January 18, 2006

Falls City Notes / Dorothy Cassidy
Old jail sparks imagination

In the dead of night, with just the stars as light, the McCullock gang rides into town. They quietly round the back of the general store, then quickly tie ropes to the bars of the jailhouse window.

On command, their horses' powerful lunge rips the window from the wall. An extra horse is waiting as the "bad guy" (or good guy, depending on the movie) leaps into the saddle with one mighty bound, and away they all go into the night.

I watched many westerns with first my Granddad, then my Dad, and then my husband. The escape-from-the-jail scene seemed to always be a part of them. And you can certainly get that same feeling when you see the old jail at the back of City Hall in Falls City.

It is now used as a shop, but the feeling of history is there just the same. We should preserve it, because I'm sure there aren't many like it around.

Maybe we could charge a fee to let people stay in it for a night. I'm certain there would be some takers!
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Enough nostalgia. There are some pretty exciting things happening today in Falls City, too. The elementary school students are going on a field trip March 2. They'll visit Linn-Benton Community College to watch a play, "The Reluctant Dragon," performed by college students.

The entire student body will be going, and there are a few tickets left for folks who would like to go along and help out. Just call Peggy at the school, 503-787-3531.
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The elementary school is in need of new playground equipment. Students and staff are having a returnable can drive and would appreciate your help. If you don't have two or three thousand cans to donate (that was meant as a joke but may apply to a few people), monetary contributions would gladly be accepted also.

If individuals or businesses would like to donate, please contact the school at the number above or Laura Gilbert at 503-787-1816.

It's a very worthwhile project. If you ask most kids what their favorite part of school is, you will probably get the answer "Recess!" most of the time. Many memories are formed around that outdoor time, and social skills are learned as well. It is important to have safe equipment for the kids.
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With all of the recent rain, the Little Luckiamute River isn't so little right now. Debbie at City Hall said she saw a whole tree coming through. I would like to have seen that come over the Falls!
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Have you been to see the Valley of the Giants? I hope to drive up there when the weather changes in the spring. I was looking at a picture of Dad's logging truck. The entire load was just one huge log. I am anxious to see some trees that size. I hope we can save some places like that for our children and grandchildren to enjoy.

Until next time -- blessings on your home.