Salem Contractors Exchange

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Early in 1949, a group of sub-contractors decided to put an Exchange together. At the time, some contractors obtained plans from architects, while others were finding it impossible to get any plans. Using the Portland Exchange as an example, the group organized the Salem Contractors Exchange. The first meeting was held August 25, 1949 with about thirty people present. The first officers were President, Don Patton; Treasurer, Louis Neuman; and Secretary, Stan Hammer with Board Members C.A. Lantz, Charles Shaw, Charles Norton, Bill Lewis, Emil Otjen, Fred Snider, Gordon Carl, Roy Harlan, Vern Salter, and W.B. Stone. Membership dues were set at $3.00 per month for non-local members and $4.00 per month for local members. It was decided early on that general contractors be associated to promote “better unity in the industry”.

The first Banquet Committee met February 1950. Tickets would cost $3.50 and it was decided unanimously that no liquor would be served and no women would be invited to the banquet. The purpose of the banquet was to bring greater unity among the group and opportunities to meet key people in the industry. Beginning in 1956, architects presented awards of Outstanding Craftsmen of the Year for Concealed and Exposed Work to contractors who performed the highest quality of craftsmanship. Some of the first architects to participate in the program were Lyle Bartholomew, William Williams, Jim Payne, Don Richardson, Ben Cave, Larry Hite and Warren Carkin.

The first Exchange building was established at 335 Bush St. SE where Aureta Smith was hired as the Secretary. In 1954 the Exchange was moved to Broadway and Hood St. in the Capital Press Building. In the early 1960s the Exchange moved to 565 Hood St. S.E. with the help of Batterman Construction and others who donated labor and time. It wasn’t until 1975, that after ten years of planning, property was purchased and a new building was constructed under the leadership of Al Jensen, Dick Rudie, Mac Stuart, Dale Peterson, Dave Lantz, Dale Pence, Wayne Warren, Pat Valentino, John Riches, Les Purcell, Don Wiles, Orville Parkin, Dan Voigt, Roger Cummings, and Robert Miller. Phyllis Shaw, who had been the Office Manager of the Exchange since 1965, helped design the building, while plans were drawn up by Carl Williams, of Payne, Settecase, Smith and Partners. John Riches of Riches Electric provided the electrical work and Wes Gladow of Salem Heating designed the heating and ventilating system. Labor and materials were donated through the joint effort of members of the Exchange. The new building was erected in record time, being free and clear of debt within a few years.