Sherwood Historical Society Column: Spring exhibit is Sherwood’s civic organizations

By June Reynolds

SHERWOOD, Ore. — In the days of the Pioneers, crafting a subsistence farm and building the needs of the community were the main goals in life. That is how every little town west of the Mississippi was built at every crossroad and along native trails and military roads. 

People spoke of the fundamental use of the term “progressive.” Progression was to find a way to solve problems and work together to fix and build the needs of the community. Many people considered themselves as progressive. There was even an actual town in Oregon called “Progress,” which still exists today. The town fathers envisioned crossroads as a market center and transportation hub. Progress was a commerce center for decades before it got swallowed up by factories, developments, and shopping malls.

The power to build such towns with both labor and money was to come together in a club designed to make it all happen. Referred to as civic organizations, a solid example was the Commercial Club, chartered in 1912. Need a rock crushing machine? The commercial club was there to chip in. Need a new well dug? The town fathers were happy to build it with help from a well driller.

But it was not just commerce the community was interested in. It was camaraderie and high moral standards. Introducing these ideals were the early organization the Knights and Ladies of the Grand Lodge of Good Templars. Starting in 1894, it followed the Quaker ideal that men and women should work together and be equal; the organization was very successful, and had ties with the big city of Portland. Other fraternal groups were also conceived, such as the Masons, who were by trade builders. Woodmen of the World were loggers and woodcutters, and the Odd Fellows were town businessmen. All these groups were very active in the 20th century.

Again, commerce was a growing interest in the 1920s, stemming from the Grange of the 1890s, which was both a social group and a market watchdog for farm products. The Onion Growers of Cipole were the top producers of onions for decades. Their aim was to keep shipping costs down and be a depot for products arriving before being loaded onto trains. The Hop Growers of Sherwood also met to learn new farming practices and prohibition plans to tide the farmers over the “dry” days.

Finally, the “Giving Organizations” were and are so important. The American Legion Post of 1920 was a social organization for World War I soldiers, but it was also a support system for those back from the war, a mission that continues today. Al Kader Shriners are individuals whose goal is to help sick and disabled children. Chauncey Calkins was active in the Shriners in 1922 and involved Sherwood men in the group. Our last Shriner was Bill Maplethorpe, active well into the 21^st century.

Civic organizations are non-profit voluntary groups. They are service clubs, advocacy groups, and professional or social groups that work to improve communities through social action. They address local needs that governments or businesses may not, often focusing on issues like housing, equity, and environmentalism. In the twenty-first century, with governmental help, many local issues were inherently taken care of, so civic organizations looked beyond their borders to help in war-torn countries, aid in debilitating epidemics, and organize communities. Doctors Without Borders, the Rotary, and the Lions have been doing this work for decades. Now, with deep cuts in our federal government – and, consequently, our state and local governments, civic organizations are facing a huge demand, both at home and around the world. 

The word “progressive” is defined here as a good thing for ourselves and others. We must get back to supporting our schools, libraries, and art centers. We need to volunteer. We need to be respectful of our natural parks and community spaces. We need to be respectful of each other. A progressive is not a socialist or a communist; it is a person who is filling a need. 

This act is truly satisfying, and someday could be passed from generation to generation. This was always the hope and plan for many of these groups.

Come by the Museum on the corner of First and Main in Old Town and learn how you can get involved. Our hours are Wed. and Sat. 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Our phone is (503) 862-7603 or (503) 625-1236.