The Journey
Located in Eugene’s University of Oregon Campus!
A Brief History of Rennie’s
The site of Rennie’s Landing was part of a plot originally owned by James Henry D. Henderson. He is best known for settling a dispute concerning the future home of the University of Oregon. He sold 17 acres of the land across Kincaid Street to the Union University Association. The organization then promoted Eugene as the University’s home. The Eugene Bible University, now NW Christian University bought the site in 1910. They gave some of the land to the trustees of the YMCA and YWCA, one of whom was Prince Lucien Campbell. In 1916 the YWCA sold the land to the Sigma Nu Alumni Association for $750. As the fraternity was then and is now on East 11th, the reason for the purchase is unknown. The association sold the property to John Rennie. The deed was recorded in 1922. The building now housing Rennie’s Landing was built by John Rennie in the early 1920’s. City records are incomplete as to the exact date. John Rennie, the youngest of nine children, was born in Salem in 1880. His parents arrived in Oregon from Scotland via San Francisco a few years earlier. Rennie worked in sales for J.K. Gill Company until his death in 1929. He also homesteaded land on the McKenzie River near the present-day site of Rennie Public Boat Landing. An aerial photo above the front door shows the house and campus in the early 1930’s. The founders remodeled the house from September 1980 until February 1981, opening on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1981.
Upstairs, you’ll find our signature metal artwork of a McKenzie River boatman by internationally acclaimed Sculptor of Steel, Eugene’s David Thompson. The upstairs bar is also the permanent home to paintings by local artist George von der Linden, he carved the large whale over the fireplace, too! History buffs, check out the large aerial photograph of the University of Oregon campus taken in the early 1930’s. Its purpose was to site the current Knight Library. It’s right over our front door. See if you can find the house that became Rennie’s in the picture.
Do you know Rennie’s has a sister pub in Corvallis? Clodfelter’s is located in the OSU neighborhood and is a friendly place to stop if you are in town for a sports event or just a visit. Check it out at 1501 NW Monroe Ave, www.clodfelterspub.com or call 541-758-4452 for more information.