Willamette Centennial

Willamette Centennial

Willamette Centennial

Street Dance Hit Willamette !

Old Fashion Baseball Returned to West Linn
The bats swung and the balls will flew when “Old Fashion Base Ball” (base ball was two words back then) came back to Willamette Park in West Linn. As a part of the centennial celebration of the Town of Willamette, an exhibition base ball game took place at Willamette Park on Sunday July 13, 2008 at 2pm.

The Willamette Centennial Committee has challenged and BEAT the vintage Pioneers Base Ball Club from Vancouver, WA at an “old fashion-style” base ball game. Following the rules established by the 1860 “Beadle’s Dime Base-Ball Player” and wearing authentic early base ball uniforms, the two teams played ball just as it was played over hundred years ago.

The Willamette area has a long history of base ball. In fact, some of the very first base ball games played in Oregon were held not far from the Willamette area. West Linn was even home to one early team called the “Willamettes”. This is the name that our historic team wore.

Hundreds of spectators enjoyed hot dogs, popcorn, and old fashion fun with a Barber Shop Quartet and some even dressed in period attire. Click here to read more about it and view some event photos.

Arbor Day Centennial Celebration

Willamette Centennial held its first scheduled community event on April 12, 2008. In honor of Arbor Day, a Centennial Oak Tree was planted in Willamette Park. Community members, neighbors and City officials were on hand for the celebration. Photos and the remarks from Mayor Norm King are available by clicking here.

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Over 60 volunteers and actors presented this unique look at life in Willamette one hundred years ago, as our little town was being incorporated.

Guests encourage free food, a horse drawn carriage ride, live ragtime music, and one of the best living history experience ever.

To see more photos from the event
CLICK HERE!

An evening in Willamette 1908: Living History Tour

Flags Wave Over Willamette

On Flag Day, June 14, 2008, fifty United States flags lined the streets in front of the Willamette business district. The flags, made possible from paver sales by the Willamette Centennial Committee, and poles, donated by Parr Lumber, West Linn, will become a regular feature along Willamette Falls drive for every major holiday.

The streets of Willamette were filled with music, as a real old fashion street dance and ice cream social invaded the old town Willamette area of West Linn on July 12, 2008. Everyone enjoyed the celebration that started at 4:00pm and continuing into the late night. Live bands entertained visitors with hits from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Attendees wore fun dance clothes from their favorite time periods.

More photos of the event are available by clicking here.