The resort’s landscaped grounds and picnic shelters were also a common venue for group outings hosted by ethnic clubs, church groups, and various societies. In 1914 Manager Cordray purchased a giant electric stove for public use. Picnic attendants were on hand to help brew coffee or heat meals. These employees were strictly forbidden to accept tips - Cordray wanted to ensure that every patron was treated equally, free of charge.

Picnics of this sort became so popular that in 1916 the manager established a Picnic Bureau. Al Onken, Special Day’s Manager, requested that large groups schedule their outings through his office to ensure the best service.

On special occasions Oaks management helped organizations raise money or awareness for specific causes. On these days the park donated a part of the day’s earnings to the organization. In the early years, the largest event of this kind was the Carmen’s Picnic, a fundraiser to support a fund for railway workers who became disabled on the job.

When Cordray became manager, he began to co-sponsor events that would grab the attention of middle-class clientele. In 1912, Cordray welcomed the College Equal Suffrage League to the park. Article

The following year, Cordray gave the run of the park to 1375 homeless children from the city’s charitable organizations. He solicited the help of local businesses to donate food, soda, and candy to feed his young guests. Article

When the Rose Festival Association found itself in debt, Cordray hosted a benefit to raise money for the society that hosted Portland’s well-known civic festival every June. These events helped to establish the resort as a smoothly running operation, with leaders that were aligned with the interests of the public.

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