CAVE JUNCTION, OR - The birth of the ViewMaster 3D Viewer is a fascinating story that begins with a chance encounter at the Oregon Caves Chateau in 1938 by William B. Gruber, an Oregon inventor, and Harold J. Graves, a postcard publisher. Over dinner the two discussed and envisioned the now-famous ViewMaster, which they first introduced to the public in 1939 at the New York World’s Fair. A special commemorative event will be held at the Oregon Caves Historic Chateau from Friday, May 15th - Sunday, May 17th to celebrate the “Birthplace of a 3D Viewing Device - The ViewMaster".
Special events include a presentation by Rich Dubnow, the lead photographer for the new photographic reels of the park, at 7:30pm on Friday, May 15th and a Historical Marker Dedication by Oregon Travel Experience at 1:00pm on Saturday, May 16th. Several presentations will be offered on Saturday from 1pm-4pm, and Sunday from 11am-2pm. These presentations include 3D Film Showings, the History of 3D, the Birth of the ViewMaster, ViewMaster Collections, and a presentation by the National Stereoscopic Association and Cascades Stereoscopic Club. Also on Saturday from 1:30pm-3:00pm and Sunday from 11:00am-12:30pm, kids of all ages can create anaglyph photo drawings using special pencils and 3D glasses and watch a computer software demo on making 3D photos. There will be raffles, Chateau tours, ViewMaster collections on display, book signings, and cave tours offered throughout the weekend, as well as a special commemorative Oregon Caves 3D viewer with 3 new reels available for purchase.
Oregon Caves is located about 20 miles from Cave Junction. The last eight miles of the highway are steep and winding - a leisurely drive to the Monument from Cave Junction will take about 45 minutes. We recommend a jacket or sweater and good walking shoes, especially if you want to hike any of the beautiful trails at the monument or enjoy a cave tour.
For more information about food, lodging, and the ViewMaster event please call the Chateau at (541) 592-3400 or visit FriendsOCAC.org. For information about cave tours, offered daily from 10am-4pm, call (541) 592-2100 extension 2262 or visit https://www.nps.gov/orca.
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Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
