Brooks Historical Society
History
Brooks Historical Society was founded in March, 1986, by a few dedicated and concerned Brooks citizens. The first several meetings were organizational, but in keeping with the objective of historical research and learning, there were also antique "show and tell", as well as guest speakers. The society was formed in part as a result of an interest in the history of Brooks school by its students. There continues to be a strong link with the students and staff of Brooks school.
The Charter Members were: Philip & Lena Beilke, Marie Bosch Madson, Roger & Mary Jane Chambers, Gary & Helen Cuff, Ellen Hollin, Max & Arlene Bibby, Delores Esch, Jack Bosch, Harry Bosch, Richard Hess, Neva S. Rusk, Robert Ostrom, Adele Egan, Sam Ramp, Ellen L. Egan, Ruby Edmund, Carol Adelman, Tats & Masako Yada, Mr. & Mrs. Francis Nys, Mr. & Mrs. Fred McClaughry, Carl Catterson, Willard LaFlemme, Mrs. Sumi Ogura Oshiro, Addie Dyal Rickey, Arlo Pugh, Hattie R. Golliet-Nisbet, Margaret T. Reiman, Patsy Brutka, Judy Brutka, Amy Fite, George & Gustina Sturgis, Harry & Erma Sturgis
In 1988, Brooks Historical Society was offered the old Brooks railroad depot as a donation. In April 1989 the offer was officially accepted and arrangements were made to move the old depot from its Keizer site to its new home at Antique Powerland in Brooks. The Brooks depot was originally established by the Oregon & California Railroad, which came through the Willamette Valley in the late 19th century. The line later became part of the Southern Pacific Railroad, but use of the depot was eventually discontinued. Around 1980 the building was purchased by two Brooks citizens to save it from destruction, but it proved too costly to maintain. It was moved to Keizer where it was put to various uses until it was finally vacated and left to deteriorate. The depot had been added as a second story to a garage when it was first moved in November 1984. In order to move it to its new home the garage had to be dismantled, the depot lowered to ground level, and the garage rebuilt with a new roof. This was accomplished by dedicated volunteers and generous contributors. Long before sunrise on Sunday, August 20, 1989, a moving crew arrived and began the final process. By the time the depot reached Brooks, the sun was shining and a crowd had gathered to meet it. It was toasted with apple cider by the jubilant Society members and friends who had followed its journey.
After some months of preparing the site and pouring concrete for the foundation the depot was finally lowered onto its foundation in early 1990. Then the restoration began. It was at this point that the Society was contacted by the president of the Oregon Electric Railway Historical Society with an offer to help with restoration. It has gone forward through the efforts of numerous volunteers and contributors. These include: Dr. and Mrs. Guy Amico who donated the depot, Brooks Lumber who donated materials and offered others at a discount, Champion Metal/Farmers Steel who gave a discount on the roof metal, Rainbow Construction who moved the depot from Keizer to Brooks at a discounted rate, Kim Martin Excavation who prepared the site as a discounted rate, Viesko Sand and Gravel who provided the concrete at a discounted rate, Ross Bros. Construction who donated materials for forming the foundation, Steve Ross and Family who coordinated, organized and built the foundation for the depot, including the forms and the pouring of concrete, Gervais High School Building Construction class who donated labor in the construction of the foundation, Lloyd Weigel who provided a place for the depot to set until it could be moved to Brooks. Many others contributed financially to the project.
Today, the society continues to add to its collections and publications. You are encouraged to visit.
