Springfield Museum

From Lane Co Oregon

The sturdy, brick building housing the Springfield Museum has a rich and significant history. A new, permanent exhibit at the Museum celebrates that history and, at the same time, traces significant events that shaped Springfield and the nation. Titled the "Stairwell Story," the exhibit gives a voice to the building at 6th Street and Main Streets, says Museum director David Staton. If buildings could talk, this one would have a lot to say. Since 1911, it has acted as a sentinel watching over Main Street and served as a symbol of industry.

A 1907 document granting the company a franchise to provide power for the City of Springfield begins the exhibit at the base of the building's stairwell. The reproduction of that document is placed next to a four-foot-long panoramic photograph of early Springfield.

The structure was built to serve as the Mountain States Power Company substation.