The Bollinger's
My life began at a park built by Oregon Railway Light & Power along the East bank of the Willamette River (a little South of Portland, Oregon). The park was named after the unusual oak trees that grow in it.Through the years, the park has had four owners. A Manager, John Cordray, purchased the operating company stock when laws were enacted preventing utilities from owning amusement parks. In 1925, after John Cordray passed away, Edward Bollinger, my father, purchased the stock from Mrs. Cordray.
Painting by M Randall captures Robert's
disappointment with his decision to
create Oaks Park Assn.
In the mid-1940's, I helped my father purchase the land the park was built on. The land purchase was a gentleman's handshake agreement between my father and I. His Will was amended acknowledging that agreement. Unfortunately, he remarried without updating his Will thus when he passed away, control of the park was awarded to his widow. It was embarrassing for me so I told people that I had inherited it. My wife, Ruth, and I purchased the park from my father's second wife.
A few years after Ruth's passing, I created the nonprofit Oaks Park Association to care for and ensure The Oaks would be a place where families can relax, play and spend time together.
Within the park is a midway with games, a gift shop, amusement rides (including a carousel and go-carts), roller skating rink (with pipe organ for the skaters), dance pavilion and grass areas for picnics. A Cotton candy can be purchased at the food stands as well as hot dogs, hamburgers, soft drinks, coffee and tea.
With the help of devoted employees, skating club members and volunteers, the park has survived three major flood (1948, 1964, 1996).
My dad and I did not limit our interests to The Oaks. Some of our efforts were destroyed or damaged by fires . These include the Old Mill on the Western Washington Fairgrounds (destroyed), the Giant Dipper (on the PNE grounds in British Columbia, Canada), the roller coaster (on the Western Washington Fairgrounds).
I have always provided a place for families to play together as the family that plays together stays together.
