Lake Creek

SOHS announces a new exhibit, Wire by Wire: How the Telephone, Fencing, and Electricity Came to Lake Creek. First installed at the Lake Creek Historical Society through February 22, the exhibit moved to the Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport from February 22 through March 21. Wire by Wire will be installed at the Rogue Valley Mall (on the second floor near Macy's) from March 21 through April 25.

Wire by Wire: How the Telephone, Fencing, and Electricity Came to Lake Creek explores how the community changed with the introduction of these new technologies. A public forum and potluck was held on Tuesday, September 20 at the Lake Creek Historical Society. Experienced exhibit planner, Alice Parman, led the group through the process of discovering the history behind the issues and identifying community resources that can help develop a meaningful exhibit. Participants decided to explore the idea of wire versus wireless in their community. Bonded by more than simply geography, Lake Creek’s determination and spirit of self-reliance helped forge the unique character of their rural community. The use of wire reflects the story of this community, as seen through the history of the telephone, fencing, and electricity, to illustrate the different ways residents united to change their lifestyles. A map of Lake Creek traces the community’s development and depicts many of the original homesteaders.

This program was made possible in part by a grant from Oregon Humanities (OH), a statewide nonprofit organization and an independent affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, which funds OH's grant program.