Image provided by: North Santiam Historic Society; Gates, OR
About The Mill City enterprise. (Mill City, Or.) 1949-1998 | View Entire Issue (Sept. 4, 1952)
Canyon Avenue Parade T he MILL CITY ENTERPRISE Serving: Mill CITY détroit El KIIORN G AT I ' ll» \ Ml A LYONS MEHAMA MONGO! I» Bv DON PETERSON ON THE SCENIC NORTH SANTIAM HIGHWAY — GATEWAY TO THE HEART OF NATURE’S EMPIRE A week from Saturday on Septem ber 13, we will have another oppor tunity to play host to visitors from $2.50 a Year, a Copy Vol. VIII—No. 36 MILL CITY. OREGON. THURSDAY. SEPTEMBER 4. 1952 other parts of the state. That is something we can become famous for. As time Dasses we will be entertain- ,ng more and more visitors from all parts of the country who will come here for vacations and recreation in our new playground which will soon possess a large lake stocked with the gamest of the game fish. By MRS. S. T. MOORE The Corps of Engineers will throw open for inspection the new Detroit Awarding of the landscaping contract for the new uam on Sept. 13 and the Mill City Detroit ranger station to Doerfler and Sons of Salem is chamber of commerce will assist in the final major step toward completion of the $170,000 playing host to the many visitors who project, one of the many changes brought about bv the will come for a tour of inspection through the deep tunnels of the dam construction of the Detroit dam which will soon swell the and out through the power house. The waters of the North Santiam chamber will serve coffee and donuts river to a depth of 175 feet to the visitors and help make them at the site of the old station. welcome. ♦ * * The project was financed by an allotment granted to the U. S. forest The paving contractors have started service as compensation for the land work on South First street and are and buildings condemned. preparing it for its new black top By BEN MAXWELL For 45 years the Detroit district of surfacing, it has long needed. This Capital Journal Staff Writer the Willamette national forest main week Al Toman completed black-top Another link in the new North San tained headquarters on a sheltered ping his parking area north of the tiam highway, now approaehing com shelf of ground overlooking the North Hill Top Market. The work was done pletion between Stout creek near Me Santiam half a mile west of old De by the contractors doing the highway hama and Mill City will offer a scenic troit. Now completely new and mod work. * * * route for fast, pleasant driving be ern the station occupies a sloping hill This week work starts on black tween these points and a mileage sav side east of Tumble Creek on the new topping the highway towards Mehama, ing of .85 over the old, crooked high highway, facing a scenic part of the beginning in Mill City and working way that followed a horse and buggy future Detroit lake. west. Crews have been working pre road. First Station Built in 1907 paring the bed with crushed rock, W. C. Williams, spokesman for the Outmoded and inadequate for the grading and rolling. state highway department, believes capacity of business on the district, • • • the new route may be open early this the former ranger station first re winter if the Rogers Construction com sounded to the clearing axes in 1907, Today a truck hauling brick with pany can complete their paving in and for a year the five acres desig a trailer hitched on behind it tried October. And that, Williams points nated for the station on cutover land to negotiate the famous Baldock hill out, is a matter of weather. Paving below Detroit underwent the removal here in Mill City and ran into trouble will start within three weeks. again as many before it has. The cf logs and debris left by a logging driver broke a rear axle on the truck Cost of the 9.39 mile project operation. when it twisted off on the heavy pull amounts to $896,700: bridge construc In 1908 the first box-like house, as he started up the steep grade. He tion, $217,000; paving, $316,000, and barn and office were constructed, was several hours in getting the truck grading, $363,000. In this federal aid mainly by the ranger’s labor. At that and trailer backed off the hill and job federal government and state each time building construction was one of parked where he could leave it while bear approximately 50 percent of the the ranger’s principal duties, along a new axle was being sent out from costs. For this construction of mini with trail location and maintenance, Portland to make repairs. It is rum mum 80 foot right-of-way was ac surveying, timber cruising, adminis ored that this hill will be blocked off quired for the 32-foot roadway. tration of small sales and the cease when the new road is completed and New North Santiam Route Approaches Completion—Top picture: Arch type concrete bridge 387.5 feet in length C. J. Eldon is contractor for the less vigilance against fire. entrance onto the highway made by 1 spans Little North Fork of the North Santiam two miles east of Mehama on the new route that will save .84 Alterations and additions were made distinctive arch type concrete bridge turning left and entering the high miles of driving between Stout creek and Mill City. Lower: Scenic attractions abound along new route where spanning the Little North Fork of the as the early buildings became inade ballasting is now in progress. If paling is completed in October this pleasant, fast route may be open to publir way in front of The Enterprise office. Santiam about two miles east of Me quate to meet the needs of the grow- * *■* * travel early this winter. (Photo courtesy Capital Journal) hama. This type was choien scys !ng district. In 1928 the recent largo This week the children of the com; Glenn S. Paxon, highway bridge en barn was built, followed by*‘touj and munity are heading back to school, gineer. because steel shortage at the storage sheds which were erected in some light-heartedly and others with time of design was acute and because 1930. a heaty heart sorry to see the summer The distript ranger’s seven-room of the size of the stream and the rock come to an end so soon. Next Mon foundation base favored this type of dwelling was built in 1932, still large day the bells will ring calling them economical construction. Total length ly with forest service labor, and all back to their seats and more study. Ressler’s Grocery owned by Paul | Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Cooke’s duplex Detroit dam's Capital Journal in of the structure is 387.5 feet with a other recent buildings rose during the Every boy or girl under 18 is required | Ressler and W. E. Sylvester and lo apartment building at the west end spired open house is upon us. Sep central arch span of 207.5 feet. At period of the Civilian Conservation by Oregon law to report for school [ cated on highway 222 near the Rich of Alder street in Mill City was dam tember 13 is the awaited day when its greatest elevation the bridge stands Corps program, from 1933 to 1935. work and every parent is obligated to . field Service Station in Mill City burst aged by fire during the noon hour. the public can inspect at close range 44 feet above low water of the Little Dozen Buildings in Colony prepare their child for classes. Pre into flames during the afternoon of Tuesday. completed Detroit dam. North Fork. A dozen buildings comprised the paring the children for school means Labor day. Contents of the grocery ■ Prospective occupants of the apart Corps of Engineers and CB1 per colony at the old station, that number more than just dressing and clothing were scorched, blackened and melted. ment left a lighted cigarette on the sonnel will conduct individuals through | now being duplicated in the present —it means preparing them mentally Living quarters above the store weie davenport while inspecting the prem-I the dam and show them the many I plan with each new building mora and assisting to place them in a frame only slightly smoke-damaged, how ises. Soon after the apartment had galleries and mechanism of this huge adequately designed to serve the need. of mind so that they will want to stay ever. been relocked by the Cookes, Mrs. project. Contractors for the project were in school and finish their education. Promptly after the grocery store Deval, a neighbor, discovered the | The Mill City Chamber of Commerce McKel, Inc., of Portland. All too many children find too many fire-was reported to them. Mill City’s Cooke duplex was on fire and sum will be on hand to serVe visitors with Redwood veneer exteriors have been By MRS. S. T. MOORE excuses for staying out of school, i faithful filemen were on the scene and moned Mill City firemen. used throughout the station with huild- hot coffee and doughnuts during the Detroit — Construction of a new Many times the possession of books i had the f’ames under control. Not Within just a few minutds firemen day and assist in the open house cele ing designs in conservative line to lookout house on Battle Axe Peak is will do much to start a young student only did the firemen douse the fire, had the flames under control and ex suit the natural surroundings. bration. expected to be completed in another on the road to better education as is but also they performed salvage work. tinguished, The davenport was des A seven-room office fronts the high The first tour will start at 9:09 week according to forest service per pointed out very clearly elsewhere in Perishable frozen foods and undam- j troyed and the walls of the apartment way, easily accessible for tourist or this paper by Mrs. Wanita Myers, a aged articles in the refrigerators were i fire damaged. The adjoining apart-' a.m., daylight time, and a tour there sonnel at the Detroit ranger station. business visitor. There are two four- after each hour until 4 p.m. Visitors ! Three carpenters have been em rural school teacher in Linn county, removed to a safe place, because the ment is occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Ray bedroom homes, three with two bed when she discusses rural libraries. electric current on the fire damaged , Hammond. The Hammond apartment i to Detroit dam will get an intimate ployed on the building for the past rooms, all equipped with circulating picture of Detroit dam which they can five weeks, erecting the 14x14 glass fireplaces and automatic oil-burning Knowledge of our hobbies can help store was turned off. was not damaged. The Hammonds add to that they have of the begin create a desire to learn more of other The Resslers and Sylvesters were were not home when the fire in-the | nings of Detroit’s 8.5 mile reservoir; surrounded house which serves for furnaces. both living quarters and fire detection things, or teach children to enjoy more at the Oregon State Fair when the duplex occurred. The new cook house has a capacity and the sheer 463-foot height of the purposes. reading. to serve 20 with sleeping quarters fire in their grocery occurred. They j concrete structure. • • • At an elevation of 5,540 feet. Battle available for seven men. Quarters for knew nothing about the fire until they i Potential 455,000 acre-feet of water j Axe lookout is located above Elk lake The Mill City chamber of commerce returned to Mill City around 10 p.m. visiting forestry officials are available storage has inspired plans for a popu where it contributes to fire detection in the office. received the following letter express Monday. Mill City firemen believe) lar recreation area for sightseeing, on both the Willamette and Mt. Hood ing the thanks of the Tillamook soft-| the fire originated in the motor of the i Landscaping of the station will be boating, swimming, fishing, picnicking national forests. ball team for treatment given them deep freeze unit inside the store. The ’ completed this fall at the bid price of and overnight camping. The area The new building replaces an old $6949.14. while here during the state softball sweep of the flames indicate the air-1 An abundance of good books which that will be reached by the stored ; cupola type lookout which was erected tournament: conditioning unit spread the fire are interesting to pupils helps in water has forced removal of all af-1 on the same spot 30 years ago. August 22, 1952 throughout the store. crease their reading achievement and fected places of habitation. Detroit A summer job on Battle Axe has Mill City Chamber of Commerce Ressler and Sylvester expressed the interest in school work as a whole, ranger station was caught in this not always been so comfortable for Mill City, Oregon belief that insurance would cover ap-1 according to Mrs. Wanita Myers, rural change of landscape as was the old the forest service lookout. The point Gentlemen: proximately one-half the fire damage school teacher in Linn county. Mrs. town of Detroit. was first manned in 1909, when the This letter is our way of expressing Fire-proof ceiling material is credited Myers finds that the average rural guard made a daily round trip hike our thanks for the manner in which with having protected the living quart school library, and the service now ' Mill City Camp Fire Girl leaders from Elk lake to the lookout and back you accommodated us at the recent ers above the store itself. available to supplement these libraries, each evening, a distance of four miles are making plans for an active 1952- Softball State Tournament, held in Proprietors of Ressler’s store an is inadequate to meet the needs. without trail or telephone communica 1953 year, according to Mrs. Charles your city, for the year 1952. As this nounce a fire sale next week, Sept. Harman. tions. At the request of the committee I was our second year in State Tourna 11, 12, and 13 elsewhere in this week's In 1910 the first telephone line was I During the first few days of school, studying the library situation in Linn i ment competition we have compared paper. strung between the Detroit ranger Camp Fire and Blue Bird literature county, Mrs. Myers has written of I the accommodations and find that you station and Elk lake, a distance of, will be circulated among all school By MRS. S. T. MOORE her experiences as follows: are far in the lead as far as we are “A very bright sixth grade boy in I Detroit — Jake Fischer and Ruth 14 miles by trail. In 1911 the line | children. All girls interested in join concerned. Will you please see to it the rural school in which I was teach Wentzel of Detroit suffered injuries was extended to the top of Battle Axe. ing these groups may so indicate by that our thanks also go to the Santiam By 1912 a tent camp was provided; signing a survey sheet. ing was unable to read books on any- i Friday night when the car in which Softball Association, the Gates Cham at the site of the present lookout, and | Leaders of the season just past are A DAUGHTER- To Mr. and Mrs thing above a third grade level. W’hen they were riding failed to make the ber of Commerce, and the Mill City Albert Warby, Detroit. Sept. 4, at I discovered that he was especially in-1 turn into the detour near the old CCC this arrangement continued until 1922 | carrying on and new ones are rapidly Lion's Club? Salem Memorial hospital. tere«ted in a rock collection he was1 ramp, site of numerous accidents the when the first horse trail was made, | signing up. However, there is still At this year’s State Tournament we permitting the transportation of lum need for many adult workers, as well A DAUGHTER—To Mr. and Mrs developing, I borrowed books on rocks i past few months. were made to feel that we were wel All mothers interested ber to the lookout for the first house. ■ as leaders. LaVerne H. Behrens, Lyons. Route 1, and their formation from the city li Miss Wentzel was taken to Salem All supplies were taken from the may contact Mrs. Charles Harman, come to participate and to enjoy all brary. He became so interested in 1 Sept. 3, at Salem Memorial hospital. Memorial hospital where she will be ranger station by horseback, 16 miles i telephone 6555. your wonderful attractions in your learning about his hobby and telling ; confined for several weeks with multi one way. Leaders, prospective leaders and area. We were welcomed very heart others about it that in two months' ple injuries, including a broken arm, ily at the central headquarters and NOTICE TO MILL CITY PT A Lumber must still be cut to specified anyone else desirous of attending will time his reading achievement had in-1 fractured jaw, lacerations and bruises. lengths for horse pack and is trans- , meet Thursday afternoon at 1 p.m. in were shown a good time at all times AND BOARD MEMBERS creased by almost two grades, and he Fischer, whose injuries were cuts, ported two miles by trail in thia man- j Mrs. Harman’s home. while we were in Mill City. We again Due to the fact that school begins was well on the way to becoming a wish to thank you for everything the second week in September the good reader. Not only had his read bruises and shock, was not hospital ner after being trucked from the I Miss Walcott, and the new field which you have done for us this past first meeting of the PTA will be Oct. ing improved but he had gained an , ized. ranger station to the base of the look director from Salem will be present for the meeting in the Harman home. year Very truly yours, 8th. The executive board meets Oct. interest in books, and had lost his' The accident occurred the evening out trail. Cost of the new lookout house 1* Plans are being made for eight groups Fischer was elected to serve on the 1st at 7:30 p.m. with Mrs. Roger hatred for school and reading. BOB SCRFVNER. Manager $3,000 of Camp Fire and Blue Bird Girls. new Detroit city council. (Continued on Page 3) Bushong Loggers Softball Teain.1 Nelson, hostess. Landscaping Contract Let On New Rangers Station Rapid Progress Santiam Road Ressler s Grocery Gutted by Fire Ed Cooke s Duplex Suffers Damage Open House Planned At Detroit Dam New Lookout House At Battle Axe Peak Rural Libraries Found Inadequate Mill City Camp Fire Leaders Plans Work Detroit Girl Injured In Auto Mishap Just Arrived...