Oregon Constitution restored, showcased at archives building

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – Oregon’s original State Constitution has been restored after more than 137 years of wear and a mix-up in page numbers.
 
The Statesman Journal reports that the restored constitution was unveiled on Monday. It had pages falling apart, fading ink, a torn cover and a peculiar page mix-up.
 
When it was first bound in 1880 – 23 years after being written – the constitution’s 52nd page was put in front of the 51st. That mistake was identified and fixed during a months-long restoration process earlier this year.
 
State Archivist Mary Beth Herkert said the original document was “well-loved.”
 
The restored constitution was placed beneath museum-quality glass in the Oregon State Archives building. It’s opened to the preamble, with digital before and after photographs showing the restoration results.