN SMELTING AND REFINING COMPANY ANACONDA COPPER MINING COMPANY |
MIAMI COPPER COMPANY PHELPS DODGE CORPORATION THE AMERICAN METAL COMPANY, LIMITED |
STEEL SUPPORTS BY U. S. STEEL CORPORATION’S AMERICAN BRIDGE COMPANY
THIS PLAQUE DONATED BY REVERE COPPER AND BRASS INCORPORATED
E. Statue of Dr. John McLoughlin
This
statue by Gifford Proctor, Sr. and G. M. Proctor depicts Dr. John
McLoughlin (1784-1857), first to govern the Oregon Country, 1824-1843.
The statue was dedicated in 1953.
F. Statue of Rev. Jason Lee
This
statue by Gifford Proctor, Sr. and G. M. Proctor depicts Reverend Jason
Lee (1803-1845), first missionary in Oregon and colonizer, 1834-1843.
The statue was dedicated in 1953.
G. Column Segments
These
Corinthian column segments are originally from the west and east
entrance porticos of the second Oregon State Capitol. They were
originally constructed in 1888 and consist of bricks made by convicts at
the
Oregon State Penitentiary and fluted veneer facings made of
limestone from quarries in Douglas County. After the Capitol was
destroyed in the fire on April 25, 1935, the column segments were dumped
in various places around Salem. These segments were found in Mill Creek,
near the Governor's residence, and on State 4-H property. Another column
segment remains on the grounds of the Deepwood estate. Governor Victor
Atiyeh and his wife promoted preserving the column segments. Mrs. Atiyeh
led the effort to design and construct this display, with the assistance
of the Oregon Historical Properties Committee, employees of the
Department of General Services,
Oregon State Penitentiary personnel and inmates, Mr. O. H. Duncan,
who served a construction coordinator and the many citizens who donated
time, talent and materials to the project. The column segments were
removed from their various locations in 1980. This display was dedicated
on February 12, 1981.
H. Gazebo
This
gazebo was designed by architect Blanchard-Lamen, AIA and constructed in
1982 by inmates and staff of the
Oregon State Correctional Institution. It was presented to the
citizens of the State of Oregon by the
Willamette
Christmas Association, which consists of the Begonia Society, the
Capitol Arrangers Guild, the Fircrest Garden Club, the Grow and Show
Garden Club, the Little Garden Club of Salem Heights, the Salem Men's
Garden Club, the Rose Society and the Wilark Park Garden Club.
I. Capitol Beaver Family
The
Capitol Beaver Family was created by sculptor
Kenneth M.
Scott. It was presented to the citizens of the State of Oregon by
the
Willamette
Christmas Association, which consists of the Begonia Society, the
Capitol Arrangers Guild, the Fircrest Garden Club, the Grow and Show
Garden Club, the Little Garden Club of Salem Heights, the Salem Men's
Garden Club, the Rose Society and the Wilark Park Garden Club in June,
1985.
J. A Parade of Animals
A
Parade of Animals by
Peter Helzer
was placed in 1991. The plaque accompanying the sculpture reads as
follows:
“A PARADE OF ANIMALS”
BY PETER HELZER
A PUBLIC SCULPTURE HONORING THE CHILDREN OF OREGON
-BENEFACTORS-
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FRIENDS & SUPPORTERS OF NEIL GOLDSCHMIDT DUNCAN, CINDY, JEFF, ANNIE, & COURTNEY CAMPBELL ROSE E. TUCKER CHARITABLE TRUST |
-FRIENDS-
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CONFEDERATION OF OREGON SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS FIRST INTERSTATE BANK OF OREGON OREGON PUBLIC EMPLOYEES UNION, LOCAL 503 SEIU LOCAL 412 CHILDREN’S SERVICES DIVISION LOCAL 459 PUBLIC EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM LOCAL 274 DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS’ AFFAIRS THE SAMUEL S. JOHNSON FOUNDATION PRO TEM, PROFESSIONAL TEMPORARY SERVICES |
-SUPPORTERS-
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LOUIS AND KATIE BARKER YOUTH RESOURCES, INC. DUNBAR AND JANE CARPENTER OREGON SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION PATRICIA C. SMULLIN MARY HOYT AND VERN FAATZ KATHRYN, DAVID, AND ELIZABETH MILLER KATHERINE AND MEGAN NEELY |
VERN RYLES, JR. IN MEMORY OF: CHLOE CLARK WILLSON WILLIAM HOLDEN WILLSON CHASE AND REED JACKSON KELLY STONE |
-SPECIAL THANKS-
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DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES |
CHILDREN’S SERVICES DIVISION MID-VALLEY ARTS COUNCIL |
1991
K. Oregon Veterans Medal of Honor Memorial
The
Oregon Veterans Medal of Honor Memorial consists of two flagpoles, one
on each side of the Capitol. The flagpoles are surrounded by plaques
honoring Oregon's recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Between the two flagpoles, all of Oregon's recipients are honored. The
memorial was dedicated in tribute to all Oregon veterans on September
18, 2004.
For more, see Oregon's Recipients of the Medal of Honor.
L. Walk of the Flags
The
Walk of the Flags on the east side of the Capitol was created by the
Oregon State Capitol Foundation. It consists of a flag for each of
the 50 states; each flag is sponsored by someone who is recognized with
a small plaque at the base of the pole. The Walk of the Flags was
dedicated on June 14, 2005.
2. Supreme Court Building
1163 State Street
The
Oregon Supreme Court Building was built in 1914 at a cost of
$320,000. It measures 97 feet wide by 126 feet long. The exterior is
cream terra cotta, while the interior finish is marble with tile
flooring.
Historical Photos:
Supreme Court Building, unknown date
Supreme Court Building, unknown date
3. Justice Building
1162 Court Street NE
The
State Office Building was built in 1930 at a cost of $500,000. Today it
is known as the
Justice Building.
Historical Photos:
State Office Building, unknown date
4. Commerce Building
158 12th Street NE
The
purchase of this 80 by 150 foot concrete building for $84,000 was
authorized by the 1931 Legislative Assembly. It was originally used as
the Agriculture
Building. After the completion of a new Agriculture Building in 1966,
this building became the Commerce Building.
Historical Photos:
Agriculture Building, unknown date
Agriculture Building, circa 1962
Agriculture Building, circa 1962
Agriculture Building, December 22, 1965
5. Executive Building
155 Cottage Street NE
This
building to the west of the Capitol Building was built as Salem's Port
Office at a cost of $310,000, and was dedicated on October 16, 1937. It
was the only marble post office west of the Mississippi River beside
Denver's. It served as Salem's post office until 1976, when a new
building on 25th street took its place. Today it serves as the State of
Oregon Executive Building.
Additional Links:
Salem Post Office at Salem Online History
Historical Photos:
Executive Building as Salem Post Office, 1954
6. State Library
250 Winter Street NE
The
Oregon State Library
was the first building constructed on the Capitol Mall. It was completed
in 1939. It measures 196 feet long, 103 feet wide and 54 feet high, with
an 8 foot high penthouse. It was constructed of white Georgia marble and
bronze to harmonize with the Capitol. Including furnishings, it cost
$875,730. The Oregon State Library was the first library in the nation
to loan books by mail, with the borrower paying postage.
Additional Links:
Oregon State Library at Salem Online History
Oregon State Library at Salem Historical Quarterly
Historical Photos:
State Library Under Construction, July 2, 1938
State Library Under Construction, December 2, 1938
7. Public Service Building
255 Capitol Street NE
The
Public Service Building was completed in 1949 at a cost of $2,000,000.
It measures 223 feet long, 153 feet wide, 69 feet high and has a gross
area of 169,837 square feet. The exterior is made of white Vermont
marble and bronze, matching the Capitol building. The main entrance
lobby is paneled in Bois Jourdan marble.
Historical Photos:
Public Service Building, 1950-1955
8. Department of Transportation Building
355 Capitol Street NE
Originally
called the State Highway Building, the
Department of
Transportation Building was completed in 1951 at a cost of over
$2,000,000. It measures 236 feet long, 145 feet wide and 71 feet high
with a gross area of 145,298 square feet. The exterior is made of white
Vermont marble and bronze to match the Capitol and the Public Service
Building. The main lobby is paneled in Colorado "Colorosa" marble with a
luminous plastic ceiling.
9. Labor and Industries Building
350 Winter Street NE
The
groundbreaking ceremonies for the Labor and Industries Building were
held in August 14, 1959, and it was dedicated in June, 1961. The
building cost $3,300,000 and is 160 feet wide, 240 feet long, 56 feet
high and contains 181,200 square feet of space.
Historical Photos:
Labor & Industries Building, unknown date
Labor & Industries Building, 1974
10. Capitol Mall
The Capitol Mall originally consists of the land directly to the north of the Oregon State Capitol. The State Library, Public Service Building, Department of Transportation Building and Labor & Industries Building all face the Capitol Mall, which has expanded as each of those buildings was constructed.
In
1979, the Capitol Fountain, also called the Sprague Memorial Fountain,
was installed in the Capitol Mall between the Department of
Transportation Building and the Labor & Industries Building. The
fountain was created by sculptor Weltzin Blix in collaboration with
sculptor
Tom Morandi.
Historical Photos:
In 1989, Governor Neil Goldschmidt and the 65th Legislative Assembly authorized the construction of a parking structure under the Capitol Mall. The structure was dedicated in September, 1991.
The parking structure's dedication plaque reads as follows:
CAPITAL MALL
PARKING STRUCTURE
AUTHORIZED IN 1989 BY GOVERNOR NEIL GOLDSCHMIDT
AND THE 65TH LEGISTATIVE ASSEMBLY
|
GOVERNOR BARBARA ROBERTS
ARCHITECT GUTHRIE/SLUSARENKO/ASSOCIATES D. BARTLEY GUTHRIE, PRINCIPAL
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT LARRY WALKER, PRINCIPAL |
DEVELOPER DEPT. OF GENERAL SERVICES DAN SIMMONS, DIRECTOR TOM HAEG, PROJECT MANAGER
BUILDING CONTRACTOR
EXCAVATION CONTRACTOR |
DEDICATED: SEPTEMBER, 1991
Historical Photos:
11. Waldo Park
605 Summer Street NE
This
giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) was planted in 1872 by
Judge William Waldo, son of an 1842 pioneer. During his life Waldo
worked to preserve the tree, and after his death others stepped in to
save it as the city and its street system threatened it. The Salem City
Council declared this 12 foot by 20 foot piece of land
Waldo Park in 1936.
Ripley's Believe It or
Not! cited it as the World's Smallest Park, though Portland's tiny
Mill Ends Park took over that distinction in the 1970s. As of April
1998, at 126 years of age, the tree had a circumference of 22 feet and a
height of 85 feet.
12. Agriculture Building
635 Capitol Street NE
The
Agriculture
Building, completed in 1966 at a cost of $1,065,585, contains 50,000
square feet of offices & laboratories. The bronze sculpture over the
main entrance is Land of Oregon by Tom Hardy.
Historical Photos:
Agriculture Building under construction, 1965
13. Employment Building
875 Union Street NE
Construction
of the
Employment
Building began in 1974. It was completed in October of 1975 at a total
cost of $5,151,124.
Historical Photos:
Employment Building, 1975-1985
14. Veterans' Building
700 Summer Street NE
Designed
by SERA Architects,
the
Veterans'
Building was authorized in 1979 and was dedicated on May 30, 1984. A
park-like area behind the building contains a number of veterans
memorials. The building has a different plaque at each of its two main
entrances. They read as follows:
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THE OREGON VETERANS’ BUILDING
DEDICATED MAY 30, 1984 BY GOVERNOR VICTOR ATIYEH AUTHORIZED IN 1979 BY GOVERNOR VICTOR ATIYEH AND THE 60TH LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
CONTRACTOR: WILDISH CORVALLIS CONST. CO. ARCHITECT: SERA ARCHITECTS |
THE OREGON VETERANS’ BUILDING
DEDICATED THIS 30TH DAY OF MAY, 1984 TO OREGONIANS, LIVING AND DEAD, WHO FAITHFULLY SERVED THEIR STATE AND NATION IN THE ARMED SERVICES OF THE UNITED STATES
VICTOR ATIYEH, GOVERNOR, STATE OF OREGON
STARYL C. AUSTIN, JR., DIRECTOR OREGON DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS’ AFFAIRS
C. R. CARLSON, CHAIR, ADVISORY COMMITTEE |
A. World War I Memorial
