Other historical sites have hinted at the interesting depths of Oregon's sheep industry. The Willamette Heritage Center in Salem, Oregon focuses on the processing of the wool.
This includes the sale of yarns and knitting supplies, as well as space and organization for casual groups that are into spinning, weaving, and tatting.
The site is built around the Thomas Kay Woolen Mill, founded in 1889 and that operated until the closure in 1962.
Since that time, other historical buildings and artifacts have been brought to the site.
While maintaining social distancing is easy in the large factory, it can be much harder in the other structures. They have found an ingenious solution.
You are given a key that allows access to the buildings, and a sign that lets other groups know to wait their turn. We thought that system worked well.
It is impressive on its own how long the mill was able to function, but then because the site was quickly obtained by a group interested in its preservation, you have a very good idea of what the factory was like.
Some of the machinery not only can still work, but is kept running.
You also have a good sense of the architecture for that time period, which appears to have been sturdy.
The site is mostly wheelchair accessible, though some of the additional buildings do not have access to the upper floors.
The grounds were enjoyable and well-paved. It was a warm day, but there are some shady spots.
The Willamette Heritage Center seems to do a good job of preserving the past but being grounded in the present.
https://www.willametteheritage.org/
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