1999 Springfield Historic Context Statement

What is It?

A historic context statement is a document used in planning for a community's historic resources. It identifies the broad patterns of historic development of the community and identifies historic property types, such as buildings, sites, structures, objects or districts, which may represent these patterns of development. In addition, a historic context statement provides direction for evaluating and protecting significant historic resources. As a planning document, it is intended to be a dynamic document, evolving as community needs and desires change.

Main Street, Springfield, c. 1915.
Photo: Courtesy Springfield Museum

The original historic context statement for the City of Springfield was completed in 1991 by Lynda Sekora of Koler / Morrison Planning Consultants. It included an overview of the history of Springfield and its historic resources from the city's beginnings through 1940, the year that corresponded with both the 50-year criterion established the National Park Service for eligibility for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places and the end of the "Motor Age" as defined by the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office.

The original document was updated and revised in 1999 by Michelle L. Dennis, Historic Preservation Consultant of Eugene, Oregon. This revised version has been formatted to meet the current Oregon State Historic Preservation Office standards for historic context documents. In addition, the revised version expands the original historic overview of Springfield to include the years between 1940 and 1955, which includes the World War II Era and a portion of the Post-War Era as defined by the State Historic Preservation Office.


Booth-Kelley Mill, c. 1910.
Photo: Courtesy Springfield Museum

Context-based planning, as developed by the National Park Service for organizing activities for preserving historic resources, is based on the following principles:

  • Significant historic properties are unique and irreplaceable.

  • Preservation must often go forward without complete information.

  • Planning can be applied at any scale.

  • History belongs to everyone.

Information in this document will aid in planning efforts and decision-making with regards to historic resources as the City of Springfield is faced with future development and expansion.


Using the links below, you may download a complete copy of the current "Springfield Historic Context Statement."

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© 2001, City of Springfield — Kitti M. Gale — Springfield Historic Commission — City of Springfield Development Services — 225 Fifth Street — Springfield, OR 97477 — Phone: (541) 726-3632 — Fax: (541) 726-3689 — e-mail: kgale@ci.springfield.or.us