Two girls dress in pioneer garb during the Pioneer Settlers Camp that Singing Creek hosts over the summer. Singing Creek Education Center moved to the Dr. Snapp House in Cottage Grove. Photo provided
For those interested in Oregon and Oregon Trail history in Cottage Grove: There is good news. The Singing Creek Education Center is moving from Junction City’s old granary to the Dr. Snapp House in Cottage Grove.
Karen Rainsong, Director of Singing Creek, said that the house’s owners enthusiastically received them and the center is thrilled to be in its new location.
”We’ve been really welcomed with open arms in Cottage Grove,” she said.
Singing Creek provides living history and an educational experience for kids and families. The nonprofit delves into the history and culture of the Kalapuya Tribe, the Oregon Trail and settlement, as well as fur traders and trappers.
The center also offers classroom programs at schools, like the Letters from the Oregon Trail, which engages students with children’s experiences on the trail. Over the summer, Singing Creek offers summer camps of pioneer homesteading and Lewis and Clark.
Rainsong said the camps give children a hands on adventure, full of crafts, games, cooking and time in nature.
The center has moved into the 1886 Dr. Snapp House, which served as the residence and office for one of Cottage Grove’s first physicians Dr. G.O. Snapp. The one-story house has an orange exterior gingerbread features and a tall spire called a ”witch’s hat” at the top of the front entrance. The ceilings are 12.5 feet high and the interior is decorated in its period style.
Rainsong said the idea of using the Dr. Snapp House came from one of their board directors Alice Christianson, who is a Cottage Grove historian.
”We are super lucky to have that connection with Alice,” Rainsong said.
Before the move, the center was located in Tom and Sue Hutton’s old granary. Rainsong explained that the couple needed the use of their barn back, which sparked the change in location. She added that Singing Creek is excited about working in a house because it will be easier to run their programs and they can change their curriculum accordingly.
In general, Rainsong is excited about the opportunity to be in Cottage Grove, and is already working on getting more involved. In July, Singing Creek will be at the Bohemia Mining Days Festival.
”We are hoping to make a big splash in Cottage Grove,” she said. ”It’s an opportunity to meet a new community. We have new teachers and families unaware of our programs and we’re bringing fun, exciting and new learning opportunities.
