Douglas loop walking trail

As part of the walking trail project, in March the college demolished an old building located adjacent to the Environmental Learning Center. This building began life as part of the Smucker's berry processing plant. Known as the “juice barn,” it once helped process berries into jam.

When CCC acquired the Smucker's property in 1973 after the factory closed, the facility was already about 60 years old. The purchase included several acres of land, which were later turned into the community garden.

Even after the building was converted for college use, reminders of its past remained — including sweet smells from years of sugar processing that attracted swarms of flies. The building had a leaky foundation that caused regular flooding on the first floor during the rainy season, and its industrial design was never meant for classrooms. Yet many students and faculty were fond of the space. Its distance from the center of campus gave the Art Department a sense of independence and creative freedom.

Over time, its “funky” character became part of its charm. The building housed art classrooms, labs and faculty offices. Faculty and students adapted creatively, making the most of the available space until the Studio Arts Center opened in 2004. For many years this building served as the heart of the college's art programs.

The shipping and receiving portion of the Smucker’s building was destroyed by fire on Aug. 30, 1984. In its place, the college created an outdoor performance area and sculpture garden. From 1987 to 1993, the Oregon Trail Pageant, led by David Smith-English, was performed here each summer before moving to the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center.