By SHEILA CHITWOOD/for The Herald  —  It was the 1850’s and Dr. William H. Hanchett served all of Lane County. He weighed 380 pounds and was very careless about how he dressed. People either loved him or hated him, but he was needed. He was too heavy to ride a[Read More…]

By SHEILA CHITWOOD/for The Herald  —  Charlie Tufti was the first Indian to homestead in the Oakridge area. This is his story. In 1853, when Fred and Elizabeth Warner came across the plains and settled near Fall Creek, the Molalla Indians were already inhabiting the area. They were friendly and[Read More…]

By SHEILA CHITWOOD/ for The Herald  —  For 18 children from the Oakridge elementary summer school, a trip to the historical museum was an educational and enlightening event. Del Spencer, curator of the museum at that time, had each child choose an object to be talked about. The children asked[Read More…]

By SHEILA CHITWOOD/for The Herald  —  Christmas in the past was celebrated much as it is today: trees were decorated, families gathered, and presents were exchanged. And the joyful spirit of Christmas was strong in everybody’s heart. The following is a true story, and while it isn’t local, it does convey[Read More…]