Step back in time to 1932 on July 19th at Jacksonville’s historic Beekman House, located at 470 E. California Street. Miners are digging up the streets in Jacksonville’s second “gold rush”; hoboes are hoping for hand outs; and Ben and Carrie Beekman are closing up their 1873 Jacksonville home, going through family belongings, and sharing memories of growing up in the late 1800s.
Historic Jacksonville, Inc. has revived the Beekman House 1932 Living History series. These monthly tours feature historical interpreters portraying the Beekman children, Ben and Carrie, as they close up their historic 1873 home following the death of their mother. Family members and friends join them for reminiscences about the past and observations about a depression era town and nation.
The 1932 Living History series offers tours at 1:30 and 3 pm on the third Saturday of each month in July, August, and September. Admission is $10 per person. No reservations are required, but tours are limited to the first 15 people, so early arrival is encouraged.
The 1873 Cornelius Beekman House was home to one of Southern Oregon’s most prominent pioneer families. Beekman 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. The house was built by Beekman, lived in by only the one family, and remains completely furnished with family artifacts, a rarity when most historic homes are furnished with “period pieces.”
These popular tours sold out when they were first initiated in 2012. Today they are brought to you through the auspices of Historic Jacksonville, Inc., in conjunction with the City of Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, and other local organizations, working to bring history to life through programs, activities, and events. Proceeds benefit Jacksonville historic preservation.
For additional information about the Beekman House Living History tours and other Historic Jacksonville, Inc. activities, contact 541-245-3650 or info@historicjacksonville.org, or visit HJI’s website at www.historicjacksonville.org.