Beekman House “1932 Living History” returns for 2019 with new dates, new times, and new characters! Historic Jacksonville, Inc. invites guests to step back to 1932 Jacksonville and interact with Beekman family members and friends as they close up the family home, comment on current events and a depression era town and nation, and reminisce about life in the late 1800s.
One-hour visits begin at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 1 pm, and 2 pm on the fourth Saturday of each month through May. The Cornelius C. Beekman House Museum is located at 470 E. California Street in Jacksonville.
Guests are invited to time travel to 1932. The country is deep into the Great Depression. Franklin Roosevelt is running for President. Groucho Marx is on the radio. In Jacksonville, locals are digging up backyards and streets looking for any gold left from the town’s original gold rush. Hobos go house to house looking for hand outs. Julia Beekman has passed away, and daughter Carrie is moving to Portland where her brother Ben has lived for the past 40 years.
Historical interpreters portray the adult Beekman children, Carrie and Ben, as they go through years of accumulated belongings and the memories they bring back. Their former housekeeper joins them for the day. Their mother’s youngest sister drops in for a visit. And the public is invited to be part of the story!
Family patriarch Cornelius Beekman was Jacksonville’s wealthiest and most prominent pioneer. He was banker, investor, entrepreneur and public servant. The Oregonian named him as one of the 100 most influential people in Oregon during the 100 years following statehood. Beekman built the family home in the early 1870s, and the Beekmans were the only family to occupy it. The house remains completely furnished with original family furniture and artifacts, a rarity when most historic homes are furnished with “period pieces.”
Tour admission is $8 for adults; $5 for seniors and students. Tours are not recommended for children under 10. Proceeds benefit Jacksonville historic preservation efforts and are part of Historic Jacksonville, Inc.’s mission to bring the town’s historic buildings to life through programs, events, and activities. For additional information about the Beekman House 1932 Living History tours and other Historic Jacksonville, Inc. activities, visit HJI’s website at www.historicjacksonville.org, or contact 541-245-3650 or info@historicjacksonville.org.