OLLI at SOU: 1880s Southern Oregon Transcontinental Railroad Transformation and Scandals

Sue DeMarinis, author of four novels, presents a talk based on her novel, The Station Master's Wife. Through this OLLI at SOU Guided Exploration, Sue highlights vintage photographs of places and pioneers affected by the arrival of the Transcontinental Railroad. Her story follows a prominent pioneer family as the town grows and the scandals flare in the face of propriety. Topics of discussion include the changes Ashland incurred as it developed from a mill town into a tourist destination, how the original Chautauqua Theatre plant the seeds for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and the evolution of the Southern Oregon Normal School to Southern Oregon University. Audience participation is encourage for debate of incoming progress versus maintaining purity of the region.

This talk is available to OLLI at SOU members only. Please visit the OLLI at SOU website to become a member before registering.