Oregon Pioneer Association facts for kids
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The Oregon Pioneer Association was a special group for early American settlers in the Oregon Territory. It started in October 1867, first called the Oregon Pioneer Society. This group was like a club and a history society for people who moved to Oregon a long time ago.
The Association was a private organization, not part of the government. Its members met at yearly gatherings. They also published speeches about what life was like for pioneers. The group was very active in the 1870s and 1880s. As its members grew older, a new group called the Sons and Daughters of Oregon Pioneers started in 1901. The Oregon Pioneer Association likely ended around 1928.
Contents
History of the Oregon Pioneer Association
How the Association Started
The Oregon Pioneer Society began in Salem, Oregon. A meeting was held on October 8 and 9, 1867. It took place in the state capitol building. William H. Gray is given credit for helping to start the Society. He also helped create another history group in Astoria.
Anyone could join the Oregon Pioneer Society if they came to Oregon before January 1, 1854. This included people who arrived when the Oregon Territory was shared by the United States and Great Britain. It also included those born or settled there before that date.
The Society held meetings every year. These meetings usually happened around June 15. This date was important because it was the anniversary of the Oregon Treaty of 1846. That treaty officially ended the border disagreement between the U.S. and Great Britain. The yearly meetings were held in different towns across Oregon. Important people gave speeches about pioneer history. The Society also kept records of its members. These records included where members were born and when they moved to Oregon.
Changing the Name to OPA
On October 18, 1873, the Oregon Pioneer Society changed its name. It became the Oregon Pioneer Association (OPA). The group kept holding its yearly meetings in June. These meetings were often around June 15, which was called "Pioneer Day." The speeches and reports from these meetings were written down. They were then published in small books called pamphlets. This helped keep a record of history.
In 1874, the Oregon Pioneer Association wanted to join with the Oregon Historical Society. But the Historical Society said no. It seemed they wanted to focus only on studying history. They did not want to be a social club.
The OPA stayed strong and had enough money through the 1880s. After that, it slowly declined over 15 years. Many members passed away, and fewer people joined. This meant less money from membership fees.
In 1899, the OPA started working with a new group. This group was called the Native Sons of Oregon. They also partnered with another older group, the Indian War Veterans of the North Pacific Coast.
When the Association Ended
The Oregon Pioneer Association had fewer and fewer members. This was because eligible members were passing away. So, in 1901, a new group largely took its place. This new group was the Sons and Daughters of Oregon Pioneers. It was also a history and social group. But it had easier rules for who could join. The OPA itself continued to hold yearly meetings until 1928.
Presidents of the OPA
From 1873, when the group reorganized, until 1921, these people served as presidents of the OPA:
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