First Annual Reunion Weekend

The Oregon Caves National Monument is particularly beautiful, restful and inviting during the fall season. We have several very special events planned as we continue to commemorate the 100^th Anniversary of the Monument and the 75^th Anniversary of the Oregon Caves Chateau. Read on for all the details.

You’re Invited to Join Us – First Annual Reunion Weekend
September 25, 26 and 27, 2009

The National Park Service, The Friends of the Oregon Caves and Chateau and the Chateau at the Oregon Caves, invite you to our First Annual Reunion Weekend . If you have ever worked at the Chateau, made beds or served meals… been a tour guide in the Caves or one of many other positions, please join us. We want to hear your stories, copy any photos you are willing to share, and make sure you get a chance to meet and connect with other former employees. We also want you to all be a part of the Friends of the Oregon Caves and Chateau and the first project which is to work to gain full restoration of the Oregon Caves Chateau and the historic collection of Monterey Furniture.

Chateau Room Reservations for Reunion Weekend can be made by visiting us online at www.oregoncaveschateau.com or call today – 541-592-3400 or toll free, 1-877-245-9022. We look forward to seeing you.

REUNION EVENTS:

Friday – September 25

Sue Densmore – Executive Director of the Friends of the Oregon Caves and Chateau will be in the lobby of the Chateau throughout the weekend to visit and receive photos , stories and to help connect Alumni to former employees and friends.

Saturday – September 26

9 am - 5 pm - Cave Tours – Cost $8.50 with a chance for Alumni and Guests to win a free tour when they register for the tour.
11:30 - Special Cave Tour: The Exploration and Development of the Oregon Caves by John Roth, Natural Resources Specialist – Reservation required – Limit of 15 - Phone 541-592-2100 ex 2230.
1 pm, 2pm and 3pm - Guided Tours of the Chateau and Model Room by Park Historian Steve Mark – Free – no reservation needed.
7 pm - Evening Campfire Program featuring the “Ghost” of Elijah Davidson by Tom Siewert, Park Ranger and Storyteller – Free – no reservation needed
9am – 5 pm - Third Annual National Public Lands Volunteer Cave Cleanup - Phone 541-592-2100 extension 2254 and ask for Elizabeth Hale to register.
Pre-registration is required – Lunch is provided and a special off-trail caving tour in the evening.

5 pm – 10 pm – Octoberfest – Guests can purchase 6 tastes of local Southern Oregon Beer for $5.00. Live music and dancing in the lobby of the Chateau.
5:30 – 9 pm - Octoberfest Dinner in the Dining Room - Special German menu - Phone 541-592-3400 to make a reservation.

Sunday - September 27

Breakfast in the Diner - No reservations needed.
10 am and 11:30 am – Guided Tours of the Chateau and Model Room by Park Historian Steve Mark - Free- no reservation needed.
10:30 am – 1:30 pm Alumni Brunch Buffet in the Dining Room - Special Menu - 10.95 a person… Reservations recommended – Phone 541-592-3400.

Friends of the Oregon Caves and Chateau

Founders Dinner - October 24, 2009

We will be hosting a special event on Saturday October 24 for our first 50 Founding Donors who contribute $1000 or more to the Friends of the Oregon Caves and Chateau. We have received generous support from the Architecture Foundation of Oregon, the Oregon Community Foundation, the Four Way Foundation, the REC Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation, the Oregon Cultural Trust, the Kinsman Foundation, the Carpenter Foundation, the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund of the National Historic Trust and many individual donors.

You still have the opportunity to join us in this exciting – once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of a living legacy. For details phone or email: Sue Densmore - 541-944-1139 or [email protected]

Model Room Update

We have completed the first phase of the Model Room. The second phase will be completed before the opening of the 2010 season. We are still seeking support for phase two and will be honoring former General Manager Harry Christenson as we celebrate the opening of the second phase. We would welcome your contribution. Phone or email Sue Densmore - 541-944-1139 or [email protected]

You can also buy a raffle ticket during the Reunion weekend, to have a chance to stay in the model room during the 2010 season.

National Park Service

2009 is here! And for those of you keeping count, you know that the Oregon Caves National Monument is celebrating 100 years since it was designated. The Chateau, a National Historic Landmark, is marking its 75^th year since it opened to visitors.

This fall, a new PBS 12 hour series will be premiered – The National Parks, America’s Best Idea by Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan and will be accompanied by a magnificently illustrated companion Book by the filmmakers. The series features the national parks as opposed to other designations that the National Park Service manages such as Monuments. When you work in a National Monument, Like Oregon Caves, you are often asked about the difference between the two designations. A National Monument is created by Executive Order of our President. President Taft created the Oregon Caves National Monument on July 12, 1909. Our Congress must pass legislation to create a National Park. Although the Oregon Caves is not a National Park, you will see a short film on the Monument as a part of the PBS series.

The Chateau is also a National Historic Landmark. In order to be designated, the Secretary of Interior must determine that the resource possesses exceptional value or quality in illustrating or interpreting the Heritage of the United States. The Chateau was designated as a landmark because of its progressive architectural statement. The Chateau’s architecture set a precedent for how buildings could reflect their natural setting, and illustrated a “vernacular” that is now found in park and monument settings across the U.S.

You can become a Friend of the Oregon Caves and Chateau by contributing $25 - $99. You will be a Model Room Friend with a contribution of $100 - $999 and will be listed as a contributor to the Model Room. With a contribution of $1000 you will be one of only 50 Founders who will receive special permanent commemoration and a chance to enjoy special events.

Please phone or email Sue Densmore, Executive Director of the Friends of the Oregon Caves and Chateau at 541-944-1139 or [email protected] . You can donate directly right here, or on our website www.FriendsOCAC.org . Just look for the Network for Good logo.

You can send your contribution directly to:

Friends of the Oregon Caves and Chateau
P.O. Box 2195
Grants Pass, OR 97528

Thank you so much for your generous support. This is a very exciting time in the life of the Oregon Caves National Monument and the Chateau. Join us in being a part of an important legacy for state of Oregon, Josephine County and beyond.