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Statesman Journal
The tragic end of Salem's most famous hotel
The Marion Hotel was built in 1870 at the southeast corner of Commercial and Ferry streets in downtown Salem and hailed as the largest and finest hotel north of San Francisco. It soon became the center of social, cultural and political activities, perhaps best known as the unofficial second capitol. More deals were reportedly struck and laws shaped in its back rooms and basement lounge than in the official chambers of state government. The hotel’s storied history ended in tragedy 55 years ago, when a pre-dawn fire Nov. 12, 1971, destroyed the four-story brick building and left the grand old showplace a smoking heap of blackened brick and twisted metal. By then, the hotel complex had grown to cover the entire block, and local firefighters considered the 101-year-old portion a firetrap. “We knew it was going to happen someday — it was just predicting the exact time,” the Salem fire chief told a Capital Journal reporter. “It was the kind of thing firemen took bets on.” Marion Hotel had high-end amenities such as speaking tubes Salem’s most famous hotel opened as The Chemeketa House on the day after Christmas in 1870. The glitzy opening-night dinner featured a speech by then-Gov.
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Statesman Journal
Salem interested in buying Walling Pond but can't study it for months
The city of Salem is interested in buying Walling Pond for a future park but says it can't study the idea seriously for at least six months. Supporters worry the southeast Salem property could sell first, costing the community a beloved fishing hole and natural habitat at risk. "My greatest concern is that by the time the city is ready to fully evaluate this opportunity, it may no longer be available," said Leanna Heiman, who first pitched the idea to the Salem Parks and Recreation Advisory Board in September. Heiman provided testimony at the board's Nov. 12 meeting, where city staff also provided a written update on local parks projects. Walling Pond was No. 4 on the 15-item list. "Staff have begun reviewing potential acquisition of the Walling Pond property," the report says. "This assessment is currently in the queue behind several other park acquisition opportunities and related issues requiring staff analysis. Staff anticipate being able to take a more comprehensive look at the Walling Pond opportunity in approximately 6–9 months, as capacity allows and other pending acquisition-related work progresses." Former gravel pit transforms into popular fishing hole Walling Pond is privately owned but has been open to the public
hoodline.com
Hawaiian Bros Island Grill Breaks Ground at Salem's Old Lancaster Mall Site
A new quick-serve restaurant is taking shape in the parking lot of Salem's Willamette Town Center, the site long known to locals as the former Lancaster Mall. Hawaiian Bros Island Grill is being built at 909 Lancaster Drive NE, bringing its island-inspired, plate-lunch style menu to the mid-valley. What's Going...
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Statesman Journal
At 75, Salem's KYKN AM radio faces an uncertain future | Exclusive
KYKN 1430 celebrated its 75th anniversary with a special roundtable show featuring former disc jockeys and on-air personalities. They looked back on the AM radio station's history, including several call letter and format changes, and remembered former colleagues such as Eddie Edwards , who enjoyed a "rock star" career after leaving his morning show post in the early 1980s, and Mike Frith, whose vision for local programming rescued the station a decade later. Mike Allegre, the station's former sports director, organized, hosted and co-produced the show. It featured vintage promos of Tim O’Brian giving the time and temperature between country songs, Dick Bond broadcasting from Valu Mart on Hawthorne Avenue NE, and Warren Franklin reporting from Lancaster Mall. O'Brian, Bond and fellow former disc jockey Rick Allen joined Allegre and KYKN owner Jeff Morgan on air, reflecting back on their careers and the future of AM radio in the community. KYKN is one of three longtime AM stations in Salem-Keizer. KBZY 1490, founded in 1947, turns 80 next year, while KSLM 1220 launched in 1961. Each has changed formats and survived in an industry that has been in steady decline in recent years. “Radio is a lot of fun,” said
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College Sports Network
“Without Him, They’re Losing by 40”: Fans Take Shots at Oregon State After Braden Atkinson Injury Ahead of Boise State Matchup
Oregon State could be without its biggest offensive weapon for one of its most important games of the season. Star quarterback Braden Atkinson is listed as doubtful for Saturday’s showdown against No. 24 Boise State after suffering a hand injury against Texas State. ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Wednesday that Atkinson is not expected to play this weekend. The sophomore has been one of the most productive quarterbacks in college football this season, leading the nation with 3,169 passing yards while recording 25 touchdown passes and just three interceptions. Sources: Star Oregon State quarterback Braden Atkinson is not expected to play this weekend at Boise State. He’s dealing with hand injury suffered in the Texas State game on Saturday. He leads the nation in passing yards. https://t.co/rDRoZarmaf — Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 12, 2026 Following Thamel’s update on X, fans took aim at Oregon State’s chances without its star quarterback. “Oregon state already wasn’t that good, without him they’re losing by 40 lol,” a fan wrote. @PeteThamel Oregon state already wasn’t that good, without him they’re losing by 40 lol — WYO (@BeeeeeeeerSong) November 12, 2026 “Boise was gonna beat them regardless. OSU not really that good, they’ve lost againt [sic]
salembusinessjournal.org
Salem Apartment Project, Monmouth Taco Shop Name Among Three Recent Business Filings
A downtown Salem apartment project is targeting completion by the end of the year, while a new taco shop name has surfaced at the address of an existing Monmouth restaurant. Both are among three business names added to Oregon's public records between Oct. 27 and Nov. 9. The third, Kindred Table, lists a south Salem address but has no confirmed operating plans.
familyvacationsus.com
This Oregon Car Museum Hides Vintage Vehicles Most Road-Trippers Drive Right Past
Thousands of drivers zip along Interstate 5 near Salem every day without knowing what sits just off the exit. Behind a quiet country driveway, rows of shiny old cars, classic motorcycles, and even a one-of-a-kind pipe organ wait for anyone curious enough to turn off the highway. Volunteers keep the...