When I moved here in 1968, we still had wigwam burners inside the city limits, and log trucks outnumbered bicycles on the city streets. The logging conference was a giant affair, with worldwide attention. The downtown area was bustling, with great places to shop, eat, and drink. It was a treat to go downtown, shop, have lunch or dinner, and maybe stop in at Foo's for a drink.
It was a friendly, hometown kind of place. We had a Sears store, Woolworths, Penny's and other national chain stores, all within walking distance of each other. Mixed with great locally owned stores like Quackenbushes, and John Warren's, Pope's Donuts. They were staffed with hometown people that actually smiled when you came in, and made a real effort to help you.
Panhandlers, and homeless kids were practically non-existent. That big hole in the ground was filled with the sounds of people shopping, and the smell of popcorn. (remember Brownies outside of Sears?)
Eugene was a different place then. I think that part of the problem today has to do with the decline of importance of the lumber industry. The lumber people had old time conservative values, and those values helped to balance the political arena in the city. The city was able to find local talent to run things, and didn't have to make worldwide searches to find such as city managers, chiefs of police etc. Now they stay here just long enough to fatten their resume, and then move on, having done nothing.
The mayor (remember Jess Miller?) knew the people, and would actually join them at the local places,for a cup of coffee or a beer, along with some constructive conversation. The conservative element was involved, and didn't just sit back and complain. The people running the city had lived here for years and weren't trying to import the policies from other cities that they had helped to spoil before leaving them.
Please add your thoughts to this blog. eugenecitylimits@mail.com
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