Historic Salem #1: Grier Building

960 Broadway NE

Grier Building on January 27, 2007

The Grier Building was built in 1972 and might seem to be an unusual place to start telling the story of Salem, but it is located on the banks of Mill Creek near the site of the Methodist Mission of Salem's first settlers, and is the original site of the Jason Lee House, the first wood-frame house in Salem, which is now located at the Mission Mill Museum. After the Jason Lee House was moved, the Grier Building, designed by architect Payne Settecase Smith, was constructed by general contractor L. D. Mattson in 1972. The building originally featured a plaque commemorating the site's history; I couldn't find the plaque myself, though it might be inside.

Salem Began Here Sign on September 9, 2006

Near the building is a large historical marker that reads as follows:

OREGON HISTORY
SALEM BEGAN HERE

IN THE FALL OF 1840, THE OREGON METHODIST MISSION UNDER JASON LEE DAMMED MILL CREEK BELOW THIS BRIDGE WEST OF WHAT IS NOW LIBERTY STREET. THEY ERECTED A LUMBER MILL. TWO YEARS LATER A FLOUR MILL WAS ADDED. IN 1856, THE WILLAMETTE WOOLEN MANUFACTURING COMPANY CHANNELED MORE WATER FROM THE SANTIAM RIVER TO MILL CREEK FOR A NEW FACTORY, THE FIRST POWER-OPERATED WOOLEN MILLS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. THE MILLS BURNED IN 1876.

IN THE SPRING OF 1841, THE MISSIONARIES BUILT THE FIRST HOUSE IN SALEM, WHICH WITH ADDITIONS STOOD AT 960 NE BROADWAY. IT HAS SINCE BEEN MOVED TO THE MISSION MILL MUSEUM. OCCUPIED BY FOUR FAMILIES INCLUDING THAT OF JASON LEE, IT LATER HOUSED SALEM’S SECOND STORE, FIRST POST OFFICE, AND THE TREASURY OF THE TERRITORY OF OREGON. LATER MOVED TO THE BRICK BUILDING AT 888 NE LIBERTY.

CENTENNIAL MARKER
MARION COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Additional Links:
Historic Marker at Discover-Neighborhood-History

Historical Photos:
Grier Building 1972-1973 (Salem Public Library)
Grier Building 1972-1973 (Salem Public Library)
Grier Building Detail, 1972-1973 (Salem Public Library)
Grier Building Plaque, 1972-1973 (Salem Public Library)

Continue to 2: Mission Mill Museum…