Stay Eat Events Weather Beaches


North Oregon Coast's Labor Day Riots Focus of Seaside Talk

Published 4/06/24 at 6:45 a.m.
B
y Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff

(Seaside, Oregon) – In 1962, and then again in '63 and '64, the contemplative summer vacation feel of the north Oregon coast was broken apart by teen-fueled riots. On Labor Day Weekend of '62, what started out with a fight between two young men blossomed into an-out assault on property and then police. At one point, hundreds were marauding around the streets.

Latest Coastal Lodging News Alerts
In Seaside:
Includes exclusive listings; some specials in winter
In Cannon Beach:
Includes rentals not listed anywhere else
In Manzanita, Wheeler, Rockaway Beach:
Some specials for winter
In Pacific City, Oceanside:
Some specials for winter
In Lincoln City:
Some specials for winter
In Depoe Bay, Gleneden Beach:
Some specials for winter
In Newport:
Look for some specials
In Waldport
Some specials for winter
In Yachats, Florence
Some specials for winter
Southern Oregon Coast Hotels / Lodgings
Reedsport to Brookings, places to stay; winter deals

The place was Seaside.

That particular seminal event will be explored with a presentation by the Seaside Museum and Historical Society on April 18, with local writer / author RJ Marx giving a talk for the museum's monthly History & Hops event at the Times Theatre & Public House in Seaside.

The free talk begins at 6 p.m. The venue is at 133 Broadway in Seaside.

“For April’s discussion we’ll examine the events leading up to the Labor Day 1962 riot, their causes, the personalities, the politics, and the way quick-thinking authorities teamed with rock ‘n’ rollers to quell two days of unbridled mayhem,” said the museum's Emily Halverson.

The Seaside Labor Day Riots started with the 1962 brouhaha, but continued two more years in smaller doses, altering the legacy of the town even today. Even more interesting, they reached into the realm of rock 'n' roll history.

“The tumultuous confrontations between young people and authorities on Broadway, onto the Prom and the beach impacted the lives of all those who were there,” Halverson said.

For some, looking back at those times at Seaside in the early '60s brings on memories of teens dancing to Paul Revere and the Raiders, the Kingsmen and the Fabulous Wailers. It was a bit like a beach movie. Yet to others this was a traumatic event, filled with violence that changed their lives forever.

At the time, there was an all-age venue called the Pypo Club (see Pivotal Live Music Venues in Oregon Coast History), and there was a kind of rock 'n' roll scene that went hand-in-hand with young visitors. Indeed, one little Tacoma band called The Wailers (often the Fabulous Wailers) were asked to play the Turnaround on the following Monday to help re-channel the energy of teens. The somewhat famous single “Doin' the Seaside” came out of that gig.

Marx is an author, editor and journalist, spending 20 years behind the editor desk in Bedford, New York's the Record-Review. He moved to the north Oregon coast in the mid 2010s and became editor of two coastal papers. His work on “Seaside’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Labor Day Riots: 1962-1964” emerged from his interest in the city’s colorful times and the characters who lived here. He hopes to reach out to all those who may recall those times to preserve a key element of the city’s unfolding story. He lives in Seaside with his wife Eve and their dogs Lucy and Trixie. MORE PHOTOS BELOW

There was also a sizable riot in 1999.

Hotels in Seaside - Where to eat - Seaside Maps and Virtual Tours



MORE PHOTOS BELOW






Booking.com



More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....


Coastal Spotlight


Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast.

LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles

Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad Celebrates Oktoberfest, Halloween, More with Spe...
Ever wanted to attempt the Chicken Dance on a moving train? Garibaldi events, Tillamook events, Wheeler events, Manzanita events, Rockaway Beach events

Garibaldi Roadwork Continues as Oregon Coast Railroad Moves Depot Building
A whole historic building was lifted and moved. Wheeler, Rockaway Beach Tillamook

NOAA Releases Fall Predictions: That It for Summer in Oregon, Washington, Coast?
The coast may not get the coveted Second Summer. Weather

Oregon Coast Summer's Dreamy Discoveries May Include Weirdly Calm Waters
Summer is full of twists and turns, if you do it right. Depoe Bay

Oregon Shores, Surfrider Partner for Coastal Beaches Preservation Campaign
Oregon Beaches Forever campaign takes aim at riprap, ensuring beach access. Marine sciences

Garibaldi's Redo Includes More Accessibility, Historical Sights, New Oregon C...
Expect traffic issues: ADA curbs, ramps, beautification, sidewalks

South Oregon Coast's Charleston Facility Gets Unique Salp / 'Gummy Bear of th...
New at the Charleston Marine Life Center, also elegant octo vid. Marine sciences, Coos Bay

N. Oregon Coast Reopens Razor Clamming Oct. 1 - Some Closures Still in Effect
Bay clam advisory around Waldport, other closures south coast. Marine sciences


Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted