Wednesday, April 15, 2015

King of Roads ~ Byway of the People

2016 marks the 100th anniversary of the construction of the Historic Columbia River Highway and to celebrate this incredible “mile” stone in our local history, a new exhibit by Troutdale Historical Society will be opening on July 18th, 2015.


With over 150 historic photos, maps and documents from private and public collections, text contributed by road historians and experts on early road building. Telling in words, pictures and artifacts the story of the dreamers and the men with picks and shovels who built the nation’s first paved scenic highway. Our own Henry Ford was a great proponent of this project and the Ford vehicles were the first to travel its finished surfaces.

A one of a kind introduction to the people who built the Historic Columbia River Highway, the people who saved it, and the people who have restored large sections to its original glory await at this grand unveiling.  A twenty foot long basalt wall mirroring the guardrails along the highway, complete with arches is being constructed as well.

The Center for Advanced Learning in Gresham, Oregon, has partnered with the Troutdale Historical 
Society to create a website and stunning promotional materials; www.troutdalehistory.org and www.kingofroads.org.  Donations are still being accepted at these sites as well and your contributions to this historic event are most appreciated.

So, mark your calendars for July 18th at Troutdale Historical Society’s Barn Exhibit Hall, 726 E Historic Columbia River Highway and take a trip back in time.  Also, plan to visit the Gresham Art Festival, downtown Gresham on that day as well. It’s a happenin’ day here in East County!

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