I have always lived in Oregon. I grew up on the Oregon Coast but have lived inland since I was an adult. As a child, my family came to visit Silver Creek Falls and I grew to love those excursions.
I taught elementary school after college. One of my favorite memories was bringing 200 fifth and sixth graders to Camp Silver Creek for outdoor school. Our team was one of the first to implement outdoor school in Salem. We slept in the cabins with the kids and taught classes, organized food, crafts, activities, etc. It was a full five days with the students and we did it several years. It was such a perfect place and I know many of the children would not have experienced camp without the program.
My family moved to Silverton in 1978. I often took my children to the park, especially the Christmas party that was held in the Lodge. I owned several businesses in Silverton but knew exactly where I wanted to volunteer when I retired from my Frame Shop. It has been a big part of my children’s life and mine.
I married my husband, Jim, in 1985. Our family’s blended and we had five children. His grandpa Luigi, with his brothers, had immigrated from Italy. They settled and farmed near the falls. The big house on the North end of the park currently being renovated was his Uncle Tony’s house. Many family reunions were held at the ranches.
