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About Cottage Grove sentinel. (Cottage Grove, Or.) 1909-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 21, 2021)
COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL | OCTOBER 21, 2021 | 3A Nuggets of History Cottage Grove Ghost Stories Editor’s note: This is the first part in a two- part history series on local ghost stories. By Holli Turpin Cottage Grove Historical Society While some vehemently deny the existence of ghosts, others just as strongly believe. Many sit firmly on the fence, ac- ghosts, the truth is simple: a good ghost story is often based on some bit of tragic historical fact. If you dive into most leg- ends and lore, peel away the many layers of speculation, as- PHOTOS COURTESY OF COTTAGE GROVE HISTORICAL SOCIETY Top, the Lea House on South Hwy 99 in an undated photograph. Bottom, the house today has been used as an office building, antique shop and more. knowledging that there are un- explained happenings but not convinced they are spectral in nature. Whether you believe, reject, or question the existence of sumption, and exaggeration, at its base a local ghost story can keep history alive. Here are a few spooky tales told right here in Cottage Grove. Lea House Built in the early 1890s by George Lea and his sons, this home boasts intricate wood- work lovingly constructed by the Lea’s gifted hands. George and Lucy Lea, as well as three of their four children, lived the final years of their life in the house. George Lea died in 1927, his wife died in 1949, daughter Elsie died in 1953, son Edwin died in 1954, and daugh- ter Mertie May died in 1955. While three children dying so close together may seem eerie, they were in their seventies at the time. The house has since been used as an office building, an antique shop, restaurant, bed and breakfast, coffee shop and rental. The Seven Gables moniker was given in the 1960s when Ed and Alice Noel owned the house and operated a restaurant on the first floor. Alice was clear in an interview during the time she lived in the house that there were no ghosts about. However, several tenants over the years have reported hearing footsteps on the stairs and oth- er strange unexplained noises as well as light orbs floating in doorways. The belief is that the house is haunted by George’s son Erwin. Local lore claims Edwin dies by suicide in the up- stairs bedroom. With a quick look at the re- cords, we learn that the lore ore We Fetch You M yo ur door! …and deliver it all to # has slightly altered some of the facts. Edwin died of a self-in- flicted gunshot wound while in the shed next to the house. Preliminary research does not clarify if this was intentional or accidental, but this clearly tragic death has become a solid foun- dation on which a local ghost story is created. We are left to wonder, does one or more of the Lea family remain at the home to watch over the ornate home they build and clearly loved? and update restrooms. Each year we see more events being held in the building as the com- munity makes use of this large, impressive resource. With in- creased use it may come to pass that the stories of apparitions will decrease as new life is lived and enjoyed within the walls of this landmark. The Armory Heavy footsteps down the long hall, spoken commands given by an unseen drill ser- geant, cold breezes sending chills down the spine, wispy vi- sions of men marching past row by row. These are all tales told of the old Armory Building. One specific story is based on the belief that a commander died in the commander’s suite. No record of such a death has been located. Yet over the years rumors of ghosts continue to haunt the old building. Built in 1931, this building housed national guard troops during World War II and many actions and campaigns since. Many young men, and in lat- er years women, would pass through those doors in the de- fense of our country. Local resi- dents also used the building for community events including dances and fairs. De-commissioned in 2009, it sat idle for several years. The City of Cottage Grove purchased the deteriorating building, dedicated to saving this striking landmark. Breath- ing new life into the building the city has raised funds to re- roof, fix windows, add heating, GRANT Part two of this series will ap- pear in the Oct. 28 edition of The Sentinel. from A1 budgeted for the equivalent of four full-time positions this fis- cal year, the library has yet to fill those spots. For contact information and library hours, visit online at www.cottagegroveor.gov/li- brary. The library’s grant was made possible thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services, through the Library Services and Tech- nology Act, and administered by the State Library of Oregon. The federal funds were in- cluded in the American Rescue Plan Act to help libraries, muse- ums, and related nonprofits pro- mote digital inclusion and con- nectivity, address needs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, and generally support efforts to provide equitable service to communities. For more information about the federal library grants, vis- it the Institute of Museum and Library Services website at imls. gov. More information about American Rescue Plan Act grants awarded by the State Li- brary of Oregon, including oth- er grant recipients, is available at libguides.osl.state.or.us/lsta- grants/arpaawards. 1 Walk-In Tub NEW Shower Package! Get FREE e-edition access with your subscription! there i sn’’t a better, more afff ordable walk-iin tub!! Our e-edition gives you full online access to all of the valuable features included in our print edition. 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