City Hall and library dedicated in 1996
The City of Pendleton will celebrate the 30th anniversary of City Hall’s dedication with a rededication ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Monday, November 9, 2026, at City Hall. The community is invited to attend the free event, which will feature remarks from local leaders, historical displays and cake.
The facility now known as Pendleton City Hall was originally constructed as a school, completed in 1937 with funding from the estate of John Vert and federal Public Works Administration. The Pendleton Junior High School building was then renamed Helen McCune Junior High School in 1956 in honor of a longtime Pendleton educator.
After the junior high relocated, the building faced potential demolition. Community members spoke out against tearing down the historic campus. In September 1994, Pendleton voters approved a $2.95 million general obligation bond to convert the former school into a combined City Hall and public library. The renovated building was dedicated on Nov. 9, 1996.
The anniversary celebration will include photographs and newspaper articles from the original 1996 dedication, along with photos from the building’s years as Helen McCune Junior High School. We hope visitors will take the opportunity to revisit the building’s past and reflect on its history and future as a community resource.
The anniversary will include a brief program, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Community members are encouraged to attend and enjoy free cake as Pendleton celebrates 30 years of City Hall in its current home.
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