Oregon: Years Apart #021: Oregon Trail Marker in Meacham, Oregon
As near as I can tell, the Oregon Trail marker that was in Meacham, Oregon on October 6, 2018 is in the same place as the marker photographed there on July 26, 1930. The railroad road tracks and the contour of the hills looks the same. The houses are gone and more trees fill in. To-day Meacham looks almost deserted if it weren't for the state highway maintenance folks, but almost 88 years earlier it looked to be a more vibrant community.
Meacham, Oregon July 26, 1930, unknown photographer
Meacham, Oregon October 6, 2018, Byron Caloz, (c) 2018, Byron V. Caloz
Interesting that the marker back then didn't need to say much. The Oregon Trail history was a lot fresher in their day to day lives. That is probably one reason why there is a more verbose sign in its place 88 years later: we need more information to understand the history! What will be there in 2130?
Meacham, Oregon July 26, 1930, unknown photographer
Meacham, Oregon October 6, 2018, Byron Caloz, (c) 2018, Byron V. Caloz
Interesting that the marker back then didn't need to say much. The Oregon Trail history was a lot fresher in their day to day lives. That is probably one reason why there is a more verbose sign in its place 88 years later: we need more information to understand the history! What will be there in 2130?