Welcome to GeerCrest Foundation

About Us

GeerCrest Foundation is a non-profit charitable organization, established in 2007 to preserve the history of the Waldo Hills and its surrounding area within Oregon's Willamette Valley. We are located at GeerCrest farm, a century farm with two buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.

The vision for the Foundation was developed by Jim and Erika Toler. They are fifth generation owners of GeerCrest farm. Jim and Erika are working with Jim's aunt, Vesper Geer Rose, and a dedicated group of volunteers to establish the Foundation as an authority on the history of the native and emigrant peoples who occupied the land and its surrounding areas.

This history is quite rich. It starts with the Native Americans who camped on the land. In 1848 Ralph and Mary Geer established their homestead, the second land claim awarded in Oregon. It was the boyhood home of world renowned political cartoonist and importer of Arabian horses, Homer Davenport. In 1913 the Willard Women's club was formed in the kitchen of the old farm house--they meet there to this day.

Initiatives

Our primary focus is a professional research project that will preserve our rich history and serve as a basis for educational programs, preservation strategies, and further historical scholarship. This is a very large effort that we are excited about. We are drawing on the skills and talents of our volunteers as well as local historical societies and colleges. You can help too, by supporting the activities sponsored by the Foundation and its partners.

Upcoming Events

Homer Davenport Days

August 1 - 3, 2008
The small town of Silverton celebrates its world famous son, turn-of-the-century political cartoonist, Homer Davenport with a family oriented hometown festival. The GeerCrest Foundation will be participating in an historical exhibit in Silverton. On Saturday August 2nd, we will have activities at GeerCrest Farm as part of an Open House.

History Dinner I

September 20, 2008
Help support the the Foundation and enjoy delicious foods grown and prepared locally.

History Dinner II

September 27, 2008
If you couldn't make the first dinner, we are putting on a second one so you won't miss out on these local delicacies.

Harvest Day and Weed Walk

October 25, 2008
Come participate in GeerCrest Foundation's harvest festival. Take the opportunity to join herbalist, Randi Embree, on a walk around GeerCrest farm and learn about edible and medicinal native plants.

Location

You can find us in Oregon, tucked into the scenic Waldo Hills, 12 miles east of Salem and about an hour drive south from Portland.

When driving from Portland, the route down Highway 213, through Oregon City, will take you through countryside, once part of the native American trade routes and traveled by settlers. Eventually, you'll reach Silverton, Oregon's Garden City, with its gracious historic neighborhoods. We are 5 miles south of Silverton off of Cascade Highway. Follow the signs to the Oregon Garden. Then continue down Cascade highway to Sunnyview Road and turn right. Turn left on the first driveway. As you enter the property, the entry drive is graced by the Riding Whip Tree, a giant black cottonwood designated as a State Heritage tree.

If you are arriving from Salem, the farm is the last driveway to the right on Sunnyview Road before you reach Cascade Highway.

Contact

Further further information please contact:

Erika Toler
12390 Sunnyview Rd. NE
Salem, OR, 97317
Phone: 503-874-9628
E-mail: info@geercrest.org
WWW: www.geercrest.org

Links

Coming Soon!