Cornelius C. Beekman – Santa

Did you know that Cornelius C. Beekman, probably Jacksonville’s wealthiest and most prominent pioneer, was also a benevolent Santa Claus? 

You may know that Beekman was a prominent businessman and public servant. He had banking, mining, and real estate interests, as well as multiple other investments. He also served on the town’s school board; was a town trustee and mayor; donated land for churches, schools, and a library; was drafted as a candidate for Governor of Oregon; and served as a Regent of the University of Oregon. 

But Beekman looked at the “smaller picture” as well as the bigger one. When two local boys wanted to be part of the Presbyterian Church’s Christmas Eve celebration but lacked appropriate attire, a 1913 newspaper noted that Banker Beekman bought both of them new suits so that they could participate in the Christmas pageant.  We can’t speak for their recitations, but they certainly looked “spiffy”!