Rhody 110 Years

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 1

FLORENCE - OREGON

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS MAY

2017 2017 King Benjamin Cahoon 1908 Rhododendron Queen Lauro Johnson

Queen Claire Waggoner

Supplement to the Siuslaw News

2 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

As the Rhododendron Festival celebrates its 110th year, the e Port of Siuslaw would like to celebrate its long-standing partnership with the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Florence to be able to provide the space for the Davis Carnival.

The Port is committed to strengthening relationships and building community for the next 110 years! ed We invite you to add your own history to this long-celebrated festival and make memories that will never fade.

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 3

110 years of Rhododendron Festival history

Chantelle Meyer Features Editor SIULAW NEWS

110 Rhododendron Festivals

Researched and Designed by Carolyn Nordahl A Siuslaw News Publication Copyright May 2017

4 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

ECDJ ~ e{ÉwÉwxÇwÜÉÇ fxÇ|ÉÜ VÉâÜà ~ King of the Coast

Kyle Doran

King of The Coast Benjamin Cahoon

Michael Larson

Ben Cahoon Becomes Third King of the Coast Cahoon showed a fast motion video of himself painting a watercolor of the Siuslaw River Bridge while singing “Can’t Help Falling in Love” and playing a ukulele. He later answered a question about what he would bring to a deserted island: three ‘Bs’ — the Bible, a blanket and “bow-’n’arrows.”

Cahoon is only the third King of the Coast in Rhody Fest history.

During the formal wear portion of the evening, mentors and parental figures escorted the Senior Court across the stage. The young men wore matching fitted suits with velvet jackets, each with a unique tie, while the young women wore long gowns and high heels in a variety of styles.

The 2017 Rhododendron Festival theme is “Always Ready to Rhody” in honor of U.S. Coast Guard Station Siuslaw River. The Coast Guard presented the colors at the start of the evening, and Master Chief Tim Tregoning assisted 2016 Queen Rhododendra Hanna Anderson as they crowned Cahoon and Waggoner as the reigning rhody royalty.

Tel: 541-999-0347 dlofy@bmi.net 2285 Suite J, Highway 101 Florence, OR 97439 www.lofyconstruction.net

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 5

ECDJ ~ e{ÉwÉwxÇwÜÉÇ fxÇ|ÉÜ VÉâÜà ~ Queen Rhododendra

Jewel Roby

Eyza Abbas

Queen Rhododendra Claire Waggoner

Abby Watkins

Chehalis Stinger

Ready to Rhody Queen Rhododendra Claire Waggoner Fulfills Her Heritage King of the Coast Ben Cahoon and Queen cheers throughout the evening as they waved to from Hickson and stood beside their fathers.

A panel of five judges evaluated the three Rhododendra Claire Waggoner proudly took the audience, answered impromptu questions Senior Court princes and five Senior Court the stage at the end of the Rhododendron 2017 Rhododendron Jr. Court Princesses on their talents, stage presence and Court Coronation May 18 at the Florence formal wear. The final judging category was Events Center. More than 300 people atthe students’ 2017 Rhododendron Festival pin tended the event, which featured a return to sales. traditions of the past.

Waggoner, who represented the third genReferencing 110 years of Florence’s festieration of women in her family to be on the val history, Rhody Court Committee chairRhododendron Court, sang a patriotic song women Pat Sapp and Wendy Krause planned about being “Proud to be an American” while a Coronation night of talent, pageantry and Clover Holbrook Chloe Clark poise. she showed a slideshow of her interactions with veterans. When asked Krause emceed with plenty of poise herself, along with local humorist Ned Hickson, where she would like to travel, Waggoner said who showed off a few talents of his own. she would go to AusThe five princesses of the Junior Court — first-grader Clover Holbrook, second-grader tria, where her favorite movie was filmed and Chloe Clark, third-grader Madi Jerabek, where “the hills are alive fourth-grader Arianna Williams and fifth- Madi Jerabek Ava Center AriAnna Williams grader Ava Center — earned applause and with the sound of music.”

L L A C W NO See the Denture Masters Difference Call for your Free Appointment Today!

Dr. Kimberly Tustin,DDS

27 Years Experience!

206 Nopal Street Florence, OR 97439 541-997-6226

1925 Bailey Hill Rd. Ste. A Eugene, OR 97405 541-345-0004

6 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

ECDI ~ e{ÉwÉwxÇwÜÉÇ fxÇ|ÉÜ VÉâÜà ~

Lyndsey Keppol

Queen Rhododendra Hanna Anderson

Taylor Coolidge

Catching Waves Florence welcomes thousands to its 109th Rhododendron Festival teers and help from new Events Coordinator day. Visitors could taste samples of fresh Florence’s 109th annual Rhododendron Festipopped kettle corn and Face Rock Creamery val splashed through the weekend of May 20 to Nancy Pearson.

An estimated 20,000 people were expected cheese curds.

22 with a theme of “Catch the Wave!” Luckily, to attend this year’s festival.

On Saturday, Homegrown Public House feaSaturday’s rainy conditions subsided for the The fifth annual Maple Street Vendor Fair tured live music at its first Homegrown Undermajority of Sunday’s Grand Floral Parade. brought 22 food, service and product vendors ground event just up the street from the Vendor The weekend featured the return of Davis into the heart of Old Town from Friday to Sun- Fair.

Show Northwest’s Amusement Carnival at the Saturday was a busy day citywide, Port of Siuslaw parking lot and many 2016 Rhododendron Jr. Court starting with the 37th annual Rhody events in and around Old Town.

Run 5K and 10K and ending with the The Davis family’s carnival has Coast Radio Classic Car Cruise. been coming to Florence since 1950.

Owner Pat Davis has spent all but two Coast Radio News Director Bob Sneddon said, “We went with a more of his 59 birthdays in Florence for casual and relaxed approach this Rhody Days.

“The chamber sold 1,084 presale Lexis Krislin Sunshine Elizabeth year.”

Rhealeigh Riley May The annual Rhodotickets to the carnival,” said Florence Armer Flansberg Wall Dascher Selig dendron Flower Area Chamber of Commerce ExecuShow had more tive Director Bettina Hannigan.

“We’ve never sold anywhere near that than 1,800 guests.

“The show was many before.” one of the highThe Visitor’s Center fielded the inKenji Chance Cort Roman lights of the festival.” flux of requests with additional volun- Tony Garcia Galvan

Meadows

Jones

Waggoner

Tanikawa

Florence Tech Solutions 541-991-3705

• Smart TV Setup • Virus Malware • Cloud/iCloud • Email Setup • Tutoring • iPad, iPhone, MAC • Universal TV Remote • Sound Bar Setup

• Smart Phone | Tablet • Monthly Computer Tune-Up • Streaming Setup (Roku, Firestick) • Printer Scanner • Social Media Eduation • Website Design

www.florencetechsolutions.com

Owner Technician info@Florencetechsolutions.com

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 7

ECDH ~ e{ÉwÉwxÇwÜÉÇ fxÇ|ÉÜ VÉâÜà ~ Queen Rhododendra

Courtney King

Trista Lane

Queen Rhododendra Kennedy Roylance (Baber)

Natalie Madden

Bailey Wells

Rocking and Rhodying All Over Town 108th Rhododendron Festival ends with a flair Florence Mayor Joe Henry gave his award to After a weekend with more than 25,000 people in casino handed out colorful beads and also brought a McKenzie View Acres for their “rocking” tribute to attendance, the 108th annual Rhododendron Festival pig. local police and military organizations. in Florence has come to a close.

2015 Rhododendron Jr. Court After the parade, Rotary Club and the City of FloPeople flocked to Old Town and the Port of Siusrence partnered to feed more than 500 people after law to attend the festival’s events. the parade at the Florence Events Center (FEC).

The Grand Floral Parade had 80 entries, many “I want to thank everybody for their participafeaturing rhododendron flowers and the festival’s tion,” said Florence Area Chamber of Commerce theme, “Let’s Rock ’n’ Rhody.”

Executive Director Cal Applebee. “It’s a huge unFlorence Police Chief Tom Turner and his son dertaking, and we wouldn’t be able to do it without Luke led the parade from its start on 27th Street, all the volunteers that step forward from the comdown Highway 101 and through Old Town. munity. We had a great parade, great turnout and of Local dignitaries gave awards to floats.

Olivia Moore Adelaide Ficcadenti course we had great weather.”

Parade Grand Marshal Amy Clawson, local counThe City of Florence had their try singer, awarded J. Johnson Tree Service her first parade entry in years. award for a float that “climbed higher” than the oth“That was a great experiers.

Queen Rhododendra Kennedy Roylance gave her ence. We had a lot of fun. award to Banner Bank’s Rhododendron Court float. ... Thank you to everyone King of the Coast Keoni Castro honored Three for your support,” said City Rivers Casino Resort’s live-music float, with Marty Manager Erin Reynolds.

Elizabeth Perez Ariana Galvan Alizé Giselle Adams and friends performing classic songs. The Mendez Castellanos

Our princess in 2015 and our princess today.

We love you and are proud of you Kennedy.

Mom and Dad

8 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

ECDH ~ e{ÉwÉwxÇwÜÉÇ fxÇ|ÉÜ VÉâÜà ~ King Of the Coast

Trey Cornish

Joe Dotson

King of The Coast Keoni Castro

Jonathon Griffes

Rock ‘N’ Rhody!

On Saturday, the 18th annual Coast Radio’s Classic Car Cruise had 100 vintage automobile entries ranging from the 1920s to the 1970s.

Crowds cheered in Old Town as the cars drove by. Drivers interacted with the audience and blew bubbles, handed out candy, revved engines and honked horns.

Coast Radio hosted a live radio show, with Bob Sneddon and Mike Grashong offering commentary on the cars and playing classic rock songs.

The Best in Cruise award went to Greg and Rosie Hill of Florence for their bright yellow 1963 Ford Country Squire Wagon.

Proceeds from the cruise went to the Siuslaw Volunteer Firefighter Association.

Many of the cars also were part of the Beachkomber Car Club’s 23rd annual Rhody Days Show ’n’ Shine earlier that day.

Hundreds of classic cars filled the parking lot at Grocery Outlet on Highway 101.

Community Public Education: • CPR/AED • Fall Prevention • Life-Med Membership • SAFE Kids • Heart Attack React • Stroke Prevention

The Only Emergency Medical Service & Critical Care Transport Service in Western Lane County.

Proud to serve the residents of Western Lane Ambulance District, those visiting the District and any others in need of medical attention.

Call 541-997-9614

for more information

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 9

ECDG ~ e{ÉwÉwxÇwÜÉÇ fxÇ|ÉÜ VÉâÜà ~ Queen Rhododendra

Sara Burns

Sonya Lang

Queen Rhododendra Katrina Greenlief

Maygan Sturm

Jireh Te’O

Rhody Days Rhody-O Roundup Heavy showers Saturday and Sunday nights more than usual. reminded all of us that, yes, we live in the Pacific Northwest. But only light showers and moderate temperatures prevailed through 2014 Rhododendron Jr. Court Rhody Days, even on Sunday for the 107th Annual Rhododendron Festival Grand Floral Parade.

Only a minor show of umbrellas marked the parade route for thousands of participants. The rest of the crowd seem content to brave the occasional shower. A spokesman Elizabeth Garcia Ashlyn Hart for the Davis Carnival noted that attendance was up 14 percent this year.

In recent years, parade entries have been getting high marks for creativity and excellence, and this year entrants raised the bar again. One observer said he had counted more than 50 horses in the parade, many Kiana Moody Aubrie Lynn Saari Zoey Slider

Rhododendron Flower Show The Siuslaw chapter of the American Rhododendron Society hosted its annual show to celebrate Florence’s native rhododendrons and some of the hybrids that have been developed in the last 100 years.

The weekends Rhododen-dron Show at the Florence Events Center was aglow with color and fragrance of the 539 entries on display.

Siuslaw Elementary students’ rhododendron artwork covered two walls, and a special display showed the many sizes and shapes of rhododendron leaves, along with books and information about growing rhododendrons.

INTERNATIONAL OF FLORENCE

WOMEN AT WORK

P.O. Box 1209 Florence, Oregon 97439

We are women who want to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.

SIA is committed to gender equality, empowerment, education and diversity & fellowship.

Soroptimist International of Florence has been active in this community since 1972. Interested in joining our organization?

Call club president, Nancy Bosket at 541-902-7250. We will be meeting on Wednesday’s at Chen’s starting on September 16th.

10 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

ECDG ~ e{ÉwÉwxÇwÜÉÇ fxÇ|ÉÜ VÉâÜà ~ King Of the Coast

Trevor Denning

Jakob Kirby

King of The Coast Derek Kennedy

Samuel Johnson

Jeremiah Tupua

Rhody Moments Great moments on Sunday, May 18, included parade participants Mr. and Mrs. Fred Bower, top left, indicating that this year’s festival is certainly not their first Rhody-O (this year’s theme); it’s their 92nd; above right is a winning float by Florence Elks Lodge No. 38, which took the Grand Marshal’s Award; bottom left, teens let loose at the Davis Carnival in the popular ride Pharaoh’s Fury.

Established in 1956

Coast Real Estate

541-997-7777

100 Highway 101 • Florence, Oregon

“We’re next to the bridge”

See all of Florence’s listings at cbcoast.com

Offering The Finest Properties On The Coast •Waterfront •Acreage •Golf Course •New Construction •Old Town •Commercial

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 11

ECDF

~ e{ÉwÉwxÇwÜÉÇ fxÇ|ÉÜ VÉâÜà ~

Queen Rhododendra Jade Herbert

Courtney Rodet

Taysie Savage

Royalty Shines During Grand Floral Parade Thousands visit Florence for Rhody Days Feedback from the city’s biggest annual event is still coming in, but so far, residents and businesses had some fun during the 106th Rhododendron Festival.

A spokesperson for the Davis Shows carnival said traffic was down a little compared with last year’s festival, probably because of the rain on Friday and Saturday and some sturdy winds on Sunday.

The vendor fair on Maple Street was popular and crowded but some vendors said that people were not spending a lot.

One Bay Street shop owner said, “We had a reasonably calm weekend in Old Town, but sales were better than last year for our store, although it did not seem like there were as many people as usual.”

There is no official visitor count yet, but parking spaces were spotted in Old Town, which is a rarity this time of year.

The Grand Floral Parade was a winner all around. The weather held out, with some visitors sporting sunburns by the end of the day.

More than 100 entries were registered for the parade, including floats, classic cars, bicyclists, dancers, marching bands and more.

For a town packed with thousands of visitors, FloGutierrez reported that his department issued 19 rence police agreed that the Rhody Festival weekend citations between Friday and Saturday, for such trafoverall was pretty quiet. fic violations as speeding and using cell phones while Chief Ray Gutierrez said that the little bit of rain driving. and cool temperatures may have helped keep the Rhody Society Hosts Flower Show, Sale calm.

The Siuslaw Chapter of the American Rhodo2013 Rhododendron Jr. Court dendron Society held its annual flower show and plant sale on May 18 and 19 at the Florence Events Center.

The show included a rhododendron leaf display and an art show by elementary school students.

On Saturday, May 18, azaleas and rhododendron trusses were brought to the FEC for judging. Flowers came from plants grown by the Bailey Rae Ally Peterson Taylor Winona participants for at least six months. Ribbons and trophies were awarded. It was a great time to ask questions on rhododendrons and azaleas, to purchase books and plants and enjoy the blooms and fragrances of azaleas and rhododenBrier Shird Meika Shappell Erin Gustafson drons.

Always Ready to Rhody Since 1979!

C O O S B AY

•

EUGENE

•

FLORENCE

•

MEDFORD

•

ROSEBURG

• 800-997-7121 • www.opbc.com

member

12 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

ECDE

~ e{ÉwÉwxÇwÜÉÇ fxÇ|ÉÜ VÉâÜà ~

Lindsey Free

Angelina Perez

Queen Rhododendra Marisha Reavis

Samantha Rodriguez

2012 Rhody Fest Festival Scores High Marks with Visitors, Locals and Businesses.

Street for the vendor fair also was successful.

If last year’s estimates for Rhody Days hung lots of positive feedback about the event.

“What stands out to me is how smooth the He added that Davis Shows reported a record around 15,000, then this year’s attendance blew that record out of the water. Old Town and areas weekend went,” Applebee said. “Businesses in number of attendees at the carnival.

Pageant: The annual Queen Rhododendra along Highway 101 were packed through the Florence are reporting doing well.”

Applebee said that the new location on Maple Scholarship Pageant Friday evening saw the weekend with local people and visitors anxious crowing of Marisha Reavis of Florence as to break out of the humdrum winter.

2012 Rhododendron Jr. Court Queen Rhododendra among the senior Crowds came in classic show cars, hordes of princess court of Angelina Perez and Samanmotorcycles and vehicles from all over the West tha Rodriguez of Siuslaw High School and to bring attendance estimates to more than Lindsey Free of Mapleton High. The junior 20,000 for the 105th Annual Rhododendron princess court included Nikita Barrett, Phoebe Festival.

The Davis Shows carnival kicked off the slate Collinge, Joslin Peckham, Destiny Gustafson and Casey Arvilla. of activities, rising at the Port of Siuslaw in dry The pageant show was proweather, a rare occasion in the last several Casey Arvilla Nikita Barrett duced by Joshua Greene, years. and Boomer Wright The weather remained fair except for a heavy was the master of ist on Sunday morning, just enough to refresh ceremonies. the floats but not soak the participants.

Cal Applebee, executive director of the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce, which hosts the festival annually, said he has received Phoebe Collinge

A

Destiny Gustafson

Joslin Peckham

U T O O B L I A V L ES L New oils, balsamics, and olives, but we now also have virgin olive oil skin care products, kitchenware, coasters, placemats, table runners, aprons, knives and more!

1141 Bay St. (Formerly Balcony Gourmet) • Old Town Florence

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 13

ECDD ~ e{ÉwÉwxÇwÜÉÇ fxÇ|ÉÜ VÉâÜà ~

Tessa Hagle

Queen Rhododendra Emalee Joslin

Ashley Velarde

Katelyn Barkely

Emma Claussen

Rhody Fest 2011 In its 104th year, the festival attracts thousands for the event-filled weekend An estimated 15,000-plus people were entertained this weekend in Florence for the 104th Annual Rhododendron Festival, congesting city streets and filling local businesses and Old Town to the brim.

More than 20 local events were featured throughout the City of Rhododendrons for the three-day festival, including the Davis Shows Carnival, Boardwalk Vendor Fair and the signature event — the Grand Floral Parade.

This year’s theme was “Spanning the Years,” honoring the 75th anniversary of the Siuslaw River Bridge.

Frank Nelson, a former bridge engineer, served as the grand marshal of Sunday’s parade.

Rhody Pageant Marking the festival’s official kick off, five Siuslaw High School seniors competed Friday night for the title of Queen Rhododendra at the 2011 Rhododendron Festival Scholarship Pageant, with Emalee Joslin taking home the crown.

Joslin and Senior Court Princesses Kaitlyn Barkley, Emma Claussen, Tessa Hagle and Ashley Velarde, along with Junior Court Princesses Faith Anderson, Tara Bowman, Bridget Heindel, Reanna Latham and Annabel Tupua, “put on the performance of a lifetime

at the Florence Events Center,” according to Kady Sneddon, Florence Area Chamber of Commerce executive director.

KVAL News Anchor Shelley Kurtz emceed the pageant, which was produced by Joshua Greene. Last year’s Queen Rhododendra, Tyler Mielke, returned to crown

2011 Rhododendron Jr. Court

Bridget Heindel

Tara Bowman

Faith Anderson

Annabel Tupua Reanna Latham

WHEN EXPERIENCE COUNTS We go to EXTREMES to solve your hearing problems!

2285 Highway 101 Florence, OR 97439

(541) 997-8866 BestForHearing.com

Established 1982

Joslin as the new queen for 2011.

Other honors announced at the show were First Runner Up and Miss Congeniality, which went to Claussen and Velarde, respectively. Joslin, who reigned over the weekend’s festivities, also won the Best Talent Award for her monologue.of Eugene. Bones’ Nursery was awarded Bet Large Foliage and Lainda and Gary Swarz of Florence took home the Queen’s Choice for Best Deciduous.

All in all the 104th Rhododendron festival was a blooming success and everyone reported having a great time and reported that they would be back next year!

Classic Cars, Cruise Multiple events took place on Saturday, including the 33rd Annual 5k and 10k Rhody Run, Ladies of the Elks Pie Sale, Rhody Festival Junior Parade and the Kiwanis Kids Games. Three Rivers Casino and Hotel also hosted a “Let it Ride” show, featuring dozens of motorcycles that were on display for viewing.

14 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

ECDC ~ e{ÉwÉwxÇwÜÉÇ fxÇ|ÉÜ VÉâÜà ~

Queen Rhododendra Tyler Mielke

Katie Hall

Scarlet Chipps

Hanna Hodulik

Jenna Hanslits

Rhody Fest 2010: Rainy Day Revelry Rhody days congest city streets, pack businesses Saturday and Sunday, however, were signifiFlorence seemed a little smaller last weekend came out, and that was the best part.”

Last Friday’s downpour no doubt deterred cantly dryer. after thousands of visitors congested city streets, River House Inn Manager Susan Robbins said booked local accommodations and packed busi- some festivalgoers. Local weather statistics indicate more than 1-1/2 inches of rainfall that day. several guests were so delighted with Saturday’s nesses for the 103rd Rhododendron Festival. sunny weather that they cooked up an imDespite the intermittently wet weather, area promptu barbeque. shops and hotels reported an overall successful “Guests totally enjoyed themselves, and event that featured the theme “You are here.” they weren’t going to let anything spoil their Port of Siuslaw Campground and Marina was fun,” Robbins said. “They look forward to (the “full to the gills,” according to Assistant Harborfestival) all year and make it a good time when master and Campground Manager Ken Hill.

“Other than a wet Friday, the campground they’re here.”

She said the inn welcomed 100 to 150 outwasn’t too bad. We were about where we exof-towners this past weekend, and the hotel is pected to be,” Hill said. already fully reHe said reservations for the port’s 105 camping and RV sites were booked at least six months served for next year. in advance for this year’s Rhody Days. Although “We had a great time. It was very there were a few last-minute cancellations, the successful,” Robbins campground made use of its waiting list of 40 Junior Princess Court float with 2010 Princesses Cheyanne added. people.

Rudder, Alyssa West, Logan Kilgore, Emma Benscoter and “It was a good weekend,” Hill said. “The sun Amelia Wells.

Always Ready to Rhody Since 1979!

C O O S B AY

•

EUGENE

•

FLORENCE

•

MEDFORD

•

ROSEBURG

• 800-997-7121 • www.opbc.com

member

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 15

ECCL ~ e{ÉwÉwxÇwÜÉÇ fxÇ|ÉÜ VÉâÜà ~

Casey Stevens

Chelsey Brown

Queen Rhododendra Kay Robertson

Kayla Jones

Sarah Jennings

Community Converges in ‘Rhody Daze’ Come on in, there’s always room for more. And Rhody Pageant so they did: Visitors poured in and homebodies Siuslaw High Senior Kay Robertson was came out of their shelters this weekend to celecrowned Queen Rhododendra of the 102nd Rhobrate the 102nd annual Rhododendron Festival. dodendron Festival, The population of the city of Florence at least Five Siuslaw High School seniors competed for doubles this weekend – unofficial estimates vary the title at the Festival Scholarship Pageant. between 17,000 and 20,000.

Playing of the festival theme Pacific WonderThe Davis Carnival was set up and ready to go 2009 Rhododendron Jr. Court Wednesday, but the big weekend kickoff fizzled with a dreary wet day,. From Thursday on, however, the weather cooperated, with plenty of sun, warmer temperatures and cool wind.

According to Kady Sneddon, Executive Director of the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce, attendance through the weekend matched previous year but varied significantly in the usual Maci Wells Hannah Jones “rush” days.

“I reel really good about the whole festival,” Sneddon said. “I’ve been worrying but how the economy was going to affect the festival, but we had great attendance.”

Though she has no headcount, she thinks attendance was greatly increased for the Grand Floral Parade and “we had great attendance.” Jaidan Henry Shayndel Burnett Abby Geving

land, the pageant was designed with an Alice in Wonderland feel.

After the weekend it was reported that the pageant is always exciting and full of surprises. This year was no different.

Rhody Show According to the Siuslaw chapter of the American Rhododendron Society, 974 trusses were entered for this year’s show. The overall Sweepstakes Winner is Jim Smith of Mapleton.

Best in Show was awarded to Galen Baxter, now of Eugene. Bones’ Nursery was awarded Best Large Foliage and Linda and Gary Swarz of Florence took home the Queen’s Choice for Best Deciduous.

All in all the 102nd Rhododendron festival was a blooming success and everyone reported having a great time.

Many said that they would be back next year!

EXCAVATNG SEPTIC SYSTEMS SUBDIVISIONS LAND CLEARING

DEQ#37263

CB#91052

PAVING TRUCKING BRUSH & DEBRIS RECYCLING DEMOLITION

1770 Laurel Place • raywellsinc.com 541-997-2054 Fax: 541-997-3499 1-877-201-0652

16 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

ECCK ~ e{ÉwÉwxÇwÜÉÇ fxÇ|ÉÜ VÉâÜà ~

Carrie Abrahamson

Chrystine Cole

Brynne Sapp

Queen Rhododendra Susannah Carroll

Meggan Haslett

Kelsie Wells

Reyna Gutierrez

101 Entries in 101st Rhody Fest Florence sizzles for annual festival — sun and fun bring out 17,000 people for four days of festivities

2008 Junior Rhododendron Court Top to bottom: Cheyenne Harris, Bryona Overton, Shai Grover, Auriel Hager-Tolle, MaryAnn Holdren, Breanna Allen

If you were sporting a sunburn this week, you were probably at the Rhody Days.

Sizzling temperatures and air that was unusually muggy for late spring on the coast did not dissuade the crowds from dropping in on Florence for Rhododendron Days Festival Weekend, May 14 to 18.

About 17,000 people turned out for the popular weekend, reported Florence Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kady Sneddon. The festival kicked off on Wednesday with the carnival, Davis Shows Northwest, at the Port of Siuslaw, and continued through Sunday with the Grand Floral Parade.

This year’s theme was “Rhody Fun on 101.”

The festival weekend launched on Thursday, with a chowder cook-off at the Florence Events Center and a dress rehearsal for the pageant that evening.

The professional winner in the chowder cook-off was Seagull Bar and Smoke-

house, chowder #5. People’s Choice winner was Little Brown Hen Cafe, chowder #1.

Samantha Lyn-Metz Jessica Dodson The Rhododendron Scholarship Pageant, queen’s coronation, reigned in Rivers Casino.

A youth art show was featured at the asFlorence on Friday Night.

Susannah Carroll was crowned Queen sociation’s annual arts and crafts show.

Rhododendra the first Mapleton queen in Students in Mapleton and Siuslaw school more than 20 years, said Lori Boshaw, pag- districts were eligible for the show and eant director. Carroll won a $1,000 schol- more than 55 entries were received.

The Grand Floral Parade culminated the arship with the crown.

The charity of choice for People’s weekend on Sunday afternoon.

“The parade went really well. We staged Choice voting at the pageant was Florence Area Humane Society, which received things differently than we did in the past,” said Kady Sneddon, $350.

On Friday, the Classic Car Show and executive chamber Shine pre-show rolled into town at Three director.

The parade had Rivers Casino. The show was also at Groexactly 101 entries, cery Outlet on Saturday. eight Another popular event this year was the including bands, American Rhododendron Society’s Rhody marching one from Beaverton.

Festival Show on Saturday and Sunday.

Also popular was the Florence Arts and Crafts Association (FACA) show at Three

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 17

ECCJ ~ e{ÉwÉwxÇwÜÉÇ fxÇ|ÉÜ VÉâÜà ~

Carrie Minor

Rachael Mller

Queen Rhododendra Jenny Pazar

Samantha Caves

Holly Beck

Rhody Days in Full Swing The theme for this 100th year celebration is “100 Years of Reflection” The rhodies are in full spectacular bloom up and turn around and parade down the river to the Sius- night. This will be as exciting as the area’s firedown the highway and all around the town as the law Bridge and then dock at the Port of Siuslaw. works on the Fourth of July.

These activities and events are in addition to the Florence community celebrates 100 years of its This regatta is sponsored and coordinated by the Siuslaw Fisherman’s Association. annual wonderful, fun and exciting events and acRhododendron Festival.

For the first time in years, if ever, there will be a tivities that help make the Rhododendron Festival To mark this special milestone, several special fireworks display on the Siuslaw River on Saturday such a great celebration by the community. events and displays are part of this year’s festival.

The culmination of the 100th Festival will be the The Vietnam Moving Wall is on display at Miller 2007 Rhododendron Jr. Court Grand Floral Parade starting at noon on Sunday, Park after its solemn arrival in Florence on May 20. This promises to be the best parade yet Wednesday. It is an honor for Florence to have with lots of floats, equestrians, marching bands, this second visit of the Moving Wall to the area.

Queen Rhododendra with her court, the Junior The Budweiser Clydesdales are also special Princesses and the Budweiser Clydesdales! guests to the Florence area. They have been stabled at Dunham Motors on Highway 101 and are For a complete rundown and schedule of events, see page 2 of this issue and the official making several appearances around town while program in Wednesday issue of the Siuslaw they are here, including the Grand Parade on Celia Twombly Courtney Taylor Kaylee Graham News.

Sunday.

For more information, contact Today, Saturday, May 19, there will be a free concert starting at 3 p.m. and showcasing a wide The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce at 541-997variety of music. Amy Clawson will be the head3128 or email: Floliner act. As a reminder of how the Rhododendron Festival was celebrated in the early years, rence@oregonfast.net or adminassist@oregonthere will be a boat regatta. The boats will pafast.net. rade up the Siuslaw River to Cushman and then Destiny Clark Taylor D’Amelio Ashlee Cole

FRESH CRAB AND SALMON Stop in for a fresh crab or shrimp cocktail. Try our smoked salmon or tuna.

The Krab Kettle, a long-established local seafood market offers a complete selection of fresh and frozen seafood. It is our goal at The Krab Kettle to provide Oregon’s freshest seafood at the lowest possible prices. We offer our “Krab Kettle” brand canned chinook salmon, albacore tuna and smoked chinook salmon.

THE KRAB KETTLE 280 Hwy. 101 (2 Blocks N. of Bridge) Florence MONDAY-SUNDAY 10-6 • 997-8996

18 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

ETS!

ECCI ~ e{ÉwÉwxÇwÜÉÇ fxÇ|ÉÜ VÉâÜà ~

Ashley Patterson

Juliana Gabriel

Millie Hammon

Queen Rhododendra Lara Owens

Nicole Geeting

Sarah Jensen

‘The Best is Yet to Come’ at 99th annual festival It can’t rain on a Rhody Days parade, locals say. It almost did, but Florence didn’t stand for it.

A few mild sprinkles on at least 10,000 Grand Floral parade goers Sunday, a few DUIIs, one stolen Harley-Davidson motorcycle, and several hundred elephant ears later, and the second oldest flower festival in Oregon wrapped up its 99th weekend with a largely successful and safe time had by all, said officials.

Rhododendron Days festival chairperson Bret Feingold said 10,000 to 15,000 people turned out for a weekend packed with shows, exhibitions, food sales, and two parades.

The theme this year was “The Best Is Yet To Come.”

“The weekend went very well,” said Feingold.

“The weather held out very well... a lot of visitors thoroughly enjoyed the weekend.”

The 777 Café at Three Rivers Casino took Peoples’ Choice, first place in the judging rounds at Thursday’s Local Chowder Cookoff at

Driftwood Shores’ Surfside Restaurant.

About 60 people filtered in and out of the evening, sampling individual, anonymously marked cups of chowder and free finger food coordinated with the Chamber of Commerce, said Driftwood Shores general manager Lawrence Fox. 2006 Rhododendron Jr. Court

Alexandra Dodson

Elyssa Rose

Baylie Huff

Taylor Dotson

Brittany Walker

Chelsea Simington

“Having this festival for 100 years is quite an accomplishment for the community,” said Julie Knox, Chamber director.

Rhody Parade 1st Place Winners: Grand Sweepstakes: 1st place–Elks Lodge #1858 Queen’s Award: 1st place–TR Hunter Real Estate (Jr. Court float) Mayor’s Award: Flo Tones Marching Units: Sweet Sensations.

Commercial float: Siuslaw Bank Non-commercial float: Red Hat Society Service Club float: Moose Lodge Marching Bands: Centennial Courts: Azalea Court Antique Cars: Fred Bower Model A Clasic Car Clubs: Coastal Corvettes Novelties: Eugene Springfield Shriners Most Unique: Ron & Sue Lange

Florence In Bloom Full Service Flower Shop & Gifts 1234 Rhododendron Dr., Florence

541-997-5391 • 800-914 -2305 www.florenceinbloom.com

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 19

ECCH ~ e{ÉwÉwxÇwÜÉÇ fxÇ|ÉÜ VÉâÜà ~

Florence Carroll

Jennifer Eichelberger

Queen Rhododendra Victoria Kimsey

Erin Honselor

Brittany Lukens

Carrie Nicholson

Rhody Rumble, Rhody Revelry Eighty-eight horses, 1,500 hotdogs and 40,000 patrons later, Florence’s annual Rhododendron Days Festival has come and gone.

In its wake: a pleased local police department and an estimated $100 million in weekend revenue.

“Another successful and safe Rhody Days,” said Florence Police Lieutenant Ray Gutierrez.

“It seemed like everyone enjoyed themselves.”

Festival chairman Bret Feingold and despite an increase in parade entrants, including 18 more horses than last year and ten marching bands, Sunday’s Grand Floral Parade was glitch-free.

“There weren’t any parade lags,” said Feingold. “It was well planned and went great.”

Last year’s Rhododendron Days Festival generated $57 million from “day trip” attendees and about $25 million from weekend-long visitors. The attendance was up this year by more than 10,000, the weekends revenue a

record.

Rhody Parade Winners: Grand Sweepstakes: 1st place–Three Rivers Casino, 2nd place–Selco Community Credit Union, 3rd place–3-2-1 Video.

Queen’s Award: 1st place–Elks Lodge, 2nd place–Bi-Mart (Queen’s float and Jr. princess float), 3rd place–ABC Pre School.

2005 Rhododendron Jr. Court

Marisha Reavis

Kiah Sampson

Lara Lewis

Meghan Pickell

Renée Zash Linsey Bottensek

Wobbe & Associates, Inc. Surveying - Planning Water Rights

Other First Place Winners– Mayor’s Award: TR Hunter (Grand Marshall’s float), Marching Bands: Highland Park Middle School.

Color Guard: U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard.

Coarts Award: Lebanon Strawberry Festival.

Marching Units: Sweet Sensation Jazz Drill Team.

Novelties: Lincoln County Renegades Most Unique Entries: Rhody Red Hats.

Antique Cars: Fred and Julie Bower.

Equestrian Awards: Best Individual–Ashley Rhodes, Best Team–Sand and Sea, Best Court– Coos County Fair Rodeo Court, Best Youth Entry– Pacific Equestrian 4-H Club.

Best of Show–Oregon Coast Horse Association.

20 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

2004

~ Rhododendron Senior Court ~

Allison Stone

Ashley Nesmith

Queen Rhododendra Anna Balcom

Maddie Winona

Lindsey VanDeHey

Without a Hitch Florence police and rescue officials were pleased to report Rhododendron Days went smoothly, with fewer arrests and incidents than previous years.

“This was remarkable Rhody weekend for us,” Florence Police Chief Lynn Lamm said Monday.

“We all just kept saying what’s going on?”

Lamm said Friday night is usually pretty uneventful, with Saturday night being the busier of the two during the festival. But this year was different.

Rhody Flower Show Judged a Success– The annual Rhododendron Flower Show held at the Florence Events Center in conjunction with the Rhododendron Festival featured 662 trusses this year and more than 325 ribbons were awarded to 61 individuals.

Sponsored by the Siuslaw chapter of the American Rhododendron Society, this year’s show displayed rhody trusses not only from Florence but from Tillamook, Tualtin and as far north as Longview, Washington.

Rhody Art Winners Announced– Louis Bignami

of Florence and nationally known artist in wood won “Best of Show” for his entry, “Space Egg” at last weekend’s Florence Arts & Crafts Association’s 44th annual Rhody Days jurried art show.

The award also carried a cash prize of $100.

The “People’s Choice award,” voted on by the attendees at the two-day show, was given to Dave 2004 Rhododendron Jr. Court

Janessa Mitchell

Jessica Card

Beale for his photography, “View from Mo’s Landing.” Beale’s accompaning cash award was $75.

Rhody Parade Winners– Grand Marshal’s Award, Mo’s; Mayor’s Award, Confederated Tribes/Three Rivers Casino; Queen’s Award, T.R. Hunter; Commercial Float, Bi-Mart; Non-Commercial, ABC Pre-School; Service Float, Florence Elks Lodge; Marching Bands, Highland Park Middle School; Marching Units, Sweet Sensations; Novelties, Pacific Coast Corvette Club; Most Unique Entry, Mapleton Electric Car Club and Equestrian Award, Silverlite Rodeo Team of Junction City.

Rhody Yard Contest– Chet and Lillian Hager’s garden at 255 Juniper was presented the “City of Rhododendrons” award by the Siuslaw Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society. The award was presented at the Rhododendron Festival Flower Show.

Cassie Souther Taylor Kauffman Kylie Briann Brandt

Readers Choice Voted #1 Realtor

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 21

2003

~ Rhododendron Senior Court ~

Kristen Pino

Carrie Carter

Queen Rhododendra Mishaun Christian

Amy Rowles

Crystal Starlight

Sunshine, Rainbows Mark This Year’s Rhody Festival They were “Singin’ in the Rain” at the Rhododendron Festival Pageant Friday night, and when Saturday morning’s Rhody Run concluded in a downpour it was anybody’s guess how the rest of the weekend would go.

But the weather cleared on Saturday and then Sunday, parade day, dawned without a cloud in the sky.

Between the rain and the sun, there must have been a rainbow somewhere around town. Festival-goers for the 96th annual event were advised by the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce to “find your pot of gold in our rainbow.”

Julie Knox, chamber director, said she was among those drenched during the Rhody Run. Knox kept the faith.

David Capen, this year’s festival marketing director, estimated that between 3,000 and 4,000 people watched the Rhody Festival Junior Parade on Saturday afternoon. He said an estimated 25,000 to 27,000 spectators lined the Highway and Bay Street for Sunday’s Grand Floral Parade.

The parade featured Queen Rhododendra

Ken

Mishaun Christian and her court. Grand Marshal was U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio. The Grand Marshal’s award went to the Oregon Division Chainsaw Sculpture Championship entry. Siuslaw Valley Bank won the Mayor’s Award and Oregon Federal Credit Union took the Queen’s Award.

Other first-place parade awards went to Les Schwab for the Queen’s Float; the Rhody Junior Court; the Florence Elks Lodge; Marshfield High 2003 Rhododendron Jr. Court

Errin Wolford

Kaitlyn Logan-Stonelake

Leigh Aurich

School marching band; 3-2-1 Video’s marching unit; Fred Bower for his antique car; the U.S. Coast Guard color guard; Pacific Coast Corvette Club; Mapleton High’s electric car; and the Silverlite Rodeo Team.

Capen said that Davis Amusement Carnival officials indicated they had an excellent festival gate.

“The carnival did very well, better than in previous yars,” Capen said. “The weather held out for them.”

Capen noted that the carnival donated arm bands good for amusement rides to volunteer “pooper-scoopers” and bumper carriers in Sunday’s parade–a total of more than 100 local kids.

“The carnival has been very easy for the Chamber to work with,” Capen said. “We have a good partnership.”

Makahla Huff Olivia Rowles

Carter Bros.

Larry

Construction Inc.

Custom Built Home for over 40 Years!

87616 PARKSIDE DR. FLORENCE, OR 97439

CCB#62223

PH: 541.997.7730 CELL: 541.991.0055

22 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

ECCE ~ e{ÉwÉwxÇwÜÉÇ fxÇ|ÉÜ VÉâÜà ~

Lexis LaRue

Elizabeth Bartman

Queen Rhododendra Christina Zieske

Jennifer Daugherty

Kailee VanCurler

Queen Christina Zieske Reigns Over a Well-Attended Fest The 2002 Rhododendron Festival wrapped up Sunday afternoon with the weather Gods still smiling on the Grand Floral Parade. The squall that set in within an hour of the parade’s end served to freshen the streets for departing festival-goers.

“The weather was very kind to us,” said David Capen, parade organizer. “I always keep my fingers crossed because the good weather brings out more people. We had about 35,000 to 40,000 people here this weekend.”

Just before the start of the parade–with more than 100 entries–at noon on Sunday, Queen Christina reflected on the first two days of her reign, speaking from her lofty perch on the court’s float.

Leading the parade were Grand Marshals: Florence Police Department Chief Lynn Lamm; Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue Chief John Buchanan and Adjutant General of the Oregon National Guard Major General Alexander Burtgin; Mayor Alan Burns and his wife, Karen; Florence First Citizen Jess Young and Future First Citizen Jannah Fitch; West Lane County Commissioner Anna Morrison and a U.S. Coast Guard color guard.

The real star of the parade was the contingent of between 600 and 700 volunteers who helped set up the floats beforehand, Capen said.

The parade also included 550 instrumentalists in the bands, according to Capen.

The star of the festival was the new kite show at the North Jetty, Capen said. Nine award-winning teams of kite-flyers gave a free show on Saturday and 2002 Rhododendron Jr. Court

Katherine Brown Janelle Jeans

Samantha Woosley

Kay Robertson

Sunday and brought a huge crowd to the beaches.

“I was down there a couple of times and there had to be about 1,000 people on the beaches. I think over the whole weekend, they brought about 7,000 people to the North Jetty,” Capen said. “This is the first year, so we didn’t have competitions, but it will probably grow into that. They had two perfect flying days and it was definitely the star of the weekend.”

The car cruise, which had a new route this year, will be modified again next year, Capen said.

“Closing off the streets worked really well, but the route was a little long,” Capen said. “Not because the drivers got tired of driving, but because there were some spots where no one was there to watch. So we want to maximize the time spent where the people are watching. So next year we’re going to shorten the route a little.

But it had 172 entries in the cruise.”

The kids’ games and Flower Show were also wellattended events.

Ginger Almogasses

DON'T GET LOST ON THE WEB! SEARCH LOCAL WWW.FLORENCEREALTYCONNECTION.COM

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 23

ECCD ~ e{ÉwÉwxÇwÜÉÇ fxÇ|ÉÜ VÉâÜà ~

Hillary Campbell

Jennifer Hicks

Queen Rhododendra Michelle Young

Lauren Madden

Lindsay Williams

94th Festival Offers Up Good Time for All Participants in the 94th Rhododendron Festival enjoyed sunny skies and cool breezes during last weekend’s pageantry and parades, shows and spectacles.

Queen Rhododendra Michelle Young, who was chosen at Friday night’s festival pageant, ruled over the weekend with Princesses Hillary Campbell, Jennifer Hicks, Lauren Madden and Lindsay Williams.

Campbell was first runner-up and Hicks won in the pageant’s entertainment category.

The pageant’s master and mistress of ceremonies were the father-daughter team of Bob and Kady Sneddon.

Attendance at the three-day festival met most expectations.

“We anticipated 35,000 (spectators), and it looks like we came close,” said Sandee Hansen on Monday. Hansen is executive director of the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the festival.

“I thought it went very well–it was nice and relaxed,” Hansen said “Everybody semed to be having a good time to me.”

The Davis Carnival, Hansen reported, had its

busiest Rhody Days Saturday ever, despite lighter than usual attendance on other days.

David Capen, co-chair of the Parade Committee, estimated that between 25,000 and 30,000 people watched Sunday’s Grand Floral Parade.

Capen was delighted with the nice weather, which he had predicted.

A couple of gaps in this year’s parade order will be the focus of fine-tuning for next year’s event, Capen said.

Capen said that first-time entries in the parade in2001 Rhododendron Jr. Court

Jessie Brown

Lindsey Hiatt

Marissa Morrill

Casey Stevens

cluded a float for the grand marshals, a county commissioner’s entry commemorating Lane County’s Centennial and the Queen’s Corner float.

Fred Meyer’s float, equestrian units the Norwegian Fjords and Rhody Chicks, a Sons of the American Revolution marching unit, a Western Lane Fire District fire engine restored by inmates at the Sheriff’s work camp, Dr. Korando’s Marching Teeth, car clubs, the Emerald City Cruiser Club and the Pacific Coast Corvette Club were some of the new units.

The middle school band moved up from the Junior Parade this year, Capen said, and were top prize winners in the marching band category in their first Grand Floral Parade appearance.

“They were so excited to be in the parade,” said Capen, who was headed to the Chamber of Commerce on Monday to turn in the judges’ decisions. “They are going to be very surprised and very happy to be the winners.”

Samantha Lyn-Metz

TONY’S GARAGE AUTO SERVICE & REPAIR

Full service, bumper to bumper auto repair and maintenance shop.

Owners Tony and Melissa Phillips First year anniversary. Tony, Kyle, Melissa & Kevin

541-902-1955 1730 W.21st St. • Florence, OR 97439

24 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

ECCC ~ e{ÉwÉwxÇwÜÉÇ fxÇ|ÉÜ VÉâÜà ~

Jaymie Porter

Alexis Sleight

Queen Rhododendra Courtney Stone

Kady Sneddon

Missy Williams

Florence Proves Rhody Spirit is Alive and Well in 2000 If you’ve ever watched a wave coming to shore, you will have a pretty good idea of how this year’s Rhododendron Festival came together.

A long wave moves toward the shore in one great, continuous, rolling swell. Parts of the swell crest and break before other parts. As the wave advances, the foam outlining the breaking crests spreads and joins the next breaking crest–until finally the whole wave is included.

The wave analogy can be appreciated now that Rhody 2000 is over. For instance, all involved say the festival built throughout the year. It then “crested” May 19-21 when the “whole” festival came together.

Thus, on a bright sunny weekend, Florence people again put their best foot forward and welcomed visitors to what is being called one of the most successful Rhododendron Festivals ever.

Although the population of Florence is only about 7,000, festival officials say this year’s event drew nearly 40,000.

While good weather was one reason for the big turnout, locals like to think Rhody’s popularity has something to do with another analogy–the big Rhody wave of community spirit.

That spirit can be found in the famous homemade pies that Mary Lynn and other Elk women make for the festival each year.

It’s also why Andy LaTomme has sweated over a huge BBQ grill these past eight years cooking those juicy and easy eating chickens. Or why Donna McMillan helps run the Rhododendron Quilt Guild that puts on one of the largest quilt shows in the country.

2000 Rhododendron Jr. Court

Anna Bour

Kayla Jones

Gabby Williams

The spirit could also be felt May 19 and 20 at the Rhododendron Primary School when nearly 100 people kicked up their heels during a square dance to celebrate the event.

The Rhody spirit is evident in local history documents that describe how the founding fathers envisioned the first festival–93 years ago–as a means to celebrate the town’s subtle differences and pride.

Moreover, the event “gives people a chance to glimpse the past,” states one Rhody Festival display at the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum.

Visitors also like the idea of people from different communities coming together, and getting back in touch or getting to know one another.

One elderly man, wearing a disabled veterans’ flight cap, was doing some cleanup at the far end of the parade route. He showed another kind of spirit when he stopped to salute the Stars and Stripes that were being collected along the parade route.

Laryssa Birdseye Savannah Wynn

Established in 1956

Coast Real Estate

541-997-7777

100 Highway 101 • Florence, Oregon

“We’re next to the bridge”

See all of Florence’s listings at cbcoast.com

Offering The Finest Properties On The Coast •Waterfront •Acreage •Golf Course •New Construction •Old Town •Commercial

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 25

DLLL ~ e{ÉwÉwxÇwÜÉÇ fxÇ|ÉÜ VÉâÜà ~

Brooke Lundeen

Maria Hall

Queen Rhododendra Crystal Stinger

Melissa Pope

Seana Fields

Weather Aids Success of Fest The 92nd Annual Rhododendron Festival had a mixture of the traditional as well as the new this year, and by all accounts, it was a successful combination.

From the Grand Floral Parade and the 18th Annual Arts and Crafts Show and Sale to the First Annual Motorcycle Show and Hole-In-One Shootout, people from all over the state came to Florence to experience the festival.

David Capen, Florence Area Chamber of Commerce president, estimates that approximately 30,000 people were in Florence during the course of the festival weekend. Capen added that all available motel rooms in Florence were filled on Saturday night.

The break in the clouds for some much-desired good weather had a lot to do with the festival’s success, Capen said. The city began to fill with people coming in from the valley as they got the word of the sunshine and began to make their way out to Florence to participate in the weekend events, Capen Said.

Although there are many different festivals in small towns all over Oregon, the Rhododendron Festival remains unique because it represents the combination of 92 years of festival history as well as the way that the festival has become a destination point for motorcyclists from all walks of life.

“There is a real juxtaposition of the old tradition and now perhaps a new tradition,” Capen Said.

An effort was made this year to emphasize this unique aspect of the festival with the addition of a 1999 Rhododendron Jr. Court

Brandi Wilburn

Jessica Fulton

Morgan Stillman

motorcycle show and poker run, Capen said.

“It is appropriate to get them involved in the actual activities of the festival. I think that the word will get out in bike magazines and places like that that the Festival is the place to have a good time.

Entry winners for Sunday’s Grand Floral Parade are Grand Sweepstakes, Home Builders Association; Queen’s Trophy, Oregon Pacific Banking Company; Mayor’s Trophy, Ijira-Mura Sister City; First Place Commercial Float, ABC Preshcool; First Place Non-Commercial Float, STEP; First Place Service Float, Florence Elks Club; Best Court Float, Junior Princesses; Best Marching Band, Highland Park Middle School; Best Antique Car, Heceta Beach RV Park; Best Color Guards, Marine Corps Marching Unit with Veterans of Foreign Wars; Best Marching Units, US Naval Sea Cadets; Best Novelties, Foglio antique fire engine; Equestrian Best of Show, Lincoln County Rodeo Court; Best Individual Equestrian Entry, Whitney LaDrake and First Place Equestrian Team, Mumpower Stables.

Lacey Peterson Rebecca Major

Proud to have been the “Official Crown Bearer” to many Queen Rhododendras!

541•999•6078 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK FACEBOOK.COM/PETERSENAUTODETAIL

Trent Petersen, Owner

26 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

DLLK ~ e{ÉwÉwxÇwÜÉÇ fxÇ|ÉÜ VÉâÜà ~

Kira Kimery

Jenny Jakcson

Queen Rhododendra Tami Bryant

Tionna Foglio

Barbara Thompson

Fest-goers ‘Dream a Little Dream’ The weather may have been unpredictable, with showers one minute and gleaming sunshine the next, but that didn’t seem to put a damper on the spirits of those who did attend and participate in the 91st annual Rhododendron Festival last weekend.

“I think things went extremely well, despite the weather,” said David Capen, president of the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce.

Both sides of Bay Street were lined with Harley Davidsons, the Davis Shows Carnival was packed, and the events center was crowded with those who wanted to get a look at the best rhododendrons in Florence.

The bad weather did have an impact on the turnout for some events, including the Rhody Mosey, the Pajama Boogie, the Florence Fly-In and the Kiwanis Kids Games, which was canceled due to rain, said Bob Sneddon, festival chairperson.

Despite the rain, visitors and locals made the most of what Florence had to offer during this Rhody Festival weekend.

The Pajama Boogie, held at the events center on Friday, kicked off the weekend as people danced all night.

Over 100 people attended, down from last year’s attendance with many dressing up in their finest evening wear to celebrate the “Dream a Little Dream” theme.

1998 Rhododendron Jr. Court

Breann Thomas Hannah Renner

Kourtney Burns

Miriah McFarland

Winners for best costume were Lynnette Wikstrom-Smith, dressed in flannel pajamas with a duck theme, and Ken Hobson, dressed in evening “lounge-wear” which included a smoking jacket and silk pajamas, Kirham said.

A new addition to this year’s festival activities were the electric car races and demonstration held at the East Woahink Day-Use Area on Saturday.

Several high schools participated in the event including the Siuslaw and Mapleton High School teams.

Parade grand marshal, University of Oregon women’s basketball coach Jody Runge, rode in a metallic purple antique convertible.

This year’s parade winners include: Grand Sweepstakes Award, Bi-Mart; Queen’s Award, ABC Preschool; and Mayor’s Award, Honeyman State Park.

Other entries included award-winning equestrians, school marching bands, dune buggies and numerous floats.

Stefanie Barrett

DON'T GET LOST ON THE WEB! SEARCH LOCAL WWW.FLORENCEREALTYCONNECTION.COM

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 27

DLLJ ~ e{ÉwÉwxÇwÜÉÇ fxÇ|ÉÜ VÉâÜà ~

Leslie Crossley

Christine Barnes

Queen Rhododendra Teola Wilkins

Sara Witten

Lindy King

Weather Aids Success of Fest There should be a saying that goes “weather is as weather does.” Give a community one week of perfect weather on its biggest weekend of the year and see what happens.

What happened in Florence was one of the grandest Rhododendron Festivals ever in its 90year history. The motels and campgrounds were packed with visitors who came to participate in the three-day weekend. Businesses flourished, thousands of spectators lined the streets and some events attracted more entries than ever.

The Show ‘N’ Shine Car Show had 149 entries, 69 more than last year and the most ever in its history. The American Rhododendron Society Siuslaw Chapter Rhody Show had 619 entires, again the most ever. The Elks Lodge served 2,400 chicken dinners in two days, and the Peace Harbor Hospital Auxiliary sold more than 140 pies in three hours.

Thousands of festival-goers lined the streets for both the Junior Parade on Saturday and the Grand Floral Parade on Sunday.

“The weekend was as perfect as the weather,” Florence Area Chamber of Commerce Executive

Director Leigh Deinert said.

A grand marshal reception on Saturday honored Mayor of Ijira Mura, Japan, Tadao Murahashi and the seven Japanese visitors who attended the festival. Ijira Mura was adopted as Florence’s sister city last year.

Saturday’s Junior Parade was complete with llamas, horses and more than 250 children and adults.

They walked, bicycled, cartwheeled and rode their way from Sixth Street to Hans Petersen Field fol1997 Rhododendron Jr. Court

Casey Hederman Priscilla Pearson

Ellen Yecny

Erika Harding

Kathleen Dalbeck

lowing the parade’s grand marshal, long-time Florence resident Leona Elliot.

This year’s Grand Floral Parade included more than 100 entries including a variety of bands, floats, equestrian groups and much more. And this year, said Brian Cole, who has been chair of the parade committee for the last seven years, the rhododendrons were abundant, unlike the previous year.

A color guard from the United States Coast Guard Station in Florence led the parade with a van behind blasting patriotic music.

Several parade entrants were given awards for their creativity and participation in the parade: Grand Sweepstakes Winner, Home Builders Association; Queen’s Choice, ABC Preschool; Mayor’s Choice, Honeyman State Park; Commercial, Morgan’s Country Kitchen; Non-Commercial, Siuslaw Steppers; Service Organizations, Teen Advisors and Bands, Eugene Highlanders.

28 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

DLLI ~ e{ÉwÉwxÇwÜÉÇ fxÇ|ÉÜ VÉâÜà ~

Andrea Palmer

Erika Hess

Queen Rhododendra Rae Lee Deris

Holly Hewlett

Lanika Mamac

Festival Shines Bright Despite Damp Weather The weather was unpredictable, and despite some showers over the weekend the 89th Rhododendron Festival once again attracted thousands of visitors to Florence.

Throngs of parade participants and viewers alike lined the highway for the traditional Grand Floral Parade Sunday, wrapping up a weekend that held something for everyone.

“The parade planning and organization was wonderful,” said Leigh Deinert, Florence Area Chamber of Commerce executive director. “Unfortunately due to the weather, we had lower participation than last year, but not by much. That’s the one thing we can’t control, the weather.”

Friday’s Beach Blanket Boogie sponsored by the chamber kicked of the weekend’s festivities, along with square dancing by the Florence Fun Bunch at the Rhododendron School and a Sock Hop at the Whistler Restaurant.

Despite the fact it was pouring rain moments before the Junior Parade was to begin on Saturday, more than 80 children still participated in the parade which was sponsored by the Florence Fire Department and the Siuslaw Public Library.

The 1996 KCST Traveling Trophy for the outstanding parade entry was awarded to the Siuslaw Girl Scouts for their Picnic on the Beach float.

Before Saturday’s parade the first annual Rhodoscooter/Box Car Derby was held on Bay Street with a variety of scooters in the race including an outhouse scooter. The fifth annual Rhody Mosey followed the parade.

1996 Rhododendron Jr. Court

Sarah Colling

Danielle Carter

Anna Balcom

Wobbe & Associates, Inc. Surveying - Planning Water Rights

Tamra Dietz

Megan Schofield

The Grand Sweepstakes Winner in the Sunday parade was 37th Street Laundry with the Queen’s Choice going to Mo’s Restaurant; Mayor’s Choice, PeaceHealth; Commercial First, Florence Aviation; NonCommercial First, Home Builders Association; Service Clubs First, Moose Lodge; Marching Bands First, Marshfield High School; Marchers & Walkers First, Oregon Pacific Banking Company; Novelty First, Western Bank and Antique Cars First, Jim Johnston. A new catergory was added this year with a trophy awarded instead of cash – Most Original Design, Florence Aviation.

The Little Cutie Contest – The grand prize winner was Wyatt Dunlap, son of Ray and Tammi Dunlap of Reedsport. In the birth to one-year-old group, first place went to Colton Lease-Poillot and second place to Kira Lindsey. In the one-year-old to two-year-old category first place went to Eden Huebner, and second place to Noah Kilfoy.

In the three-four-yearold category first place went to Garrett Wittrock and second to Sierra Edwards.

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 29

DLLH ~ e{ÉwÉwxÇwÜÉÇ fxÇ|ÉÜ VÉâÜà ~

Brandi Kekua

Emily Anthony

Queen Rhododendra Rovina Murti

Lelia Lowe

Traci Holman

Rhododendron Festival Draws Big Crowds The rhododendrons were plentiful and sunshine once again drenched the Rhododendron Festival last weekend as thousands turned out for the annual celebration.

Throngs of parade participants and visitors alike lined Highway 101 for the traditional Grand Parade Sunday, wrapping up a weekend that had something for everyone.

“I think we broke attendance records this year,” Chamber Executive Director Sandee Hansen said.

“I’m sure there were a couple of thousand more people than we have had in the past years. I would like to congratulate the community for having a great Rhododendron Festival.”

Friday’s Rhody Sock Hop, sponsored by the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce, kicked off the weekend’s festivities. Davis Carnivals provided the rides for both children and adults. Arts, crafts, cars, and motorcycles were available for viewing all weekend to the public.

On Saturday, nearly 300 children marched in the Junior Parade, sponsored by the Florence Fire Department and the Siuslaw Public Library, The

KCST traveling trophy award went to Serendipity Day Care and Pre-school for their float titled, “Serendipity, Happy Campers.”

Grand Marshal for the Junior Parade was Vanesa Owenby.

Following Saturday's parade was the fourth annual Rhody Mosey with contestants strolling along Bay Street in costumes. Special judges included Queen Rovina Muri and court, and Storm Kennedy and Dennis Nakata of Magic 94 radio in Eugene.

Bribes for the judges included beverages, snacks, a handwritten note inscribed on a stone tablet, photographs and clam chowder.

This year’s Grand Floral Parade consisted of more than 110 entries, with Ralph Miller as the parade’s grand marshal. Highlighting the parade was the queen’s float with the reigning queen Rovina Murti and her court, Emily Anthony, Tracy Holman, Brandi Kekua and Lelia Lower.

Grand Sweepstakes Winner, Bi-Mart; Queen’s Choice, Morgan’s Country Kitchen; Mayor’s Choice, Moose Lodge; Marchers and Walkers - first went to Oregon Pacific Banking Co.; second, Corridor School Jugglers; Novelty - first, Shrine Renegades, second, largest ball of string; Autos - first Sneddon Fire Truck, second, 101 Detail; Military first, Marshfield’s Cadet Squadron and second Mahlon Sweet Color Guard.

The Little Cutie Contest grand prize winner was Garrett Kauffmann, son of Mike and Becki Kaufmann of Reedsport.

bottom row: Millie Hammon, and Brittany Bailey; top row: Shannon Owens, Jamie Larson and Amanda Siewell.

TONY’S GARAGE AUTO SERVICE & REPAIR

Full service, bumper to bumper auto repair and maintenance shop.

Owners Tony and Melissa Phillips First year anniversary. Tony, Kyle, Melissa & Kevin

541-902-1955 1730 W.21st St. • Florence, OR 97439

30 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

DLLG ~ e{ÉwÉwxÇwÜÉÇ fxÇ|ÉÜ VÉâÜà ~

Shannon Moore

Shannon Bales

Queen Rhododendra Tiffany Cates

Nikki Buck

Katheryn Jackson

Festival Ends on Sunny Note The rhododendrons were plentiful and sunshine once again drenched the Rhododendron Festival last weekend as thousands turned out for the 87th annual celebration.

Throngs of parade participants and flowers alike lined Highway 101 for the traditional Grand Floral Parade Sunday, wrapping up a weekend that had something for everyone.

“The parade was really good this year, spectacular in fact. We had some real beauties,” Chamber Executive Director Sandee Hansen said. “The creative juices that people have are really coming forward, and float builders really put a lot of work into them. The use of flowers was really well done.

“It was a wonderful, wonderful weekend all the way around, and the weather cooperated beautifully. The town was just packed. Everything was just as I hoped it would be.”

Friday’s Rhody Sock Hop, sponsored by the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce, doubled last year’s attendance and kicked off the weekend’s festivities. Davis Carnivals provided the rides for both children and adults. Arts, crafts, cars, and motorcy-

cles were available for viewing all weekend to the public.

On Saturday, nearly 400 kids marched in the Junior Parade with the Girl Scouts float titled “Be a Winner, Be a Girl Scout” taking the traveling trophy award, sponsored by KCST Radio.

Grand Marshals for the Junior Parade were Arlene Dodson and Vivian Nelson.

1994 Rhododendron Jr. Court

Elizabeth Daniels - 1st Grade • Charnae Little - 2nd Grade Erica Weaver - 3rd Grade • Suzanne Barnhart 4th Grade • Sarah Reynolds - 5th Grade

Following Saturday’s parade was the third annual Rhody Mosey with contestants strolling along Bay Street in costumes. Special judges included Queen Tiffany Cates and court and Dennis Nakata of Magic 94 Radio in Eugene. There were 21 groups of contestants, and 37 prizes awarded.

Bribes for the judges included wine, roses, chocolates, pizza, hot sauce, T-shirts and soda pop.

This year’s Grand Floral Parade consisted of 128 entries with Marge Severy, 87, as the parade’s grand marshal. Highlighting the grand parade was the Queen’s float with the reigning Queen Tiffany Cates and court. Grand Sweepstakes Winner, ABC Preschool; and Queen’s Choice, Florentine Homeowners Association.

At the Western Lane Quilt Show awards were: New Quilt division, first, Lonnie Anderson, second Laura Ree; Old Quilt division, first, Maggie Chambers, second, Beverly Williams and the Most Unusual Quilt award went to Pat Mathieson.

The Little Cutie contest grand prize winner was four-year-old Kacie Henry, daughter of Janette Henry of Florence.

DON'T GET LOST ON THE WEB! SEARCH LOCAL WWW.FLORENCEREALTYCONNECTION.COM

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 31

DLLF ~ e{ÉwÉwxÇwÜÉÇ fxÇ|ÉÜ VÉâÜà ~

Emily Harline

Sarah Centrella

Queen Rhododendra Shannon Johnson

Julie Gray

Autumn Murphy

Weather Aids Success of Fest Sunshine and rhododendrons, parade sponsors and city officials couldn’t have asked for better as the 86th Rhododendron Celebration made its way throughout the weekend.

Despite a few minor sunburns, throngs of parade participants and viewers alike basked in the warm weather and festival activities, taking advantage of the extra momentum of the centennial year excitement.

“There were so many things going on and we certainly had the crowd base,” said Florence Area Chamber of Commerce President Bill Porter.

“This takes a lot of planning, and work by parade planners and volunteers make it all possible. People had such a good spirit,” he added.

Highlighting the weekend’s events, approximately 140 entries marched down Highway 101 amid rhododendron garlands Sunday for the Grand Floral Parade, according to Don Moska, parade chairman.

A 15-member committee and over 50 parade-day volunteers worked hard to make the parade a success. Moska added.

“We started back in November and just worked

and worked and worked. It made you feel really good to get that many people involved,” Moska said.

Bella Nordahl, 99-year-old long-time Florence resident, was grand marshal of Sunday’s parade.

Highlighting the grand parade was the Queen’s Float with the reigning queen, Shannon Johnson, and court. Autumn Murphy, Emily Harline, Julie Gray and Sarah Centrella, waving at onlookers.

Twenty-four entrants were given awards for the 1993 Rhododendron Jr. Court

creativity and participation in the parade: Grand Sweepstakes Winner, Siuslaw Valley Bank; Queen’s Choice, Title 5 Native American Indians; Mayor’s Choice, Cub Scouts Den 777, Florence; Non Commercial Floats–first, Mercer Lake Homeowners, second, ABC Preschool, third, Rhody Junior Court, Commercial Floats–first, Bi-Mart, second, Florentine/Coldwell Banker, third, Mo’s; Service Organization Floats–first, Moose Lodge, second, Florence Boosters, third, Elks Lodge; Bands–first, North Albany Middle School, second Lowell High School, third Scapoose High School, Novelty and Walkers– first, Corridor School Jugglers, second, Lincoln County Shrine Renegades, third, Hillah Temple Guard; Military–first Women Famine Veterans, second, Marshfield Civil Air Partol, third, USAF Recruitng, Coos Bay. Following the parade, the Rhody Mosey contestants strolled along Bay Street in costumes. Special judges included Storm Kennedy and Dennis Nakata of Magic 94 radio in Eugene.

Junior princesses are (from left): back row - Heather Gates, Melanie Falkenstein, and Sarah VanCurler; front row - Kelsey Terry and Daneille Earle

INSPECT – CORRECT – PROTECT SUSTAINED PEST MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR HOME AND BUSINESS

541-997-4027 • 1-800-622-8993 “Since 1983”

Visit our Website: www.swansonspm.com

SOME OF THE PESTS THAT WE TREAT:

ANTS • COCKROACHES FLEAS • RODENTS BIRDS • BEDBUGS STORED PRODUCTS PESTS BEES/WASPS • GOPHERS

32 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

DLLE ~ e{ÉwÉwxÇwÜÉÇ fxÇ|ÉÜ VÉâÜà ~

Lisa Patterson

Jennifer Thomas

Queen Rhododendra Dawnielle Anderson

Melanie Mann

Susan Ludwig

Balmy Weather Reigns Over 85th Rhody Festival The weather cooperated for the 85th annual Rhododendron Festival, providing dry streets for the parades and enough sun for a few sunburns. A large crowd of visitors was in town for the festivities.

The festival started Friday evening with the coronation of Queen Rhododendra, Dawnielle Anderson, senior at Siuslaw High School. Anderson competed for the title with four other high school seniors: Susan Ludwig, Melanie Mann, Lisa Patterson and Jennifer Thomas.

Anderson was named Miss Congeniality by the senior court, and she also won the talent part of the contest with a flute performance.

After the junior parade, a new event, the Rhody Mosey, brought a few laughs to Old Town. Participants paraded up and down Bay Street with foolish attire and shenanigans to compete for prizes donated by several Old Town businesses.

Saturday night saw the revitalization of the Queen’s Ball at Siuslaw Middle School. The Florence Jaycees sponsored the event.

The Grand Floral Parade was the highlight of Sunday’s activities. The Grand Sweepstakes winner of the float contest was Read Insurance’s float, which

included a replica of the lighthouse. The Read Insurance’s float also won the Queen’s Choice award. The Siuslaw News Award went to Florence Moose Lodge; The Driftwood Shores Award went to Eugene Greeters; the Mayor’s Award went to Sea Lion Caves; and the Grand Marshal’s Award went to BiMart.

In the commercial category, the Bi-Mart float won 1992 Rhododendron Jr. Court

Rebecca Gibson

Caitlin Ritt

Hillary Campbell Jamie Gorder

Amy Beidler

first place; second, Florentine Enterprises; and third, Sea Lion Caves. For organizations, the first place float was the Florence Elks; second, Mercer Lake Homeowners Association; and third, Waldport Junior Court.

Grand Marshals for the Grand Floral Parade were Wilbur and Joyce Terynik.

Following the parade, the annual slug race was held in Old Town. The participants slid their way to the finish line.

The Chamber of Commerce sold raffle tickets for chances to win a trip to Hawaii. Diana Ward of Florence won the raffle drawing.

“This year’s festival seemed to be well attended,” said Lonnie Iholts, president of the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce. “The parade on Sunday certainly exceeded last year’s attendance. The events themselves went very smoothly, because of the good work of the volunteers who have stayed with the festival over the past few years. They have taken hold of specific events and have brought them off without hesitation (as chamber president), it’s a wonderful relief.”

DON'T GET LOST ON THE WEB! SEARCH LOCAL WWW.FLORENCEREALTYCONNECTION.COM

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 33

DLLD ~ e{ÉwÉwxÇwÜÉÇ fxÇ|ÉÜ VÉâÜà ~

Shirley Rogers

Laurie Jensen

Queen Rhododendra Kristina Sullivan

Jennifer Ruede

Kay Chapman

America’s Heroes Honored at 84th Rhody Fest The sky was gray, but Florence burst with people and color last weekend. Flowers, balloons, flags and colored paper adorned the floats for the 84th Annual Rhododendron Parade.

The festival began Friday with the Queen’s Coronation, where Siuslaw High School Senior Kristina Maria Sullivan was crowned Queen Rhododendra.

Sullivan and four other princesses, Kay Chapman, Laurie Jensen, Shirley Rogers and Jennifer Ruede, competed for the honor.

The junior parade Saturday featured the five Rhododendron Junior Court Princesses, Ingrid Larson, Candi Keiper, Alexis Sleight, Alicia Kalista and Angela Galleton, who were crowned by their fathers Friday afternoon at the Junior Court presentation.

Dr. Richard and Mrs. Arlis Ulman were the grand marshals of the parade.

The festival theme was “American Heroes” and the grand sweepstakes award was won by the Forest Service float featuring Smokey the Bear.

Parade watchers numbered in the thousands and the parade took over an hour to cover the 2.6-mile route.

Rod Anders of the Ramblin’ Rod Show and retired

Lane County Sheriff Dave Burks were grand marshals.

According to Alan Burns, president of the Florence Chamber of Commerce, one of the few problems reported over the weekend was reckless driving of one of the car clubs.

Special Olympics won first place for floats entered by organizations. The commercial division was won by the Siuslaw Valley Bank.

The Driftwood Shores award for the outstanding band went to the Scapoose High School marching 1991 Rhododendron Jr. Court

Angela Galleton

Alicia Kalista

Alexia Sleight

Ingrid Larson

Candi Keiper

band and the Siuslaw News award for best use of flowers went to the Elks Lodge. Both the Mayor’s choice and the Queen’s choice awards went to the float entered by Sea Lion Caves.

After the parade, the streets were cleared slowly of people as they drifted toward one of the many other festivities, such as the carnival, the Rhododendron Show, or the Elks Chicken Barbecue. Immediately following the parade, throngs gathered to watch the Eugene Highlanders perform, or rushed to Bay Street to witness the outcome of the Silver Trails Slug Race. The trophy for the race was awarded to David Roth-Mark 7.

The Rhododendron Festival is sponsored by the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce.

Quilt Show Draws Crowd Six hundred people voted on 47 quilts in this year’s Quilt Show during the Rhododendron Festival weekend. The event is held annually at Western Lane Furniture.

Winner of the Poeple’s Choice award for oldest quilt was Geri Wilhite.

The oldest quilt this year was 50 years old.

TR Hunter Real Estate 1749 Highway. 101, Florence OR 97439 www.trhunter.com 541-997-1200 • 800-210-7453

34 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

DLLC ~ e{ÉwÉwxÇwÜÉÇ fxÇ|ÉÜ VÉâÜà ~

Kelli Wright

Amy Nelson

Queen Rhododendra Jennifer King

Monique Campbell

Wendy Sapp

Rhododendron Fest Shines Despite Bouts of Rain Spurts of rainfall failed to dampen the spirit of the 83rd Rhododendron Festival or the thousands of festival-goers who donned rain gear for the weekend of activities.

Festivities began Friday evening with the Queen’s Coronation where Siuslaw High School Senior Jennifer King was crowned Queen Rhododendra. The 17-year-old student is the daughter of Bob and Kay King of Florence. King and four other princesses competed to reign over the festival of flowers at the Siuslaw Middle School.

King, who received a cash award as queen, was chosen based on her efforts to serve as a Florence ambassador and to promote the festival.

The junior parade Saturday afternoon was led by Junior Parade Grand Marshal Tiffani Bennett. The parade featured the five Rhododendron Junior Court princesses, who were crowned by their fathers Friday afternoon at the Junior Court presentation.

Sunday brought more rain and more festivities to Rhody Days, including the 12th annual Rhody Run. Thousands of people lined the new and longer Grand Floral Parade route along Highway 101 and Old Town. There were 125 parade entries this year,

including floats, clowns, bands and horses.

The float entry from Siuslaw Valley Bank won the Grand Sweepstakes award for its “Fantasy in Color for all Generations” float. The float depicted the parade theme “Fantasy in Color” with a Ferris wheel and a teeter-totter surrounded by rhododendrons. The colorful float was also given The Siuslaw News Award for best use of flowers.

1990 Rhododendron Jr. Court

Angela Burtt

Katie Wilson

Allison Childers

Angela Circle

Misty Martin

The Mayor’s Award went to Oregon Pacific Banking Co. while the Queen’s Award went to the Florence Elks Lodge. Read Insurance earned the Grand Marshal’s Award Grand Marshal for this year’s festival was Florence First Citizen Connie Bradley.

Willamette High School of Eugene took first place among the marching bands, with Scappose High School placing second and Evergreen High School placing third.

In the equestrian division, the Lane County Posse was named best group and the Linn County Fair was named as the best court. Jack Backes won the best costume award, and Howard Pazdral won for the best harness. The equestrian awards were sponsored by the Oregon Coast Horse Association.

Overall there were 54 horses in the parade.

The rain ceased to fall during the one-and-a-half hour parade and held off for the annual Silver Trails Slug Race immediately following the procession.

Slug race winner went to Mindy’s Choice owned by Mindy Bryson of Vancouver, Wash.

The theme for 1990 was “Fantasy in Color.”

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 35

1989

~ Rhododendron Senior Court ~

Yvette brown

Stacie Inukai

Sarah Yandell

Queen Rhododendra Vanessa Shelton

Diana Johnson

Florence Festival a Pot of Gold It was a great weekend for a festival–sunny skies on Saturday giving way to clouds, but no rain, on Sunday as Florence celebrated its 82nd annual Rhododendron Festival.

Festivities began Friday evening with the Queen’s Pageant, at which Venessa Shelton of Siuslaw High School was crowned Queen Rhododendra to reign over the festival of flowers. The 18-year-old senior is the daughter of Ron Shelton and Donna Wendling of Florence. She and four other Rhododendron Princesses competed for the honor of queen Friday, May 19, at the Siuslaw Middle School.

Shelton received a $300 scholarship as queen and will participate in the Miss Lane County Pageant Friday, May 26. She was picked on the basis of talent, poise, personality and the sales of Rhododendron Festival buttons.

Grand Marshals Craig Jenkins and Terry McKinnis performed for a packed house at the pageant, singing “Song of a Working Man” from their album “Endangered Species,” and “If You Could Read My Mind” by Gordon Lightfoot.

Sunshine greeted festival goers Saturday as

events and displays opened throughout Florence, including photography shows, sailboard races and the fifth annual soap box derby.

The Junior Parade Saturday afternoon was well attended, led by Junior Parade Grand Marshal Mike Bones, who also emceed the Junior Pageant Friday afternoon, at which the Junior Court was crowned by their fathers.

The junior parade featured, of course, kids. Kids on bikes, kids’ pets, kids with banners and kids in 1989 Rhododendron Jr. Court

Kristina Dunn Elizabeth Elbow

Joylyn Graham

tiny cars.

Although clouds loomed on the horizon Sunday, rain held off for the weekend as record crowds lined the new parade route along Highway 101 to see more than 130 entries walk, ride, trot and dance the 12 block route of the 82nd annual Grand Parade.

The Sea Lion Caves float entry swept away the awards, including the Grand Sweepstakes, Queen’s Award and first place commercial. The float sported a scale model of Bay Street, including a working bridge, clearly depicting the parade theme, “Florence: The Pot of Gold at the end of the Rainbow.”

The Siuslaw National Forest won the Siuslaw News Award and second place commercial for a float featuring children in the “forest” and on the “dunes” beneath a rhododendron rainbow. The Beachcomber Tavern took third in the commercial category.

The Rhododendron button ticket drawing winner was Warren Cavitt, who received $350 cash. He purchased his ticket from Princess Sarah Yandell.

The Rhododendron Festival is sponsored by the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce.

Kady Sneddon Dawnell Spencer

2315 US-101, Florence, OR 97439 (541) 997-8460 • www.svdp.us

St. Vincent de Paul accomplishes its mission in six core areas…

• Affordable Housing : more than 1,100 units of housing have been developed since 1988.

• Emergency Services : helped approximately 7,802 households in 2014 and provided nearly 17,000 food boxes.

• Homeless Services : helped 10,303 adults and families in 2014.

• Recycling Programs : diverted 17,846,184 pounds of reuseable materials in 2014.

• Self-Sufficiency Services : helps over 1,000 people with job training and placement each year.

• Retail Thrift Stores : sells re-used items and generates revenue for charitable programs.

36 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

1988

~ Rhododendron Senior Court ~

Pebe Carter

Sarah Geers

Heather Worthington

Queen Rhododendra Tina McKenzie

Noelle Wilson

Weather Delights and Dampens Festival Throngs Two days of hot spring weather had the small community of Florence buzzing with activity before Sunday’s light rain cooled the large crowds attending the 81st annual Rhododendron Festival on May 20-22.

The festival officially began with stirring performances by the talented Rhododendron Princesses and Grand Marshal David Frizzell singing the “American Trilogy” at Friday night’s pageant in front of a packed audience, estimated at more than 1,000, at the Siuslaw Middle School.

Friday’s Queen Pageant was a reflection of the day’s weather.

“Almost perfect,” said pageant director Linda Poston. “The help we received from the business community and volunteers was excellent.”

Tina McKenzie, 18, was crowned Queen Rhododendra, chosen on the basis of talent, interviews, poise, and button sales.

Saturday’s weather got even better as temperatures rose to 80 degrees. Although most events were reportedly well attended, the crowds seemed to be heavily concentrated in three locations.

The Anheuser-Busch Clydesdale horses, stabled at The Emporium Shopping Center, were a favorite among festival goers. The world-famous horses ar-

rived Friday in a caravan of three semi trucks with uniquely painted sides illustrating the large horses and the antique beer wagon they pull.

The Kiwanis Vendor Fair, which included live entertainment, and the Junior Parade were a staple in downtown activities. The parade was led by the Siuslaw High School State Championship girls basketball team and Junior Court Princesses.

The Oregon Repertory Theatre’s performance of 1988 Rhododendron Jr. Court

Marie Hall

Miranda Vermilyea

Sharon Sneddon Kim Dyer Bjerke

Neil Simon’s “The Good Doctor” was a new attraction that drew raves from the large audience that filled the Harbor Theatre Saturday night.

The theme of the parade “It’s A Small World,” was evident in this year’s Grand Sweepstakes float award winner. Sea Lion Caves won the coveted award with its float depicting representatives from several countries striving for world peace.

The Mayor Award was given to Oregon Pacific Bank whose float emphasized the many natural attractions of the area.

The Siuslaw News Award for the best use of flowers went to Western Bank.

The Queen’s Award went to the Florence Elks Lodge, and the Driftwood Shores Band Award went to Mapleton High School.

Florence Chamber of Commerce President Tom Sneddon noted the large festival turnout when contacted on Monday.

“We think we had one of the biggest turnouts in recent festival history especially on Friday and Saturday,” offered Sneddon. “We’re extremely pleased with the whole weekend.”

Lori Bones

US TOO FLORENCE

• Check out our Personal Prostate Cancer Journeys, slideshows and other information on our website.

• A prostate cancer diagnosis is not needed to attend.

• Spouses/family members are encouraged to attend.

• Bring questions/records - get answers • Someone to talk to - who understands. www.ustooflorence.org

BOB HORNEY HORNEY, CHAPTER LEADER/FACILITATOR

Us TOO Florence has two monthly meetings for your convenience:

• Tuesday Evening Group (2nd Tuesday) 5-7 p.m. - Presbyterian Church of the Siuslaw • Urologist Dr. Bryan Mehlhaff attends.

• Tuesday Lunch Group (3rd Tuesday) 12 noon – 1:00 p.m. – Kozy Kitchen • Urologist Dr. Douglas Hoff attends.

Contact Bob for more information: (H) 541-997-6626 • (C) 541-999-4239 maribob@oregonfast.net

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 37

1987

~ Rhododendron Senior Court ~

Kristi Ryan

Gina Whisenhunt

Queen Rhododendra Dawny Chehak

Sarah Pinkney

Traci Frauendiener

Festival Celebrates 80th Anniversary ----Strong coastal winds last weekend failed to blow out the candle on the 80th anniversary of the second oldest festival in Oregon – the Rhododendron Festival.

Festival-goers reveled from Thursday until Sunday afternoon when festival winds quietly blew themselves out.

The events opened with the fast pace of the Davis Shows carnival on First and Nopal streets – a longstanding tradition at the festival that pleases young and old.

On Friday, students of the Siuslaw Elementary School introduced the Junior Court. The students performed songs and skits under the direction of Music Teacher Bev Slonecker to a packed auditorium of parents and friends.

That evening, the festival got into full swing with the princess pageant and the crowning of Queen Rhododendra. Selected queen for the 80th festival was Siuslaw High School senior Dawny Chehak.

The radiant queen performed an imaginative monologue of a southern belle waltzing with an imaginary gentleman.

The queen was awarded at $250 scholarship, $250 in cash, a silver trophy and hair products for

her selection. She may decide to compete in the Miss Lane County Pageant sometime next spring, in which case she would receive a $400 wardrobe allowance from the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce.

Morrie Robertson was the grand marshal of the Junior Parade on Saturday.

New this year was a weekend-long tour of Heceta House, the caretaker’s residence at the Heceta Lighthouse. Caretaker Harry Tammen said the tours were well attended and received by visiting public.

1987 Rhododendron Jr. Court

Teola Williams

Tracy Holman

Lori Jensen

Sunday’s headliner, as usual throughout the 80 years of the festival, was the grand parade which coursed down Highway 101 to Bay Street, the original site for festival events. The parade drew 105 entries this year, including 24 floats, seven bands and various courts, cars and clowns. Marshal for the grand parade was State Sen. John Brenneman.

The Mapleton Booster Club, oft-time winner of the parade’s top award, again this year garnered the Grand Sweepstakes Award with their float depicting scenes from the movie “The Never Ending Story” theme for this year’s festival. The float was festooned with rhododendrons and contained characters from the movie. The Mapleton entry also received the Queen’s Award.

Mayor’s Award was given to Concerned Citizens of Western Lane County for the group’s float representing coastal recreational activities.

Winner of the Siuslaw News Award for the best use of flowers was an entry by Greentrees Mobile Home Resort for its rhody-laden, rotating float.

Linda Poston, festival chairwoman, said on Tuesday that she had heard nothing but positive comments about this year’s festival and pageant.

Jubilee Fisher Bethany Winona

EXCAVATNG SEPTIC SYSTEMS SUBDIVISIONS LAND CLEARING

DEQ#37263

CB#91052

PAVING TRUCKING BRUSH & DEBRIS RECYCLING DEMOLITION

1770 Laurel Place • raywellsinc.com 541-997-2054 Fax: 541-997-3499 1-877-201-0652

38 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

1986

~ Rhododendron Senior Court ~

Cheri VanCleave

Deanna Hensley

Queen Rhododendra Loy Williams

Janete Henry

Desiree Fish

Rhody Festival Fills Florence As the gleaming, flower-covered floats rolled past, the eyes of the children perched along Florence’s Bay Street were open wide.

And open they remained for the duration of the 79th Rhododendron Festival Grand Parade, which on Sunday culminated a weekend filled with games, contests, and history.

The annual parade, which started on 8th Street around 12 p.m near the Siuslaw Middle School and wound its way along Highway 101, through Old town, ended along the waterfront 1 1/2 hours later. Throngs waved as the Grand Marshals, film and television stars Anne and June Lockhart, led the parade procession through town.

“It’s great to be back,” June Lockhart said. June and Anne were Grand Marshals for the 1985 Rhody festival as well.

Thousands of people gathered along the parade route, including over 100 bikers who make an annual trek to Florence for the festival.

Rhododendron Festival Chair Sue Gilbert felt the festival was quieter than in years past. The parade was about one-half hour shorter than last year because fewer floats were entered, she said. This year, those entering floats for the festival were re-

quired to pay an entry fee, which may account for some of the decrease in the number of entries, Gilbert said.

The Grand Sweepstakes trophy in the float competition went to Western Bank, for its flowerladen float that featured a span of the Siuslaw Bridge. Coast Real state won the Mayor’s award for its bridge float and the Florence Old Town As1986 Rhododendron Jr. Court

(back row) Kaye Passenger, Dana McAlmond and Shawna Huret (front row) Kimberly Enlund and Amber Wampler

sociation won The Siuslaw News award for a float featuring long-time resident Bill Karnowsky, 80, one of those who worked on the bridge’s construction.

In keeping with the spirit of the festival theme “A Siuslaw Heritage Spanning 50 Years,” some events were held to honor those present at the bridge’s inception.

On Friday, the second annual panel discussion was held at Siuslaw Public Library. Featured panelists included long-time Florence residents MaryLou Skinner, Bill Karnowsky and Marge Severy.

Local historian and writer Bill Calder presented a slide show on the architecture of coastal bridges.

Saturday evening, a special reception was held at the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum for residents who were present at the time of the Siuslaw Bridge was opened in 1936. Among the featured guests in the Soroptimist-sponsored event were 1936 Rhododendron Court Princesses Ruth Thompson, Charlene Kyle, Grace Dobney and Gail Fowler.

Also on hand was long-time Florence pioneer Agnes McCornack, 89, and festival Grand Marshals Anne and June Lockhart.

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 39

1985

~ Rhododendron Senior Court ~

Paula Poston

Shelly Maloney

Queen Rhododendra Kathy Wobbe

Terri Jensen

Shelly Smith

Rhody Festival Receives High Success Rating

The 78th Annual Rhododendron Festival was nothing short of a “tremendous success,” according to Florence Area Chamber of Commerce president Rick Hamilton.

Over 20,000 people from all over the western states attended or participated in the threeday event.

Princess Kathy Wobbe was crowned Queen Friday night at the Senior Court Pageant and Talent Show after she performed a vocal solo and tap dance.

The other princesses vying for the Queen’s throne included Shelly Maloney, who sang a vocal solo from Gershwin and Porter; Terri Jensen who performed a lip sync to “The Glamorous Life,” Paula Poston who performed a modern dance and saxophone solo, and Shelly Smith who sang “Songfoolery!”

Nearly 150 entries participated in the Grand Parade Sunday afternoon, ranging from various organization floats to marching bands, equestrian teams and other clubs from around Oregon.

The Grand Marshals in the Grand Parade were television and movie celebrities June and Anne Lockhart. Rhododendron Elementary School Principal Duane Wright was the Grand Marshal in the Junior Parade Saturday, atop his school’s “1,000,000 minute” float, Float winners included the Mapleton Boosters taking the Grand Sweepstakes, the Florence Volunteer Fire Department with the Queen’s Award and the Florence Christian Church win1985 Rhododendron Jr. Court

Autumn Jordan

Stacey Taylor

Melody Beecher Stephani Osburn Molly Clifton

Wobbe & Associates, Inc. Surveying - Planning Water Rights

ning the Mayor’s Award. The BPOE 1858 won first place for the organizations, while Western Bank took first in the commercial competition.

Poston sold the most buttons during the last few months, with a total of 1,788. She was closely followed by Smith with 1,618 buttons sold, Wobbe sold 1,354; Jensen, 899; and Maloney 423.

Winners of the Rowboat Race were Pauline Cox and Janet Mclain while winners of the Sailboard Race, a new event this year, included Jim Prinslow in the men’s heavyweight division, John Demers in the men’s light and Judy Turner in the women’s.

“Overall it went real well,” he said. “It was a tremendous success. There were more entries in the Grand Parade than ever before, lots of spectators. The Grand Marshals were extremely pleased with their visit.”

Other events included the Boy Scout Troop 777 Soap Box Derby, the Dance-A-Thon by Jackie Sorenson, the 11th Annual Silver Trails Slug Race and The Cascade Chorus.

40 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

1984

~ Rhododendron Senior Court ~

Sheryl Burch

Toni Castro

Gee Gee Godfrey

Queen Rhododendra Sheri Price

Julie Stravens

Debbie Upshaw

Rhody Fest Deemed a Success Despite a day filled with rain the 77th Rhododendron Festival turned out to be a big success.

The sun shined brightly over the Grand Parade on Sunday fulfilling the “Siuslaw Dream” of nice weather.

Florence Area Chamber of Commerce President Harold McClellan said this year’s parade was the best he’d ever seen during the Rhody Festival. It certainly was one of the longest with over 100 entries and floats.

For the third consecutive year, the Mapleton Booster Club won the Grand Sweepstakes Prize.

Greentrees walked away with the Queen’s Trophy and the Siuslaw News Award.

The Mayor’s Trophy was given to the Siuslaw Care Center and Western Lane Hospital.

Evergreen school won the marching band competition.

Songs and balloons filled the air as the festival opened Friday afternoon with the presentation of the junior court at Siuslaw Middle

School. The festival pageant followed that evening with Sheri Price named 77th Queen Rhododendra.

Saturday’s activities went according to schedule even though the weather wasn’t exactly desirable. The sandcastle contest and the rowboat races started the day’s activities. The junior pa1984 Rhododendron Jr. Court

Farrah Huff

Elizabeth (Beth) Westfall

Shelley Smith

Amy Wells

Kristina Sullivan

rade started at 1 p.m. and ran smoothly despite the rain.

Other events included, an arts and crafts show, Rhododendron show, photography exhibit, golf tournament, jazz music band, antique and classic car display and later in the evening a festival square dance.

The Seventh Annual Rhody Run kicked off Sunday’s activities. This year a total of 377 people participated in the 5K and 10K runs.

“The Siuslaw Dream” was the theme of this year’s parade which began about noon. Television star Richard Bergman was Grand Marshal and rode in the Bugatti replica.

After the parade, which lasted a couple of hours, the Eugene Highlanders played and danced for the captive crowd in front of the Siuslaw Valley Bank.

The Tenth Annual Silver Trails Slug Race also took place in the afternoon. thirteen people entered slugs in the slow moving event.

BURCH’S ROOFING HAS SERVED THE FLORENCE AREA SINCE 1974.

The company began out of the home of Wayne and Dianne Burch. Dianne was instrumental in keeping the office running while Wayne was out on jobs. In 1991, son-in-law Kevin Van De Hey joined the company making Burch’s roofing crew a two-man team. Aaron is the third generation following in the family business. Aaron joined Grandfather Wayne and Father Kevin Spring, 2013. Aaron became partner Spring, 2014.

With daughter Sheryl, son-in-law Kevin and grandson Aaron Van De Hey as owners of Burch’s Roofing, Wayne and Dianne (retired) take pride in knowing the business they started in 1974 will continue to offer the same quality workmanship that it’s reputation was built on for many generations to come.

We are proud to sponsor this commemorative page Phone: 541-997-7869

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 41

1983

~ Rhododendron Senior Court ~

Virginia Jo Ann Berg

Queen Rhododendra Brenda Bond

Kelli Ray Massey

Toni Kay Rickman

76th Rhody Festival Basks Under Sunny Sky The 76th Rhododendron Festival brought one of the largest parades in festival history to Florence last weekend, under sunny skies and warm temperatures which made festival goers happy no matter which of the many events they were attending.

Estimates of about 23,000 persons attending the parade were slightly below last year’s 25,000-plus figure, but the parade of 110 entries, including 37 floats, was nearly half-again as long as last year’s version.

For the second straight year, the Mapleton Boosters walked away with the Sweepstakes Prize. This time, the sweepstakes was accompanied by the Queen’s Trophy for the best use of flowers on a float.

The festival’s formal activities got underway Friday afternoon when the junior court was presented in a ceremony at Siuslaw Middle School.

Rhododendron Queen Brenda almost became a deep-sea mariner during the rowboat race, in which she was participating with Trina Goetz.

The team encountered some navigational difficulty, but was rescued by the Coast Guard Aux-

iliary before being swept seaward.

Saturday afternoon drew more than 250 persons to the Siuslaw High gymnasium for the Rhody Cup, a state team gymnastics championship.

Grand Marshal Dave Sweeney enjoyed the parade so much he covered part of the route twice on his white horse, which was provided

by C&M Stables of Florence when Dave was unable to bring his own steed.

1983 Rhododendron Jr. Court

Bonnie Philip

Katie Maier

Shawna Christianson

Jennifer Kief

Amy Nelson

Jami Linn Crawford

A Clip from Our Past

Killer Whales Visit the Siuslaw Siuslaw News, Thursday, June 2, 1983

A pod of killer whales–perhaps two pods, according to some witnesses, appeared in the Siuslaw River Saturday afternoon, livening Memorial Day weekend for dozens of onlookers at the jetties and along the lower river.

The pod, numbering at least five, was spotted in the early afternoon at Sea Lion Caves north of Florence, Manager Hod Johnson said the killer whales swam back and forth off shore two or three times before coming close to the cave entrance and driving the startled herd of steller sea lions from the sunny rocks outside into the shelter of the cave.

Then the whales headed south and about a halfhour later beach visitors near the jetties were amazed to see a formation of black fins following the channel into the Siuslaw River. Witnesses said they stayed close to the north jetty, pausing when a fisherman tossed some bait to them.

Moments later, the river near the Siuslaw Coast Guard Station turned red as the whales apparently attacked and devoured one or more of the seals which normally populate the lower river. BMC Cliff Sether, one of the Coast Guardsmen who watched in fascination, said since that weekend the seal population has been noticeably smaller.

Organic-Local Groceries Produce (vegan gluten free options available) Bakery, Deli, Café, Juice Bar, Espresso, Full Breakfast, Lunch FOOD TO GO • 185 HWY. 101 • 541-997-0900 • WWW.NATURESCORNERCAFE.COM

42 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

1982

~ Rhododendron Senior Court ~

Tina Campbell

Shannon Gates

Queen Rhododendra Christine Emery

Michelle Redhead

Diamond Rhody Festival Sparkles The Rhododendron Festival’s Diamond Jubilee sparkled in the sun like a fine jewel last weekend, giving the record-setting crowds an ideal Sunday for watching one of the largest parades in festival history.

About 80 entries made the parade loop through town to the delight of festival-goers that the Siuslaw Booster Club and Florence Police Sgt. John Stepp estimate numbered between 25,000 and 30,000 Veteran festival watchers have said the number of bikers in town for the weekend was up slightly from last year, but still less than in other years.

The winner of both the Grand Sweepstakes and Queen’s awards was the Mapleton Booster Club’s replica of the old covered bridge at Highway 126 at Mapleton. The float was adorned with cedar boughs and rhododendrons and was carried on the back of a 40-foot trailer.

The American Rhododendron Society was the recipient of the Siuslaw News award for the best use of flowers and the Mayor’s Trophy went to Western Bank. The award for the best float from a community festival went to the Rhododendron Festival Jun-

ior Court.

In the commercial category first place went to Western Bank, second place to the U.S. Forest Service and a third place went to Darrell’s Hair Unlimited.

The trophy and $150 award for the best marching band went to Siuslaw High School.

1982 Rhododendron Jr. Court

Jennifer King

Angela Hubbard

Trina Hill

Amy Poen

Angela Grover

Pixie Lindberg

A Clip from Our Past Cutbacks Take Toll On Annex Siuslaw News Thursday, June 3, 1982

The Lane County Annex in Florence is beginning to look like the post office in a ghost town.

Defeat of the county’s tax base proposal has resulted in the reduction or elimination of all county services offered at the annex, from law enforcement to tax collection. In addition, several employees at the annex including two deputy sheriffs, a registered nurse and two clerks will be or have already have been laid off.

One of the reductions that will be most noticeable to local residents is the elmination of two general clerical positions. Bonnie Staab and Edna Noyes, who handled tax collections, issued building permits, made appointments and provided many other county services, were laid off May 21 and the information desk at the annex has been closed.

Area residents with county business to conduct will now need to contact county agencies by phone or by making a trip to Eugene.

Two of the three sheriff’s deputies stationed in Florence will be reassigned to the main office in Eugene.

Love to Cook?

Equip your kitchen with premium cookware and supplies to inspire your best meals!

Cookware • Cutlery • Kitchen Electrics • Bakeware Kitchen Tools • Dishware • Spices • Specialty Foods • Recipe Books

Kitchen Klutter Bath by the Bay

1258 Bay St., Old Town Florence Open Daily • 541-997-6060

ETS!

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 43

1981

~ Rhododendron Senior Court ~

Jackie Lockwood

Elizabeth Maier

Queen Rhododendra Sonja Krause

Lyn Seldon

Kimm Larson-Quinn

Rain Drenches Parade But Not Enthusiasm Queens and princesses wrapped in plastic and spectators holding umbrellas were the order of the day Sunday as the Rhododendron Festival Grand Parade wound through Florence.

Rain dampened flowers and people but not enthusiasm as floats, bands, marchers, horse groups, old cars and other entrants paraded down Highway 101 and through the Old Town area for over an hour.

Rhododendron Festival Queen Sonja Krause and her court covered their outfits with clear plastic and carried umbrellas as they led the parade.

Queen Laura Johnson Miller of the first festival, held in 1908, rode in a 1930 Model A sedan driven by Leroy Stack of Florence.

The former queen was attending her first festival since the 50th anniversary. She now lives in Portland.

Florence’s Old Town Association captured

the Grand Sweepstakes award with a float which portrayed the gazebo that is located on Bay Street. On the float was a blue grass band and jugglers. The Queen’s Trophy was also awarded to the Old Town Association entry.

The Siuslaw News Award for best use of flowers on a float went to the Greentrees float.

1981 Rhododendron Jr. Court

Rachelle Wilson Michelle Williams

Wendy Howard

Belinda Riggs

Mapleton Ranger Station captured first in the commercial division with a float featuring a dinosaur with a moveable head and a cave couple underneath the reptile’s jaws.

The float also featured a volcano and geyser.

Second place in the commercial field went to Champion International Wood Products, Driftwood Shores took third with a float loaded with pirates.

Florence Elks Lodge took a Class A organizations top prize, Florence Christian Church was second and Greentrees third in the class.

Florence Fire Department took top honors in the Class B organizations competition, Florence Gymnastics was second and Siuslaw Genealogical Society placed third.

Parade chairmen Barb Cessnun and John Berry said the crowd appeared to be smaller than last year’s, but were happy with the turnout in view of the weather.

Kris Larson

Florence In Bloom Full Service Flower Shop & Gifts 1234 Rhododendron Dr., Florence

541-997-5391 • 800-914 -2305 www.florenceinbloom.com

44 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

1980

~ Rhododendron Senior Court ~

Valerie Free

Christina Stroup

Queen Rhododendra Tina Card

Kelli Prindel

Kim Huisenga

Queen Tina Card Reigns As Good Weather Abounds Queen Tina Card reigned over activities at the Seventy-third Rhododendron Festival in Florence Friday, Saturday and Sunday as good weather added to the festivities.

Queen Tina was crowned Friday evening at the pageant and talent contest held at the Middle School gym Friday evening.

Saturday was filled with a variety of activities and exhibitions. The Elks Club sponsored the Junior Parade which ended at the Petersen Memorial Field, where the Kiwanis Club held kids contests. Other events included a sand castle competition, row boat races, dance demonstrations and general fun.

Sunday’s big event was the Grand Parade.

Good weather continued for the parade as it did for the entire festival. “We had a lot of participation by local groups this year,� said Booster Club President Morrie Robertson.

Robertson said parade entries were up over last year’s event, and that the crowd was one of the biggest in local years. Other officials felt the increased attendance may have come from people in western Oregon looking for enter1980 Rhododendron Jr. Court

Therese Anderson

Monique Campbell

Jennifer Free

Lamuir Kelley

tainment activities who wanted to stay closer to home in a year of high transportation costs.

The Mapleton Ranger District of the Siuslaw National Forest took top honors in the parade float competition. The float won the Sweepstakes Prize and The Siuslaw News award for best use of flowers.

Ironically the Mapleton Ranger District float featured a replica of Mt. St. Helens with Harry Truman sitting at the bottom at the same time the mountain was erupting Sunday.

The parade’s grand marshall was also a family, the Harley Huffs. Huff’s entire family, children and grand-children included, rode on their float.

The Siuslaw Sanitary Service garbage wagon, pulled by horses, took first in the draft horse competition for the parade.

The best mounted group was the Continental Walking Horse Association of Eugene.

Jennifer McClellan

Congratulations 125 years!

Always Ready on to Rhody! “

Ÿ � at the FEC! www.eventcenter.org

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 45

1979

~ Rhododendron Senior Court ~

Leslie Gardner

Kris Free

Queen Rhododendra Rachelle Krause

Kelli Owen

Julie Still

Rhododendron Festival Now History If weather could be ordered like courses on a menu, the warm sunshine over last weekend would have been just what the Florence Booster Club would have ordered for the 72nd Annual Rhododendron Festival.

Superb weather greeted thousands of Florence-area visitors as they took in the scheduled festival events. Participation in all the events was high, and police officials reported no major incidents. Festival-goers concentrated on having a good time–and by all accounts, fun was the main product of the weekend’s activities.

Carnival rides are always an attraction whenever they are available, and the Davis Brothers Carnival over the weekend was no exception.

The lovely princesses in the junior and senior festival courts occupied the spotlight in Friday’s activities. In the afternoon the junior court presided over “A Musical Rainbow of

Sounds,” featuring performances from each elementary school class. In the evening, Princess Rachelle Krause of Mapleton was crowned Queen Rhododendra the 72nd. Her coronation highlighted an evening of pomp and pageantry

1979 Rhododendron Festival Junior Court: (left to right) Emily Girard, Tricia Best, Debbie Hanson, Debbie Walker, (not pictured) Karrie Badgley

at the Middle School gym.

The queen and her court were on hand for most of Saturday’s events. The day began at Waterland RV Park and Marina with a lifesaving demonstration by Coast Guard units from Florence and North Bend. They also stayed to watch over the 3rd annual rowboat race.

Sunday’s schedule also began with a new event, the First Annual Rhody Run. One hundred eleven runners registered for the event, which was won by Dave Holmes of Veneta. He covered the 10,000 meter distance in a time of 30 minutes, 26 seconds.

In the grand floral parade Grand Sweepstakes honors went to Hiatt Flowers for their float depicting a wedding scene. The Queen’s Trophy went to Florence Christian Church for their float. The Elks Lodge won the Mayor’s Trophy.; and the Forest Service won first place among organizations for their float.

L L A C W NO See the Denture Masters Difference Call for your Free Appointment Today!

Dr. Kimberly Tustin,DDS

27 Years Experience!

206 Nopal Street Florence, OR 97439 541-997-6226

1925 Bailey Hill Rd. Ste. A Eugene, OR 97405 541-345-0004

46 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

1978

~ Rhododendron Senior Court ~

Connie Robinson

Amber Beers

Queen Rhododendra Kim Simmoneau

Jessica Jacque

Liz Hostick

Shannon Saxon

Sun Reigns Over Festival The pomp and ceremony of yet another Rhododendron Festival, this is the 71st staging, came to a halt on Sunday afternoon under shifting sunlit skies.

The throngs of visitors to the area packed into their waiting cars and campers and departed and local residents retired to their homes. A quiet came over the city.

The festival got into high gear Friday night with the Queen Pageant to include the annual talent show by the six festival princesses and the crowning of Queen Rhododendra for 1978.

Princess Kim Simmoneau, daughter of Ted Simmoneau and Mrs. Sue Browne, both of Florence, thrilled to pageant master of ceremonies Sid Armstrong’s announcement that she was chosen queen over the five other court contenders.

On Saturday, the 2nd annual row boat race was held on the Siuslaw River with the race course from the docks of Waterland Storage

and Marina to the mud flats and back.

Sunday’s parade had about 100 entries this year, substantially larger than previous years.

More hands than usual marched and played along the route and endless streams of vans and sport cars wheeled proudly through the 1978 Rhododendron Jr. Court

1978 Rhododendron Festival Junior Court: (left to right) Susan Emery, 3rd Grade, Barbie Boehme, 5th Grade, Vanessa Shelton, 1st Grade, Ranee Elkins, 2nd Grade, Sueann Berkner, 4th Grade.

crowd.

Winner of this year’s sweepstakes award was Darrel’s Hair Unlimited whose float carried two young girls in pioneer dresses, in keeping with the festival theme, “Pioneer Spirit, Great in ‘78.”

Winner of the Siuslaw News trophy for best use of flowers was the Mapleton Ranger District of the U.S. Forest Service.

Ron Shelton, president of the Florence Booster Club which sponsors the annual event, said that aside from a little “ad-libbing” at times over the weekend, the festival went according to plans and it appeared that everyone was pleased. “It’s all fun and if we didn’t have fun doing it, it wouldn’t be worth doing,” he said.

“It’s all getting back together again,” Robertson said about the festival, and “You bet your life there will be a 72nd.”

Steak • Seafood • Chicken • Pastas

DAILY LUNCH & DINNER SPECIALS Located in the Historic Kyle Building in the heart of Old Town Florence

Open 6 Days a week at 11am, Closed Tuesday

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 47

1977

~ Rhododendron Senior Court ~

Karen Printz

Tammie Robinson

Queen Rhododendra Niki Matthews

Kelly Simms

Kim Huisenga

70th Rhody Festival Brings Down House And a gala event it was. From the commencement of the 70th Rhododendron Festival on Friday with the elementary school program until the last slug crossed the finish line Sunday afternoon in the third annual Silver Trails Slug Race, the festival theme rang out, “Good Times, Past, Present and Future.”

The good times began with the presentation of the junior court at the elementary school classes. The well-attended presentation was highlighted by individual programs by each elementary school class.

Later that evening the queen pageant climaxed months of hard work and anticipation by the crowning of Queen Rhododendra Niki Matthews. The queen is decided each year by a panel of judges taking into consideration personality, poise, talent presentation and the number of Rhody buttons sold.

On Saturday morning the first annual festival row boat race was launched at Holiday

Ken

Harbor in the Siuslaw River. The river bank was lined with spectators from the Harbor up to the bridge and scattering of onlookers could be seen across the river on the Glenada bank.

Eighteen entrants manned nine row boats for the gruelling contest which ran from the Holiday Harbor to the bridge, over to the Glenada 1977 Rhododendron Jr. Court

(left to right) Rachael Pinnock, Teresa Olinger, Sabrina Tveisme, Annette Prater and Rhonda Henry, first through fifth graders respectively. Chaperones Marva Kuhn and Merne Lorenz flank the princesses.

mud flats where contestants fetched a cupful of Siuslaw mud, and back to the starting point.

The junior parade finished up at Hans Petersen Memorial Field for two fun filled hours of contests and games for the kids. Highlighting the activity was the annual pie eating contest.

Grand Sweepstakes winner of the grand parade was a float entered by Woodsman Native Nursery. The massive display was complete with live trees, shrubs and floral arrangements of rhododendron and azaleas.

Following the parade spectators fought the typical traffic jam and meandered to Holiday Harbor to view a U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Demonstration. Involved in the demonstration were a Coast Guard helicopter from the North Bend Station and the Siuslaw Station’s center.

Morrie Robertson, Booster Club President states: “Good Times, Past, Present and Future” was had by all.

Carter Bros.

Larry

Construction Inc.

Custom Built Home for over 40 Years!

87616 PARKSIDE DR. FLORENCE, OR 97439

CCB#62223

PH: 541.997.7730 CELL: 541.991.0055

48 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

1976

~ Rhododendron Senior Court ~

Martha Alvarado

Lory Becktold

Queen Rhododendra Diane Fast

Sally Lasby

Marcee Mills

69th Rhody Festival Receives Praise Beautiful weather, a bevy of beautiful girls, explosions of floral color and a minimum of trouble greeted record crowds this past weekend during the 69th Annual Rhododendron Festival in Florence.

Five pretty young girls from grades one through five, the Junior Court started the festival

1976 Rhododendron Queen Diane Fast shown following her coronation flanked by Crownbearer Tony and Flower Girl Tiffani Bennett.

Friday afternoon at Siuslaw Junior High School during a well attended presentation.

Later Friday night Diane Fast became the 69th Queen of the Rhododendron Festival, coronated following a talent show featuring the five contenders to the throne. 1975 Queen Cindy Nelson crowned the queen. Marcee Mills won the talent competition prior to the coronation. KPNW radio broadcaster Si Wise officiated the event.

The Grand Parade drew a record number of entries, 71, according to parade chairman Morrie Robertson. The entries included 22 floats, three bands, seven horse organizations, twelve contingents of girls competing at other festivals, marching units, the Astoria Clowns, Oregon Cavemen, Eugene Highlanders, and many individual entries as well.

Booster president J. Sidney Armstrong said, “I feel the pageant and parade went as well or better than expected. The only really adverse comment I have received was that there were not enough bands in the parade.”

1976 Rhododendron Jr. Court

(clockwise from top left) Sue Hawkins, Debbie Upshaw, Candis DeWald, Elaine Boggs and Meghan Murphy

Perhaps the most talked about unofficial event was the marriage of 27-year-old motorcyclist Gary Brown, associated with the Free Souls motorcycle gang, to 21-year-old Stephanie Stevens in ceremonies conducted on Bay Street.

BURCH’S ROOFING HAS SERVED THE FLORENCE AREA SINCE 1974.

The company began out of the home of Wayne and Dianne Burch. Dianne was instrumental in keeping the office running while Wayne was out on jobs. In 1991, son-in-law Kevin Van De Hey joined the company making Burch’s roofing crew a two-man team. Aaron is the third generation following in the family business. Aaron joined Grandfather Wayne and Father Kevin Spring, 2013. Aaron became partner Spring, 2014.

With daughter Sheryl, son-in-law Kevin and grandson Aaron Van De Hey as owners of Burch’s Roofing, Wayne and Dianne (retired) take pride in knowing the business they started in 1974 will continue to offer the same quality workmanship that it’s reputation was built on for many generations to come.

We are proud to sponsor this commemorative page Phone: 541-997-7869

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 49

1975

~ Rhododendron Senior Court ~

Kelli Mason

Rita Percifield

Queen Rhododendra Cindy Nelson

Rhonda Lee

Ginger Carlisle

68th Rhody Festival Gets Success Rating “It was a success. The crowds were good,” was what Florence Booster president Gary Cavener said at the conclusion of the 68th annual Rhododendron Festival, which began Friday afternoon with the presentation of the Junior Court and ended Sunday afternoon with the Queen’s drawing of lucky numbers.

The Grand Parade, the festival spectacular with the theme, “Pioneer’s Dream,” came on a drizzling Sunday after two days of sunshine, but crowds lined up on both sides of Highway 101 for 40 minutes to watch it. Cavener, whose club sponsors the festival, recalled that there was no rain for last year’s festival but no sunshine either.

Despite rumors that trouble could be expected from the motorcyclists who congregated along Bay Street, the Florence Police Department reported no problems other than an increase in traffic citations.

Ruby Seaver was chairman of the pageant.

Other participants included master of ceremonies Si Wise, 1974 Queen Pamela Rose, crownbearer

Tony Bennet and flower girl Angie Saxon.

The junior program saw, in addition to presentation of the court, songs and dances by groups from the first through sixth grades at Siuslaw and Rhododendron Elementary School.

In Sunday’s Grand Parade a float entered by Joey’s Pizza of Springfield took the sweepstakes

www.ci.florence.or.us

1975 Rhododendron Jr. Court

Standing are Princesses Kelly Kimble, left and Julie Reeves. Seated are, from left, Princesses Laura Lea Stonelake, Cornelia Hagle and Terry Vose.

award. “Oregon, the Pioneer’s Dream” was the theme of the entry, which showed a covered wagon, a logging operation and mountains and was decorated with rhododendrons and Scotch broom.

Roy Bouchet was Grand Parade chairman.

Ralph Bernhardt, an 81-year-old Florence native and long-time rancher from a pioneer family, was grand marshal.

Junior activities, including the Junior Parade, were supervised by Zeke Walton, chaperones were Mary Carlisle and Sue Saubert for the Senior Court, and Sonja Stokes and Retha Campbell for the Junior Court.

A new feature of the festival was the slug race Sunday afternoon of Bay Street. The fastest animal was entered by Norm and Sue Noble and their son, Aaron; it traveled the 8-foot, 3-inch course in 30 minutes. In the snail division, Mark Fox’s entry came in first and Gene Wobbe’s was judged the most beautiful.

Oregon’s Premier Coastal Community is Always Ready to Rhody!

50 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

1974

~ Rhododendron Senior Court ~

Barbara Shelton

Martha Savage

Gretchen Brauer

Queen Rhododendra Pam Rose

Shelly Dimick

67th Festival Again Successful The 67th Annual Rhododendron Festival last weekend chalked up another in a long string of successes, drawing big crowds at all events from the Junior Court presentation Friday afternoon through to the final official event, a street dance on Bay Street late Sunday afternoon.

Crowds at all events within the city were about the same as in previous years but deletion of speed boat races and the dune buggy hill climb reduced the amount of traffic on the highway, eliminating temper-straining traffic snarls.

Despite rumors of impending trouble from members of two motorcycle clubs, the Free Souls, mostly from Eugene, and the Hellions, a California-based group with a small membership in Oregon, police reported no major problems, although the flow of traffic citations through both the Justice Court and Municipal Court built to a healthy total.

The traditional “Festival Farewell” banquet for Florence Booster Club members, the Festival Court and their parents are scheduled for

M

RV

IL E

41

CEN T (5 R

5

SE IC

) 902-75

L SA PO 4

COAST DIS L A

E W I TH A S

Thursday, June 6, at Driftwood Shores, beginning with a cocktail hour at 6:30 and the banquet at 7:30.

Pam Rose, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Rose, sang her way into the hearts of the big 1974 Rhododendron Jr. Court

Sonja Krause

Kathy Herring

Angela LaDuke

Maryann Williams

Coronation Pageant crowd, and into the favor of the judges, winning both the title of Queen Rhododendra 67th and a $50 scholarship from the Booster Club for the top talent entry.

The Junior Court Princesses were escorted by their fathers for the traditional presentation.

Princesses wore gowns of the same style and material as the senior court. Junior Princesses and their fathers were Kimberly and Kathy Herring, Keith Herring; Maryann Williams, Wendell Williams; Angela LaDuke, John LaDuke; and Sonja Krause, Harlan Krause.

The Windward Inn took the sweepstakes trophy Sunday with a Roaring 20’s float, carrying gangsters and molls, armed with an assortment of artillery (some of it loaded with water), towed by a 1930 Buick.

The community fair, located along Bay Street, drew fewer entries than anticipated as many groups withdrew at the last moment but the booths that did operate reported good business.

Kimberly Herring

The only locally owned & operated garbage company in Florence.

We provide full service trash & recycling removal for commercial & residential accounts.

Call us today for prices, 541-902-7554.

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 51

1973

~ Rhododendron Senior Court ~

Linda Hayman

Joanne Havin

Queen Rhododendra Janet Petersen

Lee Gilbert

Jill Feger

Bigger, Better Show on Tap for ‘73 Rhody Fest Months of hard work and effort come to a head this weekend when the 66th Annual Rhododendron Fsetival holds forth in Florence, featuring everything from arts and craft shows to the traditional carnival, talent show, boat races, hillclimb, huge parade and free clam chowder.

“Everything else has been taken care of,” Florence Booster Club President Don Bowman said, “except the weather, and we just hope it holds as good as it has been the past few days.”

The first event on the program will be the presentation of the Junior Court Friday at the Junior High School gym beginning at 1 p.m. A program will be provided by grade school students and no admission will be charged.

Members of the Junior Court and their parents are Brenda Bond, Mr. and Mrs. Gary Bond; Wendy Barrett, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Barrett; Lisa Woosley, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Woosley; Pauline Sell, Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Sell; and Tina Campbell, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Campbell.

Friday night at 8 at the same site, the five members of the Senior Court will display their talents in the Talent Show, competing for points toward the coveted Queen’s crown. Five outof-town judges will announce Queen Rhododendra 1973 at the conclusion of the evening.

The 1973 Grand Marshall, Emma Brynd Kyle, Rhododendron Queen candidate in 1908, 1973 Rhododendron Jr. Court

Brenda Bond

Lisa Woosley

Wendy Barrett

Pauline Sell

will be presented during the show and will also be featured in the parade.

Members of the Senior Court and their parents are Lee Gilbert, Mr. and Mrs. Roland Gilbert; Joanne Havin, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Moo; Linda Hayman, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Hayman; Janet Petersen, Mr. and Mrs. Hans Petersen; and Jill Feger, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Feger.

The parade will include 23 floats, seven speciality groups, including the Astoria Clowns, Oregon Cavemen and the Highlanders pipe band, horse and twirling groups, fire engines, six visiting courts, two special armed forces entries, the Florence Flotilla of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, five drill teams and seven high school bands.

But the busy parade chairman isn’t quitting yet. He is working on a horse logging outfit, in contact with antique car owners and digging in other areas to sign still more parade entires.

Tina Campbell

Love to Cook?

Equip your kitchen with premium cookware and supplies to inspire your best meals!

Cookware • Cutlery • Kitchen Electrics • Bakeware Kitchen Tools • Dishware • Spices • Specialty Foods • Recipe Books

Kitchen Klutter Bath by the Bay

1258 Bay St., Old Town Florence Open Daily • 541-997-6060

52 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

1972

~ Rhododendron Senior Court ~

Leslie Erskine

Nikki Nickelson

Karla Austin

Queen Rhododendra Kathy Johnson

Kathy Meyer

Rhody Festival Adds to Record Success

DRY TECH

The 65th Rhododendron Festival went into the records Sunday with a resounding record of success, carrying on the high tradition of the event.

From the time the Junior Court was presented Friday afternoon before a packed house in the Junior High School gymnasium until the last windblown float completed the parade route Sunday, the pace was hectic with event following on event to keep the town’s visitors and residents busy.

It was estimated that the crowd at the Sunday parade was down considerably from last year, due to the chilly temperature and stiff breezes, but the Florence Booster Club was still able to clean up 600 gallons of clam chowder shortly after the completion of the parade as the 10,000-plus spectators took advantage of the free offer to battle the chill.

The only off-key note of the entire Festival came Saturday when law enforcement officers and “Free Souls,” Eugene-based motorcycle club, stood toeto-toe in a confrontation over a traffic violation.

Lane County Deputy Art Hobday, backed by reserves, city and state officers, conferred with leaders of the cycle club and was able to avert a

blowup.

City police reported the usual arrests of celebrants who celebrated too well but not too wisely but, all in all, it was a quiet festival, viewed from the law enforcement standpoint.

Kathy Johnson, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Henry 1972 Rhododendron Jr. Court

Duwanee Herring

Tina Card

Joan Hutchison

Shannon McGinnis

Johnson, won the nod of the judges to become Queen Rhododendra 65th in what one of the judges said was a “very difficult decision.” the judge, who said he has judged many such contests, described the Rhododendron Court as the best he has seen.

Davidson Industries took the coveted Grand Sweepstakes Award, the Queen’s Award went to Delta Gamma Sorority and the Mayor’s Award was taken by Food Town.

IGA Foodliner received The Siuslaw News Award, Lane County Bank was first in the Commercial Division, followed by Rhodo Dunes in second place and Driftwood Shores in third place.

Queen Kathy Johnson completed the final act Sunday afternoon when she drew five numbers from among the thousands of tickets from sales of Rhody Buttons. The first number drawn was good for a trip to Disneyland for two and $100 spending money.

Then the court adjourned to The Cannery Restaurant for a “well done, girls” dinner given by the staff and management of the restaurant.

Wlisa Center

DRY TECH Carpet Cleaning

“The Ultimate in Carpet Care”

FREE ESTIMATE

541-999-1226

ALL NATURAL DRY 1-3 HOURS

CCB# 137755

Quality Cleaned & Dry in 1-3 hrs.

Lasting Results • Owner Operated Dennis & Danyelle Raybould We appreciate your business. • Serving Florence since 1999

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 53

DLJD ~ e{ÉwÉwxÇwÜÉÇ fxÇ|ÉÜ VÉâÜà ~

Skeeter Petersen

Nina Smith

Queen Rhododendra Janine Murrell

Mary Chapman

Julie Hoskins

64th Rhody Festival Gets Success Rating The Senior Princess talent show was presented Friday night at 8 p.m. in the Junior High School gym, with a large partisan crowd on hand as the five favorites vied for the advantage in the choice of Queen Rhododenra.

Queen Janine Murrell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Murrell, captured the competition with her song, “Put Your Hand in The Hand of The Man.” Saturday at 1 p.m. the Junior Parade fulfilled its functions under a warm sun. Several hundred area youngsters took part in the games and contests following the parade at Hans Petersen Memorial Park.

At 8:30 p.m. Square Dance Jamboree at the Rhododendron Elementary School with Squirrely Worman calling the moves. At 9 p.m. that night a Teenage Dance featuring Adam Wind from Seattle was held at the junior high gym.

The final event Sunday was an exciting power-boat race held at Woahink Lake at 1:30

p.m. Entered in the event were some 22 boats representing three classes. In addition, there were also some water-ski races. The race was sponsored by the Emerald Empire Boating Association. Points won are to go towards the American Powerboat Championships.

In the 12:45 Sand Dune Buggy Race on 1971 Rhododendron Jr. Court

from left, Lorrie Mobley, Kim West, Kelly Wittwer, Mary Jo York and Sally Akers. The girls participated in the big Rhododendron Parade along with the senior court on Sunday

~ COUPON ~

South Jetty Road for Grand Marshall, Jack Fleming, the dynamic KPNW radio personality, showed both flair and nerve on his minitri-wheeler as he paced both Ray Carnay and Si Wise in a three-lap race. Fleming was onehalf lap ahead of his competition when he crossed the finish line.

In the Championship Hill Climb event that followed the race at 1 p.m. several Florence entries came home with prizes. David Brown, won the Family Division, while Gary Irvin won Family. The hill climb event lasted for about 3 1/2 hours.

Throughout the last two days of the festival there was a special Arts and Crafts Show, and a Flower Show, both held at the same times at the grade school gym. Both shows took place on Saturday from 12 to 6 p.m., and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. there was also a carnival for both young and old on the vacant lot next to Grady’s Market.

Rhododendron Festival Special Purchase any framed painting at the front office of the Siuslaw News and receive $10 off with this coupon.

Call for more information: Carolyn Nordahl - 541-999-9384 cnordahl41@yahoo.com

More in display at 148 Maple St.

Offer good through August, 31, 2017

54 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

1970

~ Rhododendron Senior Court ~

Jan Peterson

Mary Ann Woodworth

Chris Christle

Queen Rhododendra Ann Mehlum

Debra Eckroth

63rd Annual Rhododendron Festival Draws Crowds & Sun An early morning drizzle in Florence last Friday turned into blue skies and sunshine for the 63rd Annual Rhododendron Festival Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday.

Lured by the good weather and the many varied activities, visitors from all parts of Oregon and neighboring states packed into the city with the largest crowd on hand Sunday afternoon for the annual parade.

Estimates of the Sunday crowd ranged between 25,000 and 30,000 persons who lined both sides of Highway 101 to view the 30 floats, bands, pretty girls, and specialty groups in the 90-minute parade. Sweepstakes winner of the parade was float entered by Siuslaw High School. In keeping with the festival theme “What If?” the float asked, “What if They Brought Back Old Movies?” Based on the silent movie days, the float was complete with Keystone Cops, movie vamps, bathing beauties, heroes and villains.

Organization division winners were upsilon

Theta Rho, first; Moose Lodge, second; and Cub Scout Pack 377 of Florence, third.

Commercial division awards were won by Emery’s IGA Foodliner, first; McKay’s Market, second; and Lane County Bank, third. The Camp Florence entry received the Mayor’s Trophy. The Queen’s Trophy was awarded to Florence Girl Scout Troop 305. The Siuslaw News Trophy 1970 Rhododendron Jr. Court

front left, Emily Haight, Pamela Fales; back left, JoDee Pinnock, Shelly Nordahl, and Pamela Huff.

for the best use of flowers was presented to the Florence Art Association.

Interspersed with the floats were high school bands, clowns, other festival queens and princesses, drill teams, horse units, and specialty groups.

The Annual Rhododendron Golf Tournament was held at Rhodo Dunes Golf Course north of Florence Saturday and Sunday. Don Duncan of Florence won the overall championship with a 67.

Saturday evening dancing was the order of the day with a teen dance and square dancing.

On display at the Elementary School gym both days were exhibits in the annual flower show and the arts and crafts show.

With the close of activities Sunday, festival Chairman Glenn Snow, said plans for the 1971 festival have already been outlined by Booster Club members, assuring visitors an even bigger and better festival next year.

ORDER YOUR SPRING FLORAL BOUQ

SEND SOME CHEER TO SOMEONES DAY

Florence Tech Solutions 541-991-3705

• Smart TV Setup • Virus Malware • Cloud/iCloud • Email Setup • Tutoring • iPad, iPhone, MAC • Universal TV Remote • Sound Bar Setup

• Smart Phone | Tablet • Monthly Computer Tune-Up • Streaming Setup (Roku, Firestick) • Printer Scanner • Social Media Eduation • Website Design

www.florencetechsolutions.com

Owner Technician info@Florencetechsolutions.com

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 55

1969

~ Rhododendron Senior Court ~

Kris Rutherford

Debbie Bechtold

Queen Rhododendra Jane Erskine

Judy Saubert

Kathy Peterson

Over 2,000 People in Parade Sunday With over 75 entries under “buttermilk” skies, thousands of people lined Highway 101 and side streets along the Rhododendron Parade route throughout Florence Sunday for the 62nd annual celebration in the city of flowers which marks the center of Oregon’s adventure coast. Florence Booster Club members in charge of the parade termed it one of the largest in the history of the celebration.

There were over two dozen highly decorative floats in the parade with Siuslaw High school’s entry entitled “Your future Through the Zodiac” taking the Sweepstakes honors.

The coveted Queen’s trophy, given each year to a commercial float, was won by Lane County Bank’s entry which not only carried out the “Dreams of Tomorrow” parade theme.

Cub Scout Pack 377 sponsored by Florence Elks Lodge 1858 used their float to portray their dream of “Unity” for tomorrow, winning the mayor’s trophy.

The Siuslaw News trophy given each year

to the float making the best use of flowers, went to the Siuslaw National Forest’s entry portraying a legacy for the children of tomorrow.

Some Florence Booster Club statistician calculated there were 2,003 persons in the parade along with about 50 horses and Clarence 1969 Rhododendron Jr. Court

left to right: Julie Smith, first grade daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clem Smith; Wendie Sudberry, third grade daughter of Mr. and Mrs Ken Sudberry; Tina Martin, fourth grade daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Ray Martin; and Kim Davis, second grade daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Don Davis.

Wilbanks’ two ducks.

Clam chowder at the three booths along the parade route lasted just about as long as the parade as a line was formed in front of the uptown stands nearly constantly during the “pass and review”.

In addition to the Rhododendron Junior and Senior Courts, royalty in the parade included the Reedsport's Fleet Days Court, Oakridge’s Western Tree Planting Festival Court, Applegate Trail Days Court, Waldport’s Loyalty Days Court, Cottage Groves’s Bohemia Mining Days Court, Lebanon’s Strawberry Festival Court, the Yoncalla Rodeo Court, and courts from Toledo and Bandon.

There were 10 music groups in the parade including the Siuslaw and Mapleton High School Bands. Others were from Toledo, Philomath, Lebanon, North Eugene, North Bend, and the MaClaren Drum and Bugle Corps and the Eugene Highlanders Bagpipe Band.

Lane Community College at Florence: Celebrating 110 years of the Rhody Festival with 40 years of service to Florence and Western Lane County.

3149 Oak Street U 541/997-8444 U www.lanecc.edu/florence

56 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

1968

~ Rhododendron Senior Court ~

Trisha Holman

Sue Henry

Queen Rhododendra Vicki Hylton

Pat Ulrich

Niki Nicholson

Rhody Festival Pleasant Memory A persistent rain could not dampen the enthusiasm of participants or viewers of the 61st Annual Rhododendron Festival Parade, Sunday, May 19th, in Florence. A determined crowd, estimated at between 10-12,000, lined the streets to watch entries from as far away as Astoria splash for an hour and twenty minutes along the mile-long parade route.

Headed by Grand Marshal Mr. Frank Ellington, “The Old Trader” of KUGN Radio, Eugene, and Rhododendra Queen Vickie Hylton and her court, the serpentine column proceeded with minor slowups.

Over 600 gallons of free clam chowder were consumed by visitors and residents as the untimely rain and biting winds urged appetites.

Peterson Drug Centre’s “African Drug Store” was the sweepstakes winner which preceded the gamut of “Let’s Pretend” floats. Winning first place trophies in their categories were Lane County Bank, commercial, and the U.S. Forest Service, organizations.

The tree-day festival began Friday afternoon with the coronation of Junior Queen Angela Bishop, a 5th grader from Florence.

The Senior Princess Talent show was presented Friday night at 8 p.m. in the high school gym with a large, partisan crowd on hand as the five favorites view for the advantage in the choice of Queen Rhododendra. Queen Vickie Hylton captured the competition with twirling 1968 Rhododendron Jr. Court

front left, Princess Barbara Lucas, Queen Angela Bishop, Princess Laurie Moors, Princess Cheryl Barrett, and Princess Angela Lee

act and poise in the modeling and interview phases.

A square dance jamboree at the junior high gym peacefully coexisted with the Queen’s Ball, held across the street in he high school gym Saturday evening.

The coronation was the culmination of many weeks’ work on the part of the court, their families and friends, and chaperones Mrs. Loyd Peterson and Mrs. Hans Peterson.

Throughout the festival there was an art show, held at the grade school gym, and a carnival, featuring exciting rides for young and old. From noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, the Florence Garden Club held a Flower Show at the grade school.

The red coats of the Florence Boosters were seen everywhere during the festival and attested to their efforts to make the 61st Annual Rhododendron Festival one of the most interesting.

OREGON COAST MILITARY MUSEUM 2145 Kingwood Stree Florence • 541-902-5160 10am-4pm Thursday-Saturday oregoncoastmilitarymuseum.com

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 57

1967

~ Rhododendron Senior Court ~

Edith Elledge

Charlotte Noyes

Queen Rhododendra Pat Johnson

Earla Hagen

Peggy Akerley

Would You Believe - 60th Festival Rousing Success The clowns were the funniest, the weather Mr. and Mrs. Bill Landrum. Judging the pathe sunniest and the floats the prettiest for the rade entries were Mrs. Olive Bruner, Flo60th Rhododendron Festival.

1967 Rhododendron Jr. Court This year’s Rhododendron Festival is now history, and “Would You Believe” that it drew a near capacity crowd of an estimated 25,000 people.

Under the leadership of John Skoog, President of the Florence Booster Club, this year’s impressive festival started off with the Coronation of the Junior Queen at the high school gym on friday afternoon.

Patty Vermilyea was officially crowned Junior Queen by Florence’s Mayor Stuart Johnston.

Saturday’s events included the Junior Pa- 1967 Jr. Court and its queen stand on gangplank of US Corps rade which was also bigger and better than of Engineers dredge “Pacific” which was tied up to Florence City Docks for four days over the weekend. The Court was ever, with some 46 entries lining the roadway taken on a “Cook’s Tour” of the ship by “Red” Wilson, Officer in front of the Elementary School for judging in Charge. Girls lining gangway are (L to R) Princess Twylene Brauer, Princess Lori Hylton, Queen at 12:30 p.m. The Junior Queen’s Float was Davis, Princess Malissa Patty Vermilyea and Princess Betty Robinson. designed and decorated under the direction of

rence, Mrs. Vi Dowdy, Florence, and Mrs. Kathryn Ritter of Eugene.

Saturday night, a tearful, but very radiant Pat Johnson was crowned queen of the 60th annual Rhododendron Festival, highlighting festivities at the Queen’s Ball and Coronation held in the Siuslaw High gym.

Grand Marshal Glenn Corbett officiated at Queen Pat’s coronation ceremony, following his introduction by Booster President Skoog and much loud and boisterous “hi-jinks” from the Grants Pass Cavemen.

At three o’clock on Sunday tickets from Rhody buttons sold were scrambled and a winner for a grand prize of a TV, radio and stereo was drawn.

This marked the end of the official portion of the weekend and the 60th annual Rhododendron Festival was over. Visitors continued to enjoy the weekend, however.

58 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

1966

~ Rhododendron Senior Court ~

Kay Dietrich

Susan Hunt

Lynn Morgan

Queen Rhododendra Judy Shelton

Donna Wendling

Parade, Colorful and Successful The Upsilon Theta Rho No. 20 float Cub Scout Pack 110 of Florence, 1st; Sunny skies and near perfect coastal weather combined with true festival spirit “when You Were A Tulip,” won the $100 Women of the Moose, 2nd; and Cub Scout last Sunday, to help make Florence’s 59th sweepstake award, with organization di- Pack 377 of Florence, 3rd.

Commercial Division winners were annual Rhododendron Festival Parade a vision winners including floats entered by floats entered by Grady’s Super Foods, successful and outstanding one. It was es1st; Peterson’s Drug Centre, 2nd; and timated some 25,000 persons attended the 1966 Rhododendron Jr. Court Emery’s IGA Foodliner, 3rd. “Melodie event.

Memories”, was the parade theme of the Thousands of spectators lined the paRhododendron Festival for 1966. rade route at noon, Sunday to watch the Boosters estimated that they served 90-minute parade which featured 23 6,000 bowls of free clam chowder before floats, 35 bands and marching units, and and during the parade, and hosted record many colorful entries. crowds to such events as the Sand Dune Grants Pass Cavemen captured the Buggy Hill Climb, boat show, Reedsportimagination of the crowd and some of the Florence Aqua Ducks. Crowds also concrowd itself, as they kidnapped persons along the parade route and locked them in tinued throughout the day to visit scenic areas in and around Florence, and take a mobile jail. Coos Bay Pirates also threatfrom left to righ: Princess Rebecca Brauer, advantage of Open House aboard the 52ened parade watchers with a dunking in a Princess Gretchen Brauer, Queen Marcee Mills, Princess Mary Kay McKnight, foot Coast Guard Cutter from Coos Bay. portable tank of water. and Princess Jay Dee Saltzman. Junior Court chaperones are Mrs. Ken Thorsted and Mrs. W. D. Landrum.

“Not just a lumberyard..”

• Doors • Ply Gem Windows • Milgard Windows • Huntwood Cabinets • Mid-Continent Cabinets • Countertops: Granite & Quartz • Tile

CCB#191090

• Garage Doors • Livestock and Animal Feed and Supplies • Free Estimates • Free Local Delivery • Professional Advice • Installation • Sales

310 Hwy. 101, Florence • 541-997-3438 www.prolumber.net

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 59

1965

~ Rhododendron Senior Court ~

Judy Todd

Annette Middleton

Queen Rhododendra Annette Campbell

Barb Barnum

Phyllis Himmel

20,000 View Rhody Parade The 58th annual Rhododendron Parade was Sun and Surf.

In the Commercial Division Lane County Bank “bigger and better” than ever, said Greg Burbach, parade co-chairman with Ernie Pickett. The 67 was awarded first prize for Happiness is Saving entries ambled down Highway 101 under slightly for a Rainy Day, Peterson’s Drug Center won secovercast skies, but there was no wind. Florence 1965 Rhododendron Jr. Court booster chairman Byron Pengra estimated that about 20-25,000 persons lined the streets to view the spectacle.

Last year’s attendance was slightly larger, but the boat races at Lake Cleawox were held at the same time, which may account for the difference.

Also, several activities were scheduled in Eugene which may have kept tourists in their own area.

Senator Wayne Morse delivered his wishes for a “most successful 58th Rhododendron Festival” preceding the parade via radio KPIR, Eugene.

Florence Auto Parts carried off sweepstake honors with their float, Happiness is a Spring Bouquet. All floats carried out the theme “Happiness is…” In the Organization Division the Florence Mayor Stuart Johnston crowns Queen Teresa Sims at Moose Lodge took first place with Happiness is the junior court coronation held Friday afternoon in the Siuslaw High school gym. Her court includes, left to right, Memories. Second place went to Theta Rho #20 Princess Diane Fast, Princess Martha Savage, Princess Kathy for Happiness is Around the World; and third Johnson and Princess Radeena Martin. Ringbearers were, left place went to Cub Scouts #310 for Happiness is to right, Rhonda Morley, Perry Vaughn and Marcee Mills.

PORT HOLE PUBLISHING 179 Laurel Street, Suite D • FLORENCE

ond place for Happiness is the Good Ole Summertime. Grady’s Food Store took third place for Happiness is Fishing in Florence.

General consensus was that this year’s parade had more lavish floats, that tourists spent more money, and the parade was a huge success.

A Clip from Our Past

Mud-Covered Mapleton a Mass of Debris February 4, 1965

The main business section of Mapleton was hard hit for the second time in five weeks as a massive earth slide loosened by torrential rains, moved down Hollenbeck canyon directly behind the Southern Pacific Railroad depot and the Mapleton Post Office last Thursday afternoon at 2:15 p.m., and surged across Highway 36.

Mapleton took the full brunt of high waters along the Siuslaw River, during December’s disastrous floods.

The slide which carried down a hillside and scoured the narrow canyon of downed trees and other debris, swept across the Southern Pacific’s track, took out a tool shed, and obliterated the rear and side walls of the onestory, concrete block Post Office.

PORT HOLE BOOKS

77567 Hwy. 101 GARDINER

LET US PUBLISH YOUR BOOK Best-Selling Author, Ellen Traylor, Owner/Publisher

541-999-5725 • portholepublications.com • portholebooks.com

NEW-USED-RARE! WE HAVE IT ALL!

Sotheby’s, eBay Master Dealer and Appraiser for Discovery.com

60 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

DLIG ~ e{ÉwÉwxÇwÜÉÇ fxÇ|ÉÜ VÉâÜà ~

Marsha Hunt

Vonnie Goehring

Queen Rhododendra Karen Peterson

Christine Holland

Donna Duncan

Rhody Festival Rated Huge Success Overheard in the crowd Sunday, “It was supposed to rain this weekend, that’s why nobody showed up.”

According to estimates of police, Boosters and just general opinions, the 57th annual Rhododendron Festival attracted in the neighborhood of 25,000 persons as it has for the last few years. Although the weather forecasters predicted dire warnings of sheets of rain, not a drop did fall and the sun reigned over the entire festival.

One of the highlights of the festival came Saturday night with the crowning of Queen Karen Peterson by Grand Marshall Johnny Carpenter. Queen Karen, who was escorted to the Coronation by her father, M. O. Peterson, was a Moose Lodge candidate.

“The coronation was just wonderful” said Eileen Huntington, chairman of the

Talent Show held Friday night, speaking of the help she had in putting on the show. “It would take a whole page in the paper to properly thank everyone,” she said. The Talent Show was won by Princess Vonnie Goehring, who played four different accordions for pres1964 Rhododendron Jr. Court

Mayor Stuart Johnston crowns Pamela Dixon Queen of the Junior Court. Princesses: Julie, Christine, Dawn and Sonja

entation of her talent. Princess Donna Duncan presented interpretive modern dancing, Princess Marsha Hunt modeled four outfits that she had sewn. Princess Christine Holland danced and pantomimed the Bossa Nova, and Queen Karen Peterson played several selections on the piano and gave a reading.

Talent was judged from the asking of an impromptu question, the modeling of clothes and the talent presented. The talent show made up 60% of the votes in the choosing of the queen. The remaining 40% of the votes were determined by button sales.

Two radio stations, KPIR, Eugene, and KRAF, Reedsport, broadcast the activities of the festival live. KPIR covered two days, Saturday and Sunday, with their mobile units and seven man crews.

Community Public Education: • CPR/AED • Fall Prevention • Life-Med Membership • SAFE Kids • Heart Attack React • Stroke Prevention

The Only Emergency Medical Service & Critical Care Transport Service in Western Lane County.

Proud to serve the residents of Western Lane Ambulance District, those visiting the District and any others in need of medical attention.

Call 541-997-9614

for more information

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 61

1963

~ Rhododendron Senior Court ~

Sharon LaDuke

Arlene Kuck

Queen Rhododendra Peggy Judy

Beth Meadows

Esther Jensen

56th Rhody Fest Rated “Best Ever” Once More “The 56th annual Rhododendron festival pany for their huge Dutch windmill and still wires on Maple Street and had to be put into was the biggest yet,” said Ernie Pickett, carrying the Dutch theme, Parson’s Drug the parade at the intersection of Maple and president of the Florence Boosters Club, the took second for its Dutch scene, featuring a Highway 101, thus cutting it out of a porsponsoring organization. “Every year the windmill and Cathalina Boeij in her native tion of the parade.

After the parade, traffic jams occurred at festival seems to improve, the Committees Dutch costume. Grady’s float depicting a almost every major intersection and it took in charge of the various events all func- group of castles took third prize.

The parade was very well managed with time and patience to get to any given destitioned well and we were impressed with the calibre of the floats. It looks like the festival few lags and those only of short duration. nation. The stream of cars to the airport and was a financial success, as well,” he con- Some consternation ensued when the chowder hut jammed the narrow airport tinued. Pickett said there should be some LaDuke entry was too tall to pass under the road for some time.

It was estimated that about money left after all the bills are 1963 Rhododendron Jr. Court 4,000 people were served chowpaid. Some of the surplus funds der. Bob Collins and Glenn Oare will probably be used for next were chairmen of the chowder year’s festival promotion and for committee and reported they had a civic project, he said. excellent assistance. Chowder The Florence Moose Lodge left over was given to Twilight took sweepstakes with their Haven Nursing home and to the replica of the nation’s capitol and Elks Lodge. first in the commercial division Princess Caroline, Princess Debbie, Queen Carrie, Princess Kathy, Princess Susie went to LaDuke Lumber Com-

Readers Choice Voted #1 Realtor

62 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

1962

~ Rhododendron Senior Court ~

Sheryl Cameron

Sheryl Cameron

Queen Rhododendra Janice Grand

Curene Emery

Libby Johnson

55th Rhododendron Festival a Great Celebration The fifty-fifth annual Rhododendron Festival reached its climax Sunday when an estimated crowd of 25 to 30 thousand people poured into Florence to view the parade.

The parade lasted for one hour and 20 minutes without a dull moment. The floats showed a number of versions of “Those Wonderful Years,” the theme of the festival. A sternwheeler river show boat, double decked, with passengers dressed in the show boat era, entered by Florence Auto Parts, took the sweepstakes prize. First place winner in the business section was Safeway Store’s entry showing “Those Wonderful Years” of prohibition with “mountain boys” making “mountain dew” or “corn squeezin’s.”

After the parade, there was the clam

chowder feed, a water sports show at Lake Cleawox, the Florence Arts and Crafts show, the antique auto exhibit, the continuous performance of the Gay 90’s Meller Drammer at the Civic Theatre and the firemen’s contests.

Rural Firemen exhibited their skills at the contests held Sunday afternoon when the Roseburg Rural Fire Department won the hook and ladder drill and won the rotating trophy. The water ball contest was won by Newport.

1962 Rhododendron Jr. Court

Lori Lentell, Christi Todd, Queen Janiece Green, Kathy Phillips & Cathy Rutherford

INTERNATIONAL OF FLORENCE

Warner Pinkney, president of the Booster club, and chairman of the Rhododendron Festival.

Mr. Pinkney is also founder and owner of The Sportman sports shop.

WOMEN AT WORK

P.O. Box 1209 Florence, Oregon 97439

We are women who want to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.

SIA is committed to gender equality, empowerment, education and diversity & fellowship.

Soroptimist International of Florence has been active in this community since 1972. Interested in joining our organization?

Call club president, Nancy Bosket at 541-902-7250. We will be meeting on Wednesday’s at Chen’s starting on September 16th.

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 63

1961

~ Rhododendron Senior Court ~

Marcia Mann

Leilani Gallo

Queen Rhododendra Carmelita Beck

Mary Stone

Mary Middleton

Rhododendron Festival Best Ever The climax of the Rhododendron Festivities was reached Saturday night at the high school gym, where the Queen’s ball was held, when Carmelita Beck, the Lady of Elks and Elk’s candidate was crowned Queen Rhododendra. The Queen was overcome at the announcement and took several minutes and the ministrations of “Uncle Charlie” LaFranchise and Bill Dunaven to compose herself enough to approach the front of the stage.

Mary Middleton was escorted by her brother, Randy, who was here for the occasion from his navy base at Whidby Island, WA; Carmelita Beck’s escort was Tom McClure; Mary Stone was escorted

by Colman Carlisle; Leilani Gallo’s escort was Archie Meadows, and Marcia mann had her brother, Jim as her escort.

The white bouffant gowns, long white gloves, and rhododendron nosegays each carried set off the charm and youthful beauty of the Princesses.

Bette Hueller was crowned Junior Queen of the Rhododendron Festival in a colorful 1961 Rhododendron Jr. Court

Queen Bette Hueller with Mayor Davidson and the 1961 Junior Court - name order not available

a little bit of

EVERYTHING

ceremony and program at the high school gym on Friday afternoon. The little princesss preceded Bette down the hall and up onto the stage. She was attended by her court, Princesses Karen Saubert, Janice Grosenbach; train bearer, Dawn Gilbert and Kathleen Peterson.

“I believe this was the largest crowd we ever had at the Rhododendron Festival,” was the comment of Police Chief Charles Lovell when asked to estimate the crowd here during the two day event.

He estimated the crowd at “over 15,000”.

The chowder ran out before everyone was fed. As he predicted, chief cook Orville Wilson got a “good scald” on it.

People were still coming for the chowder at about five o’clock when the pots were empty.

For 102 of the last 110 years, the library has been 'Ready to Rhody'!

Come check out...

Summer Reading for Kids & Adults Locations in Mapleton & Florence Access to high-speed, free wi-fi DVDs, CDs, Books, and more

64 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

1960

~ Rhododendron Senior Court ~

Judy Worthylake

Linda Hueller

Queen Rhododendra Georgia Fithian

Janet Hendrickson

Diana Shore

1960 Rhododendron Festival a Great Celebration Rain failed to dampen the spirits of spectators or parade entrants at the Rhododendron parade Sunday, even though it did play havoc with some of the floats.

Florence’s newest organization, the Rotary club was represented with an international float depicting the scope of its membership. Even Sand Dune Sally made an appearance.

Following the parade clam chowder was served at the city park on airport road and the Eugene Aqua Skippers staged a water show of skilled water skiing on Woahink Lake.

Miss Georgia Fithian, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Fithian, was crowned Queen Rhododendra by A. T. Goodwin, judge of the Oregon Supreme Court in ceremonies Saturday evening at the coronation ball held at Siuslaw High School. He was assisted by

Sue Richardson, Queen Rhododendra for 1959, who turned her scepter over to the new ruler.

A delightful program by the elementary school captured the audience attending the coronation of Junior Queen Patricia Hol-

“Pursuit of Happiness” wedding party copped first honors for Berry Creek Construction company. (no Junior Court photo available)

man Friday afternoon at Siuslaw High School gym. Included were winning the Maypole by the third grades, a pageant “The Sleeping Beauty” by the second grades, a song by the fifth grades and folk dances by the fourth grade. The sixth grade band played under the direction of Delmer Aibischer.

Mayor E. A. Davidson places the tiara on the cute blonde queen, who ruled over the junior festivities Friday and Saturday with her court including Princesses Christine Bowles, Sally Cleveland, Mary Wick and Alice Hueller.

Ice cream slices were the treats at Hans M. Petersen Memorial field where games and contests under the direction of Dr. Robert McKnight kept the kids busy for some time vying for the cash prize money.

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 65

1959

~ Rhododendron Senior Court ~

Janet Steele

Queen Rhododendra Sue Richardson

Georgia Speer

Carol Worthylake

Rhododendron Days Here This Weekend The Vine Maple Savages who will be on Florence is rolling out the red carpet for Rhododendron days, May 21-24 with many the prowl and invitations have been connew thrills added to festivities this year.

Crowning of the junior queen at the grade school gym will reveal the junior court whose members are Kristine and Linda Kay Rutherford, Sharon Severy, Donna Wendling and Cindy Dunaven.

A square dance jamboree starting at 9 p.m., Friday, Siuslaw High School gym will feature guest callers. More than 200 dancers are expected by the Promenaders who will host the affair.

Secretary of State Howell Appling Jr., will officiate at the coronation ball Saturday night at the high school gym when Queen Rhododendra will be revealed.

Princesses are Sue Richardson, Carol Worthylake, Janet Steele and Georgia Mrs. Robert D. Miles Jr., and Florence Civic Speer, who are vieing for this honor.

Theatre, first place winner, organization division.

~ COUPON ~

firmed from the Astoria Clowns, Grants Pass Cavemen and other fun groups who will help keep things popping along the parade route thru Florence.

A rhododendron button will be necessary to get a serving of clam chowder at the city park on airport road following the parade.

Lebanon, Springfield and Reedsport royalty are expected to be here for Sunday’s parade for which Howell Appling Jr., will be grand marshal.

Entirely new to the festival will be a 32act show at Clear Waters Playground on Woahink Lake by Springfield’s Aqua Skipprs, who will have a girls’ chorus line, barefoot skiers, pyramids and other breath taking acts to conclude the celebration.

Rhododendron Festival Special Purchase any framed painting at the front office of the Siuslaw News and receive $10 off with this coupon.

Call for more information: Carolyn Nordahl - 541-999-9384 cnordahl41@yahoo.com

More in display at 148 Maple St.

Offer good through August, 31, 2017

66 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

1958

~ Rhododendron Senior Court ~

Donna Christianson

Queen Rhododendra Rebecca Cooley

Carolyn Jones

Patrician Welch

Rhododendron Days Draw Thousands Florence had everything for Rhododendron Days, May 24-25–rhododendrons at their peak of blossom, beautiful girls, fascinating parades, enthusiastic crowds, lots of crab cocktail and bread sticks, and it didn’t rain!

Becky Cooley was crowned Queen Rhododendra XIX by Col. Jackson Graham, chief of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland, at the queen’s ball Saturday night at the Rainbow hall. She had earlier won the speech contest and with her sale of buttons and other points was selected to reign over the festivities with Princesses Pat Welch, Carolyn Jones and Donna Christensen.

Yvonne Lovell, junior queen received her tiara and scepter from Mayor E. A. Davidson in ceremonies held Friday afternoon at the grade school gym. Her court included Princesses Kathleen Read, Janice Graden,

N A EDITIO WEDNESDAY

2016 UARY 20, JANU

@SIUSLAWNEW

TLE VIKS WRES S FOR TITLE — B

INSIDE —

A3

SPORTS

E C RN LAN

Mary Ann’s at Natural Pet ay 1541 Highw ed 101 suffer damage Saturday when a car into crashed a power pole, which struck then ng. the buildi Central Lincoln had r to cut powe a to install new pole.

Power was restored y. early Sunda

r ooutage ess powe le, causse Highway 101 dent on Hig h snaps po y night acci

Cras

the were on No lines the vehiPeaceHealth ground or touching toddler to al r Medic Sean and on Marshal remained Peace Harbotheir injuries. cle. said Fire Firefighters traffic until treat trea and Center to direct Barrett.

Barrett’s were treated scene to arrived ding to All three ording Siuslaw Accor l Lincoln PUD day. was an the released that broke the pole Centra down power to releas , the driver ay report allegedly fell The vehicle . The pole to shut nt Saturd male who , crossed places ayy adult lines.

A car accide Highw power , driving ighwa two near go 1541 d in asleep while near the ground “We do not situations,” evening at f and crashe secsnapped off ts and busi- lanes of traffic sidents of the broken the lines in these power lines for 101 left resident pow part l power and h pole.

“All out throug ithou ith into the withou he fire ses w Barrett said. the PUD tells sse nesses ne smashed i e tthe he time the Natural y th nigh night.

By B man tion are live until andd ived, the most of the at Mary Ann’s i arrived Fire t wall ent ment m ise.”

V gers us otherw Siuslaw Valley me of departtwo young passen were some and Pet. a lot of tenand H 11A Rescue crews ders on the tthe vehicle th “There was ad,” See CRAS re out off responders wires overhe street. ord were Ford F the first a across the sion in the fter after af tanding ac ta a standin Ambulance Barrett said. cenne ce sscene sheed into rash este n Lane ester Wester W on ccrashe ition itio pedditi xpe Exped E the man, infant pm 20 p.m.

5:20 i t i t took l att 5:20 Distric poowe pole power ve hit,”” p iive eexplos a explo wa an It was “It

rday aged in Satu Pet store dam

WALDPORT • YACHATS • FLORENCE • MAPLETON • DUNES CITY • WESTLAKE • GARDINER • REEDSPORT

COAST CENTRAL January 2016

FREE MONTHLY GUIDE TO ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT ON THE OREGON COAST

WINCHESTER BAY • LAKESIDE • NORTH BEND • COOS BAY • CHARLESTON • COQU ILLE • BANDON

MUSIC from the

HEART

LE MEYER

BY CHANTEL News

COURTES

Y OF CONNIE

SPINNER

BLACK

TE G WES

OW ENTA YELL CYAN MAG

SERVIN

A Clip from Our Past

Bathhouse Opened for Summer The Siuslaw Oar, Friday, August 23, 1958

Typical parade float. (no Junior Court photo available)

The bathhouse at Cleawox Lake of the Jessie M. Honeyman State Park will be opend on May 24 for the season.

The Cleawox overnight camp officially opened Friday evening with accommodations for 133 camper groups and more than 60 additional camp sites soon to be ready for the summer season.

with the

, OREGON FLORENCE 1890 SINCE OUNTY

sailboat made by Don Price in which rode his twin sisters Vickie and Carolyn.

Second was “Adventures of Tom Sawyer” entered by Linda and John Seaver, Sharon Buss and Barbara Noyes; third went to the 4H Greenery Club for their antique boat of rhododendrons.

GET LOCAL

$1.00

Visions’ ticc V ‘Artisti rs named neers winn

S

S

/SIUSLAWNEW

.COM SLAWNEWS THESIU

Connie Earle, and Judy Ann Todd.

Grand prize winner in the junior parade was “By the Sea” entered by Gary and Todd Winkleman, with Todd playing in the sand before a white lighthouse while Gary pulled the wagon carrying the float.

Taking first place in the float division was “Sailing, Sailing” a rhododendron decorated

Siuslaw News

Subscribe and get to know Florence with local news and information you’ll only find in the Siuslaw News.

Print + E-Edition only $71/year (104 issues) Includes Weekly Top Headline Updates and Breaking News Alerts

Virtuoso guitarist Jesse Cook comes to Florence COVER STORY

Winter Music Fest

16

7

thesiuslawnews.com

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 67

1957

~ Rhododendron Senior Court ~

Ona Casto

Queen Rhododendra Jolece Hartzell

Arlene Nicholson

Carol Worthylake

Rhododendron Days Attract Many Jupiter Pluvius’ umbrella sprung only one slight leak Sunday during the Rhododendron Festival Parade which brought an estimated 6,000 visitors to Florence during the event which started Friday with the coronation of junior queen, Kristy Pitney by Mayor E. A. Davidson in the grade school gym.

Winning the speech contest Friday evening was Jolece Hartzell, who continued in the lead to become Queen Rhododendra XVIII in ceremonies held at the Rainbow Hall Saturday evening.

Sweeping the field for grand prize in junior parade were Debbie Miller and David Brog, in their rocking chair float bedecked with rhodies and cedar.

Lane County Bank with its “Vacation Land–Rain or Shine” float took the grand prize in the Sunday parade, entered in the commercial division, Emery’s Hi-Way Mar-

ket, second and Joe’s Saw Shop, third. Honorable mention went to the Canary entry Wheel of Fortune and the PUD float.

Six thousand plastic bags, each containing half a crab, were disstributed by members of the Siuslaw Boosters festival sponsors, Sunday, following the parade. The crabs had been for the most part caught by Trygve Nordahl and were cooked by Scotty MacDonald cleaned and packaged by the Booster Club members Saturday night.

Adding his congratulations to the city on this occasion was Congressman Charles O. Porter, who sent the following message: “My warmest greetings to citizens of Florence on its 50th anniversary of Siuslaw Rhododendron Festival. “Holiday Harbor” is a winsome name for this fetching recreation center. May this golden jubilee mark a new era for Lane’s seaport.”

A Clip from Our Past

Western Lane Fair Opens Here Today The Siuslaw Oar, Friday, Augusut 23, 1957

Doors of Siuslaw Grade School gym will swing wide at 4 p.m., today to admit visitors to Western Lane County Fair and Harvest Festival during the afternoon, evening and all day Saturday, All exhibits must be in place by noon today, Friday, for judging to be completed according to George Elliott, president of the fair board, who stresses there is still time to get your exhibits entered until that time.

Displays vary from outstanding grange exhibits to hobbies and are entered by oldsters and youngsters alike. A perfect flower, beautiful handwork, luscuious pies symmetrical carrots all vie for award to acquaint the world with what is western Lane County.

Mercer Lake Resort is a family owned business, currently operated by Pat Massey-Tonole and her husband Jim. The property was purchased 60 years ago by Pat’s parents, Bill and Delores Roberts. In 1957, the business consisted of some vintage cabins and a few wooden rental boats.

Over time, the property has transformed into a beautiful, family oriented setting, including 10 furnished cabins with kitchens and 11 nightly RV Spaces. At the office/store you can purchase candy, ice cream, pop and ice. Tackle, bait and fishing licenses are also available.

While the Dock and Beach Privileges are for Registered Guests only, the fishing boat rentals are open to the public. There are Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass and Bluegill in the lake.

Mercer Lake Resort

MERCER LAKE RESORT Like taking a step back in time.

Visit our website for more information www.MLRoregon.com

Mercer Lake Resort 88875 Bay Berry Lane, Florence, OR 97439 (541) 997-3633

68 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

DLHI ~ e{ÉwÉwxÇwÜÉÇ fxÇ|ÉÜ VÉâÜà ~

Eula Carroll

Jean Taylor

Queen Rhododendra Kathy Richards

Shirley Stoeffler

Kay Doggett

Show Goes On For Rhododendron Days Sun broke through threatening skies Saturday to shine on Her Majesty Queen Dianne I, and her court, as they ruled at the junior festivities of Rhododendron Days and the “show went on” as the parade of clowns, Chinese and Indians serpentined through town to Hans Petersen Memorial field for the kids’ events.

Diane, who was the first graders’ choice is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Kair.

She was crowned by Mayor E. A. Davidson Friday afternoon at the grade school. The princesses were Pam Schollenberger, Charlotte Price, Darcy Wingerter and Joan Hambrick.

Directing the kid’s events was Chick Lane with Roy Bowman announcing. They were assisted by a number of Booster Club members in awarding prizes for the many divisions which varied from a pre-school 25-yard dash to egg race, three-legged race, sprints, and money grab to be climaxed by a pie eating

contest.

Kathy Richards was crowned Queen Rhododendra XVII by Marshall Ralph Petersen Saturday evening at the Queen’s ball held in the Rainbow Hall. Kathie is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Richards.

Because of threatening weather only about 25 visiting sportsmen pilots came for the flyin breakfast sponsored by the Florence squadron of the Civil Air Patrol. These flew in from Portland, Lebanon, Lakeside, North Bend, Springfield and way points. Some of them later helped in an air search for Frances Renner, ten-year-old girl missing from 3:30 p.m. until nearly 5:30 p.m. west of the airport.

The rhododendron parade was smaller than usual, but the floats which were entered were excellent. Sweepstakes went to Emery’s HiWay Market with its “drift to Florence” theme carried out by a large driftwood tree trunk on which perched mermaid Curene Emery. Flot-

sam from the sea, Japanese floats and fish nets completed the float. Second place in the commercial division went to the Penguin, with its trailer load of young Penguins pulled by a car driven by an adult Penguin. Third place went to Lane County Bank, who sported a boat load of pretty girls.

A Clip from Our Past

Oil Company Plugs Indian Creek Well The Siuslaw Oar, Friday, February 10, 1956

Sinclair Oil and Gas Co. of Tulsa, Okla., Friday, Feb. 3, plugged the well up Indian Creek which was “spuded in” July 13, after 201 days of continuous around the clock drilling, reaching a depth of 12,000 feet to set a new depth record in Oregon.

No shows of oil or gas were obtained according to Robert Blair, productions forman.

We proudly serve our community and visitors through safe, efficient and effective delivery of emergency services supported by aggressive fire prevention and public education.

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 69

1955

~ Rhododendron Senior Court ~

Patti Scott

Donna Burger

Rachelle Bennett

Queen Rhododendra Dixie Wright

Ann Galbreath

Carol Upton

Doris Horn

Rhododendron Festival Attracts Large Crowd Florence’s 3-day Rhododendron Festival played to 10,000 coast visitors May 20-22 with festivities and fun for all. The weather was good, (and windy), the rhododendrons bloomed, and a variety of activities gave everyone something to do.

Mayor E. A. Davidson presided at the coronation of Junior Queen Sharon Wilson, who ruled over the kiddies’ affairs.

Miss Dixie Wright was crowned Queen Rhododendra XVI by Mayor V. Edwin Johnson of Eugene, in ceremonies held at Siuslaw High auditorium Friday evening.

The kiddies’ parade Saturday was disappointing after the fine parade last year, with the Mapleton High School band saving the day. First prize went to Gary Jones and Gregory Burbach for their holiday bedecked wagon. Getting a lot of attention was the three men in a tub entry, which was also a prize winner, as a reluctant ‘man’ kept telling his dad, Dr. Tom Hunt, he was tired and wanted out. Barbara and Beckie Strauss, daugh-

ters of Dr. and Mrs. E. H. Strauss rode their horse Golden Boy in the parades, both Saturday and Sunday.

Sweepstakes winner in the Sunday parade was the tugboat and barge entry of Murray Hardware, LaDuke Lumber and Woahink Lake Lumber, which garnered the grand prize money. The Civil Air Patrol rocket took first in organizations and the mariner scouts second; Johnston Motor Co’s derelict Ford took first in the commercial division with Central Lincoln PUD’s Ben Franklin float second. Bands from Mapleton, Reedsport, Eugene and Siuslaw High Schools with the Lebanon Elks band played, with three bands participating in the afternoon concert.

Chowder was served to about 2000 people by Boosters that were up early getting the brew ready under the watchful eye of Art Harris. Helping with this project were Wayne Harrison, Roland Patterson, Bruce Jones, George Burbach, Pete Swigert and Harold Cook. Drew Severy and Nick Hatch presided over the coffee.

A Clip from Our Past

House Numbering Plan Involves Street Names The Siuslaw Oar, Friday, March 18, 1955

Florence city council moved a step nearer the long delayed house numbering at a special session held Monday evening at the city hall when County Planner Howard Bufford’s proposal was studied.

It was proposed that streets running north and south begin with the letters of the alphabet and be known as streets while those running east and west will be numbered from the southern boundary and be called avenues, thus Front Street would be First Ave., Main Street, Second; Josephine, Third, ect.

Numbering will be from west to east starting with 100 and from south to north, the same way, with numbers running to the 2200 block in each direction of the present boundaries of the city.

Further study and consultation with the county will be made.

Proud to have been the “Official Crown Bearer” to many Queen Rhododendras!

541•999•6078 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK FACEBOOK.COM/PETERSENAUTODETAIL

Trent Petersen, Owner

70 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

1954

~ Rhododendron Senior Court ~

1954 Royal Court pictured with Queen Sharon Member of court (not in order): Peggy Stitt, Sallyann Poole, Maris Milam, Donna Lee Akerley, Meredith Rhodes, and Dixie Amack

Queen Rhododendra Sharon Smith

Estimated 15,000 Here on Rhododendron Days An estimated crowd of 15,000 were in Florence for Rhododendron Days, May 15 and 16, and at least a third of those wishing to get out on airport road for the free clam chowder, air show and carnival had to be waved on by police due to lack of parking facilities.

Festivities began Friday afternoon when Mistress Beckie Strauss, blonde, blue-eyed six-year -old daughter of Dr. and Mrs. E. H. Strauss was crowned by Mayor E. A. Davidson in ceremonies held in the grade school gym. Members of her court were Darline Corcoran, Gail Jones, Verla Meink and Rita Hudson. The dainty royal court members were gowned in bouffant gowns of dotted swiss, three wearing blue and two pink. They ruled over the junior parade Saturday and again were presented in the Rhododendron

parade Sunday.

Winner of the junior parade with his Holiday Harbor boat was Jon Sampson, second place went to Elwyn Arasmith for his spaceship and men from Mars, third to Sally and Jandra Tout, whose sign read “even mice vacation at Florence.” Judges were Mrs. E. J. Johnston, Mrs. Marian Niespo and Mrs. Herbert Welshons.

Junior racing events and contests followed at the old high school grounds under the direction of Don Blaisdell.

In a surprise announcement Miss Sharon Smith, blonde, willowy daughter of Mrs. Joseph Smith and the late Joseph Smith of Florence became Queen Rhododendra XV, Saturday evening. State Representative Loran Stewart of Cottage Grove presided at the

coronation.

Queen Rhododendra XV led the grand march on the arm of Rep. Stewart at the Queen’s ball held in the Rainbow ballroom.

There were 47 entries in the parade including non-competitive units from Bandon Cranberry Festival, Lebanon Strawberry Festival and neighboring Communities, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Sea Scouts and Air Cadets.

Free clam chowder at the city park was ladled out to more than 5000, in addition to chowder, sandwiches and dessert served the band members and twirlers at the VFW hall.

Booster club, sponsors of the Rhododendron Festival, prepared and served the chowder, with among those prominent Sunday being Bob Merz, Sid Nicholson, Les Wilson, Ray Swigert and Mickey Murry.

We proudly serve our community and visitors through safe, efficient and effective delivery of emergency services supported by aggressive fire prevention and public education.

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 71

1953

~ Rhododendron Senior Court ~ 1953 Royal Court l-r: Peggy Ragan, Jerry Lou Henderson, Donna Helms, Queen Zilpha Meink, Eva Sander, Jackie Buss, and Lynn Evans

A Clip from Our Past

Television! It’s Here!

The Siuslaw Oar, Friday, October 30, 1953

Queen Rhododendra Zilpha Meink

Parades and Bands to Feature Festival Rhododendron Days are here and the glorious blossoms are in full bloom putting on a magnificent show of their own.

They are particularly beautiful on wayside roadways near the lakes and beaches.

Davis Amusement Company of Portland opened its carnival here Thursday which is set up on the carnival grounds, airport road for showing until late Sunday.

Judges for the Vacationland parade Sunday are announced by Herb Welshons, parade chairman, as Mrs. H. D. Petersen, Dallas; Mrs. Lilllian Bilyeau, Dallas and Irwin Ayers, Waldport.

1953 Rhododendron Jr. Court

Television has come to town! Jack McLean had an Emerson set with 17-inch screen installed Sunday at Holiday Lodge and the reception is wonderful.

Interesting is the fact that the antenna is placed down by Woahink Lake on the pump house, where reception was found to be strongest!–and Jack relates the higher they went the weaker it got, but a good strong reception has been enjoyed by guests of Holiday this week.

So far it is the Portland station KOIN that is being received most consistently with occassional pictures from other stations.

Hospital District Vote is Next Tuesday The Siuslaw Oar, Friday, June 5, 1953

On June 10 the people of Western Lane County will vote on the formation of a hospital district which they hope will lead to the construction, operation and maintenance of a 17 to 25-bed hospital with central facilities for future additions.

The Siuslaw Oar, Friday, June 12, 1953

1953 Jr. Court l-r: Aaron Hunter, Geraldine Wolf, Sue Richardson, Vickie Buss, and Sharon LaDuke

A long step forward in the efforts of Western Lane County to obtain a hospital was made Wednesday at 515 citizens cast their votes and approved hospital district.

FRESH CRAB AND SALMON Stop in for a fresh crab or shrimp cocktail. Try our smoked salmon or tuna.

The Krab Kettle, a long-established local seafood market offers a complete selection of fresh and frozen seafood. It is our goal at The Krab Kettle to provide Oregon’s freshest seafood at the lowest possible prices. We offer our “Krab Kettle” brand canned chinook salmon, albacore tuna and smoked chinook salmon.

THE KRAB KETTLE 280 Hwy. 101 (2 Blocks N. of Bridge) Florence MONDAY-SUNDAY 10-6 • 997-8996

72 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

1952 ~ Rhododendron Senior Court ~

Connie Smith

Joyce Beers

Bobbie Gibbons

Queen Rhododendra Jennine Worthylake

Shirley Kneaper

LouAnn Wood

Peggy Wood

Rhododendron Days Best Yet Held Here Balmy coast weather greeted Rhododen- servings were particularly generous. Boostdron Festival visitors here for the weekend ers served this up, after first digging the clams enjoying the biggest and best celebration yet and preparing the ingredients.

Following the chowder, coast visitors could to be staged in honor of the royal rhododendron that blossoms so pro~ 1952 VFW Rhododendron Float ~ fusely here.

Queen Rhododendra XII was Miss Jeannine Worthylake, a lovely brunette and strictly a local product, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Worthylake. She was crowned by Senator Paul Patterson at the Queen’s Ball held in the Rainbow ballroom Saturday evening.

Everyone having Sailor - Jalmar Lynn Stonelake, Japan - Steven Wilkina, Germany - Faylene Bunch chowder thought it was Family, Italy - Ginger Carlisle, China - Harley & Pete Meink, In back - Margaret & Patricia Payne the best yet and that the

ce ren o l F

Oreg o

EG

O N’

n

U GRO S COA Y A L STAL P

A Clip from Our Past

Elks Lodge to be Instituted June 4, 1952 The Siuslaw Oar, Friday, May 30, 1952

Institution of the new Florence Elks Lodge will be held at 7:15 p.m. Wednesday, June 4, Siuslaw High School auditorium.

There will be a class of 264 new members and 40 present members to be initiated by the Coos Bay lodge.

The new officers will be installed by Judge Frank Lonegren, past grand exalted ruler, assisted by the state ritualistic team.

There will be a delegation from each present lodge in the state attending.

Follow the Charm Trail through Oregon’s Coastal Playground and make a personalized keepsake from your travels to Florence.

Charm Trail OR

watch air antics, visit the Davis Amusement company carnival or go to the lively baseball game that drew a big crowd. Many visitors went to the beach or visited the lakes or favorite fishing spots, gathered agates or beachcombed to round out a perfect weekend.

Pick up your bracelet and signature charm at a Trailhead for $5.00. Then visit Charm Trail locations around Florence to add charms for $2.00 each to complete your bracelet.

ND

The Florence Charm Trail is organized by the Siuslaw News.

Siuslaw News

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 73

1951

~ Rhododendron Senior Court ~

Alice Johnson

Polly Pennel

Beverly Love

Queen Rhododendra Gay Nelson

Shirley Rhodes

Barbara Parsons

Beverly Bernard

Seven Princesses in Rhody Race The seven Rhododendron Day princesses on 12 Oregon stations and 400 stations out- “Leap for Life,” when tied and weighted on a were in Eugene Friday selecting their gowns side the state, One hundred eighty rhododen- chair, and blindfolded, he will be thrown from for the coronation ball. They are Polly Pen- dron blossoms will be sent to Chicago, air the tug Queenie attempting to escape in 15 nel, Shirley Rhodes and Beverly Love of express to be presented to the studio audi- seconds, bringing up the chair in his teeth.

His performance Saturday is scheduled for Mapleton High School; Barbara Parsons, ence.

Opening ceremonies Saturday, May 19 will 11:30 a.m., and Sunday at 12:30, directly off Alice Johnson, Gay Nelson and Beverly Bernard, Siuslaw High School. Mrs. Harold be Corky Kellam, water comedian, who will the Lincoln Street dock.

Other attractions awaiting coast visitors are Parsons, Mrs. Trygve Nordahl and Mrs. Louis be featured both days. He will execute his a parade scheduled for Bernhardt will accom11:15 a.m. Sunday, free pany the princesses. ~ Aerial View of Florence in 1951 ~ clam chowder at the Florence’s Rhododenpark–following the airdron Festival May 19 port road–a carnival and 20 will receive naplaying from May 16tionwide attention when 20, and junior baseball National Broadcasting at the high school diaSystem broadcasts the mond, 2:30 p.m., SunMay 19 show of “The day, Florence Red Birds Man on the Farm” from vs. Boy Scout Troop 77.

Chicago.

The show, which is broadcast during the noon hour, will be heard

N A EDITIO WEDNESDAY

S

2016 UARY 20, JANU

GET LOCAL

$1.00

Visions’ ticc V ‘Artisti rs named neers winn

S

/SIUSLAWNEW

.COM SLAWNEWS THESIU

@SIUSLAWNEW

TLE VIKS WRES S FOR TITLE — B

INSIDE —

A3

SPORTS

Cras

TE G WES

E C RN LAN

Mary Ann’s at Natural Pet ay 1541 Highw ed 101 suffer damage Saturday when a car into crashed a power pole, which struck then ng. the buildi Central Lincoln had r to cut powe a to install new pole.

Power was restored y. early Sunda

r ooutage ess powe le, causse Hig way 101 dent on High h snaps po y night acci

the were on No lines the vehiPeaceHealth ground or touching toddler to al r Medic Sean and on Marshal remained Peace Harbotheir injuries. cle. said Fire Firefighters traffic until treat trea and Center to direct Barrett.

Barrett’s were treated scene to arrived ding to All three ording Siuslaw Accor l Lincoln PUD day. was an the released that broke the pole Centra down power to releas , the driver ay report allegedly fell The vehicle . The pole to shut nt Saturd male who , crossed places ayy adult lines.

A car accide Highw power , driving ighwa two near go 1541 d in asleep while near the ground “We do not situations,” evening at f and crashe secsnapped off ts and busi- lanes of traffic sidents of the broken the lines in these power lines for 101 left resident pow part l power and h pole.

“All out throug ithou ith into the withou he fire ses w Barrett said. the PUD tells sse nesses ne smashed i e tthe he time the Natural y th nigh night.

By B man tion are live until andd ived, the most of the at Mary Ann’s i arrived Fire t wall ent ment m ise.”

V gers us otherw Siuslaw Valley me of departtwo young passen were some and Pet. a lot of tenand H 11A Rescue crews ders on the tthe vehicle th “There was ad,” See CRAS re out off responders wires overhe street. ord were Ford F the first a across the sion in the fter after af tanding ac ta a standin Ambulance Barrett said. cenne ce sscene sheed into rash este n Lane ester Wester W on ccrashe ition itio pedditi xpe Exped E the man, infant pm 20 p.m.

5:20 i t i t took l att 5:20 Distric poowe pole power ve hit,”” p iive eexplos a explo wa an It was “It

rday aged in Satu Pet store dam

WALDPORT • YACHATS • FLORENCE • MAPLETON • DUNES CITY • WESTLAKE • GARDINER • REEDSPORT

COAST CENTRAL January 2016

FREE MONTHLY GUIDE TO ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT ON THE OREGON COAST

WINCHESTER BAY • LAKESIDE • NORTH BEND • COOS BAY • CHARLESTON • COQU ILLE • BANDON

MUSIC from the

HEART

LE MEYER

BY CHANTEL News

COURTES

Y OF CONNIE

with the

SPINNER

BLACK YELLOW

SERVIN

, OREGON

ENTA CYAN MAG

FLORENCE 1890 SINCE OUNTY

Siuslaw News

Subscribe and get to know Florence with local news and information you’ll only find in the Siuslaw News.

Print + E-Edition only $71/year (104 issues) Includes Weekly Top Headline Updates and Breaking News Alerts

Virtuoso guitarist Jesse Cook comes to Florence COVER STORY

Winter Music Fest

16

7

thesiuslawnews.com

74 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

DLHC ~ e{ÉwÉwxÇwÜÉÇ fxÇ|ÉÜ VÉâÜà ~

June Ross

Donnella McHenry

Queen Rhododendra Lola Cessnum

Sue Dearman

Pat Holman

Ninalee Potter

Parade, Royal Court and Sporting Events Featured Florence is all “pinked” up for Rhododendron Days, May 20-21, with the beautiful rose trees in their height of blossom in anticipation of the gala two-day event being staged in their honor.

Rhododendron days are an institution of this coastal community since 1908, just one year younger than Portland’s famous Rose Festival, although it has not been a yearly custom, as its observance was interrupted during the years of World Wars I and II. Secretary of State Earl Newbry will place the crown on the brow of Queen Rhododendra XI at the Queen’s Ball Saturday night at the Rainbow Hall. The coronation ceremony is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. and the identity of the queen will not be revealed until that time, when the five other princesses will become members of the royal court and all will promenade in the Grand March.

Sunday’s festivities will start at 11 a.m., with a parade through Florence.

Participating in the parade will be the color guard, scout drum and bugle corps, royal highness Queen Rhododendra XI and her court, Secretary of State and Mrs. Earl Newbry, and commercial entries.

The chowder this year promises to be special as the clams were dug only Wednesday by high school boys,

who practically undermined the mud flats in quest of the famous bi-valve, bringing back clams galore for the incomparable Siuslaw clam chowder, which will be ladled out free to all comers at 12:30 o’clock.

If weather permits, an air show will start at Florence Municipal airport promptly at 1 p.m. All day Saturday and Sunday, pilots and planes will be busy taking up passengers for 15-minute scenic rides at $2.00 price, in order to swell the Hans Petersen Memorial field fund, where the new athletic field is shaping up, ready for seeding.

Sports fans will have the opportunity to see two baseball games in Florence Sunday at the high school diamond.

Davis Amusement Company of Portland arrived early in the week and has its carnival in full operation at the new grounds especially made for this feature on the airport road.

There are miles of scenic drives skirting the Oregon coast highway and in the immediate vicinity of Florence, some of the most lush rhododendron blossoms will be found on the coast guard road, west of the city and south thru the state parks to Siltcoos outlet or north to Heceta Beach.

A Clip from Our Past

$28,000 Tuna Boat Goes Aground in Fog The Siuslaw Oar, Friday, September 8, 1950

The tuna boat Spray, 13 hours out enrout to Newport went aground in the fog early Tuesday morning on the beach near Tahkenitch outlet, almost directly opposite the bear pens. Aboard the vessel were the owner and master, Wm. Selset of Seattle and two crewmen. All were able to safely make their way ashore.

The boat is valued at $28,000 including its cargo of four tons of tuna valued at $3,000. It is believed to be a total loss. Some insurance was carried.

Wilbur Ternyik and Walter Fossek rowed out to the Spray about 9 a.m. Wednesday and assisted in bringing some of the equipment ashore.

Coast Guardsmen from Siuslaw Lifeboat Station and the Umpqua Coast Guard Station have been working at the scene.

Mercer Lake Resort is a family owned business, currently operated by Pat Massey-Tonole and her husband Jim. The property was purchased 60 years ago by Pat’s parents, Bill and Delores Roberts. In 1957, the business consisted of some vintage cabins and a few wooden rental boats.

Over time, the property has transformed into a beautiful, family oriented setting, including 10 furnished cabins with kitchens and 11 nightly RV Spaces. At the office/store you can purchase candy, ice cream, pop and ice. Tackle, bait and fishing licenses are also available.

While the Dock and Beach Privileges are for Registered Guests only, the fishing boat rentals are open to the public. There are Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass and Bluegill in the lake.

Mercer Lake Resort

MERCER LAKE RESORT Like taking a step back in time.

Visit our website for more information www.MLRoregon.com

Mercer Lake Resort 88875 Bay Berry Lane, Florence, OR 97439 (541) 997-3633

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 75 No Rhododendron Queen or Court in 1949.

DLGL

City to Welcome Throng of Visitors Siuslaw Oar — May 27, 1949

Rhododendron Day, Sunday, May 29, marks one of the oldest community celebrations in Oregon, when all western Lane County will be “at home” for its proud showing of its magnificent rhododendrons which bloom so prolifically here.

The celebration was first instituted in 1907, complete with a reigning queen and court, floral floats and boat parade, clam chowder, barbecued salmon and cracked crab.

This year’s event sponsored by the Vine Maple Savage’s Booster Club will again include boat races on the Siuslaw bay with fish boats from Portland, Newport and Taft participating in the day’s events.

Rowboat races, outboard motor boat races and tugs-o-war between river tugs will complete the card.

More clam chowder than ever before will be served free to all commers, and will include between 45 and 50 gallons of cleaned clams, besides the many other ingredients of the secret recipe that promises a real taste treat.

Browning Bros. Amusement Company will have its carnival here for a four-day showing at the high school grounds, with merry-gorounds, loop-o-planes, octopus ride,

ferris wheel and attractions for old and young alike. The company’s owners take pride in operating the oldest carnival company in the United States owned by the original family and maintain a clean show with the best equipment obtainable.

The Brownings are interested in giving Florence the very best and cleanest show for its Rhododendron Day, joining with the community in extending cordial hospitality on this gala occasion.

Rhododendrons are everywhere, and a mass of varying shades of pink blossoms are all ready for their day.

Florence is the hub for a vacationer’s paradise with scenic drives stretching in all directions, including those up mountain streams to the many sparkling lakes and state parks, along the Siuslaw River and down the Pacific Coast bordering the ocean with its variety of landscape, and the famous Sea Lion Caves. Picnic areas abound and comfortable modern accommodations are available.

Come to the coast for the weekend and spend Rhododendron Day in Florence.

A Clip from Our Past Advertisement from pages of Siuslaw Oar - April 1, 1949

HOW YOU GET YOUR TELEPHONE ADDRESS Your number guides a call to you from across the nation - al most as quickly as you can 1. Your voice highway –a pair of tiny wires–is labeled your telephone number at this central office distributwalk next door. with ing frame. From here, the wires lead out of the office, through cables, to your telephone. They also go the other way–on into a special section of complex equipment that has the specific job of handling your calls.

2. Picking your number is a job for trained people. From their charts they find an available pair of wires in a cable to your neighborhood. The volume of calls carried by the central office equipment serving your number is often checked to see if it has the capacity to handle added calls. This is part of our job of making telephone service reliable and efficient.

3. Someone calls your number …and, in a matter of moments, you pick up your receiver to answer. Perhaps the call is from just across the street. Perhaps it comes half-way around the earth. But your number guided it to your telephone…and no other. Seems almost like magic when you think of it.…another of the little things that add up to good telephone service for you.

4. A lot of new numbers have been added in the past few years. For today there are twice as many telephones in use on the coast as ten years ago. All these new telephones make yours more valuable. You can reach more people… more can reach you. Yet rates remain low. A few pennies still buy a call–a real value in these days of high prices.

TR Hunter Real Estate 1749 Highway. 101, Florence OR 97439 www.trhunter.com 541-997-1200 • 800-210-7453

76 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

DLGK

Rhododendron Court photos not available.

Rhododendron Day Clams to be Dug The Siuslaw Oar, Friday, April 23, 1948

All Florence males, big enough to pack a clam gun will be behind the largest earth movement operations of the year on Sunday, May 2, when the Siuslaw tide flats will be excavated in preparation for Rhododendron Day on May 23.

Each clam is destined for a star role in the Paul Bunyon chowder pot, which will reach the running-over stage to satisfy the crowd expected for the event.

Capt. Trygve Nordahl’s tug Norsky will

transport the hunters to the rendezvous where only the most select clams are found. Only the best goes into the secret recipe for Rhododendron Day chowder which has been enticing inlanders and outlanders to the Siuslaw annually for the carnival event when visitors may not only feast on the chowder but on the glorious sight of miles upon miles of beautiful rhododendrons in the height of bloom.

Special events are planned for the celebra-

tion and Browning Brothers of Salem will open their big carnival here May 19 through May 23, with the initial showing of the brand new merrygo-round which will be introduced to the public at Florence. It is streamlined and not only has horses but colts for big and little to ride, in addition to a complete carnival company of the big show.

Highway 101 Business District in 1948 Florence Jewelers (left) Johnston Motors (below)

Plywood Operations Start at Mapleton The Siuslaw Oar, Friday, June 11, 1948

The past week marked the opening of a new industry in Mapleton when the U.S. Plywood plant made its first piece of finished plywood. This climaxed the planning of about four years. The veneer plant was in operation for about two years prior to the completion of the new plant.

W. C. Bailey, vice president and general manager of the United States Plywood Corporation was in Mapleton for the conclusion of this work.

Harry R. Mahoney is resident manager and Alton

Lane superintendent of the operation. It was no mean task to train the many employees who have never before seen the inside of the plywood plant much less of knowing anything of the intricacies of the various operations employed in making plywood, so that each one would be able to efficiently perform his or her duties.

The plant is operating two shifts.

The culmination of the week was a banquet at Goddard’s Restaurant, Florence, for about 60 key

men and their wives of the U. S. P. corporation and Siuslaw Forest Products Inc. The party was given by the U. S. Plywood with Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Bailey from Seattle acting as host and hostess. Each one stressed that success is due, not to one man, but to the combined efforts of all working together for one aim, from the time the timber is contracted for thru all operations until it emerges the finished product.

OREGON COAST MILITARY MUSEUM 2145 Kingwood Stree Florence • 541-902-5160 10am-4pm Thursday-Saturday oregoncoastmilitarymuseum.com

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 77 Rhododendron Court photos not available

DLGJ

Festival Magnet for Good Crowds The Siuslaw Oark, Friday, June 6, 1947

Throngs of people celebrate the return of the Rhododendron Festival in 1947.

Good crowds were in the city for the first Rhododendron Festival to be staged by this community since the annual event was halted by the recent war. The fact that the first real rain in many weeks arrived coincidental with the Festival did not have a deterring effect.

While Sunday was the big day of the festival, the Browning brothers carnival arrived last Thursday from Salem and was open for business that evening on the high school grounds where it was open to the delight of young and old each afternoon and evening until night fall Sunday, when the carnival began preparing to leave for the Strawberry

Festival at Lebanon.

Two outstanding attractions, in addition to the carnival, drew the crowds Sunday. At the city park just east of the business district the big clam chowder feed was served starting at noon. Here, Hugo Faulkner and Art Harris officiated as chefs and 500 gallons of chowder were served to an assembled crowd. The chowder recipe was that of the late Bert Chandler’s.

But the dedication of the new Florence airport easily proved the highlight of Sunday and of the Festival. Timed to start around one o’clock Sunday afternoon, the dedication and

accompanying air show drew a crowd estimated conservatively at well over 1,500 people.

Launching the dedication ceremony, Manager Dale Hall of the port called on Hans Petersen, western Lane pioneer good roads builder and aviation enthusiast, who said that this airport was the fulfillment of two years of good persistent endeavors.

Petersen officially turned the airport over to Mayor Kenneth B. Spencer, who pointed out the creation of this airport was unique in that it was probably the only airfield in Oregon built entirely thru local civic enterprise.

The air exhibition, which featured ribbon cutting and balloon breaking, also saw Dale Hall hold the close attention of the crowd with thrilling aerobics at a considerable height. The program was cut short as one of the featured participants did not arrive until some time later in the afternoon.

It seemed that nature extended a special hand to this portion of the festival as the clouds drew back, the sun came forth, and spectators as well as participants in the ceremonies at hand approved.

There were many added attractions with non competitive stunt and difficult flying maneuvers included in the show.

2315 US-101, Florence, OR 97439 (541) 997-8460 • www.svdp.us

St. Vincent de Paul accomplishes its mission in six core areas…

• Affordable Housing : more than 1,100 units of housing have been developed since 1988.

• Emergency Services : helped approximately 7,802 households in 2014 and provided nearly 17,000 food boxes.

• Homeless Services : helped 10,303 adults and families in 2014.

• Recycling Programs : diverted 17,846,184 pounds of reuseable materials in 2014.

• Self-Sufficiency Services : helps over 1,000 people with job training and placement each year.

• Retail Thrift Stores : sells re-used items and generates revenue for charitable programs.

78 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

1941-1946 Information from Your Ration Board

Due to WWII No Rhododendron Festival was held.

The Siuslaw Oar, Friday, January 22, 1943

Surgical Dressings Class Wants Women The Siuslaw Oare Jun, 18, 1943

Every patriotic-minded woman who can spare a few hours once or twice a week is badly needed in the surgical dressings class where the quota has been set for 5000 such dressings each month.

At Tuesday’s meeting, 200 4x4s were turned out. Nine of the original class being present and four newcomers, the Mesdames C. B. Dutton, A.N. Myer, Marshall Murray and J. Lark.

With the opening of many second fronts now so imminent, the need for this important branch of army service will increase the local quota may be upped at any time.

New Westlake Resort is Under Construction - Fish Mill Lodges The Siuslaw Oar, Friday, April 12, 1946

A crew of men are now busy at Westlake in the construction of Fish Mill Lodges, Inc., a new tourist resort going up on the old hotel site and is the extensive building project of a former Portland man, C. Kenny Miller who has been here since January of this year.

Fourteen cabins will be erected as a beginning and more added as trade, time and materials warrant. However, boat service is now available.

Westlake is making a strong bid as a very accessible and nearby toursit center.

second helpings, too,” Riley added.

The Rileys are typical of the crowd that gathered to partake of the 500 gallons of chowder and the Boyd Coffee, with Front Street (now Bay St.) looking east. Hurd mill in backgtound. serving begin“I never saw anything like it before in my ning at noon and continuing for three hours. life–it was great.” said R. A. Riley of Fort Old friends and new were on hand and no one Worth, Texas, in praise of Rhododendron was disappointed.

Day, May 23, 1943, and the delicious clam The beautiful day that greeted coast visichowder. “We read about the festival in the tors was one to be remembered and afforded Siuslaw Oar and timed our visit to Oregon ideal weather for every attraction. and our friend Dan Grow, to coincide with it”.

Booster club, sponsors of the event, met Mr. and Mrs. Riley were on hand at seven Monday evening to settle up business pero’clock Sunday morning to watch the chefs, taining to the festival, but not all bills were Art Harris, Walt Moore, Chet Johnson and in. Plans are progressing for the bang-up Hugh Faulkner prepare the chowder for Fourth of July celebration at Cape Creek which the Siuslaw is famous. “And we had under auspices of this civic group.

Air Raid Drills for School to be Held The Siuslaw Oar, March 5, 1943

The Florence grade school had an air raid drill Tuesday, March 2nd. This is the first one we have had for some time due to past stormy weather. Since the nice weather is here we expect to have them regularly.

Cascara Bark Price is highest ever. Experienced peelers can earn up to $30 a day.

Army, navy, civilian hospitals urgently need Cascara. Peel all you can; cut down the trees; a new crop will grow from the stumps.

Be careful with fire.

I. P. CALLISON & SONS

INSPECT – CORRECT – PROTECT SUSTAINED PEST MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR HOME AND BUSINESS

541-997-4027 • 1-800-622-8993 “Since 1983”

Visit our Website: www.swansonspm.com

SOME OF THE PESTS THAT WE TREAT:

ANTS • COCKROACHES FLEAS • RODENTS BIRDS • BEDBUGS STORED PRODUCTS PESTS BEES/WASPS • GOPHERS

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 79 Rhododendron Court photos not available

1940

Queen Rhododendra Donna Beck, Mapleton

Rhododendrons Filling Every Eye The Siuslaw Oar, May 17, 1940

Miss Donna Beck, a Mapleton Girl, emerged as Queen Rhododendra X of this Year’s festival when the excitement at the close of the queen contest reached its zenith shortly after 11 o’clock Wednesday night and with her court of four princesses will reign over our annual celebration this Saturday and Sunday. Her court will comprise of the Misses Nonda Nordstein, Booth; Gwen Rossman, Florence; Marjorie Waggoner and Elsie Skaalurn, Reedsport.

Final counting gave Miss Beck 272,750 votes, Miss Nordstein was a close second with 226,500 and Miss Waggoner third with 116,000. The entire contest was noteworthy for the fine enthusiasm and spirit shown all around.

A

Cut Through the Hill Making Progress The Siuslaw Oar, January 19, 1940

Today we have a new business place in town, the Siuslaw Sea Food Shop. Its location is in the string of enterprises which have been built along the highway in the past few years.

All of them within a narrow shot from the bridge, and all of them very creditable establishments.

Only last week Mrs. Walter Brynd opened a quick lunch station, named the Oceanaire, and it took on for a knock-out. Now comes Si Cooper who has just opened a seafood shop.

New building, new fixtures, new everything.

Pile Driver at Work on It will afford a double service where you can buy cooked crabs by the score or rest at the Siuslaw Dock table and partake of dressed crabs, crab or The Siuslaw Oar, January 12, 1940 oyster cocktails or any of the nice delicacies Six men of the county bridge building in the seafood line. Si says he will have an atcrew are here and have commenced work on tractive sign and keep open to satisfy everythe new dock for the Port Commission. It will body. Mrs. Cooper will assist him. be 300 feet long and about 80 feet wide, with housing accommodations. A few pilings were Highway Now Has driven Wednesday. The engine broke and repairs were due yesterday evening.

Another Market Men are trimming the pilings for rings and The Siuslaw Oar, May 17, 1940 cutting timbers to proper lengths. It is a busy Today we have a new business place in place. town, the Siuslaw Sea Food Shop. Its location Estimates are that the job will take at least is in the string of enterprises which have been four weeks, with added conveniences now built along the highway in the past few years. and then. It will be one of the finest facilities All of them within a narrow-shot from the for coast-wise shipping on any river along the bridge, and all of them very creditable estabcoast. lishments.

U T O O B L I A V L ES L New oils, balsamics, and olives, but we now also have virgin olive oil skin care products, kitchenware, coasters, placemats, table runners, aprons, knives and more!

1141 Bay St. (Formerly Balcony Gourmet) • Old Town Florence

80 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

1939 Queen Rhododendra

Mary McGuire Court: Alta Brooks, Edna Hanson, Lucinda Ward, Mable Drew, Madeline Wyatt, Irene Rowe, Sylvia Michael

Rhododendron Festival Attracts 3,500 Visitors The weatherman was good, the clam chowder was good and the coffee was good.

So the annual Rhododendron Festival, held here Sunday, was pronounced a success.

Throng after throng came from all directions and from long distances until almost every available resource of the community was estimated to number upward of 3,500. Estimates are gathered from the number of bowls used at the big free feed, the attendance at the hotels – which upset all previous records – the jammed restaurants and over-

The Siuslaw Oar, Friday November 11, 1939

The Siuslaw Oar, June 9, 1939

A bit of tangle in dates, or not sufficient reliable publicity are two things that might have to do with a small attendance at the annual swimming school at Cleawox Lake. Only 12 registered when at least 30 were expected.

Junior first aid will be given in the afternoon at 2:00 at the city hall if enough interest is shown.

M

RV

IL E

41

CEN T (5 R

5

L SA PO 4

SE IC

) 902-75

E W I TH A S

with clam chowder a mock Ferdinand fight was staged which afforded considerable amusement.

The pet parade followed the dinner. The parade was led by Queen Rhododendra, followed by the Junction City High School band and members of the Beachnut Club.

Yaquina’s coast guard boating team won over the local coast guard team in an exciting race, viewed by many hundreds from the Siuslaw bridge. The locals had defeated the visitors in a contest recently held at Newport.

New Theatre Opens

Learn to Swim Know How to Save

COAST DIS AL

flowing beer parlors. By good luck provisions came out almost a tie. There was enough for all.

The big dinner was served on newly-built tables and cooked from newly-built ovens, largely the work of the Siuslaw Booster Club and held in the new park, a donation (with reservations) by the Porter brothers, former operators of the big mill which was recently destroyed by fire. Other events were sponsored by the Siuslaw Beachnut Club.

While many were waiting to be served

Patrons will get a thrill when they behold the beauty of this structure. It is an ornament to the passer-by, giving prestige to the substantial group of new business houses which adjoin. The location is ideal for the showhouse and at first glance one will know that it is exceptionally fine for a town of this size.

Nor will one be deceived on entering. The 400 seats, leather upholstered, with the aisles of soft

carpet give you a certainty that this place was built to keep pace with a progressive community.

The double set of projection machines are of the latest type. Sound has been well cared for by the engineers who designed the structure. In every respect it is modern, even to the screen which alone goes far into a year’s earning. Heat, ventilation, convenience, and finally good programs, have all been carefully considered.

The only locally owned & operated garbage company in Florence.

We provide full service trash & recycling removal for commercial & residential accounts.

Call us today for prices, 541-902-7554.

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 81 No Rhododendron Queen or Court in 1938.

DLFK

Second Street looking East ~ Late 1930s

Brightest Rhododendrons Make Throngs of Visitors Filled with Joy Another Rhododendron Festival has gone down in the history of Florence, and with it the second largest crowd of visitors to have ever assembled in our midst. The season’s finest day brought forth a crowd estimated at between five and ten thousand people to the annual event, held Sunday.

In contrast with days of the past when Florence’s Rhododendron day was replete with ceremony in which children now grown took part in gala affairs with gaily decorated boats plying their way along the waterfront, the simplicity of Sunday’s program was pleasing.

Picnickers, visitors and local residents en-

After Ten Years of Oar Endeavors The Siuslaw Oar, Friday, June 10, 1938

Ten years ago when the Siuslaw Oar was founded, a certain baker even as your editor decided that here was a field for him. But his field lasted one short month. Now we have one of the finest bakeries on the coast.

joyed themselves in one of the coast’s oldest annual events. Workers toiled late the night before preparing part of the day’s feast.

The seafood dinner was served to well over 3,000 of the visitors on the Brynd lots adjacent to the Siuslaw bridge. There were many hundreds who did not avail themselves of the dinner, but who had provided otherwise.

Highlight of the noon hour was provided by the Greyhound Lines in the dedication of one of the company’s super-coach busses as the “City of Florence.” The bus was presented to the city by W. H. Egger, district traffic manager, of Portland. The proverbial bottle was

broken over the brow of the craft by Miss Emmy Lou Kyle, daughter of May and Mrs. W. J. Kyle, and the speech of acceptance was made by Earl H. Hill, state representativeelect of Western Lane County. Following the ceremony an endless line of people inspected the bus until 2:30 when it left to go on an inland run.

There were exhibits of marine life and of ancient relics by the rod and gun club and the Glenada Girl Scouts in one of the Kyle buildings on Main Street.

Was there room for a drug store? No, but now we have two and both going strong.

A lumber yard was unheard of. It would be impossible. Now we have one of the finest lumber yards in the Siuslaw country.

Only one place to stop on the wavering road from here to Waldport. It was six miles out from

Florence. It took nerve to drive this road even when the wind wasn’t blowing. Si Cooper had three kinds of gears in his mail car to make the route. Credit should go to him for scooping gravel.

Now it is whiz-bang all along the way. Finest of pavement, beautiful scenery, resplendent verdure, remarkable improvements all along.

Steak • Seafood • Chicken • Pastas

DAILY LUNCH & DINNER SPECIALS Located in the Historic Kyle Building in the heart of Old Town Florence

Open 6 Days a week at 11am, Closed Tuesday

82 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 No Rhododendron Queen or Court in 1937.

1937

Crab Plant Will Be Launched Here The Siuslaw Oar, August, 17, 1937

It may not be long until Florence will have the modern dial system of phoning. A thumb with the busybody might get tired, but there will be nobody to blame unless you use the same expressions when a tire blows out or the paper fails to come.

Florence is slated to have her dial system even ahead of Eugene – six months or a year.

Local Fishermen Return to Waters The Siuslaw Oar, September 24, 1937

View of Florence at Siuslaw Bridge dedication in 1936. Building in foreground is the Old School Building now housing the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum. Hurd mill in background.

Rhododendron Day and Seafood Dinner Annual Florence observance of Rhododendron time was nicely observed. Visitors came from everywhere to see the fine display of this attractive bloom. A flower that grows wild, for the most part, and its beauty lasts from early May until middle June.

It grows profusely along this part of the coast and the sprawling bush sometimes reach a height of more than 20 feet. It is generally recognized that the Florence section produces the finest rhodies on the coast. This probably accounts for the fine endeavor in which Florence people began

more than 30 years ago to tell the world of Nature’s beauties here. Many wonderful programs have been held and many fine seafood dinners. This year an innovation was made when the chief attraction -- the dinner -- was held out of town in one of our new government parks just south of town.

Following the clam chowder feed and coffee -- all free -- the visitors dispersed to the many points of interest, lakes, parks, and the sea shore. All day long the streets in town were filled with cars and rhododendrons were on display everywhere.

Where good friends & great food come together!

Monday-Sunday 11am to Close

Happy Hour Monday-Friday 3:00pm to 5:00pm Reservations • Take Out 1285 Bay Street in Old Town, Florence

(541) 902-8338

Local fishermen have gone to work. The little dispute between the buyers and the fishermen has been settled at five cents a pound for silversides.

The chinook season is about over. These brought about eight cents. When the steelheads come on there will possibly be another tangle.

The silversides are now regarded as a game fish and bring, on the block, the highest price.

Catfish are no longer “at the merc” of the fisherman, which makes them a delicacy. A limit on bass and crappies had its effect.

Jessie Honeyman Park Seen by Donor The Siuslaw Oar, September 3, 1937

Mrs. Jessie M. Honeyman of Portland and Sam Boardman, of Salem, superintendent of the state park board, left last Friday at the conclusion of a four-day stay at the Houghtaling resort.

Mrs. Honeyman, who is hale and hearty at the age of 84 years, is the donor of the state park bearing her name and located on Woahink Lake. She was taken for a tour of the park and was much impressed with the work which has been done in the park by the boys of Camp Woahink Lake CCC.

Steak Seafood Pasta Brick Oven Pizza

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 83 Rhododendron Court photos not available

1936 Siuslaw Bridge Dedication ~ May 23-24, 1936

Queen Rhododendra

Gail Darling Siuslaw Bridge Dedication and Rhododendron Day May 23-24 One thing is certain, after a special meeting and the regular February meeting of the Siuslaw Chamber of Commerce this week - the Siuslaw bridge dedication here and Florence’s annual Rhododendron day have been set for Saturday and Sunday, May 23 and 24.

The events will also be by way of dedicating the Siuslaw highway and the completion of the Coast Highway through this section.

Other event of the celebration, of course, will be the big dinner, for which inlanders eagerly await, and the choosing of a queen and her court.

Rhododendron Festival First Held in 1908; New Queen Will Be Number Eight in Line Register Guard, Eugene, OR, May 17, 1936

It is 28 years since Florence began its “Rhododendron Festival.” Starting in 1908, the event was staged for seven consecutive years. Several years were skipped then, and during the past few years the Rhododendron Day has been held in connection with the annual Florence seafood dinner.

This year, both events will be held as part of the bridge dedication weekend program.

The Rhododendron Festival this year takes added significance since it is the first time since 1914 that there will be a queen.

Whomever is named from the five candidates in the running will be “Queen Rhododendron VIII.”

Festival Souvenirs

A collection of the buttons and souvenirs from the various Rhododendron Day observances is kept by Carl Severy and his mother, Mrs. Isabel Severy. In 1900, a large pennant, bearing the initials, F.A.R.F. (Florence annual Rhododendron Festival), was the souvenir.

Buttons were the most common souvenir. A pennant pin was put out in 1913. In 1914, a watch fob, listing the Rhododendron Carnival on one side and the Seafood Dinner on the other, was put out. This year the button bears a design of the Siuslaw Bridge.

Tel: 541-999-0347 dlofy@bmi.net 2285 Suite J, Highway 101 Florence, OR 97439 www.lofyconstruction.net

84 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 No Rhododendron Queen or Court in 1935.

1935

Plans Made for Rhododendron Day At a special meeting of the Chamber of Commerce Tuesday evening, at which nearly all of the business men of town were present, final arrangements were made for the observance of Rhododendron Day on Sunday, June 2.

The big seafood dinner will be the place of assembly and invitations have been sent out to all chambers of commerce within a radius of 100 miles. The dinner will be held on the Odd Fellows lots adjoining their hall.

A booth is to be erected on the grounds where information will be furnished to visitors. Over-

ton Dowell is in charge.

At the assembly a candidate to represent Florence at the Red Head Round-up at Taft will be selected. Candidates are promised from as far as Swisshome.

Liberal donations for the big dinner are promised from business firms.

Our local band, now going strong, will supply entertainment for the throng.

Committees appointed: Reception, Dr. G. P. Edwards and Earl Hill.

Dinner, Lee Griner, Mr. J. C. Ponsler, Mrs.

Geo. Basford, Mrs. H. M. Petersen and Mrs. Lee Griner.

A weather report will be sent to Eugene the evening before from the S. P. station here and also early in the morning. A special rate of $2.80 for the round trip is made by rail.

All local people will take a hand in helping to entertain the visitors. Managers of the various resorts have their places spick and span. Rhododendrons are at their best and the weather is fine.

Celebrating in the Florence Saloon on Front Street.

Looking north from top of south arch. Note ferry heading toward Florence dock.

Looking north from top of cement tower.

www.ci.florence.or.us

Photos courtesyof Siuslaw Pioneer Museum.

Oregon’s Premier Coastal Community is Always Ready to Rhody!

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 85 No Rhododendron Queen or Court in 1934.

1934 Rhododendron Day Promises Huge Throng

Florence Hotel

The Siuslaw Oar, Friday, April 27, 1934

There will be dishes aplenty for the multitude at the seafood dinner Sunday, Rhododendron Day. A thousand bowls, and a like number of cups, spoons and forks, all finely made of heavy paper, have arrived. The plates were already on hand.

Table room to seat about 300 people has been provided on the Odd Fellows lots on Front Street.

It has been necessary to appeal to the fish markets of Gardiner and Reedsport to be assured that an ample supply will be on hand, Walt Saffley went out for a try at deep sea fishing early this morning and hopes to bring in a load of fine Spring Chinooks.

The town will, of course, will be in gala attire, Mayor Kyle, who has charge of the decorating, has abandoned the idea of setting young trees along the walks. He urges everyone to display flags and bunting, or any suitable original decoration. Every business house should have a liberal supply of rhododendrons. Cautions should be used to have them picked at out of the way places, not along roadsides or well-used trails.

Supervision of the dinner is in charge of Lee Griner who is arranging details. A bevy of high school girls will wait on the tables.

Leonard Lark will be chief cook of the seafood.

L.P. Watrous, committeeman on grounds had completed all arrangements.

Rhododendron Festival First Held in 1908; Looking east on Front Street (now known as Bay in the 1930’s.Eight Florence Hotel is in upper right side of New Queen Will BeStreet) Number in Line photo.

Photo Courtesy of Siuslaw Pioneer Museum

Hotel Observation Tower Removed The Siuslaw Oar, Friday May 5, 1933

The observation story of Florence Hotel has been removed. In its passing one might bring up quite a bit of history. It was from this place that one might enjoy a fine morning view of the ocean, the only building in Florence from which one can catch a glimpse of the sea.

They tell us, however, that this look-out was built not so much for the entertainment of the hotel guests but that the landlord could himself scramble up the three or four flights of stairs to catch the signals from a stage terminal a mile and a half down the river. The

stage always follows civilization and so Florence hadn’t been going on long until it had a stage line. It’s run was between Florence and Gardiner and it used the hard sands of the ocean beach for a highway, and approaching Florence it crossed the low sand dunes to a point on the south river bank. From this point the stage driver would signal to the landlord in his tower how many passengers wanted lodging or meals. When the connecting boat brought them up the river the meals were ready and hospitality of this kind made business.

Congratulations 125 years!

Always Ready on to Rhody! “

Ÿ � at the FEC! www.eventcenter.org

86 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

1916-1933 Due to World War I no Rhododendron Festival was held.

Sea Lion Caves

Sea Lion Caves opened for business 1932, owned by the same families. The view here shows what the facility looked like in 1936.

Photo Courtesy of Siuslaw Pioneer Museum

It is established that Captain Cox purchased the land containing the Sea Lion Caves in 1887 from the State of Oregon. He and his heirs owned the property until 1926 There were no roads in the area at that time. The slopes of the rocky headlands were used for sheep pasture. Access to the caves from the hillside above was not even considered until after the land was acquired by R.E. Clanton in 1927, with the specific intention of opening the Caves as a business.

In 1930, when it became probable that U.S. Highway 101 would be completed, Clanton was joined by J.G. Houghton and J.E. Jacobson. The three partners decided to risk all that they owned and could borrow to build a safe access to the cave. A trail 1500 feet long was excavated by hand into the face of the cliff and at its lower termination a 135 stair-step wooden tower was extended down to the north entrance of the caves. Despite the difficulty and danger of the construction, the trail and stairs provided safe access for visitors and Sea Lion Caves was opened to the public by this route in August 1932.

New Ferry Starts Service Monday The Siuslaw Oak, Friday, May 13, 1932

Cheer up. the new day has dawned. The new ferry is here.

What a splendid craft it is. Fresh white paint and everything clean. Powerful with its twin screws which are propelled by two 45 horse power diesel engines. Tides or wind will prevail to little effect in the matter of easing this craft at either landing as it makes round trips three times an hour between Florence and Glenada.

It arrived yesterday morning at about 7 o’clock in care of the Arrow from Marshfield. “Tourist No. 1” is the lettering fore. But home folks are going to call it the bigger and better name of “Free Ferry,” with the accent of the “Free.”

It has a high cabin in the center the fore part of which has ample accommodations for the captain. It has a compass and a real wheel with spokes in it. The aft part of the cabin has seating capacity for about 15 passengers.

Sixteen cars can roll without crowding, eight on each side of the cabin. Four in a row.

There is a handy fire fighting equipment. There are toilets. There is fresh water. There is every safety appliance to guard against accident. And as said in the beginning. There is new paint. And it will be always kept spick and span.

Need for new roads in Lane County put men and animals on the job, which was labor intensive in early days. This construction crew is working on the Crow Road, a mile east of Territorial Highway in about 1921.

Florence Bank East side of Lincoln Street (now known as Maple St. in Old Town Florence) between Front St. and 2nd St. in Florence. Old School House (now Siuslaw Pioneer Museum) is located at the left and Florence Bank is located at the far right of the above photo.

Glenada Boardwalk

On the Boardwalk at Glenada. Bustling waterfront town flourishes across the Siuslaw River from Florence. A modern hospital was planned for Glenada. Over subsequent years, though, growth tended to favor Florence.

Photos Courtesy of Siuslaw Pioneer Museum

Lane Community College at Florence: Celebrating 110 years of the Rhody Festival with 40 years of service to Florence and Western Lane County.

3149 Oak Street U 541/997-8444 U www.lanecc.edu/florence

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 87 No Rhododendron Court named in 1915 due to WWI.

1915

Plans Made for Rhododendron Day The West, Friday, May 21, 1915

For the past two days the streets and business houses of Florence have been taking on gala attire, and preparations for the the town’s great annual event are everywhere seen.

The time Friday will be devoted principally to the school fair in which nearly all the schools of Western Lane County will participate.

A dance will be given Friday evening in the Brynd and R-K-R warehouse. Music for the dances will be furnished by the Eugene Orchestra.

On Saturday morning the excursion train will leave Eugene and arrive in Mapleton.

There the passengers will transfer to boats for place. the ride to Florence where a parade will take A free dinner of crabs, clams, salmon,

etc., will be served cafeteria style at the grandstand at noon.

Trestle Work Under Construction The following in regard to the construction of the railroad by way of the Siuslaw Valley from Eugene to Coos Bay was published by the Eugene Guard:

Trestle work on the Willamette Pacific Railroad between the Siuslaw and Coos Bay will begin within the next thirty days according to Thomas Dixon, superintendent of the firm of McArthur, Perks and Company, contractors on the Willamette Pacific, who returned this week from a trip of inspection on the

line. The trestle work is an important factor in the construction of this line along coast lakes, with their wide arms and valleys.

There will be one trestle on one of the arms of Five Mile Lake that will be 2000 feet long. Besides several small trestles there will be three that will be 1000 ft. long. Three trestles will be constructed on Ten Mile Lake, and in length will measure 600 feet, 1000 feet and 1200 feet.

Where good friends & great food come together!

Monday-Sunday 11am to Close

Happy Hour Monday-Friday 3:00pm to 5:00pm Reservations • Take Out 1285 Bay Street in Old Town, Florence

(541) 902-8338

The difficulty of making the trip from Eugene to Marshfield is related by Mr. Dixon, who states that virtually a week is needed to follow the railroad grade to Coos Bay and back again.

From Eugene it is possible to take the train to the end of the line, a distance of thirty miles, then a drive of thirty miles to Mapleton. From that point there are frequent changes from boating to travel on foot till Coos Bay is reached.

Steak Seafood Pasta Brick Oven Pizza

88 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

1914

Empress Rhododendra

Queen Rhododendra

Mary Cassidy

Thursday, May 27, 1914 ~ The Boat Parade on the Siuslaw River featured the Empress barge and carried Empress Rhododendra and Queen Rhododendra and their court. The Street Parade followed at 12:00 noon from the Empress to the west side of Front St. (Bay St.), then Lincoln St. (Maple St.) and returned on the south side of Front St. to the banquet hall. A tug of war followed.

Eleanor Saubert

Queen Mary Cassidy (from Mapleton) and Her Court: Marie Deveney, Hazel Weatherton, Arther Watkins, Nimmo Buchanen & Agness Haring

Pictured above is the street parade, one of many activities during the 1914 festival.

PORT HOLE PUBLISHING 179 Laurel Street, Suite D • FLORENCE

PORT HOLE BOOKS

77567 Hwy. 101 GARDINER

LET US PUBLISH YOUR BOOK Best-Selling Author, Ellen Traylor, Owner/Publisher

541-999-5725 • portholepublications.com • portholebooks.com

NEW-USED-RARE! WE HAVE IT ALL!

Sotheby’s, eBay Master Dealer and Appraiser for Discovery.com

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 89

1913

QueenRhododendra

Juanita Schroeder

Queen Juanita Schroeder and her Court: Annie Murphy, Inez Monroe, Agnes Haring, Myrtle Stone, Jennie Beagle & Margaret Johnson

In 1913 the Rhododendron Carnival had an Indian theme so the princesses and other participants were given Indian identities and wore Indian dress. The princesses took part in a bow and arrow shooting contest in order to choose the queen.

Far left: Jennie Beagle as Indian Princess Witoka Left: Agnes McCornack as Princess Minnehaha

The Venture carries the official band.

Many spectators sailed alongside.

The Princesses were introduced

by Roscoe Hurd as Chief Black Hawk.

WHEN EXPERIENCE COUNTS We go to EXTREMES to solve your hearing problems!

2285 Highway 101 Florence, OR 97439

(541) 997-8866 BestForHearing.com

Established 1982

90 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

1912

Queen Rhododendra

Alberta Knowles

Queen Albert Knowles and Her Court: Loretta Haring, Inez Frezee, Ione Sutton & Agness Weatherson

Florence turns out for the festivities!

The 1912 Rhododendron Court was escorted by members of the military.

a little bit of

EVERYTHING

For 102 of the last 110 years, the library has been 'Ready to Rhody'!

Come check out...

Summer Reading for Kids & Adults Locations in Mapleton & Florence Access to high-speed, free wi-fi DVDs, CDs, Books, and more

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 91

1911

Queen Rhododendra

Ella Wakefield

Queen Ella Wakefield and Her Court. Festival was held May 24-25, 1911

Rhododendron Carnival

Maypole Dance

May 24 & 25

DRY TECH

Children’s School Parade on Bay Street Boardwalk

Glenada Waterfront - Hardware store and two saloons in 1911, Colter’s Hotel above them.

Large square building to the left is home of the Charles and Della Harwood Family.

DRY TECH Carpet Cleaning

“The Ultimate in Carpet Care”

FREE ESTIMATE

541-999-1226

ALL NATURAL DRY 1-3 HOURS

CCB# 137755

Quality Cleaned & Dry in 1-3 hrs.

Lasting Results • Owner Operated Dennis & Danyelle Raybould We appreciate your business. • Serving Florence since 1999

92 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

1910

Queen Edythe Yates and Her Court: Lillian McVickers, Gertrude Schreuders, Marguerite Hurd & Minnie Fosback Golden Ceres: Dena Schreuders, Alma Funke, Ethel Petit, Ethel Moore & Blanche Boring

Queen Rhododendra

Festivities along the Siuslaw River

Edythe Yates McClure Young Entertainers

Photos & Information Courtesy of Siuslaw Pioneer Museum

Organic-Local Groceries Produce (vegan gluten free options available) Bakery, Deli, Café, Juice Bar, Espresso, Full Breakfast, Lunch FOOD TO GO • 185 HWY. 101 • 541-997-0900 • WWW.NATURESCORNERCAFE.COM

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 93

DLDE

dâxxÇ e{ÉwÉwxÇwÜt

TÄuxÜàt ^ÇÉãÄxá

Queen Alberta Knowles and Her Court: Loretta Haring, Inez Frezee, Ione Sutton & Agness Weatherson

Florence turns out for the festivities!

The 1912 Rhododendron Court was escorted by members of the military.

“Not just a lumberyard..”

• Doors • Ply Gem Windows • Milgard Windows • Huntwood Cabinets • Mid-Continent Cabinets • Countertops: Granite & Quartz • Tile

CCB#191090

• Garage Doors • Livestock and Animal Feed and Supplies • Free Estimates • Free Local Delivery • Professional Advice • Installation • Sales

310 Hwy. 101, Florence • 541-997-3438 www.prolumber.net

94 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

DLCK

~

à{x Y|Üáà e{ÉwÉwxÇwÜÉÇ Yxáà|ätÄ

The Siuslaw Festival

from the Oregonian, by John H. Hartog, courtesy of Siuslaw Pioneer Museum

dâxxÇ e{ÉwÉwxÇwÜt

_tâÜt ]É{ÇáÉÇ (Photo taken at the 50th Anniversary of the Rhododendron Festival in 1957)

Flowers, flowers everywhere! Even the enormous “Welcome” letters in the triumph arches were composed of rhododendrons.

At 10 a.m. the Florence band opened the festivities and a hush went through the crowd as the hotel doors opened and Joaquin Miller, the “Poet of the Sierras” appeared escorting the young queen of the carnival, Miss Laura Johnson.

Imagine, if you can: the broad waters of the Siuslaw, the hills across the way in all the countless shadings of their Spring dress, accentuated by the little church steeple and pretty residences; the barge with loads of beautiful maidens in front of the throne.

That little town of Florence should plan such a carnival is highly commendable. That it should create such an entertainment, on such a scale, is praiseworthy, but that its first effort should be so entirely successful is almost beyond understanding.

That each year will see a repetition of the event; that Florence will gradually become famous for its annual carnival and its millions of wild rhododendrons, is the reward which will rest upon those whose efforts made the first Florence Rhododendron Carnival the splendid success it was.

All Lane County is proud of Florence. All of Oregon may well be also.

Queen’s Barge on Siuslaw River with Queen Laura Inez Johnson & her Court

Queen’s Coronation Aboard the Queen’s Barge Left to Right: Dr. George Edwards, Ella Willson, Hazel Weatherson, Leah Tanner, Queen Laura Johnson, Grand Marshal Joaquin Miller, Ethel Monroe, Flossie Chapman, and Dena Schreuders

US TOO FLORENCE

• Check out our Personal Prostate Cancer Journeys, slideshows and other information on our website.

• A prostate cancer diagnosis is not needed to attend.

• Spouses/family members are encouraged to attend.

• Bring questions/records - get answers • Someone to talk to - who understands. www.ustooflorence.org

BOB HORNEY HORNEY, CHAPTER LEADER/FACILITATOR

Us TOO Florence has two monthly meetings for your convenience:

• Tuesday Evening Group (2nd Tuesday) 5-7 p.m. - Presbyterian Church of the Siuslaw • Urologist Dr. Bryan Mehlhaff attends.

• Tuesday Lunch Group (3rd Tuesday) 12 noon – 1:00 p.m. – Kozy Kitchen • Urologist Dr. Douglas Hoff attends.

Contact Bob for more information: (H) 541-997-6626 • (C) 541-999-4239 maribob@oregonfast.net

110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017 - 95

• RESIDENTIAL • LAND • COMMERCIAL • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

JIM HOBERG

Jim Hoberg is a Florence native, and has been working in Real Estate since 1989.

He has served as a Principal Broker for 28 years, and is the “founding father” of West Coast Real Estate Services, Inc. He has obtained several designations that require continuing education, which keeps him on the cutting edge of the industry and he is constantly looking for ways to expand his areas of expertise. Jim enjoys helping people find solutions to their real estate needs and discovering why Florence is such a great place to live.

Broker/Owner

1870 HWY. 126, SUITE A PO BOX 3040 FLORENCE, OR FAX 541-997-7654

541-997-7653 VISIT US ONLINE AT

WWW.JIMHOBERG.COM

96 - 110 YEARS OF RHODODENDRON FESTIVALS • MAY 27, 2017

MAY RHODODENDRON FESTIVAL & GRAND FLORAL PARADE JULY WINGS & WHEELS FLY-IN & CAR SHOW SEPTEMBER RODS ‘N RHODIES INVITATIONAL CAR SHOW COMMUNITY-WIDE GARAGE SALE OCTOBER WINE WALK, CHOWDER FEST & GLASS FLOAT GIVEAWAY NOVEMBER FLORENCE HOLIDAY FESTIVAL & MAYOR’S TREE LIGHTING

Plan your next epic vacation with us!

FLORENCECHAMBER.COM/ADVENTURES

541-997-3128