About
LebanonDowntown.org is a project of Partners for Progress, a 501-C3 Non-Profit organization for the historic preservation and public education of the retailers in the downtown area of Lebanon, Oregon. We aim to promote traffic and direct visitors to the wonderful bargains and events happening in the downtown area of Lebanon, Oregon.
Our Mission
Partners for Progress Inc. is committed to making Lebanon Downtown a united, vibrant, economically strong and socially healthy community, utilizing education, and preservation, through effective private and public partnerships.
History
The area now known as Lebanon was initially called Peterson’s Gap, named after Asa Peterson, one of the earliest settlers in Oregon who took a land claim a few miles southwest of where the town is today. Jeremiah Ralston and his wife Jemima arrived here in 1847 and Jeremiah opened the first store in Lebanon at what is now the corner of Main & Oak Streets. Ralston began platting the town and named it Lebanon after his birthplace, Lebanon, Tennessee, and because the cedar trees along the South Santiam River reminded him of the cedars of Lebanon in the Bible. The name was initially controversial, and for a time the town was also referred to as Pinhook, but by the time the post office was established in 1851, the name of Lebanon had been accepted. Ralston had the first seven blocks platted in 1855, and platted all additions to the town until 1887. The town was incorporated in 1878.
Committees
Committee Members needed in all areas. Whether you have an hour a month or an hour a day, your help is very appreciated. Lights of Lebanon - Organizes the Christmas Lighting in Lebanon. The dream is to have the city lit so well and the Christmas Spirit be so strong in downtown Lebanon that people travel from throughout the Willamette Valley to view the lights and shop in our town.
Historic Restoration - To inventory historic buildings in Lebanon, then seek financing and incentives to restore those historic sights.
Promotions - To organize and develop downtown events that will draw people to our downtown area. The goal is to have ongoing events such as a Farmer's Market, plus additional family-friendly activities such as car rallies, street fairs, music festivals, Easter egg hunts, etc. Sub-committees include Web Design, Newsletter, Movies by Moonlight, Halloween, maps for downtown businesses. A place for everyone on this committee.
Education - To work in cooperation with the Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce and LBCC to develop educational opportunities for Lebanon businesses.
Design - To work on the awning project, Community Pride day, hanging baskets, facade improvements, window display programs, and generally helping to improve the visual appearance and pedestrian safety of our downtown.
Financial - To develop the Partners for Progress budget, oversee finances, raise monies through donations, fundraising events and grants to fund downtown development.
Business Watch & Safety - A cooperation between Lebanon Police Department and Partners for Progress to educate business owners on security issues and downtown safety. Working to make Lebanon a safe place to shop and live.
Economic Restructuring - Helping to fill our store fronts with strong retail and service businesses. Working on residential development, business expansion, recruitment and help market empty spaces.
Please Join Us
We need people to help with all of these committees and to become an active part of the community. If you are interested in helping with any of these projects or have a pet project all your own, please contact us today. Together we can make a difference.
