You Can Make a Difference!

 In an effort to increase awareness of the importance of supporting our local economy, the Chamber has re-launched its “Buy Local” campaign. This is a regional effort designed to encourage residents and businesspeople to spend dollars here when possible-this means personal spending as well as business purchasing.

If people can shift as much of their spending as possible to an area company, then those dollars can save a job or keep a local company open. It’s a critical time right now-and every single penny that stays in our community makes a difference.

REEDSPORT HISTORY

The area of the Reedsport was originally inhabited by the ancestors of the modern day Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua (Kuitsh), and Siuslaw Indians. The sixteenth century brought tales of contact between the local Native American Indians, Spaniards, and British explorers. By the 1700’s contact increased and by 1791 Lower Umpqua traded with ships that stopped at the mouth of the Umpqua River.1 Some of the first recorded contact between the Siuslaw and fur trappers from the Hudson’s Bay Company occurred in 1826. In 1828 conflict between the Lower Umpqua and fur trapper and explorer Jedediah Strong Smith resulted in the loss of many of Smith’s company.

Fur trapping continued to grow in the area and in 1836 the Hudson’s Bay Company established a trading fort, Fort Umpqua, upriver near the modern day town of Elkton. In addition to fur trapping, the gold rush brought more Euro-American settlers to the area. Reedsport was established in 1852 and was named after a pioneer resident Alfred W. Reed. The post office was established in 1912 and seven years later the town was incorporated. Reedsport was built on marshy ground and was subject to frequent flooding; therefore buildings were elevated above ground.3 Primary industries in the 1900s included timber and fishing. In 1964 a devastating flood caused major damage to the community and a dike was built to protect the lower town. With the collapse of the timber industry in the late 1990’s, Reedsport continues to be supported by such industries as tourism, agriculture, and fishing.

Today the tourism industry is an important component of the Reedsport economy. The community is home to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area headquarters office.4 A 50- mile stretch of sand dunes which offers hiking trails, beaches, 30 lakes, fishing, swimming, interpretive exhibits, and wildlife watching. Campgrounds extend throughout the area. The Umpqua River Lighthouse is a short drive away in Winchester Bay. The Dean Creek Elk viewing area supports approximately 150 Roosevelt Elk on a 1000-acre reserve. Reedsport is also the home of the Umpqua Discovery Center that houses displays of the areas history.

Community events include the Tsalila Festival that celebrates Native American culture and traditions, and activities focused on watershed restoration and salmon recovery. Another popular event is the Ocean Festival, which includes U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Demonstrations and a Seafood BBQ. The Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Sculpting Championships, Dune Musher’s Mail Run, and Summer Concert Series are examples of other activities held throughout the year.

116th Umpqua River Lighthouse Birthday Celebration & Symposium

September 24 & 25, 2010

Join us at the Lighthouse & Museum for a weekend honoring our Lighthouse and its maritime history.

Noted luminaries include lighthouse historians and preservationists, an expert lampist, a cartographer and shipwreck historian, former and current Coast Guard officers-in-charge, and experts on Oregon’s Lighthouses and Life Saving Stations.

Artists, musicians, a Photography Contest, events for children and families, and film and video presentations will round out the weekend celebration.

Saturday Evening a limited seating fundraising dinner will be held at the Winchester Bay Community Center.

For more information visit this website:

www.friendsofumpquariverlight.weebly.com

or Email umpquariverlight@gmail.com