Today, locals can reminisce about events such as the flood or past Cairo history at the Cairo Historical Display located in the Oddfellows Building beside Town Square.

Sandra Harper and her husband Ray are charter members who displays this collection of historical memorabilia.

"The 1950 flood really damaged the covered bridge and around 1970 another flood eventually destroyed it completely," explained Harper, while pointing to several pictures that told the amazing tale.  A newspaper article describing the flood is pinned above the photos.  "It was really disappointing to lose that bridge because they're such a rarity anymore."

Throughout the large display are various black and white photographs depicting Cairo in the early 20th Century, old tools, military uniforms, yearbooks, and China.

"We started collecting items in 1988 while working on the North Bend Rail Trail," said Harper.  She was one of the founding members for the organization and was the first treasurer for the Rail Trail.

Harper explains that Cairo was once called "Little Egypt" because of its fertile land.  She refers to an 1896 photograph of the town, which displays a surprising number of oil pumps.

The Cairo Historical Display obtains its materials from generous donations from locals.  Among the gifts is a set of medical instruments provided by Emmet D. Moyers Jr.  His father was a doctor in the area.  The tools were once used by the physician.

"Mr. Moyers also sent us a couple medical books of his father's," said Harper.  "He was my husband's doctor.  Ray was born in 1932 and, according to this book, he cost $20!"

Among other donations are genealogy books, an old cash register from the Shinston Coal Mine, bureaus and other furniture from the three former hotels in the town, railroad spikes, and various miscellaneous items.

"Many people don't know we're here and we don't have the funding we'd like to make it bigger," said Harper as she points out various antiques in the second-story room.

"Times have really changed," said Harper.  "For example, we've heard of prefabricated homes.  Well, Auburn Mayor Rab Osborne has a Sears home that was purchased from the department store's catalog and it was shipped by train and put together.  You could really just order homes out of a book!"

Harper says small towns generally have a negative stigma, but thinks it's unfair to places like Cairo.

"This town has so many good, dedicated people who strive to improve their town," she said.  "So many buildings in the area are beyond salvaging because they've been vacant for so many years, but it's important for small towns to hold on to some historical significance."

For more information about the Cairo Historical Display or to make a donation contact Ray or Sandra Harper at 869-3615, or Mona Region at 628-3207.

The Cairo Historical Display is located on the second floor of the Oddfellows Building, across the street from The Scoop in downtown Cairo.

Caption Right:  Waters claimed the streets of Cairo, as is shown from a photograph from the past.  It was not uncommon for the rivers to rise out of their banks when torrential downpours occurred:  however, the new North Bend Dam has alleviated many of those problems and now keeps the small community safe during excessive rain.