Thompson's Mills State Heritage Site
If you're one of those people who are more into human history than natural history, than the Thompson's Mills is the place for you. As you turn into the driveway, the first thing you see is a sign built with parts of a mill. Even the part of the property that was once owned by the Mill Keeper is set up like a historic farmyard complete with a turkey.
Before Oregon became a state, people living in the Willamette Valley needed mills to turn their grains into flour. Built in 1858, it is the last of many mills that were located along the streams throughout the region. At that time, it was called the Boston Mills, and a small village called Boston sprang up next door as business boomed. The town was doing great for thirteen years, when in 1871 the Oregon and California Railroad was built a mile and a half to the west. The residents then moved and created the town of Shedd's Station, now known only as Shedd.
With the new railway, the mill could now ship grain all over the world to places like China in 1919 and Belgium after WWI. Unfortunately in the 1940's big business started forcing the mills to close throughout the valley because people could now buy bread in the store. As the people started buying "store-bought' bread, the fields where grains once grew were now being used to grow grass feed. Even today, Linn County bills itself as "The grass seed capitol of the world."
But instead of closing, the Thompson's Mills switched from grain to animal feed. Over the next 40 years, animal feed was created, until just like with the grain, big business would sell more animal feed for a cheaper price. So in the 1980's the mill adapted once more to the changing economy. This time, they would sell power back to the grid. The generator that was previously used to create electricity to run the mill was now hooked up to the grid.
Finally, in 2004, the mill and the grounds around it were sold to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. After a few years of renovation and the construction of a vault toilet, the 20-acre site opened in 2007. In the next two years, there are plans to renovate the Mill Keeper's House and turn it into a museum, along with the Carriage House, which I was told has a carriage in it. Inside the mill, is a tour on the first floor showcasing old pictures of the mill, equipment that was used, and other historic setups. My favorite setup showcased how they turned logs into square timbers and then fitted them together without the use of a single nail. Also on site are souvenirs that include shirts, hats, and mugs with the logo or picture on them. I was hoping to get a patch, but unfortunately there were none at this time.
The millstones (left) came from a super hard rock only found in France.
So if you would like to visit an Oregon State Heritage or Historic Site this year, consider going to Thompson's Mills and
check out the Thompson's Mills State Heritage Site
website to find all the information on tour schedules that gets you a special look at the basement. Until next Saturday, get outside and enjoy one
of the many state parks in the great Oregon Outdoors.
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