The St. Johns Heritage Association typically meets once a month at the St. Johns Library - 11 AM until 12:30 PM. For the latest information about meeting times and dates please visit:
The mission of the St. Johns Heritage Association is to preserve and promote the history of our great local community.
New Member's Are Always Welcome!
Mary Luella Harney Hoes operated the Venetian Sandwich Shop located in the Venetian Theatre Building on N. Jersey (now Lombard) in the 1930's. There were two locations. The first was a tiny 7 stool nook which was taken over by the theatre owner who then used that space for popcorn and candy sales. The second location was next door to the first and much larger.
In addition to running the sandwich shop Mrs. Hoes was noted for being a early day St. Johns photographer. Mary was born June 21, 1874 in Woodson, Illinois and passed away in Portland on January 31, 1958.
Artwork in Cathedral Park
Several Sources Say (Up A) Lazy River Was Written and Recorded by Hoagy Carmichael in 1930
Online Resources to St. Johns History
The History of James John High School
What happened to Babe the Blue Ox? That question came up at the January 28th meeting of the St. Johns Heritage Assn. meeting. At least two members reported that they had seen it in years past but no one could say with any certainty what happened to it. A quick search on the Internet only confirmed that Babe once was and is now missing. If you can help us unravel the mystery we'd like to hear from you. Please - Send us an e-mail.
The Original Shirlee Ann Rescue #3
This 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air 4-Door Station Wagon known in our community as the "Shirlee Ann" was named in honor of 11 month old Shirlee Ann Howell who died on January 2, 1955. The Shirlee Ann Fund continues today to assist Fire Station No. 22 with needed equipment and training.
"The Saint of St. Johns"
One of our Heritage members reporting at our January 28th meeting being recently introduced to Fred Bauer's granddaughter. For those of you who may not know the Fred Bauer Story let's take a step back in time. In December 1953 Fred Bauer Sr. took over the Chevrolet dealership in St. Johns which Raymond F. Fisher had opened in 1921. Fred Bauer had been in the automobile business for several years at this point having incorporated with the state of Oregon on 10/30/47. Fred had owned Fred Bauer Motors, a Nash dealership, from 1950 to 1953. He had taken that dealership over from Propst-Doellefeld which operated it from 1946 to 1949. Nash Motors merged into American Motors Corporation in 1954.
Fred Bauer Chevrolet began life with a tiny one-car showroom near the intersection of Jersey and Lombard streets. The dealership opened with a staff of 12. Remodeled in 1967, the showroom could now display up to 12 cars. The service area was expanded and modernized. Exhaust gases were now vented outdoors at each service bay.
Fred Bauer Chevrolet became Cyd Dorn Chevrolet in early 1987. Brother's Fred Bauer Jr. and Tommy Bauer took over the Fred Bauer dealership with the passing of their father. As the business entered it's 34th year of operation they felt it was time to let it go. In the end Fred Bauer Chevrolet employed 41 employees and had annual sales of about 400 cars and trucks.
Last Updated 3/11/16
