Sarah Orvick went to the Oregon Consolidated School and talked to Marilyn Murphy (one of the fourth grade teachers) about how we could best help. Marilyn indicated that we could assist by providing costumes for 20 boys, 20 girls, and 20 adults for their "Pioneer Days." Some students did not have a way to dress the part for the special days.

In November of 1997 the committee put out a request for seamstresses. Dorthy Tauchen contacted the Senior Center about participating in the project--donating fabric, using their space for cutting out patterns and general help from the "Craft Afternoon" for sewing assistance. The seamstresses donated fabric and thread and patterns and their time. Janet Keenan started making dresses, many, many dresses. Pauline Champion took on the project of making many knickers and shirts, in addition to making dresses and bonnets. Dorthy Tauchen made shawls and petticoats. Dorothy Davidson, Ruth Hauta, Phyliss Hanson, and Nina Noyce contributed their time and efforts to building the collection of pioneer clothing. Several dresses were also donated by people who had made costumes for their children.

In addition to providing 4th graders with pioneer clothing, the OAHS has expanded the clothing collection to assist 5th graders with their "Wax Museum" projects.

Fifth grade students in the Oregon School District participate in a "Wax Museum" project. Each student selects a character in American history. They do a report and dress as a particular historic character, part of a "Wax Museum" presentation.

Initially, the OAHS received a few requests from some parents asking if we had some items for outfitting a particular historic character. This project has continued to grow. Staff members are working to increase our collection of clothing and accessories to help transform students into their historic persona, be it Henry Ford, Abraham Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt, Sacajewa, Clara Barton, Thomas Edison, Harriet Tubman, Dolly Madison, Rosa Parks, Levi Strauss, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Harry Houdini, Molly Brown, Pocahontas, Babe Ruth, or someone else.

Each year the OAHS "Loaning Closet" outfits approximately 350-400 students from the Oregon Schools. Schools include Brooklyn Elementary, Netherwood Knoll Elementary, Prairie View Elementary, and Rome Corners Intermediate School. Clothing is available at the Oregon Area Historical Society Museum at 159 W. Lincoln Street.

Janet Keenan served as the coordinator for the OAHS “Loaning Closet” until January of 2009. Sharon Hansen managed the project in 2010; Ellen McKirdy managed this special project through 2013. Amanda Wallisch () now manages the clothing at the museum.

Many volunteers created the OAHS "Loaning Closet." This very successful partnership with the schools continues to be one of the major projects of the Oregon Area Historical Society. Volunteers today continue to help with sewing, mending, scheduling, fitting, collecting, laundering, ironing, and donating fabric. The project is supported by the donations from those who borrow the clothing. It is self-sufficient and continues to grow. We welcome support with donations to our "Loaning Closet."