From horseback to stagecoach, sailing ship, steamship, railway, and “horseless carriage”! Learn about the rapid changes in transportation during the second half of the 19th Century when the Jacksonville Heritage Society hosts “Travel in the Victorian Era” between noon and 4 pm on Saturday, July 21, at the historic Cornelius C. Beekman House located at 470 E. California Street in Jacksonville.
One of Jacksonville’s wealthiest pioneers, Cornelius Beekman was a self-described “capitalist” with a business empire that included banking, insurance, mining, and real estate interests. He was also Mayor, gubernatorial candidate, 32nd degree Mason, and University of Oregon Regent, and was named one of the 100 most influential Oregonians of the 19th century.
As was typical of upper class Victorians of wealth and prominence, Beekman family members traveled the West and East Coasts, visited Canada and Alaska, criss-crossed the country, and toured Europe. Beekman’s 1873 “Carpenter Gothic” style home remains completely furnished with family artifacts, many of them souvenirs from the family’s frequent travels.
Tours of the House will be offered at regular intervals with costumed docents sharing information about the Beekman’s many trips and the modes of transportation available to them, while pointing out family souvenirs. Admission is $3 for adults; $2 for seniors and students.
Images of the Beekman House will be featured in an Art Show and Sale on the lawn hosted by members of Art Presence. Visitors are invited to vote on their favorite Beekman House painting and the winner of the “People’s Choice Award” will be announced at the end of the day.
For additional information, contact 541-245-3650 or info@jvilleheritage.org.
