2016

The unveiling of the Historic Mims Houses Memorial Monument providing a history of the first Black families in Eugene and the role the Mims Houses played in that history.

The gathering of people prior to unveiling.

Willie Mims, son of C B and Annie D Mims, delivers family statement for Mims Houses Memorial Monument dedication.

Willie Mims leads Niece Annie Joiner to seating.

Lyllye Reynolds-Parker, daughter of Sam and Mattie Reynolds, speaks for her family as one of the first Black families in Eugene, Oregon,

Eric Richardson-former NAACP President delivers ceremony’s opening statement.

3 Generations from the right are: Willie, grandson Harvann, grandson Eric, and son-in-law Harvey Washington.

Mrs. Mattie Reynolds, Lyllye Reynolds-Parker’s mother and matriarch of the Reynolds family, with Willie Mims sharing the warmth of “family”.

Ron Stockman representative of Pearlie Mae and Leo Washington views the unveiled Memorial Monument.

In anticipation of crowd size, High Street in front of the Mims Houses was shut down for the cermeony. Speeches, music and tours entertained the community gathering.

Stepping stones at The Mims Houses Memorial Monument 330 High St. Eugene, Oregon.

Lisa—stone carver for stepping stones shown below.

2018

An informational plaque was dedicated to the Millstone discovered during the 1983 restoration of the Mims Houses. It had served as a doorstep on the north side of 336 High Street. There was a controversy over where the millstone should reside. Should it be left on the Mims property, or be displayed at the Lane County Historical Museum. Mrs Mims stood firm that it was part of her family history and she would not part with it.

It is believed that the millstone came from the Eugene Flouring Mill and was moved there by workers from the mill who lived in the house after the mill burned down in 1894. It is historically important because it came from the first and largest grain mill in Lane County. During the 1800s mills were an integral part of towns, as food processing was one of the most important industries if the that time. Eugene’s central location for Lane County farmers and the mill helped to establish Eugene as the government seat of Lane County.

The informational plaque dedicated in 2018.

2019

The City asked the community to help name three new streets for the Downtown Riverfront site. After an engaging process that generated more than 1,100 ideas from community members, Mayor Lucy Vinis revealed the final street names: Annie Mims Lane, Nak-nak Avenue, and Wiley Grriffon Way.

Mims Family Statement

ANNIE MIMS LANE

It is a tribute to the City of Eugene and its citizenry to embrace the idea of honoring one of Eugene’s first African American matriarchs. Annie Mims embodied the generosity of extended family with grace and dignity. She represents core values we all have: hard work, kindness, humor, strength of family and community.

Chances are we haven't seen many women's names on many street signs in our lifetime. Street names belong to a political choice, revealing the values that the city wishes to embody. The name, Annie Mims Lane, speaks to the heart of Eugene and its people.

Willie and Sally Mims thank the City of Eugene on behalf of the Mims Family for the honor.

2020

Brian Obie, owner of The Gordon Hotel, surprised and delighted Willie & Sally Mims with the dedication of a sanctuary room to honor C B Mims, Willie’s father.

C.B. Mims Sanctuary

306 sq. ft., accommodates up to 12 guests

A room designed to be whatever you need it to be, the C.B. Mims Sanctuary is a soft-seating space perfect for small gatherings and informal get-togethers, a private watch party, a pre-function event, or a green room. This meeting space is named to honor a cherished Eugene community member who opened his own house to provide sanctuary for travelers to the area in the 1950s.

2022

In collaboration with local non-profits NAACP & Long Tom Watershed Council, private businesses Rainbow Valley Design and Construction, and private individuals solar power was installed on 330 High St. Backup generator and EV charging capacity in anticipation of the landcape redesign.