Destination Elgin, Oregon
Elgin, Oregon Then & Now E
lgin sits in what was once known as Indian Valley or Fish Trap. Native Americans spent time hunting, gathering, fishing, and living throughout the valley and surrounding tree-covered hills. The Elgin Post Office was established on September 28, 1885 and William B Hamilton was the first Post Master General for the unincorporated settlement. After hearing his niece and nephew singing the song Lost on the Lady Elgin, which told the story of the sinking ship Lady Elgin on Lake Michigan in 1860, Hamilton chose the name Elgin for the city. On May 1887 the first mail stage was placed into operation, prior to the stage mail arrived on horseback. Elgin was incorporated on February 18, 1891. The first school in Elgin proper was begun in 1877. The first school within the Elgin city limits was erected on land donated by Luther Hindman. Chalk from a chalk bank, located in Indian Creek, supplied not only the Elgin schools, but also many schools in the area with chalk. The Lumber industry has always played a major part in the Elgin economy. Between 1887 and 1908 there were 35 sawmills in the area. Today the Boise Cascade mill continues to be Elgin’s largest employer and was recognized at the 2015 Elgin Chamber of Commerce Banquet for being a part of the community for 50 years.
The Elgin Stampede J u ly 8 - 1 1 2 0 1 5
In 1890 the railroad came to Elgin. Today a thriving tourist train known as the Eagle Cap Excursion Train offers a unique trips along the Grande Ronde River. It is becoming a favorite for train riding enthusiasts, tourists, and locals alike. Over the years Elgin has changed with the times. City Hall was once located near a house of ill repute, so in 1912 the Elgin Opera House was built to remedy the situation. Since that time the Opera House has had many professional, as well as amateurs, grace the stage. Mickey Rooney, Ben Stein, William Jenks are just a few of those entertainers. Today the Opera House is alive with performance and is fast becoming northeast Oregon’s favorite original live play venue. With plays such as Annie, Forever Plaid, Beauty and the Beast, Shrek and most recently Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the Historic Elgin Opera House is definitely something to put on the list of things not to miss while in Elgin. The Elgin Stampede is Elgin’s longest running community event. Started in 1946, the Elgin Stampede continues to entertain the crowds with Family Night, Mark Nichols Bull Riding, Open Barrel Racing, PRCA Rodeo, and the Stampede Challenge, which was once known as the Suicide Race. Thanks for visiting and enjoy your stay.
The Historic Elgin Opera House
Fishing
Rafting P h o t o b y R o n a l d
Wildlife Viewing
Eagle C ap Excursion Train
F r e n c h
The Elgin Stampede
T
he year 2015 marks the 69th annual Elgin Stampede PRCA Rodeo. The first Elgin Stampede was held in 1946 as the result of some idle talk in a barbershop in Elgin early that year where a few citizens were gathered one Saturday afternoon discussing the need of an annual celebration. A ranching community at heart, the Elgin Chamber decided the celebration should be an annual rodeo. Harley Tucker, a Joseph rancher was putting together rodeo stock and he encouraged the chamber to sponsor a rodeo. It was felt a horse group was needed to work with the chamber for this event. On June 14, 1946 a group of businessmen and local ranchers gathered at the Rex Hall to organize a riding club. A vote was made that a horseback drill team be part of the first Elgin Stampede, which would be held at Moore Field in August. A mounted drill has been part of every
stampede since that date. The Moore Baseball Field, with grandstands to seat 3,000 people, was used for the Elgin Stampede until 1950 when the baseball field was sold and the Elgin Stampeders purchased the present location. They were offered a section of the grandstands which was moved to the new facilities and preparations of the grounds and race track began. No Stampede was held that year. The first of many trail rides, campouts and horseback fun activities were held June 27, 1946. The Stampede grounds have provided a place for many activities since that time. The Elgin Stampede began and continues to function with a volunteer staff – the hard-working community of Elgin and surrounding areas. As we prepare for our 69th annual rodeo, we hope the community spirit that started the Elgin Stampede continues and the spirit of the “Old West” forever be a part of our community.
ELGIN FAMILY DENTAL CLINIC (541) 437-6321 Dr. Eli B. Mayes
Dr. Kali Gray
Kristi Case-Williamson, RDH
Elgin Women’s Service Club 541-786-2009
Meet every 3rd Tuesday at Noon in the Masonic Hall
John J. Howard & Associates Real Estate 1207 Adams Avenue La Grande, Oregon 97850
541-663-9000 www.johnjhoward.com
Eagle Cap Excursion Train
H
ighlights of the scenic rides include the beautiful and dramatic scenery and the companionship of your fellow passengers. The train follows the tumbling waters of the two rivers, along which timbered and open ridges tower above the train and basalt cliffs hug the track. The bridges at Yarrington Road and Rondowa add drama, and wildlife is plentiful, so be sure to bring your camera. Some trips include train robberies or music. All trips take place on Saturdays and depart from the Elgin Depot. Most rides leave
the depot at 10 a.m. for a 4 hour round trip along the Grande Ronde and Wallowa Rivers. There are also a few afternoon and evening rides available this season. Meals, served on the train and included in the ticket price, are prepared by Ten Depot Street, a longtime popular restaurant in La Grande. Passengers enjoy the gift shop, historical displays, public restrooms and indoor or covered outdoor waiting areas provided by the depot. Ample parking is available for passenger cars and coaches. The depot, completed in 2012, was designed to reflect the style of the original depot that once stood at the site. Scenic train operation on the Wallowa Union Railroad, historically known as the Joseph Branch, began in 2004, shortly after the railroad was purchased by Wallowa and Union County governments. The Friends of the Joseph Branch, a non-profit organization, manages and operates the train, with qualified members volunteering as car hosts, engineers and conductors. The organization has also been instrumental in passenger car renovations. Alegre Travel, 541.963.9000 or 800.323.7330, is the ticket booking agent. The agency can also book motel rooms and offer advice on other activities in the area. For the schedule, trip descriptions and more information about the train, go to www.eaglecaptrainrides.com.
The Elgin Stampede
2015 EAGLE CAP EXCURSION TRAIN SCHEDULE Sunday, May 10 Mother’s Day Brunch Saturday, June 13 Elgin Riverfest Depot Open House & Railroad Movie Night (no train ride) Saturday, June 20 Train Robbery
Elgin Stampeders’
Saturday, July 4 I Love America Veteran’s Train (Veterans ride for free and may bring one guest for just $35) Saturday, July 18
Mystery Dinner Train
Saturday, August 1 Two Rivers Bonus Saturday, August 15 Two Rivers Bonus Saturday, Aug. 29 Hatchery Tour
Lookingglass Fish
Saturday, Sept. 12
Wine & Cheese Train
Saturday, Sept. 26 Railroad History Train & Depot Open House Saturday, Oct. 3 Gold Rush Bandits Autumn Train Robbery Saturday, Oct. 10 Photography Train
Two Rivers Fall Foliage
Saturday, Oct. 17
Two Rivers Fall Foliage
Saturday, Oct. 24
Two Rivers Fall Foliage
Saturday, Oct. 31
Boo Train
Full trip descriptions are available at the train website: www.eaglecaptrainrides.com
Elgin Electric Company Whirlpool Home Appliances
69th Annual PRCA Rodeo
NEW DAYS!
Kathy Rysdam & Bob Miller, Owners 541-437-2054
43 N. 8th Elgin, Oregon
Wednesday - Saturday
July 8, 9, 10, and 11, 2015 Family Night 6 p.m. Mark Nichols Memorial Bull Riding & Open Barrel Racing Thursday 7 p.m. PRCA Rodeo Performances on Friday and Saturday 7 p.m. Kid’s Parade 10 a.m. Saturday Grand Parade 4 p.m Saturday The Stampede Challenge 6:45 p.m. Saturday Dances to follow rodeo on Friday and Saturday Nights
Elgin Corner Market & Deli
90 S. 8th Elgin, Oregon 541-437-2491
The Historic Elgin Opera House
2015 C alendar of Events January 31 - Elgin Stampede Crab Feed March - Chamber Awards Banquet April 4 & 5 - Stampeder Gun Show May 2 - Stampeder Steak Feed May 16 - Community Clean-up Day May 26 - Memorial Day Assembly June 20 - Riverfest Car Show Elgin Stampede Train Robbery Quilt Show Antique Tractor Show Duck Race Alumni Banquet July 8 - Elgin Stampede Family Night July 9 - Elgin Stampede Queens Coronation Mark Nichols Bull Riding July 10 - Elgin Stampede PRCA Rodeo July 11 - Elgin Stampede PRCA Rodeo Kid’s Parade Grande Parade Stampede Challenge September 18 - Cycle Oregon through Elgin November 11 - Veteran’s Day Assembly December 5 - Christmas Parade & Chili Feed
Friends of the Opera House is pleased to announce our 2015/2016
theatrical season. Filled with comedy, optimisms, beauty and passion, our next season is cued up to be one of our best. We have something for everyone and we invite you to join us for each of these amazing shows. Watch them come alive on the magical Elgin Opera House stage. If you love music this season will not disappoint. Starting with Little Shop of Horrors in September, Directed by Terry Hale, this show will dazzle the funny bone and drop your jaw as Audrey 2 comes for you. Don’t miss this doo-wop, bee bop, finger snapping parody filled with fun and satire. In November we are thrilled to present the Opera House revival of Annie. With a brilliant new look, fresh direction and a cast featuring amazing young actors that are sure to delight and inspire. A must see family favorite directed by Terry Hale. After five years of trying, we are ecstatic to finally have been granted the rights to stage one of the most acclaimed musicals to ever grace the theater. Opening next February, My Fair Lady, Directed by Michael Frasier is sure to become one of your Opera House favorites. With an all star cast, beautiful sets and costumes, you are certain to be enchanted by this truly stunning production. One of the great American stories is brought to life by some of the valley’s best musicians. Ring of Fire, the Johnny Cash story features 24 of Cash’s favorite songs. Whether you are a Cash fan or just an admirer of his passion for music, you will be treated to an evening of pure inspiration and entertainment. Directed by Brent and Jeannette Smith, this show finishes our season with a bang...playing April and May of 2016. Tickets on sale July 24th, 2015 - Season tickets on sale now! For the best seats contact our box office for advance seating with a season ticket. Ask about group discounts. 541-663-6324
Elgin Volunteer Fire Department
BUSINESS • FARM • AUTO • LIFE • HEALTH
Mike Stratton, CIC/CFP
One Responsible Source Agent
Brian Lackey, CISR
One Responsible Source Agent
Kem Brainerd
Family Insurance Agent
Hilary Wilhelm
Family Insurance Agent
Todd Tennant
One Responsible Source Agent
541/437-2700 • 800/225-2521 541/963-7557 • 800/225-2521 stratton-insurance.com Elgin / La Grande
The Stratton Agency
Elgin Riverfest
Looslie Auto Body and Towing Complete Body Shop and 24-Hour Towing Service
Dan Looslie Owner
995 Hemlock Street PO Box 716 Elgin, Oregon 97827
Riverfest was started in 1993 and
taken on by the Elgin Lions Club in 1998. It has changed format and location over the years but is always a day of fun on the Saturday of Fathers’ Day weekend in June. This is also the weekend for the Elgin High School Alumni gathering. The Lions Club organizes Riverfest and encourages other organizations to sponsor events. Riverfest kicks off with the Firemen’s Breakfast in the fire hall. This is a great, all you can eat pancake and sausage breakfast. Maps are available here for the All Over Town Yard Sales. Lions members also sell their last of the tickets for the Duck Race at this time. Vendors have a variety of booths on Baltimore between the grade school yard and the playing field. The Show and Shine
Car Show is on the playing field. A Duck Train drives all around the area giving rides to the children. The Chamber of Commerce sponsors a Historic Elgin Treasure Hunt with clues all around town and cash prizes. At noon, little yellow ducks are sent “racing on Phillips Creek for the Lions Duck Race. The finish line is the bridge on Highway 82 where Lions catch them in the creek. Cash prizes are awarded for several winners. The Quilt Club has a Quilt Show that goes on for two days, usually in the high school. At the Stampede Grounds, there is an Antique Engine and Tractor Show. Riverfest also features the Elgin Alumni Banquet, drawing hundreds of Elgin High School graduates back to the area to celebrate with their classmates.
Insuring Eastern Oregon For Over 30 Years
www.wheatlandins.com Pendleton • Athena • Hermiston • Heppner • Ione La Grande • Enterprise • Elgin • Baker City • Condon
541-437-1144 541-256-0067(cell) labtow@live.com
Elgin School District
Elgin High School
1400 Birch Street ~ 541-437-2021
Stella Mayfield Elementary School 1111 Division Street ~ 541-437-2321
Out & About around Elgin
City of Elgin City Hall 180 N 8th Avenue City Hall Office Hours 8:00AM-5:00PM Monday-Thursday
Jubilee Lake
Administration (541)437-2253
Travel 21 miles northwest of Elgin on Highway 204. Turn right (north) onto Forest Service Road 64. Follow the road for 12 miles and the campground entrance will be on your right.
Police (Union County Sheriffs) 911 Non-Emergency (541)963-1017 (541)437-9771
Spout Springs
Public Works Shop (541)437-0555
Follow 204 W 18.4 Miles
On Call Emergency Cell Phone (541)962-8900 Volunteer Elgin Fire Department (541)437-1828
Lookingglass Fish Hatchery
Elgin Ambulance 911
Follow Palmer Junction Rd and Moses Creek Ln to Lookingglass Rd. 17.5 Miles
Elgin Public Library (541)437-2860 Elgin Community Center (541)437-5931
Roulet’s Pond
Elgin School District (541)437-1211 Stella Mayfield Elementary (541)437-2321
Go 3 miles out of Elgin. Roulet pond will be just off 82 on the left.
Elgin High School (541)437-2021
EAGLE CAP EXCURSION TRAIN
Beside the Grande Ronde & Wallowa Rivers
Departs from Elgin Depot
Tickets and information, 800.323.7330
www.eaglecaptrainrides.com
Elgin Lions PO Box 1175 Elgin, Oregon 97827 541-437-0812
Proud To Support The Elgin Stampede!
Join Us For Family Night (Free Admission) Wednesday
July 8 @ 6 pm
Meets 2nd & 4th Mondays @ 6 p.m. at the Christian Life Center
All are welcome to attend
www.communitybanknet.com
Local Money Working For Local People Member FDIC
Elgin Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet
Held each March the Elgin Chamber
of Commerce annual Awards Banquet is one of Elgin’s largest events. The annual banquet held each March is an opportunity for the community to gather and celebrate, recognize and honor citizens, organizations and businesses that go beyond to make Elgin a better place to live, work and visit. The catered event kicks off with a social hour which includes the traditional “table tour” where people have a chance to view the
beautifully decorated tables. Each sponsored table has been personally decorated to represent either the theme of the banquet or other originality. The banquet continues with dinner, a keynote speaker, a silent auction, entertainment by actors from the historic Elgin Opera House and finally the awards presentation. Awards are given in the following categories: · Young Man of the Year · Man of the Year
· Young Woman of the Year · Woman of the Year · Educator of the Year · Organization of the Year · Business of the Year Don’t miss your chance to enjoy one of the year’s most entertaining events. For more information on table sponsorship, silent auction, or attending the Chamber Banquet please contact the Elgin Chamber of Commerce at 541-786-1700.
The Park s of Elgin Clarence Whitty
STORAGE PLUS 815 Hemlock Street Elgin, Oregon 97827
HuNaHa RV Park
Tom McDowell Park
541-437-2338
395 Albany Street - Elgin, Oregon 541-437-3521
RG Chandler Trucking Log Hauling Contractor 541-437-3745 Cell: 541-910-9799
Robert Chandler - Owner/Operator Elgin, Oregon
Henderson Park
Teresa Martin
All For You Salon & More and Gift Shop 12 N. 8th Street ~ Elgin, Oregon 541-437-8305 Specializing in Haircolor, Perms, Haircuts, Braids Facial Waxing & Hair Updos for Weddings & Proms
Top Industries in Elgin P ly w o od M i l l & Lum b e r M i l l
Dining Out In Elgin
c’zers drive-in ssssssssssssss 1390 Division Street in Elgin 541-437-4373
ssssssssssssss
Logging
S oft S er ve Ice Cre am s Burgers s Shakes Seasoned Fries s Mixed Drinks
Espresson Wagon Coffee Company
790 Division Street Elgin, Oregon 541-437-1110
Ranching
Cowboy and Angel’s Place 541-437-0888 98 S 8th Avenue Elgin, Oregon 97827
Fa r m ing
White Horse Cafe 541-437-2111 71005 Highway 82 Elgin, Oregon 97827
Things to do while in Elgin River Rafting Mushrooming Huckleberrying Bird Watching Biking Hunting Wildlife Viewing Fishing Swimming
84 N. 8th Elgin, Oregon 97827 541-437-1003