More than 200 years before Juniper Ridge was on anybodys minds, Eugene residents were itching to build a university of their own.

They, too, saw a university as an economic opportunity, said Heather Briston, University of Oregons archivist.

They figured it would attract wealthy families who would pay more in taxes, she said. Also, they thought it would increase the value of land and bring more people to the area.

Eugene had a population of 1,100 back then. And in the 1860s, the state of Oregon was looking for a place to site its first land grant university.

Eugene lost the honor to Corvallis. But the college in Corvallis which later became Oregon State University couldnt shake its ties to the Methodist Church.

Some residents started discussing a need for a public university that was not religiously affiliated.

So civic leaders in Eugene formed the Union University Association to help raise money for land and a building.

I would also call them boosters, Briston said. Anyone who had not yet been convinced that the university was a good idea, (these men) talked them into it.

The founding members were B.F. Dorris, who was later elected to the state Legislature, and J.M. Thompson, a judge.

The group charged admission to parties, luncheons and other various events, including a performance by the American Burlesque Opera Troupe.

Their efforts paid off. The group raised about $20,000, which is the equivalent of about $308,000 today. A state bond provided $30,000 more for the land purchase and construction.

Four years later, in 1876, class was in session at Oregons first state-supported university.