KAREN MUNSELL/PHOTOStaff shortages and other pandemic-related issues brought an end to the local legend. COTTAGE GROVE – Well, the news is out, so to speak. There were more than 100 comments this past Friday on one local social media website regarding the Koffee Kup restaurant in the Village Shopping Center[Read More…]
Author: Don Williams for The Chronicle
Rotary roar: It happened at The Green … no lyin’
The Village Green’s manicured landscaping was a big draw. ERIN TIERNEY/CHRONICLE PHOTO COTTAGE GROVE – The Village Green has only positive memories for my family and myself. Jean, son Matthew and I were introduced to “The Green” in 1972 when I was asked to come to Cottage Grove to look[Read More…]
A big idea: Cottage Grove replica town
A replica town would include special locations such as the Swinging Bridge and various historic covered bridges. As readers know, my columns contain nostalgia and history. And hopefully, things that might suggest a happy family outing. Recently my articles have contained information on the railroading history and movie making, mining and[Read More…]
Well-known films helped capture RRs’ impact on Willamette Valley
While part of the movie “Stand By Me,” left, was filmed on the OP&E trackage in our area, the most iconic scenes were filmed outside of Oregon and the southern Willlamette Valley. The Columbia Pictures release came out in 1986. Editor’s note: Part II of a two-part series. In 1979-80,[Read More…]
The ‘Blue Goose’ and the legendary beauty of the classic Steam Engine #19
AGE OF STEAM ROUNDHOUSE MUSEUM Yreka Western steam engine #19 arrives at the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum in Sugarcreek, Ohio, in June 2017. The museum acquired the legendary engine for $400,000. Editor’s note: Part I of a two-part series. One of the joys of retirement is that it gives[Read More…]
Keaton’s silent ‘Train Robbery’ can track to vaudeville comedy
Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy were among the original breakthrough comedy stars who still enjoy devoted fans today. Before the motion picture, and later, television, there was vaudeville. Out of vaudeville and the music theatre and bars of Europe, came comedy teams and single comedians. In 1903, the first successful[Read More…]
Earthquakes, lightning storms and a close call with the cross
CHRONICLE FILE PHOTO Last year’s wildfires were another reminder of the force of nature in our changing world. Editor’s note: This is the second of two parts on Don Williams’ experience with earthquakes and other extreme-weather events. In 1960, Jean and I were visiting her uncle, a retired journalist, who[Read More…]
Shake, rattle and control: Scientists predict, people prep better than ever
Editor’s note: First of two parts. This week I review our ever-changing planet from what I have seen and experienced and read about in scientific journals. With our new adventures in outer space we are now finding that our neighbors in our solar system are also changing, as we –[Read More…]
Pickup truck was a faithful friend
The pickup sitting lonely outside a motel. It is like an old friend, waiting for its master to come and head off into the sunset. This week I will talk about bidding farewell to an old trusted friend. You might think an old trusted friend would be flesh and blood.[Read More…]
A Nostalgic Travelogue: Exploring Yellowstone
As spring and summer open up and we consider taking a one- or two-week vacation with social distancing in mind, we are blessed in the Northwest with many national parks. Oregon has Crater Lake, while Washington state has three – Mt. Rainer, Olympic, and North Cascades. Let us consider Yellowstone[Read More…]
