SPRAGUE RIVER - 97639

August 2, 1919:   "Klamath County is to have another townsite, if the plans of Messrs. Wolford and Wann of Yainax, and E.B. Hall of this city are carried to fruition.  The site is located at the point where the Strahorn railroad crosses Sprague River, and consists of 100 acres.  The deal for the land, it is understood, was closed this afternoon.  It is reported that it (is) the intention of the gentlemen who have purchased the property to move what there is of the town of Yainax to the new site.

      It is the hope of the promoters that it will be possible to induce some of the sawmills, that will come in by reason of the construction of the Strahorn railroad, to locate their plants on the banks of the Sprague, making it possible fot the building up of a new town within the boundaries of the county.

      Under the present plans of the builders of the Strahorn line, it is the intention to build a shoo-fly around the tunnel that will have to be constructed just this side of the Sprague River.  This shoo-fly will start at a point about in the center of Squaw Flat, and skirt the timber holdings of Ed Dufault, Captain Siemens, Dr, Daniels and others, and strike the river at a point close to where the new townsite is to be.  After the tunnel is finished, it is the intention to let the shoo-fly remain as a logging road.

      The property purchased for the townsite was owned by C. O. Clopton, who was owner of 120 acres, 20 of which he retained, with the expectations that it may prove valuable as an addition to the new city."   (The Evening Herald)

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May 11, 1923:   "Frank Hutto, superintendent of Yainax sub-agency, and B. E. Wolford, store-keeper at Yainax, have established a townsite.

      The townsite embraces 300 acres of level land.  The store will be moved there from Yainax and the owners plan the erection of other buildings as soon as the ground is plotted into lots.  This will be the shipping point for live stock from the upper country, as well as for lumber.  Stock pens will be built this year, according to present plans."   (The Evening Herald)

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August 21, 1923:   "The town of Yainax is progressing rapidly, so rapidly in fact, that most of it has moved four and a half miles in the last few weeks.  This according to B. E. Wolford, merchant of that town, who is here today to see that the 60 acre townsite, recently platted, is recorded as soon as possible.  Wolford moved his store, building and contents, to Sprague river, in order to be at the terminus of the O. C. & E. railroad.  Dan Wann, prominent Yainax resident, has moved his house to Sprague river, and others are rapidly following."   (The Evening Herald)

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November 30, 1923:   "Mr. and Mrs. D.J. Blackmore drove to Yainax Tuesday where Blackmore will remain to load cars for the Sprague River White Pine company.  They made a visit to the new townsite of Sprague River before returning."   (The Klamath News)

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May 10, 1924:   "B. E. Wolford, candidate for the democratic nomination for county commissioner, pointed out the need of better and more extensive roads within the county.  Lower taxes are necessary, he believed, and more people should be induced to settle in outlying districts."   (The Evening Herald)

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May 14, 1924:   "To Democratic Voters B. E. WOLFORD for County Commissioner  A man who knows the difference between public business and political chicanery.  No relatives to be supported from the public purse---No friends who need to be rewarded with a 'soft snap.'  Organize the affairs of Klamath county on a business basis.  VOTE  49 X  B. E. Wolford.  Paid advertisement."   (The Evening Herald)

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August 21, 1924:   "Four or five homes are now in the present terminus of the Oregon-California and Eastern railway, is enjoying a rapid growth according to local citizens returning from the eastern part of the county."   (The Evening Herald)

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September 9, 1924:   "Mr. and Mrs. A. T. Langell have motored to Sprague River.  Mr. Langell is remodeling the hall with the expectations of operating a pool hall there soon."   (The Evening Herald)

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September 9, 1924:   "The Wolfords have moved into their new house and are now painting and papering."   (The Evening Herald)

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October 18, 1924:   "The Standard oil truck from Chiloquin made one of its frequent trips to Sprague River Tuesday."   (The Klamath News)

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April 3, 1925:   "Sickness still continues in this vicinity, but we hope the sick soon recover."   (The Klamath News)

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April 3, 1925:   "S. H. Hammer who is making his home here temporarily has been confined to his bed for a few days, but improving.  Mr. Hammer is the man that raised Mr. Herbert Hoover, after the death of his parents.  Mr. and Mrs. Hammer were one time in the Indian service in Indian Territory.  Mrs. Hammer was a minister in the Friends church for many years before her death."   (The Klamath News)

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April 16, 1925:   "The people of this place observed Easter in a most splendid manner, after the morning service a very sumptuous dinner was served on the church grounds, and all partook.  After dinner a short program, and a time for the little tots; the people seem to think it was the climax for this place, the crowd was good and the fellowship was unusual and no moonshine was on the grounds, if you want to kill the bootleggers have a church that is a live one and they will run."   (The Klamath News)

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May 21, 1925:   "The Clarks have purchased the school house and have converted it into a dwelling, and are now living there.  Ministers not only converts people but sometimes houses."   (The Klamath News)

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May 28, 1925:   "The heaviest rain of the year fell here Tuesday and Wednesday, resulting in the Sprague River going out of its banks in several places, a fact which has carried much rejoicing among local Indians as it will result in big hay crops in the inundated meadows."   (The Evening Herald)

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June 4, 1925:   "Mr. Smith of Lakeview who has been employed at the mill has resigned and has taken the contract of building a house for Frank Cobern.  Mr. Cobern will have one of the nicest houses in this vicinity when complete and will be 32 x 42.  Mr. Cobern is one of the most progressive cattlemen we have in Sprague River valley."

      "The people of Sprague River observed Memorial day here Sunday with a program and a speech by Mr. Clark."

      "Thermon Jackson purchased a new Ford one day last week."

      "There will be a children's day at the tent next Sunday, an all day program is arranged, a program for the little tots and a lunch at noon."

      "The Ladies Aid society will meet at the tent on Thursday of this week."   (The Evening Herald)

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June 24, 1925:   "Things at Sprague River are moving along very nicely.  The carpenters are building a boiler house, eleven cottages have been finished, and a large house is under construction."   (The Evening Herald)

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July 9, 1925:   "The people of Sprague River celebrated July the Fourth with a picnic, and a large crowd enjoyed the ice cream and fried chicken."

      "Doc Riness has purchased seventy-five feet on the main street of Sprague River, and is building a garage and battery station."

      "Roy Parazoo is the happy owner of a new car.  It is a Chevrolet."   (The Evening Herald)

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July 16, 1925:   "Mr. Earl Holland, superintendent of the Camell Lumber company mill at this place was married July the seventh and is on his honeymoon.  Mr. Holland is building a new house here and will make his future home at this place."   (The Evening Herald)

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July 28, 1925:   "Mr. and Mrs. A. B. McNair has purchased the Dwelling and garage of Mr. Walter Gregg and has moved his family to this place.  Mr. McNair now has charge of the business."

      "Sprague River now has a commercial club and will soon be able to give desired information to the many inquiries that are being made by the visitors who pass through here."   (The Evening Herald)

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August 4, 1925:   "We believe that it, we had the following businesses here that they could do well as the business is here.  A doctor and he should have a drug store, we also need a bakery, and a meat market."   (The Evening Herald)

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November 20, 1925:   "Mr. and Mrs. Archie Barkley have moved their house from Yainax to this place.  The Barkleys have a very nice home.  We are glad to have them in our town."   (The Evening Herald)

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November 25, 1925:   "Jack Barsley has opened a wood yard at this place and is ready to serve his customers."   (The Evening Herald)

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December 26, 1925:   "Sprague River is still growing.  Another residence has been added to the number last week.  The Clarks have moved from Yainax."   &   "Sprague River has two happy families in it as they are owners of new Fords."   (The Evening Herald)

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January 18, 1926:   "Another resident has been added to the town of Sprague River.  Mrs. Crumes has moved her house from the property of the Campbell-Towle Lumber company to the townsite."   (The Evening Herald)

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February 4, 1926:   "It is reported that several new houses will be built in town in the near future."   &   "The Oregon Utility company recently transferred a block of land in the southern part of town.  It is reported that some new buildings will be built for the employes in the forest service."   (The Evening Herald)

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April 16, 1926:   "Mr. and Mrs. Abe McNair are preparing to move their house to the north side of the lot and erect a new cottage where the old one is located."   (The Evening Herald)

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April 18, 1926:   "Fire destroyed the homes of Mr. and Mrs. Ab McNair and Eliza Lawver in Sprague River at 3 o'clock Friday afternoon, according to word received in Klamath Falls yesterday.  The McNair home, including furniture and entire contents of the house, was burned to the ground.Volunteer firemen managed to save the goods and household articles belonging to Eliza Lawver.

      Loss was set at $3000.  Both buildings were located near vicinity of the Sprague River post office."   (The Klamath News)

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April 22, 1926:   "Sprague River is still on the upgrade.  Two dwellings were started today, one by Thomas Barkley, the other by Abe McNair."   (The Evening Herald)

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May 14, 1926:   "Tom Barclay is the proud owner of a brand new Henryford."   &   "J. C. Clark is building a house for Mr. Barkley and doing some fast and slow work."   (The Chiloquin Review)

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June 18, 1926:   "A new stage line has been established from the stage station here at 10:30 and returning arriving here at 5:30 p.m.  This will be quite a convenience to the people of both places as it will allow the Sprague river people ample time here for trading and our people a quick return from Sprague river, this benefiting all concerned."   (The Chiloquin Review)