PURPOSE OF OREGON GIRLS STATE

The American Legion Auxiliary believes in preserving our democratic form of government and in promoting good citizenship.  It is for this purpose Girls State was organized.

Girls State is a practical application of Americanism and good citizenship.  It is a non- partisan, non-political attempt to teach the Girls State Citizens a love of Country and a desire to be involved in all phases of government.

By participating in this session of the Oregon Girls State, the American Legion Auxiliary hopes that every delegate will become an effective citizen in her community.  All Girls State Citizens are urged to take their places in city, county, state and federal government, striving to preserve our form of government.

OREGON GIRLS STATE HISTORY

The first Oregon Girls State session was organized in 1940, two years after Girls State became a part of the American Legion Auxiliary programs at the national level.  It was held at Silver Creek Camp near Silverton.  It is a beautiful mountain setting among towering fir trees.  The camp at that time was comprised of four groups of six log cabins, each with four beds.  There were also two leaders’ cabins with two beds each.  A log building with a huge fireplace and washroom facilities completed the four counties.  A large recreation building with dining hall, office and a huge campfire circle was near the entrance of the camp.  This building overlooked a beautiful swimming hole.

Dorothy McCulloch Lee of Portland, then an Oregon State Senator, designed a simplified government program.  With a few modifications, this program is the basic program used today.

Ruby Bergsvik of Salem was the first Oregon Girls State Director and Jean Peterson of Portland was elected the first Governor.  That year, Lydia Horsfall of Coos Bay was Oregon Department President of the American Legion Auxiliary during.

There were 89 girls registered that first year.  Each year registration grew until it became necessary to move to larger quarters. In 1948, Willamette University campus in Salem was selected as the new site.  Oregon Girls State moved to the University of Oregon in Eugene in 1984.  As each year goes by, the Commission tries to make changes for the betterment of Girls State.  In 1995 the Commission made the decision to move to Linfield College, located in McMinnville.  For the final year of the 20th Century we moved to Aldersgate Conference Center in Turner, Oregon.  In 2000, Oregon Girls State moved back to Willamette University in Salem where the program can benefit from being in the seat of Oregon's Government.

Through hands-on participation, Oregon Girls State has helped thousands of young women learn the fundamentals of democratic government and the qualities needed to be a good citizen of tomorrow. 

Oregon Girls State American Legion Auxillary Department PO BOX 1730 Wilsonville, OR 97070-1730 (503) 682-3162 info@oregongirlsstate.org