Articles from the Historical Society in Josephine County Oregon

Oregon Cavemen - Oregon Cavemen Inc of Grants Pass

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In 1948 Governor Thomas E. Dewey of New York, running for President against Harry S. Truman was scheduled to come into Grants Pass for a campaign speech. The Dewey people were notified of the Cavemen's intention of hi-jacking him off of the bus he was traveling on, and gave approval. When Dewey arrived downtown, the bus was loaded with Cavemen who "arranged" for Dewey's release.

This stunt was photographed and was picked up on the wire in Russia. The Soviet newspaper Pravda published the picture of Governor Dewey surrounded by the Oregon Cavemen and reported about the dominance of Wall Street. The stunt was said by the Russians to be protesting against the Wall Street Moneygogs.

The Oregon Cavemen name was known by at least one of every ten people in the United States during their most active years. The list of famous people who are honorary Cavemen or Cavewomen is long and noteworthy.

All honorary members have to drink the blood of the Saber Tooth Tiger. This is a bottled mixture of tomato juice with something spicy added, disguised by a Skunk hide complete with tail. The bottle mouth is located at the south end of the northbound critter just beneath the tail. After drinking the stuff, you are a member but only after shouting Yahoo and signing your card.

Whenever I pass the statue, I always tip my hat as a way of saying thanks to a great organization and it is my hope that they will continue with their antics for years to come.

By Michael Oaks

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• Sacagawea Dollar Coin
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• Oregon Trail Games
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• I Walked to Zion:
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• The Gathering of Zion:
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• National Geographic's Guide to:
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• Hiking Historic Trails
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• Scenic Driving - Travel guides
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• Historical reading
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