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Newberg building added to national historic register |
J.C. Penney Building earns historic recognition for
its association with significant historical events |
By Amanda
Newman, Newberg Graphic reporter
E-mail Amanda at
anewman@eaglenewspapers.com
|
Newberg’s J.C. Penney Building, originally home to the town’s first
department chain store, was recently added to the National Register
of Historic Places.
Located at 516 E. First St., the building was built by S.E. Watkins
in 1927 for owners Elmer Dixon and Ralph Butt, according to David
Bogan, Heritage Programs cultural education specialist.
Part
of the J.B. Rogers Land Claim, the property was acquired by Walter
Edwards from his father, Newberg founding father Jesse Edwards. In
Jan. of 1927, the Newberg Graphic reported that C.J. Edwards
received $10 for the sale of the property, which included the future
site of the building and a neighboring plot.
The buyers, Elmer and Rose Dixon, obtained a $6,000 mortgage to
finance construction and gave Ralph and Edith Butt a half-interest
in the property.
On July 21, 1927, the Graphic reported, “The addition of the
new J.C. Penney store to the commercial district will be a distinct
advantage to Newberg people and give the commercial section of the
city an added metropolitan appearance.”
The property remained in the Butt and Dixon families for more than
50 years. In 1980, Alice Dixon entered into a contract with M & M
Partners. The contract was soon assigned to Jules Drabkin, Dan
Corrigan and Don Tarlow, who acquired the other half-interest in
1987 from Edith Butt’s estate.
The building was sold to Donna and Wallace Wright in 1991 and to
current owner Jane Carlsen in February 2003. It currently houses
Critter Cabana, a pet shop.
Located in a row of buildings known as the “Dixon triple-block,”
the J. C. Penney Building was recognized for being a physical
example of Newberg’s growth and development in the late 1920s.
Requirements for inclusion in the National Register include a
nomination and a preliminary evaluation and study of photographs and
architecture, Bogan explained. Buildings must be at least 50 years
old and meet one of four criteria. The J. C. Penney Building
qualified under criteria “A” - association with significant
historical events — for its association with commercial development.
“I think that when we feel a strong tie to the past we have a
tendency to be more careful stewards of the community,” Carlsen
said, expressing the importance of recognizing historical buildings
such as hers. “(It’s important) to keep communities unique, so each
town keeps its own local flavor.”
Oregon’s National Register Program, part of the State Historic
Preservation Office, is maintained by the National Park Service.
There are 11 other National Register listings in the Newberg
vicinity. |
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From
July 21, 2007, Newberg Graphic
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