Early Aerial View of Skinners Butte and Downtown Eugene

This circa 1915 aerial view shows a very tree-less and unfamiliar view of Skinners Butte. It is hard to realize that the Butte was bare up until about 100 years ago. On the south side can be seen the Eugene "E" and the University of Oregon "O". Also visible atop the Butte are the remnants of the old University of Oregon observatory which was demolished in 1902 (some of the foundation still exists to the east of the parking area). To the east is the resevior which has not yet been covered. On the lower flank of the Butte is the familiar Shelton McMurphy house with its now mature landscaping already surprisingly well established (notice the grounds extended to the east where the Yapooha Terrace now stands). The family had an unfortunate view of a string of warehouse situated just north of the tracks. The park like grounds surrounding the Southern Pacific Depot were still intact when this shot was taken.