Archives : 2010 : January

Black Butte Ranch Turns 40!

To some a fortieth birthday is cause for comments like “over the hill” or “welcome to mid-life”.  Black Butte Ranch is anything but “over the hill” and she has definitely hit her mid-life stride full speed.  What was once just a glimmer in Mike Hollern’s eye is now a place that holds very precious memories for a lot of folks.  There is a multitude of  kids who spent their summers at the Ranch, lighthearted and free to explore, and parents who didn’t have to worry about the safety of their kids. Jean Nave, from the Sisters Historical Society, put it so well in her brief biography of Mike, she said he is “a man

of vision, yet grounded in simple values of family, community and concern for others. Mike Hollern is a special part of Central Oregon History.”

At one time Black Butte Ranch was an operating ranch with cattle and horses beginning in the early 1880′s.  The first structure built on the Ranch was a small log cabin with a split-rail fence built by Tillman Glaze.  Some people confuse the  log cabin remnants found on the Glaze Meadow golf course with the Tillman Glaze cabin.  Those are the remains of the Graham homestead cabin.

It is also well known that Brooks Resources (Mike Hollern’s employer at the time) also encouraged commercial development in the little town of Sisters, so that Black Butte Ranch could maintain limited commercial activity on the ranch. Brooks Resources even offered Sisters merchants  up to $5000 and free architectural help to create the “western” look to the town.

If you are at the Ranch be sure to take time to go to the Lodge and view the series of mint-condition marketing posters displayed by the dining podium.  These are the original marketing pieces sent to a select demographic to advertise the development of Black Butte Ranch, and the opportunity to purchase a lot in a very unique place.  The posters were graciously donated by Joe Erceg, the graphic artist who designed them.  When we first began our search for Ranch memorabilia, I remembered reading in Peggy Lucas’ book There is a Place about Joe.   So I “googled” him and found  a listing for Joe Erceg Design in Portland.  I called the phone number listed, and a gentleman answered the phone.  I introduced myself and said, “Is Joe Erceg available?”  He said, “this is Joe.”   I was so surprised to be speaking with the marketing genius himself that I replied, “the Joe?”  Our conversation was very lively and fun and then he told me about the mint-condition posters he had. He then said that he would be happy to donate them to our archive.

I hope you’ll come and visit us during this fortieth year and see what is so unique and special about this place.

See ya around the Ranch!

Katie

Help and Prayers for Haiti

The aftermath of a 7.0 earthquake in Haiti is truly tragic to see. The pictures and videos now being shown depict mass chaos for the poor Haitians.  Social media has truly proven to be the only lifeline the outside world has for getting information out of Haiti.  Many cell towers have been destroyed, however there are still a few that are operating and that is how information is being disseminated.  Also satellite phones , and cell phone videos are giving us a very vivid snapshot of what is happening.

Thankfully there have been hundreds of aid agencies mobilized to help with the rescue and recovery effort.  CNN has listed links to the major agencies that are accepting donations to help provide support for this very fragile and poor nation.  Amazingly enough you can also use your cell phone to text a donation that will be billed to your cell phone number.  Simply text the word “HAITI” to number “90999″, this will activate a $10 donation directly to the Red Cross, or you can text “YELE” to number “501501″ to activate a $5 donation to the YELE foundation in Haiti.  This foundation was created by musician Wyclef Jean to permanently improve the lives of the most impoverished in his home country of Haiti.

As we all go home this evening to our families, homes, a warm meal and bed, I hope that we will think about our fellow humans in Haiti  that need help as soon as possible.

Party for Your Eyes

The Gallery At the Lodge at Black Butte Ranch is proud to launch the solo exhibit of  Lindy Gruger Hanson, a local Bend artist.  Lindy’s art is bold, colorful and whimsical.  Inspired by symbolism, nature, and Native American motifs, her art is meant to inspire, heal and bring positive energy into the world.

Lindy earned a BFA from Washington State University and began working as a graphic production artist so0n after graduation.  At the same time, she was creating a variety of fine art ranging from charcoal drawings and mixed media collage to acrylic paintings. Lindy has developed her own unique ways of painting, building radiant layers of paint over textured surfaces. A list of Lindy’s accomplishments include exhibiting her artwork at the Art Not Terminal Gallery in Seattle, working with the 14th Street Painters in Manhattan, and being chosen by Deschutes Brewery in 2007 competition  to design the annual  Jubelale beer label.

As you walk into the Lodge you will be greeted by an explosion of color and happiness.  “It’s a party for my eyes,” said catering director Aimee Smith and she couldn’t be more right.  This is a must see exhibit, and Lindy will be the featured speaker at the January 18 Artists’ Talk at the Lodge.

New Years Day Proposal

Over the holiday Oregon State  Linebacker Tony Wilson surprised his girlfriend Kierstan Vettrus by proposing to her on New Years Day while the two were on a romantic carriage ride through Black Butte Ranch. Black Butte Ranch holds so many special memories such as this; we host numerous weddings here at the Ranch and I believe it is one of the most romantic settings in Central Oregon no matter what time of year it is. Congratulations to Tony and Kierstan, I know that Black Butte Ranch will always hold a very special place in your hearts.