April 23, 2015 Episode
Have you ever visited the "other" Dallas, the one right here in the Willamette Valley? It's a lovely destination as part of a scenic drive through the cherry blossom-covered hills of West Salem, then passing the Historic Brunk House & Farm on Highway 22, along the route west from Salem to the coast. If you have not, or at least in recent months, you definitely should take the time to enjoy this lovely community surrounded by pastoral scenery, filled with interesting shops and eateries, and host to many home-town events.
Sue Rohde is the author of Images of America: Dallas (our Deb is her co-author) as well as being the official Historian for the City of Dallas. Dallas was one of the valley's first settled areas in the 1840's, changing its name (Cynthian), as so many small towns did, to reflect the larger community it was becoming. Dallas was named after George M. Dallas, Vice President under James K. Polk, for whom Polk County is name. Dallas's history is focused on agriculture, education, and the logging industry. Once known as the "Prune Capital of the World," some of its illustrious residents have included singer Johnny Ray, Senator Mark Hatfield, author Evelyn Sibley Lampman, and inventor/industrialist Carl Gerlinger.
Today, Dallas still retains its agricultural base, adding several vineyards and wineries in recent years, and its emphasis on education and hometown family events. It also has a renowned botanical garden focusing on the native plants of Oregon, the Delbert Hunter Arboretum and Botanical Garden (begun by Sue's dad), as part of its park system.
You'll really enjoy learning more about the heritage of this area, its history and its legends. The book is available at several Dallas retail locations and the Chamber of Commerce. You can also obtain a copy through Arcadia Publishing.
Have you ever visited the "other" Dallas, the one right here in the Willamette Valley? It's a lovely destination as part of a scenic drive through the cherry blossom-covered hills of West Salem, then passing the Historic Brunk House & Farm on Highway 22, along the route west from Salem to the coast. If you have not, or at least in recent months, you definitely should take the time to enjoy this lovely community surrounded by pastoral scenery, filled with interesting shops and eateries, and host to many home-town events.
Sue Rohde is the author of Images of America: Dallas (our Deb is her co-author) as well as being the official Historian for the City of Dallas. Dallas was one of the valley's first settled areas in the 1840's, changing its name (Cynthian), as so many small towns did, to reflect the larger community it was becoming. Dallas was named after George M. Dallas, Vice President under James K. Polk, for whom Polk County is name. Dallas's history is focused on agriculture, education, and the logging industry. Once known as the "Prune Capital of the World," some of its illustrious residents have included singer Johnny Ray, Senator Mark Hatfield, author Evelyn Sibley Lampman, and inventor/industrialist Carl Gerlinger.
Today, Dallas still retains its agricultural base, adding several vineyards and wineries in recent years, and its emphasis on education and hometown family events. It also has a renowned botanical garden focusing on the native plants of Oregon, the Delbert Hunter Arboretum and Botanical Garden (begun by Sue's dad), as part of its park system.
You'll really enjoy learning more about the heritage of this area, its history and its legends. The book is available at several Dallas retail locations and the Chamber of Commerce. You can also obtain a copy through Arcadia Publishing.
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