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About The Blue Mountain eagle. (John Day, Or.) 1972-current | View Entire Issue (July 26, 2017)
8 Journey Blue Mountain Eagle Wednesday, July 26, 2017 EO Media Group photos/E.J. Harris Ritter Hot Springs sits in a bend of the Middle Folk John Day River near Long Creek in northern Grant County. By E.J. Harris RITTER Far away in time and distance EO Media Group If you are looking for a health spa with herbal wraps, cucumber water and Yerba mate lattes, then Ritter Hot Springs is not for you. However, what Ritter might lack in posh accouter- ments, it more than makes up for with scenic beauty, a rich history and plenty of hot, healing spring water. Ritter was first discovered and homesteaded by William Neal McDuffee in the 1850s and was originally named A cabin still sits on the original site homesteaded by William Neal McDuffee. McDuffee Hot Springs. One of McDuffee’s original cabins can still be found on the site today. McDuffee was an in- teresting character, according to current Ritter owner Mike Tillay of Walla Walla. Tillay, who has studied the history of the hot springs, says Mc- Duffee was a miner, a water- master and even spent time in prison for murdering a man on the property. “(McDuffee) was an out of luck miner and he struck gold with hot water,” Tillay said. See RITTER, Page 9 I N - HOUSE SMOKED SNACK STICKS , JERKY , & LUNCH MEATS . W INES & CHEESES . We are worth the extra mile! Sat., Sept. 9th, 7:30-11am FREE RIDE S for children 1st to 12th grad e only BEHIND EVERY PROJECT IS A DUKE WARNER REALTY PONY EXPRESS 4-PLEX+! Providing temporary housing for park employees/visitors, USPS lease, rental house. $320,000 OWC 13 ACRES OF GREAT HORSE PROPERTY! Views, 2 story home, 2 ponds, shop, hayshed/barn & irri meadow. $499,000 RMLS #16538042 RMLS #17051972 160 ACRE OFF GRID SOUTH FORK RIVER RANCH, IZEE! 20 ac irr, barn, 2 greenhouses, 2 cabins, spring, LOP tags. $650,000 RMLS #17545834 560 AC OFF GRID BEAUTY & SECLUSION! 2/2, barn, shop, creek, LOP tags. $1,250,000 NICE LARGE FAMILY HOME IN PRAIRIE CITY ON CORNER LOT! Upgrades, 3/2, garage, large shop. $248,000 FAMILY HOME ON 36 ACRES! Daylight basement, ATV sheds, small barn, deer fenced courtyard makes a great summer retreat area. $425,000 RMLS #17489335 RMLS #15128485 Y o u r 240 ACRES w/CABIN! Private, secluded, remote, limited winter access. $180,000 OWC RMLS #16557352 CEDAR SIDED HOME ON 7.80 ACRES!! Mt Views, custom gated entryway, pool, hot tub, pond w/water fall, garage w/living qtrs., barn w/stalls. $355,000 RMLS #15289183 RMLS #16452348 FIRESIDE LODGE! Potential – Diversity! 54 timbered ac, borders NF, bar, restaurant, cabins, private living quarters. $450,000 Supply Store ve • Hunting We ha ies! • Fishing pl V Sup R • Camping • RV supplies We have everything you need to prepare for your summer journey! RMLS #17632371 Downtown John Day • 541-575-0632 • Open 7 days a week
