Staircase architect John. V. Bennes called the location of the new eastern Oregon Normal School “the most beautiful site for a campus in the state.” Standing on the View Terrace, at the top of the Grand Staircase, and knew why. The ever-changing view of La Grande and the Grande Ronde Valley is breathtaking and rather frequently magical.
Spending time on the View Terrace invited quiet contemplation. The open air cleared the head. At one time it was a favorite place for studying, photographs, marriage proposals, and meeting friends. Sadly, for many years, the terrace was closed to public use. Now reopened, with metal railings instead of the Grand Staircase’s iconic balustrades, it is just not the same. (Black and white photos EOU Library)
Friends of the Grand Staircase 