When a monumental flood visited Oregon in 1996, Vernonia was one of the communities hardest hit. Floodwaters drowned the center of the town; the town’s high school and city hall were under several feet of water and 60 percent of its library collection was destroyed.

Rather than dampen its spirit, the flood actually caused Vernonia’s citizens to take stock of community needs and unite in response. Recognizing that the small town needed a center for youth activities and other community events, residents banded together to save an old cabin in the heart of town that was slated for demolition.

By the time Friends of the Scout Cabin applied for a small grant, members had raised $100,000 and solicited donations of services, materials, and countless hours of volunteer labor. The Friends used $8,300 from the Trust to landscape the grounds and furnish the cabin. The Cabin, acquired by Friends for $7,500, is now worth more than $400,000 and hosts dozens of youth groups, history classes, community gatherings and celebrations, weddings, business meetings, family and class reunions, and many other events.

For Reservations call: Shirlee Daughtry at 503-429-9002

The cabin is located at: 901 Park Drive
 

Amenities: Large meeting room, fully equipped kitchen facilities, and adjacent gazebo, available for meetings and all occasions.