Lane County

Springfield

In 1946, the M & E Lumber Company and J.R. Frey opened new sawmills and the Western Oregon Lumber Company expanded operation to include a sawmill.

Several new businesses opened in 1946. Among them were a new “drive-in” style restaurant, two furniture stores, a plumbing shop, a women’s store, a florist, a sporting goods store, a tire store, and two auto repair shops.

As the community grew, the need for improved transportation increased. Automobiles were firmly established as the primary method of transport and efforts to improve streets and roadways through widening and paving was constant throughout this time period. The increase in traffic through downtown Springfield sparked discussions about making Main and A streets one-way thoroughfares in 1946.

As air transport became a viable alternative, a small airport was opened on Emery Road, east of the city limits in 1946 (Springfield News 1946). The airfield was granted approval as a Class 1 airport and McKenzie Flying Service was chartered to operate commercial transportation, student instruction, charter flights, and sales and service. Runways, hangars, fuel facilities and an office building were constructed during this time period (Springfield News 1946). Rail transport, though becoming less popular for passenger service, continued during this time period.

Perhaps one of the greatest changes in communications, however, was the telephone system. An improved system was required to handle the demand for an increasing number of customers as the population grew. In June 1946, the system was upgraded to handle an additional 700 customers. Within a few months, however, the demand required further expansion to accommodate another 1700 customers.

A large water filtration plant was constructed at Hayden Bridge in 1946-1947.

The Willamalane Park district’s recreation programs were very popular and in 1946, the park district purchased a 12-acre site (between G and I and 12th and 14th Streets) and began plans for construction of the Willamalane Park picnic area, pool, and courts.

In 1946, a health clinic was planned and discussions about obtaining a new hospital began.

New businesses also appeared in Glenwood that year, including the Maurie Jacobs Furniture Store at the Springfield Junction. In December 1946, Glenwood formed a Business Men’s Association (Springfield News 1946).