Historic Preservation Month kick-off rings a bell

Every May The Deschutes County Historical Society, Deschutes County Historic Landmarks Commission, City of Bend Landmarks Commission, and City of Redmond Landmarks Commission partner to celebrate the heritage of Deschutes County.

The month-long celebration, tied to National Historic Preservation Month, is dedicated to preserving the area’s history for future generations..

This year is special, because it’s also Deschutes County’s centennial. Friday’s events kicked off with a 100-year-old school bell and ended in a 100-year-old Box Factory.

After class, Tumalo Elementary School kids rang the C.S. Bell Company No. 24 school bell, which sat atop Laidlaw Central School 100 years ago.

“It’s showing our heritage, showing our history, and it’s hard to move forward without knowing what your past is,” said Heidi Slaybaugh, chair of the Bend Historic Landmarks Commission.

Immersion Brewing hosted the kick-off showcase in the Mill Quarter of Bend. This restored and re-purposed Old Box Factory joins the century club next month.

Brownie Girl Scouts offered a taste of the past at the celebration Friday.

“We are selling penny candy, because that’s what it was like (back then),” said Paige Martin.

Slaybaugh said the events cross generational lines.

“We try to do a lot of interactive things that don’t just attract the older community but also our younger community, so everyone’s in there together.”

Preservation exhibits were on display to show the ever-evolving town.

“It just really gives people a sense of, where did Bend come from, and what’s it all about and where are we going?” Slaybaugh said.

A full list of this month’s events can be found at www.deschuteshistory.org.